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Credit or Noncredit – What’s Best for You?

The landscape of higher education is evolving, and for good reason —not all learners are seeking a degree from a college or university. Many learners want or need to gain new skills or knowledge in a format that fits into their busy lives.

Microcredentials, certificates and condensed courses can offer learners a noncredit pathway to achieving their educational goals outside of a degree program. With so many offerings, you may be wondering what the best option is for you—credit or noncredit?  

The first question you should ask yourself is; What is your end goal?

Do you want a job that typically requires a certain degree or degree type (Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.) as a job requirement? Have you been interested in getting a degree but you don’t have the time to attend college full-time?

In these cases, you should search for courses or programs that provide college credit, which can be applied to a degree program immediately or when you are ready to matriculate into a degree program.

If you need a quick upgrade in your competency around a certain subject or skillset and you don’t plan on earning a degree, then a noncredit option may be more suitable for you.

Here is a breakdown of the differences and advantages of credit and noncredit options:

Credit Courses and Programs

Credit courses and programs are designed for learners who are interested in earning college credits towards a degree or certificate. 

Important points about credit courses/programs:

  • Credits add up and can be applied toward a degree or credit certificate.
  • Depending on your enrollment status, you may be eligible to receive financial aid to help with the cost of your courses.
  • College credit is granted only by authorized higher education institutions, and a unit of credit is often transferrable between institutions.
  • College credit is granted only when a student successfully achieves the specific requirements of the course.

A credit course or program may be ideal for you if:

  • Your employer offers education benefits that have a grade or credit requirement.
  • You want to earn an associate degree but think you may pursue a Bachelor’s degree at some point.
  • Your dream job requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree as a job requirement.
  • You are enrolled at a four-year college and are home for the summer, and you want to enroll in a course that will transfer to your home school and apply towards your four-year degree.

Noncredit Courses and Programs

Noncredit courses are intended for learners who want to focus on acquiring specific knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills, or develop personal interests without the consideration of accumulating college credit. By providing condensed and focused learning experiences, noncredit courses and programs allow students to build a unique portfolio of knowledge, skills and/or competencies in a short amount of time, whether for professional advancement or personal interest. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion or digital badge. 

Important points about noncredit courses/programs:

  • Noncredit courses typically cannot be applied directly towards a degree or credit-bearing certificate programs. However, some institutions are pursuing ways to evaluate the effort and assessment of learning in noncredit courses to determine if they can “stack” into a credit program as evidence of prior learning or experience. This is only at the discretion of each institution and is not as widely interchangeable as college credit.
  • Federal financial aid is restricted to only certain types of noncredit courses, or certain types of institutions that provide them. You will need to check specifically for each course and provider as to whether aid is available.
  • Noncredit courses can often lead to the achievement of a professional “certification”, which is evidence that you have achieved some specific competency at a certain level. Certifications can be preferred, or even required, by an employer.
  • If noncredit courses are to be used for professional improvement or career enhancement, then they should include some measurement of the specific knowledge, skills or competencies targeted by the course that would appeal to employers.

A noncredit course or program may be ideal for you if:

  • You want to improve your skills and enhance your resumé.
  • You want to learn more about a hobby that interests you.
  • You’re working toward a professional certification, so you can land a job in your desired field.

 

View all credit and noncredit programs available through the College of Professional Studies.

 

Nanhi Kali Syracuse University Chapter Receives Scholarship Donation From Blend360 Giving Foundation

Rishabh Upadhye G’21 and Ayush Rajput have funded 80% of the 2022–2023 Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter scholarship program through the Blend360 Giving Foundation.

Each year, the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter raises funds for uniforms, school supplies and tuition costs for girls in India who are otherwise unable to attend elementary or middle school on their own. This year, Upadhye, former Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter treasurer, donated $3,612 after he and his Blend360 company teammate, Rajput, won the Blend360 Cornhole Giving Tournament and named Nanhi Kali the charity recipient.

Arthur Thomas (left) and Ruchita Harsora (right) present the Blend360 Giving Foundation donation.

“Every dollar counts, not just towards an underprivileged girl’s education but towards her improved life as well. The Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter strives to do our best to see that each girl goes to a school, gets the education she deserves and takes one step towards a hopeful future,” says Ruchita Harsora, president of the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter. “To the donors, it is not just me, or the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter that thanks and appreciates your contribution, it is also a young girl somewhere in a remote part of India thanking you. Because of your donations, they are able to step towards a well-educated future. Thank you for always supporting our cause and believing in us.”

