The rise of online learning allows students to earn their degree from anywhere. At the College of Professional Studies, our online programs empower students with the tools, technology, and support to succeed in a virtual environment.
Here are our top tips for making the most of online learning at Syracuse University.
Even without a fixed class schedule, online courses require commitment and organization. Consider the following strategies to optimize your study routine:
Use a calendar to block out study times, deadlines, and live sessions.
Set weekly goals to stay on track.
Avoid multitasking and focus on one subject or module at a time for deeper learning and better retention.
Remember: Remote students are full members of the Syracuse community. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
With Syracuse University’s resources and support, there’s no better place to take charge of your online learning journey. Start today and succeed from anywhere.
At the College of Professional Studies, supporting international students goes far beyond academics, it’s about fostering belonging, building confidence, and creating a home away from home.
In this Q&A, we sit down with international student advisor, Caleb Schwarz, from the English Language Institute whose passion for global education and student connection shines through every airport pickup, advising session, and community outing.
Read on to discover how Schwarz is helping students turn Syracuse into a second home and shaping futures one connection at a time.
What’s your current role and what does it involve?
I am an international student advisor with the English Language Institute here at the College of Professional Studies. In that role, I provide support for students in various areas as they learn to adapt to life in the United States.
For example, I am currently undergoing training as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the Institute, which means I work with students on visa issuance and compliance. While I am responsible for several backend administrative tasks, my real passion comes from creating long-lasting, meaningful connections with students. Beyond providing cultural orientation and academic advising for them, I seek opportunities for students to get involved in the community and on campus in hopes that one day they will think of Syracuse as a “home away from home.”
How long have you been with the College, and what’s your journey been like?
I’ve been at the College of Professional Studies since late March of 2025.
My colleagues in the English Language Institute and I have been able to bond over our shared passion for global education and our commitment to making memorable experiences for the students we serve. Programming for new employees coordinated by college leadership has made it easy for me to meet my colleagues in other departments and collaborate on initiatives that create opportunities for students and the College at large. I look forward to what I hope will be a long and rewarding journey here at the College of Professional Studies.
In one sentence, how would you describe your department’s mission?
From my perspective, our mission is to provide a space where students feel comfortable to be themselves, explore their interests, and build their confidence in English to prepare them for a better, brighter future in the world.
An iY-1 student takes a photo with Otto at the May 2024 orientation.
Can you share a student interaction that left a lasting impact on you?
One of my favorite parts of the job is picking international students up from the airport when they arrive for their English studies. The first student I picked up by myself was a very memorable experience for me. It was for a student in the International Year One program, a program where students take classes using a hybrid model for their first 30 credit hours from partner institutions and then transition onto main campus for their second academic year.
While taking the student to the dorm, we talked about his life up to that point and how excited he was to be in the United States to study. During his trip to the U.S., he bought jellybeans based on the Harry Potter series with wacky flavors to try. He offered me one and we laughed when I discovered the jellybean I had chosen was rotten-egg-flavored. I remember still how grateful this student was to see a familiar face pick him up at the airport.
Airport pickups are a way for me to welcome the students. Time permitting, I usually take them to department and grocery stores to buy apartment essentials and food after their long flights. It’s time to connect with them and show them that they are not alone during their time with us. They are now a part of the ELI family!
How does your team help students succeed in the real world?
Our student population is incredibly diverse, but there is one thing that all our students have in common—a desire to improve their English.
In today’s world, English is increasingly more important every day. For community members who already live here in Syracuse, they know this all too well. Many find it difficult to carry out normal daily tasks like going to the grocery store or going to the bank without a good foundation in English. We help our students be able to do things that you may think of as routine or ordinary, but for them, the difference means everything.
Just the other day, in fact, I heard a story about one of our students who has lived in the Syracuse community for some time now and was excited that he was able to order coffee in English by himself with confidence thanks to our classes. What our students learn in the classroom truly does go beyond the classroom.
In what ways does your team go above and beyond to serve your students?
I am incredibly lucky to work with a team of caring and highly motivated individuals. It has been a pleasure to get to know them in both a professional and personal capacity.
My colleagues are always looking for ways to do better by our students and make the time they spend with us special. They take the time to get to know each student personally and volunteer their time and money for programming and excursions. It has been extremely refreshing to be able to work somewhere where student interests are taken as a priority and innovation is valued.
My supervisor Kelsey Gillette has also been a great support for me as I transition. Her dedication and commitment to the ELI and our students is truly inspiring and I am extremely grateful to her for being there for me so that I can be there for the students.
iY-1 students in the classroom at the May 2024 orientation.
What advice would you offer to prospective or current students?
Don’t let your fears get in the way of your own success.
It can feel extremely isolating, and you can feel embarrassed when practicing your English—that’s normal. If you want to improve though, the only way is by practicing. This means putting your ego aside and not being afraid to make mistakes along the way. Don’t forget that what you’re doing is not easy and give yourself grace when things don’t go the way you planned. You can do difficult things.
