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Arthur Thomas, Executive Director of Microcredentials, Named Winner in Certified Impact Awards 2025

Arthur Thomas, Executive Director of Microcredentials has been named a winner in the Certified Impact Awards 2025, presented by Accredible, the world’s leading digital badging platform. Thomas received top honors in the Customer Champion of the Year category, which recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to champion Accredible through public advocacy, peer support, platform feedback, and community participation.

The Certified Impact Awards 2025 celebrate credentialing programs, teams, and leaders shaping the future of learning and work. Winners were selected from more than 175 nominations across ten categories through a rigorous evaluation of clarity, relevance, and demonstrated impact — spanning operational transformation, credentialing innovation, learner outcomes, and workforce results.

“Through the continued growth and impact of our programs, the College of Professional Studies has strengthened its ability to support the evolving needs of Syracuse University’s academic and administrative units,” said Arthur Thomas. “Our partnership with Accredible has been instrumental in this progress, enabling us to deliver innovative credentialing solutions that enhance engagement, expand professional development opportunities, and promote career success across our diverse participant communities.”

By working in true collaboration with Accredible, the College of Professional Studies has not only advanced their own initiatives but has also contributed to shaping the current and future direction of digital credentialing on an international scale.

“The Certified Impact Awards shine a spotlight on the teams who are building meaningful, learner-first credentialing programs and proving what digital recognition can achieve,” said Dan Theckston, Chief Customer Officer at Accredible. “This year’s winners aren’t just issuing credentials. They’re using them to drive mobility, spark innovation, and create real-world value for learners and industries alike.” To explore all Certified Impact Awards 2025 winners and learn more, visit here.

About The College of Professional Studies

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies innovates future-ready programs in flexible formats, so learners and leaders can advance their education and careers beyond what they imagined possible. From bachelor’s and master’s degrees to executive education, certificates and more, our credit and noncredit programs empower students to pursue their passions and purpose on their terms and timeline.

About Accredible

Accredible is the world’s leading digital credential platform, enabling education and training leaders to increase learner engagement and drive program growth. Over 2,300 organizations, including Google, IAPP, McGraw Hill, Rutgers, Skillsoft, and the University of Cambridge, rely on Accredible to manage and measure everything from issuing digital certificates and badges to visualizing learning pathways to spotlighting certified learners. Founded in 2013, Accredible has helped issue and verify over 170 million career-advancing credentials. To learn more, visit accredible.com.

Cannabis Career Certificates: Professional Opportunity in a Growing Field

The cannabis industry is booming—and employers are looking for skilled professionals with formal training. That’s why the College of Professional Studies has partnered with Green Flower, the leader in cannabis education, to launch a new suite of Cannabis Career Certificate programs.

Why Choose Cannabis Career Certificates?

These online programs are built for real-world success:

  • Expert-Led Learning: 50+ cannabis industry leaders and subject matter experts.
  • Updated Curriculum: Aligned with current regulations and employer needs.
  • Affordable Pricing: Accessible programs starting at $850.
  • Career Support: Access to Green Flower’s Cannabis Career Resource Center for resume help, interview prep, and employer connections.

Six Career-Focused Cannabis Certificates

Each program is designed to match the most in-demand roles in the cannabis industry:

  1. Cannabis Associate Certificate (8 weeks, $850)
    Gain foundational knowledge in cannabis policy, plant science, and compliance—perfect for entry-level roles.
  2. Cannabis Cultivation Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Learn best practices for growing cannabis in indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse environments.
  3. Cannabis Product Development Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Master the process of creating cannabis products, from extraction to edibles, beverages, and topicals.
  4. Cannabis Retail & Sales Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Build skills for dispensary operations and brand sales success.
  5. Cannabis Compliance Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Understand regulations and compliance for cultivation, retail, and manufacturing.
  6. Medical Cannabis Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200)
    Prepare for patient-focused roles with training in safe and effective cannabis use.

Career Support That Goes Beyond Education

Every student receives access to:

  • Continuing Education Hub: Resume and interview resources, leadership development, and entrepreneurship tips.
  • Employer Access: Direct links to vetted cannabis companies hiring now.
  • Exclusive LinkedIn Community: Network with peers and industry professionals.

Microcredentials at Syracuse University

Cannabis Career Certificates are part of the Syracuse University College of Professional Studies commitment to flexible, workforce-aligned microcredentials. Like our other microcredential programs, they provide industry-recognized certifications that help professionals gain targeted skills without committing to a full degree—perfect for career changers or those looking to upskill quickly.

