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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.

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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.

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Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies Honors Class of 2024

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the Class of 2024 on Thursday, May 9, at its 76th annual Convocation Ceremony. Eighty-three students, in total, were recognized for completing their program of study in 2024, representing eight schools and colleges within the University.

Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56

Keynote speaker Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, a life trustee and head of Heritage Management Company, LLC, inspired students to explore the curiosities and wonders of life.

“We learn that every problem is an opportunity when we begin to seek and dig down and discover what we are made of,” Seinfeld said.

Leondra Tyler ’24

Graduating cum laude with dual degrees in neuroscience and psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies through the part-time Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Leondra Tyler ’24 served as the student speaker and delivered a motivating message on the power of community. Although this marks the end of an academic chapter, Tyler said Syracuse will always feel like home. 

To view the live streamed convocation ceremony, visit go.syr.edu/uc/convocation2024.

Student Recognition

Recognition of the Alumni Scholar with the highest grade point average

James Edward Bennett

Maxamillian Crawford

Ryan Thomas Simmons

William Hayden Stewart

Sylvia Wyckoff Award

Recognition of outstanding achievement in the College of Visual and Performing Arts

Katherine Vincent

Alumni Scholars

Members of the Class of 2024 with the highest grade point averages

Jesus E Adkins

James Edward Bennett

Maxamillian Crawford

Lyneisha N Dickenson

Kelly Haley

Walter Ellis Hunt Jr

Jenny Ragan

John Carmen Rose

Ryan Thomas Simmons

William Hayden Stewart

College of Professional Studies Service Awards

Service awards were presented to those who serve as academic pillars in the Syracuse University community.

Dean’s Excellence Award

Jacqueline Monsour

Assistant Director of the English Language Institute

Faculty Excellence Award

Emily Luther

Bachelor of Professional Studies Instructor

College of Professional Studies Announces 2024 Convocation Keynote Speaker

Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, a life trustee and head of Heritage Management Company, LLC, will deliver the keynote speech during the College of Professional Studies’ 2024 Convocation, on Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. inside Hendricks Chapel. A reception will follow at 7 p.m. on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle.

A woman smiles while posing for a headshot.

Seinfeld is the fourth-generation head of Heritage Management Company LLC, a long-standing real estate investment, development and management company based in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Before joining Heritage, Seinfeld was the founder and president of Judith Greenberg Gallery, a jewelry design company, and she was also an executive vice president at Balenciaga Perfumes. A longtime patron of the arts, Seinfeld is the co-founder of the Nantucket Comedy Festival and the producer of several Tony award-winning plays.

Seinfeld earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University’s School of Education, and a master’s degree in administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1957. In addition to her current role as a life trustee participant on the Academic Affairs committee, Seinfeld’s service to the University includes previous positions on the boards of the School of Education and the School of Architecture. Her service also includes assisting in establishing the Seinfeld Housing Initiative, the Judith Greenberg Seinfeld Distinguished Fellowships and the Judith Greenberg Seinfeld Prize for Creative Teaching Endowment.

Seinfeld resides in Saddle River, New Jersey, and Nantucket, Massachusetts, and is the mother of Jeffrey Greenberg and the late Steven Greenberg.

For more information on the celebration, visit the 2024 College of Professional Studies Convocation page.

 

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.