From your experience, what makes the College of Professional Studies stand out as a leading environment for teaching and learning?
I think that the best part of working at the College of Professional Studies is the incredible team that is here. The people I work with are extremely passionate about what they do and want to create opportunities for non-traditional students to thrive and make a better life for themselves.
As a first-generation college graduate, I understand how important a good education is and the impact it can have on a person’s life. I am proud and inspired to find myself among a group of such dedicated and compassionate individuals and I hope to be doing this kind of work for many years to come.
Learn more about the English Language Institute at eli.syr.edu.
Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies offers five 100% online minors. These online programs add specialized skills to any education path.
In this guide, you will discover each minor, required courses, career benefits, and next steps to apply today. Link
Admission requirements vary for each minor program. Be sure to consult the official program pages for detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines.
Master the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and business systems. This minor teaches you how AI is transforming productivity, efficiency, and innovation across every industry.
You’ll learn to
Apply AI tools and techniques to real business scenarios
Analyze how AI impacts organizational efficiency and innovation
Design effective AI solutions that turn complex data into insights
Course overview
AIA 210 – Foundations of Digital Automation
AIA 216– AI Automation Strategies
AIA 316 – AI Semantic Data Storage and Integration
AIA 346 – AI Applications and Solution Delivery
AIA 426 – Applied AI in Business Systems
AIA 430 –Generative AI in Digital Automation
Why choose this minor? AI skills are in massive demand across all sectors. Whether you’re majoring in marketing, finance, healthcare, or engineering, this minor guarantees a competitive edge in the workforce.
Dive deep into how digital technologies are revolutionizing traditional automation processes. This minor covers everything from predictive analytics to IIOT data management.
You’ll learn to
Understand digital automation processes, tools, and techniques
Apply cutting-edge technologies in industrial scenarios
Analyze future trends shaping the automation landscape
Course overview
AIA 210 – Foundations of Digital Automation
AIA 328 – Predictive Analytics for Digital Automation
AIA 330 – Applications and Dashboards in Digital Automation
AIA 340 – Process Reengineering using Digital Automation
AIA 427 – Sensor and IoT Data in Digital Automation
AIA 430 – Generative AI in Digital Automation
Why choose this minor? Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tech companies are in immediate need of professionals who understand automation. This minor positions you for roles in operations, technology, and innovation.
Get comprehensive knowledge of one of the fastest-growing industries in America. This interdisciplinary minor covers law, science, business, and cultivation in the cannabis industry.
You’ll learn to
Identify differences between marijuana and hemp products
Navigate legal and regulatory frameworks
Learn the science behind cannabis and its health applications
Understand cultivation, manufacturing, and business operations
Course overview
CAN 301 – Cannabis Business Operations
CAN 310 – Cannabis Start-ups
CAN 315 – Cannabis Law, Policy, and Social Justice
CAN 320 – Cannabis Science and Health
CAN 325 – Cannabis Cultivation
CAN 330 – Cannabis Manufacturing, Processing & Distribution
Why choose this minor? New York’s cannabis legalization is creating thousands of jobs. This minor positions you for careers in healthcare, agriculture, policy, compliance, business operations, or legal sectors within this growing industry.
Build the critical skills that every leader needs. This minor combines theory and practice in organizational leadership, change management, strategic thinking, and professional relationship building.
You’ll learn to
Develop skills to cultivate professional relationships
Cultivate strong conflict resolution skills in the workplace
Apply strategic thinking for professional problem-solving and decision-making
Course Overview
ODL 301 – Analysis and Decision Models for Leaders
ODL 372 – Organizational Leadership
Elective courses (12 credits)
Choose four additional classes from available ODL offerings
Why choose this minor? Leadership skills translate to every career path. Whether you’re heading business, nonprofit work, healthcare, technology, or any other field, this minor prepares you for management and leadership roles.
Learn to lead projects from start to finish. This interdisciplinary minor covers project organization, methodologies, controls, communications, and stakeholder management.
You’ll learn to
Master traditional and emerging project management methods
Launch and successfully complete projects on time and on budget
Manage large-scale, global team-based projects
Required courses
PPM 301 – Foundations of Project Management
PPM 310 – Project Organization and Leadership
PPM 315 – Project Management Methodologies
PPM 320 – Project Controls
PPM 325 – Project Communications and Stakeholder Management
PPM 411 – Project Management Capstone
Why choose this minor? Project management skills are valuable across all industries. From healthcare to financial institutions, experienced project managers are always in demand.
Your major is just the beginning. At Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies, these online minors allow you to stand out in the evolving job market.
Explore our programs today and take the next step in your career journey.
In an era defined by rapid change and complex challenges, the ability to shape effective public policy reflects a deep commitment to public service. Syracuse University’s online policy studies degree offers a transformative path for students who want to make a meaningful impact in government, nonprofits, and beyond.