Each year, the registered graduate student organization raises $4,500 to sponsor 52 girls. The generous donation provided by the Blend360 Giving Foundation, Upadhye and Rajput allowed the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter to reach their annual scholarship goal.

“This gift, along with proceeds from our Cuse-Cup sporting events and the public Strengths Workshop graciously donated by Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and College of Professional Studies Executive Director, Liz Green, has made it possible for us to fully support 52 girls for this academic year,” says Arthur Thomas, faculty sponsor of the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter. “We understand that every day spent in school helps an underprivileged girl take one more step out of poverty, slavery or human trafficking. That makes her a better person, her future a brighter one, and our whole world a better place.”

To learn more about the Nanhi Kali Syracuse University chapter, visit nanhikalisyracuse.org.

Record-Breaking Attendance for 2022 Summer College at Syracuse University

By Amy Kruse

This summer, Syracuse University’s Summer College welcomed its largest cohort of high school students in its over 60-year history. More than 1,000 students from around the world enrolled in an on-campus or online pre-college course through Syracuse University. This was the first time in two years that pre-college students were on campus for the program.

“I am overjoyed that so many high school students chose to attend Summer College at Syracuse University,” said Chris Cofer, executive director at the Office of Pre-College Programs. “We made a concerted effort to maintain a robust and diversified portfolio of over 100 course offerings, and I think students responded to that.”

Read the full story

John Wallace, former player for the Orange and New York Knicks, to Headline Post-Traditional Alumni Event in New York City Oct. 12

Syracuse University will host its first-ever networking reception for post-traditional students and alumni residing in the New York City metro area on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A program will begin at 7 p.m. featuring John Wallace ’96, a basketball player for the Syracuse Orange who turned professional and played with the New York Knicks.

The event will be held at the Joseph I. Lubin House, 11 E. 61st St., one of two Syracuse University outposts in New York City. The home base for the University’s New York City operations, Lubin House is nestled among such city landmarks as Central Park, The Pierre Hotel, and Bergdorf Goodman. Lubin House is also home to a regional admissions office that serves as a resource for future Syracuse University students. The admissions team hosts numerous college workshops for both high school students and their parents, holds information sessions about the University, and conducts admission interviews with local applicants.

The Oct. 12 reception is a partnership between the College of Professional Studies, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, and Syracuse University in NYC. Planning for the event is being led by the College of Professional Studies.

“As the University has expanded its commitment to access for learners significantly, we look forward to greeting our alumni in New York City and sharing updates on how the college and Syracuse University Global are now positioned to provide worldwide access and transformative educational opportunities,” says Michael Frasciello, Ph.D., dean of the College of Professional Studies.

There are more than 345,000 Syracuse University post-traditional alumni, with over 7,000 part-time students and alumni in New York City. Engagement with these important members of the Orange family are continuing, with plans to visit Los Angeles and other cities where the Syracuse University presence is strong. More than 160 alumni registered for the college’s first post-traditional alumni event this past April in Washington, D.C.

John Wallace playing basketball for the Syracuse OrangeWallace is a current broadcaster on MSG Networks. He is also the host of the live stream and podcast, “Power Forward w/John Wallace” from SportsCastr. A 1992 graduate of Greece Athena High School in Rochester, New York, Wallace led Syracuse University to the NCAA championship game against the Kentucky Wildcats during his senior season in 1996. After his college graduation, Wallace was selected with the 18th pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the New York Knicks. A 6’8” forward, Wallace played seven seasons in the NBA with the Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, and the Miami Heat. Wallace is an executive board member of the Heavenly Productions Foundation, a 501(c)-3 not for profit organization based in Armonk, New York, whose mission is to help children in need and distress.

“Engaging post-traditional alums is a priority of the University,” says Jeffry Comanici, executive director of post-traditional advancement. “These graduates are proud of their SU affiliation, as well as the plans to expand the experiences they had as students to a global community.”

Registration for the event is requested by Oct. 5. For questions or more information, contact Jeffry Comanici at jjcomani@syr.edu or 315.443.1409.

College of Professional Studies Honors Women of the University Community Sept. 29 for Service and Dedication to Syracuse University

by Cheryl Abrams

Women of the University Community logo

During his first address following the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III spoke admiringly about the attributes that characterized his mother’s life and reign. He spoke of having a “deep gratitude” for the queen’s life-long sense of duty, service, dedication and devotion.

These formidable sentiments are being expressed this month as the College of Professional Studies honors the service of an organization whose members have steadfastly exemplified these same qualities over many decades: the Women of the University Community (WUC).