Start Your Cannabis Career Today

The first cohort begins January 13, 2026, with new start dates every eight weeks. Request information to get started today.

Syracuse University and Tompkins Cortland Community College Sign Transfer Agreement

Syracuse University and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) and have announced a new transfer agreement that provides TC3 graduates a direct transfer pathway into online bachelor’s degree programs in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University. The agreement, which was formally signed into effect by TC3 President Amy Kremenek and College of Professional Studies Dean Michael Frasciello, offers TC3 graduates discounted tuition rate for these undergraduate online degree programs. 

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Take Control of Your Future: 5 Reasons to Earn Your Degree Online

Life doesn’t pause, and neither should your goals. Whether you’re working full-time, finishing up credits, or looking to gain new skills, earning an online degree is a powerful way to move forward without putting everything else on hold.

If you’re not sure about pursuing an online degree, here are five reasons why you should reconsider.

young woman studying and working on her laptop

1. Flexibility

Earning a degree online from the College of Professional Studies ensures maximum flexibility, so that no matter what your current situation is, you can work education into your life. With an online degree program, you have more flexibility to maintain your existing lifestyle.

With a wide range of synchronous and asynchronous online courses, the College of Professional Studies is committed to delivering quality programs to online students. With as much adaptability as possible, online programs make your education something you can blend into your existing reality, rather than something you halt your life to pursue.

2. Alumni Network

Online students often build strong bonds through discussion boards, group projects, and virtual meetups. Those relationships don’t fade; they evolve. Our alumni association ensures that online graduates have the tools to stay connected, collaborate, and contribute.

Our online alumni are invited to participate in events that fit their schedules and interests. Many of these are hosted virtually, making it easy to stay involved no matter where life takes you.

3. Course Variety

From Cybersecurity Administration to Project Management, the College of Professional Studies has a range of degrees that are exclusively available to online students.

By pursuing one of our online degrees, you’re opening your learning pathway up to a world of possibilities.

4. Career Advancement

Online degrees are a great way for working professionals to add to their portfolio of skills and advance their careers. Whether you already have a college degree and are looking to add an online master’s, earning an online degree is an effective way to stay competitive in today’s shifting job market.

With an online degree, you don’t have to put your career on pause to pursue higher education.

5. Learn From a Top University

You don’t have to live near a top university to earn an education at one.

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies is a leading institution in the field of online learning. By earning an online degree from the College of Professional Studies, students have the opportunity to add additional accolades, skills, and credibility to their resume.

Choose Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies today to unlock your potential. Anytime. Anywhere.

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Empowering Military-Connected Students Through Online Education

Whether you’re serving on active duty, transitioning as a veteran, or supporting a loved one in uniform, Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies is your pathway to a brighter future. We don’t just welcome military-connected students; we design degrees around your success.

Let’s break down how we support each part of the military-connected community:

Active-Duty Service Members: Flexible, Affordable, Mission-Ready

Your schedule is demanding. Your goals are ambitious. We’ve built programs that work with your life, not against it.

  • 100% Tuition Coverage: Syracuse matches the Tuition Assistance (TA) rate for active duty, Reserve, and National Guard students in part-time undergraduate programs.
  • Online Degrees That Fit Your Mission: Choose from career-focused programs like Cybersecurity Administration, AI in Business Process Automation, Project Management, and more.
  • Credit for Military Training: Your Joint Services Transcript (JST) and Professional Military Education (PME) can count toward your degree—saving you time and money.

Veterans: A New Mission, A New Community

Transitioning to civilian life is a journey. At Syracuse, you’ll find a university that honors your service and empowers your next chapter.

  • Maximize Your Benefits: Syracuse University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program to help you make the most of your Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
  • Veteran-Dedicated Support: The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs offers personalized guidance, financial aid help, and a community that understands your experience.
  • Top-Ranked University for Veterans: Syracuse University ranks No. 3 in Best for Veterans for Online Bachelor’s Programs of private universities for three consecutive years, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs rankings.

Spouses, Dependents & Military-Connected Students: Education That Moves with You

Military families face unique challenges. We make sure your education isn’t one of them. Wherever military life takes you, Syracuse goes with you.

  • Monthly Info Sessions: Explore programs, ask questions, and get expert advice—virtually and conveniently.
  • Online Student Success: Online military-connected students also receive personalized support from advisors who are specially trained to navigate their unique challenges and experiences through the Office of Online Student Success.
  • Military Family Support: Veteran and military-connected student support is critical to academic and personal success.  Whatever your student issue is, Syracuse University has a solution. 

To learn more about military-connected support, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/info-for/veterans-military.