News

Austin Zwick Co-authors Paper on the Evaluation of International Smart City Competitions

Austin Zwick, assistant teaching professor and program director of the B.P.S. in Policy Studies program at the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, co-authored the paper “Levelling Up Innovation in Local Government: An Evaluation of International Smart City Competitions” with Zachary Spicer, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at York University, and Aaron Eben, an undergraduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University. The article was published by the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance.

Abstract:

With rapid advancements in technology around the globe, all orders of governments are trying to spur modernization, digitalization, and innovation in local governance structures and service delivery. This process is known widely as “smart city” design. To encourage municipal governments to implement these new tools, some national governments hold incentive-based competitions.

In a new paper for the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance, Austin Zwick, Zachary Spicer, and Aaron Eben ask whether the smart cities competition model is a good way to further the adoption of technology in cities. Using case studies from the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Canada, they find that these competitions helped generate new ways of thinking about technological solutions and supported the building of new relationships to address urban challenges for winners and non-winners alike. However, in terms of institutional and system change outcomes, the results of these competitions were more limited. The authors conclude by making policy recommendations on how to improve the future implementation of smart city competitions.

View the Research

College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University and MedCerts Collaborate to Offer Innovative Education and Career Development Opportunities

The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University and MedCerts proudly announce a new partnership focused on delivering innovative, accessible learning opportunities.

The College of Professional Studies and MedCerts have come together to introduce specialized programs in the healthcare and information technology spaces tailored to meet the demands of today’s workforce. These include MedCerts’ Healthcare IT Technician, Electronic Health Records Specialist and Medical Billing Specialist certification training programs.

According to the Center for Health Workforce Studies, Syracuse, like many regions, is experiencing significant challenges in maintaining an adequate healthcare workforce. With this in mind, MedCerts and the College of Professional Studies have come together to introduce novel and specialized programs in the healthcare and information technology spaces – tailored specifically to meet the demands of today’s workforce. These new programs, which include MedCerts’ Healthcare IT Technician, Electronic Health Specialist and Medical Billing Specialist certification training, are precisely designed to equip individuals with a high school diploma with the skills needed to secure stable and well compensated jobs in these in-demand fields.

This collaboration aligns with the College of Professional Studies’ mission to serve both the population and institutions in Central New York by providing new pathways for education and career development. MedCerts hopes to expand its reach to more students and strengthen the workforce in the New York area.

“Our collaboration with the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University isn’t just about offering programs; it’s about creating pathways to success for students in high-demand fields,” says Robert Hiller, director of Academic Partnerships at MedCerts. “Through this partnership, our focus is on providing practical skills for success in today’s job market and about making education accessible and impactful for everyone involved.”

These programs will be offered through the Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials at the College of Professional Studies and provide students with targeted, hands-on training in high-demand fields. Students who complete these programs will also receive a co-branded digital badge that utilizes blockchain technology to help employers quickly verify skills and education.

“We are excited to partner with MedCerts so that we can bring these professional competencies to our community,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Professional Acceleration and Microcredentials in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University. “This partnership demonstrates the College of Professional Studies’ commitment to delivering high-quality, relevant education that prepares students for success in today’s competitive job market.”

About MedCerts

MedCerts – a Stride Inc. company (NYSE: LRN) – is a national online training provider strengthening the workforce through innovative eLearning solutions. Focused on certifications in high-demand areas of Allied healthcare and IT. MedCerts delivers career training through HD-quality video-based instruction, virtual simulations, games, animations, and more. In 2023, MedCerts launched its Partner Solutions brand focused on building partnerships to bridge the gap between our students, job seekers, employers, higher education institutions and workforce agencies. This new brand includes several partnership models, including recruitment, reseller, content licensing options and more.

Since 2009, the company has developed over 50 career programs, trained and upskilled more than 100,000 individuals across the country, and partnered with over 400 American Job Centers and more than 1,000 healthcare organizations to build talent pipelines. For more information on MedCerts, visit medcerts.com. For more information on MedCerts Partner Solutions, visit partners.medcerts.com.

About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate, or education experience.

5 Reasons to Pursue an Online Minor

In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of education is more flexible than ever. At the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, earning a online minor offers the opportunity to pursue remote study options while continuing to gain skills that are complementary to your degree.