Designed for flexibility and relevance, this fully online undergraduate program empowers learners to analyze, design, and implement policies that address real-world issues, from housing and healthcare to education and environmental justice.
Real Research, Real Impact: A Glimpse into the Classroom
What sets this program apart isn’t just the curriculum, it’s the caliber of faculty leading it. Austin Zwick, Ph.D., policy studies program director, recent research published in SAGE Journals asks “Does variation in the size of communities influence the ambition of their smart city plans?”
This kind of work isn’t just academic, it’s actionable. Students in the policy studies program engage with the same tools and frameworks used by professionals in the field, learning how to turn research into results.
Hear directly from Professor Zwick in this video where he shares insights into his research, the evolving landscape of policy studies, and what students can expect from the program. It offers a glimpse into the insightful academic engagement that defines the Syracuse University experience.
What You’ll Learn:
Examine how public policy is implemented.
Develop research and problem-solving skills to create government policies that address current social and economic problems facing the United States.
Explore an expertise in a policy area of your choice that provides a broad range of scholarly and professional perspectives.
Gain an understanding of collecting and synthesizing information in a variety of ways using quantitative research and analysis techniques.
Analyze important political science concepts and the basics of political argumentation and reasoning.
Develop competencies in the application of social science methods to public policy problems.
With six start dates per year and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits, this program is built for learners who want flexibility without compromising academic rigor.
Your Moment to Make a Difference Begins Now
If you’re passionate about solving problems and shaping the future, Syracuse University’s online policy studies degree is your path to making a difference. With expert faculty, cutting-edge research, and a curriculum rooted in impact, you’ll graduate ready to lead with insight and integrity.
At the heart of the College of Professional Studies is a mission rooted in access, inclusion, and unwavering support. With five years of dedicated service, Tekonbla Randy Wright, admissions and academic advisor, has become a cornerstone for students navigating the complexities of higher education. This Q&A offers a glimpse into the journey, the impact, and the philosophy that drives Wright’s work: that success doesn’t always move fast, but it always moves forward.
What is your current role and what does it involve?
In one sentence, how would you describe your department’s mission?
We create educational access for the community while building an inclusive and supportive community for commuter part-time students.
Can you share a student interaction that left a lasting impact on you?
I coached a young lady who graduated high school in 2016. She looked up to me as “father-like” figure. She was a very ambitious and high character young lady. After several years at Syracuse University, she had to drop out after becoming pregnant and having two children. She was struggling to get back in the fold. I reached out to her to check in when she said she wanted to get back to school. I set an appointment with her and got her back in school and even supported her as she was able to get a job on campus.
During our meeting, the student shared how my years of coaching had impacted her personally. She also spoke about my influence in the community, my presence as a father balancing work and life, and the positive example I set for young adults.
After working at Syracuse for almost a year, she was encouraged to apply for a position in the commuter part-time studies department as the learning coordinator and assistant to the director of HEOP. She is now working with me and I’m advising her as she is finishing her degree. She has been a bright and positive energetic person to our office.
How does your team help students succeed in the real world?
We meet students where they’re at. We have a population of non-traditional students that range from 18-75. We are sensitive to their needs and what barriers are in their lives. Supporting them with classes, tutoring, transportation, and ongoing guidance while navigating home and school is a priority to us.
In what ways does your team go above and beyond to serve your students?
One day I was at the grocery store and ran into a student working at a bank that was housed in the store. Our staff had just met about her and not being able to connect with her. Her phone had been off, and she started a new job that went from 9-4 and didn’t think she’d be able to take classes. I made an appointment for her on a Saturday to accommodate her work schedule. After having to jump through a few hoops with technical issues, I met her at her job and during her lunch, we sat down and got her registered for her courses. We have since been able to loan her a laptop to support her for the semester.
What advice would you offer to prospective or current students?
“The well is never dry.” Everyone moves at their own pace. Don’t let the struggles of life stop your movement towards success. Students may have to take time off and come back for whatever personal reasons, but we will always be available for support and guidance. Our motto for HEOP is, “once HEOP, always HEOP.” You’ll always have a home and access for support if you want it. Move at your own pace. Sometimes slow motion is the best motion to be successful or the get the job done.
What makes the College of Professional Studies stand out as a leading environment for teaching and learning?
We have a strong sense of respect, admiration, and devotion to the students we work with. Having a full-time life away from school, managing many different obstacles and challenges while still striving for educational success and opportunities is admirable. Therefore, our entire staff makes sure we are supporting our students “where they’re at.” Meeting them at the beginning of their journey and making sure someone is with them along the way. The outpouring of support and help from within makes this a well-oiled machine. Also, there is no “I” in this team effort. We see it. We work it. We make it happen!
Your future starts now.
Take the next step in your learning journey and connect with an academic advisor today!
