Academics

College of Professional Studies Announces New Faculty Member, Daniel Hebert, J.D., LL.M.

Dan Hebert portraitDaniel Hebert joins Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies as an assistant teaching professor.

Hebert will teach and develop courses in business management, creative leadership and other areas of professional studies. 

“I am truly excited to join the College of Professional Studies. It is a privilege to be part of a college that is always looking forward for ways to better serve its diverse student body while engaging in high-quality scholarship. I look forward to dedicating my teaching, research, and service both to the College of Professional Studies and Syracuse University as a whole,” says Hebert.

Prior to joining Syracuse University, Hebert was a lecturer at SUNY Polytechnic Institute from 2020 to 2022 and taught law, taxation and business courses.

Hebert received an LL.M. from Washington University in St. Louis in 2020, a J.D. from the University at Buffalo in 2011, and a B.S. from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in 2008. In 2012, Hebert was admitted to the New York State Bar.

Hebert’s research focuses on corporate law, taxation, not-for-profit organizations, business organizations and education.

Most recently, Hebert co-authored the CPA Journal article “Twenty Questions on the Challenges of Maintaining the Quality of Academic Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

“Professor Hebert has fresh, innovative ideas for future programming and a genuine enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring.  We are thrilled to welcome him to the College, to Syracuse University, and to our growing faculty ranks,” said Ryan Williams, associate dean of the College of Professional Studies Academic Affairs office.

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.

Virtual Vocabulary: Online Learning Terms that will Set You Up for Success

As the number of online degree programs increases, so does the virtual vocabulary. Learning Management Systems, synchronous sessions, breakout rooms, digital badges… All of these terms can seem scary and intimidating, but no worries. We’ve broken them all down for you so you’re ready to earn your online degree or certificate!

Modality

Synchronous

Asynchronous

Learning Management System

Virtual Classroom/Live Session

Breakout Room

Office Hours

The Office of Online Student Success (OSS)

Certification

Certificate

Digital Badges

Learning Assessment

Microcredential

Self-Guided Online Course

Instructor-Guided Online Course

In-Person Course

Post-traditional

  • Modality
    • Modality refers to how a course is taken: online, in person, or hybrid. All of the Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) and Master of Professional Studies (MPS) courses offered through the College of Professional Studies are 100% online and have synchronous and asynchronous components.
  • Synchronous (aka “synch session”)
    • Most of the courses at the College of Professional Studies have both asynchronous and synchronous components, which means you will have coursework to complete on your own time and you will meet with your instructor and classmates in a virtual classroom for 90 minutes one evening (EST) per week for the duration of the course (typically 8 weeks). Synch sessions are an invaluable benefit of online courses. You will gain a better understanding of course topics because your questions can be answered on the spot and you can listen and be a part of discussions. You also become part of the University community, which can be an enriching and rewarding experience.
  • Asynchronous (aka “asynch”)
    • Most of the time you spend in your courses at the College of Professional Studies will be asynchronous. Asynchronous coursework can be completed on your own time between synch sessions. This can include watching videos, writing papers, working on group projects, or completing homework assignments. The amount of time you will spend completing asynch coursework will vary from course to course.
  • LMS (Learning Management System)
    • The Learning Management System (LMS) is the software that schools use to facilitate their online programs. It’s kind of like a virtual school. It has classrooms (links that take you to your virtual classrooms), your syllabus and other course materials, a forum to communicate with your instructor and classmates, a place to submit your homework, and lots more.
    • At Syracuse University, we use Blackboard as our LMS. Blackboard is easy to use and can be accessed from anywhere you can access the internet so you can complete your asynch coursework any time.
    • Once you’re accepted into the College of Professional Studies, the Office of Online Student Success team will meet with you to walk you through how to use Blackboard so you can log into your first class with confidence.
  • Virtual Classroom/Live Session
    • A virtual classroom works much like an in-person classroom, except your desk is wherever you can access the internet. When you log into your synch session, you need a camera and microphone so you can watch, listen and engage with your instructor and classmates. Depending on the course you’re taking, there may be small group work, opportunities to share thoughts and ask questions, videos to watch and respond to, and other engaging activities that will help you understand the course content.
  • Breakout Room
    • A breakout room is an engaging activity that instructors often use in their virtual classrooms. It’s a way for students to have small group discussions, work on group projects, or complete in-class work. To do this, the instructor will divide the class into small groups within the virtual classroom. A button will appear for you that will take you to your breakout room. You will then be moved into a different virtual classroom with only your breakout room group members. The instructor may enter your breakout room at any time to answer questions or facilitate discussions. When the breakout room is over, you will automatically be moved back to the original virtual classroom.
  • Office Hours
    • Professors and course instructors make themselves available to speak to students one-on-one or in small groups on the phone or in a video chat at specific times throughout the week. They offer support, answer questions, and provide clarity on assignments and course topics. Taking advantage of office hours is highly encouraged and a good way to get to know your professors—and for them to get to know you!  
  • The Office of Online Student Success (OSS)
    • The Office of Online Student Success is dedicated to supporting students every step of the way as they earn their degree or certificate. Not only will they teach you how to use Blackboard so you can confidently log into your first synch session, but they will also help you select courses that will further your degree progression, connect you with resources at the university, and monitor your academic progress. They are a reliable source of guidance and support.
  • Certification
    • Certifications show professional competency in a highly specialized area. They are awarded by an organization that is authorized to test or evaluate an individual to confirm they have the necessary skills to hold the certification.
  • Certificate
    • A certificate is earned after successfully completing a set of credit-bearing or noncredit courses that are focused on a particular professional specialty.
  • Digital Badges
    • Digital badges demonstrate that an achievement has been earned for instructional, competitive or experiential purposes. They are digital icons that, when clicked, provide information about the learning and assessments that were completed and verify that the learning outcomes have been successfully met. Each digital badge is unique to the learning opportunity, the individual who completed it, and the badge-granting entity.  
  • Learning Assessment
    • A learning assessment is a measurement or evaluation used by an instructor to verify that the student has learned the content of the lesson or course. Learning assessments can be in the form of quizzes or tests, assignments, presentations, projects or experiential learning on the job.
  • Microcredential
    • Microcredentials play a unique role in helping students to upskill or reskill to be more competitive in the job market. Typically consisting of one or a handful of courses and offered in multiple modalities, they allow students to build a portfolio of demonstrated learning in a short amount of time for professional advancement or personal interest. Microcredentials are often focused on a particular skill or topic, so students can enhance their resume with personal or professional skills outside of a degree program. They can sometimes be combined (or “stacked”) as part of a more complex microcredential, course, program or degree.
  • Microcredential Modality: Self-Guided Online Course
    • Self-guided online courses are taken at your own pace and in your own time. Often, you will have videos to watch, quizzes throughout the course, and then a final test that you need to pass in order to earn credit for the course. You are not part of a class, so you do not have classmates or an instructor.
  • Microcredential Modality: Instructor-Guided Online Course
    • An instructor-guided online course is self-guided, but it’s different because there is an instructor who is available to answer questions and submit feedback on assignments via email or online forum. Typically, you will receive a syllabus and assignments to complete and submit.
  • Microcredential Modality: In Person Course  
    • An in-person course or workshop is taken in a classroom or other location. The course is lead by a professor, instructor or leader, and you will take the course together with other students.
  • Post-traditional
    • Post-traditional learners are students who engage in academic experiences through Syracuse University in a manner outside of a post-secondary residential experience. At Syracuse, we use the term post-traditional broadly to include anyone who has completed a Syracuse University learning experience part-time, online, through short courses, microcredentials, certificate programs or workshops. Post-traditional students are an important part of our community and bring a wealth of perspectives and diversity to our student body and orange family.