Dean’s Lifetime Ambassador Award
During the College’s alumni luncheon as part of Orange Central on Thursday, Sept. 29, Dean Michael Frasciello will present WUC with the Dean’s Lifetime Ambassador’s Award. This accolade is one of the highest forms of recognition the college bestows on alumni and organizations for their support of Syracuse University, the college and its students. Members of the University community and the public are invited to attend the event, from noon to 2 p.m. at Drumlins Country Club.

“Syracuse University is tremendously grateful to the Women of the University Community for their unwavering belief in the transformational power of a college education and their commitment to our shared mission of providing and supporting access to Syracuse University,” says Dean Frasciello. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements on September 29.”

Near Century of Dedication
The Women of the University Community was founded in 1927 (as it happens, a year after Queen Elizabeth’s birth) by some formidable women to bring together alumni and other women affiliated with Syracuse University. For nearly a century, the organization succeeded in providing support for women and education. Beginning in 1969, three scholarships were created to honor Beverly Whaley (SUNY ESF), Mildred Eggers (University College, now the College of Professional Studies) and Ruth Tolley (Falk College). These scholarships, which eventually became endowed and have since distributed more than $200,000 to deserving female scholars, will continue to be awarded.

The Mildred Eggers award is presented annually to three women studying through the college who are matriculated in a bachelor’s degree program and taking at least six credits the following semester. Recipients are selected primarily on academic merit, with financial need considered. The Ruth Tolley award is presented to outstanding juniors in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics; and the Beverly Whaley scholarship goes to a sophomore or junior at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

Profound Impact
Retired Syracuse University administrator Esther Gray, who led the University Lectures Series for many years since its inception in 1996, is a College of Professional Studies alumna and past president of WUC. She received a Mildred Eggers scholarship while pursuing her degree. “That scholarship meant the world and helped get me through my studies at SU,” she says.

As a WUC member who attended many ceremonies when scholarships were awarded to recipients, Gray recalls one comment from a deserving student that has inspired her since. The young woman said, “The Women of the University Community’s belief in me through this scholarship led to my believing in myself.”

In 2021, WUC was formally disbanded for many compelling reasons, including the aging of long-standing members and their abilities to participate, as well as time commitments of current and potential members. The COVID-19 pandemic stalled in-person get-togethers and events, greatly impacting the cohesiveness of WUC as a sustainable organization.

Affirming the Past
While the disbanding of WUC could be viewed sadly, as a mourning for something that had been vibrant on campus for so many years, the remaining members instead focus on celebrating the accomplishments made possible by many women, as well as moving forward with the promise of and inspiration in women scholars of today.

“We take heart in all that was achieved since WUC’s formation,” says Kate Veley, a Syracuse University alumna and long-time University employee who is now the director of corporate philanthropy at Make-a-Wish® of CNY. As a former president of the group, Kate looks back with pride on both the time dedicated by members, as well as their monetary donations along the way.

Whenever WUC presented fundraising events, members paid for all associated costs, such as invitations, postage, room rentals and more. “From the very beginning, every penny raised went directly into the scholarship funding,” says Veley. “Administrative expenses were totally covered by the members; it wasn’t a line item in our budget.”

WUC held many annual book and garage sales, as well as its primary fundraising activity, an annual poinsettia sale, with more than 12,000 plants being sold over the years. Community and social services have also played a significant role in WUC through an outreach tutoring program, events for international students and families, and support for local charities such as the American Cancer Society and the Hendricks’s Chapel Food Pantry.

At its core, the WUC has always been a highly social organization. Traditionally, members held three annual events: a Fall Welcome, a seasonal Holiday Party, and a Spring Luncheon. Other activities included bridge, a book review group, gourmet dining events, bowling, creative writing, theater, and crafts and sewing. Neighborhood groups were also vital, with 15 different meeting locations in its heyday.

Service from a Different Age
While the WUC has seen many changes over the years, the organization has remained true to its founding as an organization of women who gather in friendship, camaraderie, and respect to sustain one another, create meaningful relationships, and assist future generations in their academic pursuits.

Although the group formally disbanded last year, what continues say Veley and Gray is a profound sense of caring and support, particularly for its oldest members. “We have an email list and routinely stay in touch with one another,” says Veley. When a member may be ill or having a tough time, other members rally around to provide meals and whatever help they can, adds Gray.

As the college prepares to honor the WUC, two additional attributes that King Charles III ascribed to his late mother can aptly be applied to WUC members: “a fearless embrace of progress and an unerring ability to see the best in people.”

William, the now Prince of Wales, also stated that he thanks his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, “on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.”

The Syracuse University community, likewise, thanks the Women of the University Community for 95 years of its example of dedicated service and engagement in the life of the campus and surrounding community.

Register to attend