According to Best Colleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 81% of students say that online learning “is better than or equal to on-campus learning.” The College of Professional Studies’ minors in project management, creative leadership, and cannabis studies offer opportunities for flexible online learning, expanding your career network, and gaining new perspectives. 

If you are considering enhancing your degree, an online minor can be an excellent option. Here are five reasons to expand your skill set and pursue a minor online:   

Flexibility and Convenience

Firstly, one of the biggest advantages of an online minor is flexibility. You can study at your own pace, fitting coursework around your schedule. Whether you are juggling a part-time job, family responsibilities, or extracurricular activities, online learning allows you to tailor your education to your lifestyle.

The College of Professional Studies offers 8-week courses that are 100% online. Achieve academic growth with the flexibility and convenience of the College of Professional Studies’ 18-credit online minors.   

young woman studying and working on her laptop - online minor blog

Complementary Skill Sets

Secondly, a minor can complement your major by providing additional skills and knowledge, making you more versatile and attractive to potential employers. Stacking a minor with your major can enhance your expertise and marketability.

For example, project management principles and practices are essential across all industries. The online minor for project management is interdisciplinary and designed to help you explore the foundations of organization, leadership, and communication techniques of project management.

Enhanced Career Opportunities

Thirdly, a stacked academic profile can open doors to various career paths. Having a minor on your resume shows employers that you are dedicated to learning and personal growth. It demonstrates your ability to manage multiple commitments and highlights your diverse knowledge base. In a competitive job market, an online minor can set you apart from other candidates.

Whether it’s a course on cannabis law, policy, and social justice or strategic leadership in professional studies, online minors at the College of Professional Studies offer a competitive edge to your resume and enhance your career opportunities.

Access to Diverse Courses

Additionally, the College of Professional Studies offers a wide range of courses for online minors that complement your major. This allows you to explore areas of interest that may not be available in your major’s degree plan. Online minors open up the opportunity to learn and collaborate with students outside of your major’s cohort and experience academic growth.

With an online minor, you have the freedom to choose additional courses that interest you. As a result, this tailored approach helps you focus on subjects that align with your career goals and passions. You can explore new areas without being limited by your major, making your education more enriching.

Networking Opportunities

Pursuing an online minor can connect you with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds. This can expand your professional network, offering valuable connections in your field of interest. Engaging with peers online can lead to collaborations and new perspectives that enrich your educational experience.

Expand your Syracuse University network and connect with other online learners from all over the world through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous courses.

Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, explore new interests, or gain flexible learning opportunities, pursuing an online minor can be a strategic move. It not only broadens your academic horizons but also prepares you for the dynamic demands of today’s job market. So why wait? Consider enrolling in an online minor and take your education to the next level!

Online Minors
How to Declare an Online Minor

Not sure which online minor is the best fit for you? Take our quiz to find out!

English Language Institute Student Reaches for the Stars

Kazuma Nagao visits the Kennedy Space Center.

Although Japanese student Kazuma Nagao had never been to the United States, he knew that studying abroad to learn English would help him inch closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming an astronaut. He had no idea, though, that this chance would bring him into contact with NASA astronauts and a community that supported his dream.

Nagao, an aerospace engineering major concentrating in fluid dynamics at Tokai University, seized the opportunity to study overseas at the English Language Institute (ELI) at Syracuse University. The 30-year partnership allows students in Japan to take part in the rigorous language learning program, studying English textually and orally five days a week. Nagao credits the ELI with giving him not only improved English skills, but also strong friendships and a new outlook on his career goals.

In this Q&A with Nagao, learn more about his experience at the ELI, the connections he made, and his favorite moments during his time at Syracuse University.

Read More

College of Professional Studies Programs Provides Faculty and Staff Opportunities to Use Remitted Tuition

The remitted tuition benefit offers eligible employees the opportunity to have tuition charges covered for undergraduate and graduate classes at the University. If you’re thinking about using remitted tuition, consider enrolling in one of the in-demand programs offered through the College of Professional Studies.

Ranked No. 5 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs of private universities, the College of Professional Studies programs are designed to be career-focused and boost professional competencies and skills.

Deanna Grannis, project director in the Division of Marketing, is utilizing the remitted tuition benefit to participate in the master of professional studies (M.P.S.) in project management online program. Grannis discovered the project management M.P.S. degree when she received a postcard introducing the program.

Read More