Did we miss a term? Let us know! Do you know someone who would benefit from learning these terms? Share this blog post!

Syracuse University Offers Online Courses With Community College of the Air Force Under The General Education Mobile Program

Under the General Education Mobile (GEM) Program, Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies continues its commitment to offer affordable education to military-connected students by providing online courses in partnership with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).

For over 100 years, Syracuse University has been committed to offering military-connected students affordability, academic success, and a seamless transition to the student experience. Syracuse University continues to honor this commitment by being an approved CCAF GEM university.

The GEM Program, a partnership between CCAF and civilian academic institutions, offers general education courses which fulfill requirements for the CCAF Associate in Applied Science degree.

“We are thrilled to be one of the newest institutions approved under the CCAF GEM program. Accessibility to higher education through online modalities is of critical importance to military-connected students,” says Liz Green, executive director of online student success. “Our online courses approved through GEM will help support Airmen in continuing towards their educational goals.”

Syracuse University GEM Program courses are offered at a reduced rate of $250 per credit. With rolling admission offering 6 starts a year, approved courses utilize the College of Professional Studies’ 8-week online course format, which offers the ability to fit more classes into a traditional semester.

Part-time, online students enrolling in courses will receive dedicated online academic services and support provided by the College of Professional Studies. With a centralized support team, students will receive assistance for topics regarding advising, bursar/registration and financial aid.

“Making a Syracuse University education more accessible to members of the military starts with meeting them where they are in their professional lives,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The CCAF GEM program puts our online general education courses in front of Air Force members stationed anywhere in the world, giving them unencumbered access to exceptional foundational courses they’ll use toward their CCAF degrees and beyond.”

To learn more about courses and enrollment, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/info-for/veterans-military/gem.

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.

Syracuse University Announces New Online Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree in Policy Studies

Starting in Fall 2022, prospective students will have the opportunity to pursue a policy studies bachelor’s degree online through a partnership between the College of Professional Studies and the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, the #1 school in the nation for public affairs (U.S. News & World Report).

“The online policy studies program extends the excellence of the Maxwell school to students who otherwise cannot attend Syracuse University on-campus or full-time,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The inter-curricular program is another wonderful expression of Maxwell’s commitment to make Syracuse University more accessible and truly a university welcoming to all.”

Policy studies students will examine the policy making process and be introduced to the historical, social, economic and political factors shaping issues at local, state, national and global levels. Students will also learn to measure the resulting impact of policies and how they affect individuals and communities. an in-depth research project involving a government agency or community organization, graduates of the program will have a rich portfolio that showcases their learning.

“Policy Studies has been a popular, signature undergraduate program in the Maxwell School for 45 years,” says Carol Faulkner, associate dean of academic affairs at the Maxwell School. “We are excited that this partnership with the College of Professional Studies will allow us to reach new audiences of students who want to make an impact in their communities.”

The B.P.S. in policy studies program will be an online, immersive experience that provides opportunities for real-world learning through a blend of asynchronous coursework, remote experiential activities and synchronous classes. Much of the coursework is designed to be completed outside of the weekly class meetings. The weekly 90-minute classes provide students with the time and space to engage in active discussions, receive immediate feedback, and make connections with fellow classmates and instructors.

The structure of a B.P.S. degree allows online part-time learners with busy schedules to focus on professional competency and practical skills. With a B.P.S. in policy studies, graduates will be highly competitive in the job market and when seeking admission to a wide variety of graduate programs.

“A B.P.S. degree is focused on professional skills and career preparation,” says Ryan O. Williams, associate dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The combination of coursework and seminars designed to enhance career readiness distinguishes a B.P.S. from other bachelor’s degrees. We are delighted to be able to offer a policy-focused degree in partnership with the Maxwell School.”

To learn more about Bachelor of Professional Studies in Policy Studies, visit https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/academics/online/policy-studies/.

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.

About the Maxwell School

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University is the nation’s top-ranked school for public affairs, having earned the #1 spot in the U.S. News ranking in every survey year except one. The school offers highly regarded professional programs in public administration and international affairs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees across the social sciences, and signature interdisciplinary undergraduate programs in policy, civic engagement, environmental sustainability and international relations. It is home to 13 interdisciplinary research centers focused on topical areas within public affairs. With campuses in Syracuse, New York, and Washington, D.C., and academic partnerships around the globe, the Maxwell network provides access to a world of opportunity. For more information, please visit maxwell.syr.edu.

College of Professional Studies Launches First Master of Professional Studies Degree in Project Management with Tuition Discount for First Cohort

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies announces its first graduate degree program, a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in project management, launching in Spring 2023. The 30-credit degree will be offered fully online, and an exclusive tuition discount will be applied to the initial cohort through the Start Now incentive grant.   

The Start Now incentive grant will be awarded to students admitted into the Spring 2023 cohort. They will receive a discounted rate of $1000/credit, which is 44% less than the graduate tuition rate ($1802/credit hour). The discount will be applied for the first 30 credits of study, allowing students to earn the degree for a total of $30,000.

Consistent with Syracuse University’s commitment to being the number one school for military-connected students, all active duty, guard, reserve and veterans, including spouses and dependents, admitted to the M.P.S. degree program pay $1000 per credit hour, regardless of when they start the program.

All non-military connected students admitted after Spring 2023 pay $1350 per credit hour, which is 25% less than the graduate tuition rate.

“Project management is an increasingly high-demand career choice for members of the military,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The new online master’s program is ideally suited for active and prior military members, as these students come into the program with an ability to think strategically to solve complex challenges. The curriculum is designed to leverage that ability, so each student further develops expertise across a wide range of project management skills.”

The field of project management is vast, and individuals with advanced degrees have opportunities to work in many industries. Regardless of the industry in which they operate, effective project managers lead projects from conception through implementation, creating value and driving change. Project managers are invaluable in all types of organizations, large and small, making this degree highly relevant and sought after in today’s workforce.

“Project management is the art and science of getting stuff done using a proven set of tools, approaches and controls. Studies continue to show that project managers get tasks done more efficiently, and in today’s world, that translates into lower cost and better results,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of professional acceleration and microcredentials and program director for the Master of Professional Studies in project management. “The Project Management Institute has reported in its recent 2022 jobs report that we can anticipate growth of about 2.3 million annual job opportunities in project management through 2030. Now is the time to be a project manager.” 

The project management M.P.S. curriculum will equip students with the knowledge and skills to create project plans, manage schedules and budgets, identify and manage potential risks and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels within an organization.

The dynamic learning environment of the online project management master’s degree program combines both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Much of the coursework is designed to be completed outside of class meeting times in combination with a required weekly live session that gives students the opportunity to engage in real time discussions with classmates and instructors, ask questions and receive immediate feedback, and gain a stronger understanding of course topics.

Students who take one course every eight-week session can complete the program within 18 months.

To be eligible for the Start Now incentive grant, prospective students must apply by Monday, August 8.

To learn more about admission requirements and program details, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/academics/online/project-management-m-p-s.

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.