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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.

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies Announces First Full-Time Faculty

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies continues to grow as it welcomes its first faculty cohort.

Stephen Wallace, D.Prof and Mirza Tihic, Ph.D. join the College of Professional Studies full-time faculty, bringing a plethora of professional expertise to the classroom. The College of Professional Studies aims to continue establishing a diversified faculty in order to support its evolving programs and course offerings.

“These two individuals bring a broad range of academic and practical experience to the College of Professional Studies,” says Ryan O. Williams, associate dean at the College of Professional Studies. “As our faculty of in-house experts continues to grow, so does the learning experience for our students.”

Stephen Wallace | Program Director and Professor

As the former program director for the Master’s in Information Systems at the Syracuse University School of Information Studies, Dr. Stephen Wallace brings exceptional knowledge of data analytics, software engineering, information security, and IT leadership. Wallace will serve as the program director for the BPS programs in applied data and predictive analytics, knowledge management, cybersecurity administration, and computer programming.

Additionally, Wallace’s leadership expertise offers a unique perspective into the ever-changing IT industry. Wallace is the founder and president of Bizlitics, a consulting firm specializing in business analytics, predictive analytics and machine learning. Prior to that, Wallace spent 30 years in information technology leadership roles ranging from IT director to vice president and CIO at multi-national companies. Wallace provides the knowledge needed to instruct and inspire the next generation of IT specialists.

Wallace received his doctorate of professional studies in computing from Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. He holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management, and a B.S. in operations management from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management.

Mirza Tihic, Ph.D. | Assistant Teaching Professor

Dr. Mirza Tihic joins the College of Professional Studies as an assistant teaching professor with a strong entrepreneurial and education portfolio. As the post-doctoral entrepreneurship researcher at the Whitman School of Management, Tihic manages the National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs, a joint effort of the Whitman School of Management, the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Tihic previously served as the assistant director for the Office of Vice Chancellor for Veteran and Military Affairs. Tihic oversaw programs supporting veterans, military members, and members of military families on campus. Prior to that, Tihic served as the program manager for the Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship at the Whitman School of Management where he supported the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans, inclusive entrepreneurship through Start-Up NY and SBA PRIME, the Syracuse Entrepreneurs’ Bootcamp, the Panasci Business Plan Competition, the South Side Entrepreneurship Connect Project, and the D’Aniello Entrepreneurial Internship Program.

Tihic has taught at the Whitman School of Management since 2010. Additionally, the Syracuse University alumnus received his doctorate in cultural foundations of education at the School of Education and his MBA in entrepreneurship and marketing at Whitman School of Management. He also holds an M.S. in neuroscience at the College of Engineering and Computer Science and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Originally from Bosnia, Tihic planted roots in Syracuse where he operated Tihic Construction LLC, a residential remodeling company since 2002, and in 2009, he co-founded Syracuse’s North Side Learning Center, a family literacy center that helps immigrants and destitute individuals in the community.

“It is an honor to have Stephen and Mirza join us at a pivotal moment. As the College of Professional Studies rapidly evolves, it is vital our faculty aligns with our academic goals,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies.

To learn more about the College of Professional Studies, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu.

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.

College of Professional Studies to Honor Women of the University Community Sept. 29

History provides copious examples of women supporting women. This fall, Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies will honor a campus organization that has spent 94 years doing exactly that.                    

On Thursday, Sept. 29, Dean Michael Frasciello will present the Women of the University Community (WUC) with the Dean’s Lifetime Ambassador Award at the college’s Alumni Luncheon as part of Orange Central. The Lifetime Ambassador Award is the highest recognition bestowed on alumni and organizations annually for their support of the college and its students.

In 1927, some 57 years after the founding of Syracuse University, a group of formidable females formed WUC to provide friendship and fellowship among its members.

Fast forward 42 years to 1969 when the organization began holding fundraisers to assist women pursuing their education at Syracuse. WUC established three scholarships to support women who attend Syracuse University: the Ruth Tolley Award, presented through the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics; the Mildred Eggers Award presented through the College of Professional Studies; and the Beverly Whaley Award presented through the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

More than $200,000 has been distributed over the last 50 years, with future support continuing through these endowed scholarships. “We are immensely 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.

The Mildred Eggers Award was established in honor of the wife of the late Chancellor Melvin A. Eggers in gratitude for her generous support of WUC. The award is presented to women studying part-time through the College of Professional Studies 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.

In the coming months, look for details about the Sept. 29 luncheon, to be held noon to 2 p.m. at Drumlins Country Club, as well as more about the history and significant contributions of this impactful organization that has supported women for nearly a century.

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies Honors Class of 2022

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the Class of 2022 on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Hendricks Chapel. Twelve students were individually recognized for completing a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree alongside 26 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree candidates who studied part-time at Syracuse through other schools and colleges on campus.

Dean Michael Frasciello began the night applauding the graduating class for their high achievements. Keynote speaker Siddhartha Bhattacharya, associate vice president of marketing and communications at Syracuse University, spoke about the wisdom adult learners bring to the classroom.  

Syracuse University Chancellor and President Kent Syverud was in attendance to hear student, Victoria Baratta, a U.S. Army veteran, speak about how she earned her degree while working full-time as one of the first Black female police officers in the Syracuse Police Department. Chancellor Syverud recounted Barrata’s story on Sunday at the Syracuse University 2022 Commencement at the stadium, earning Barrata a standing ovation from the crowd, as her degree marked the completion of a 20-year journey.

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

Jonah Fugo
Online Success Advisor, College of Professional Studies

Staff Service Award

Daniel J. French
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Office of University Counsel

Faculty Excellence Award

Patrick J. Neary
Instructor, Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program

Online Teaching Award

Susan M. Conklin
Instructor, Bachelor of Professional Studies Program

University Holds First Post-traditional Alumni Event in Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital was the setting on April 26 for the first-ever networking reception for alumni and students from Syracuse University. Planning for the event was led by the College of Professional Studies.

“As the University has significantly expanded its commitment to access for learners, we were energized to greet our alumni in Washington, D.C. and share updates on how the college and Syracuse University Global are now positioned to provide global access and transformative educational opportunities,” says Michael Frasciello, Ph.D., dean of the College of Professional Studies.

More than 160 people registered to attend the evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Mayflower Hotel. The reception was a joint 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 D.C.

J. Michael Haynie, Ph.D., Syracuse University’s vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, opened the program with brief remarks about the university’s presence in Washington, D.C. and its commitment to members of the military.

Dean Frasciello followed with comments about the College of Professional Studies and the Syracuse University Global initiative, and then introduced the evening’s special guest, former NASA administrator and University Professor Sean O’Keefe, who attended Syracuse University and has taught many post-traditional students. He currently holds the Howard G. and S. Louise Phanstiel Chair in Leadership at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; serves as distinguished senior advisor for the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and is senior research associate at the Campbell Public Affairs Institute.

There are more than 341,000 Syracuse University post-traditional alumni, with over 7,000 students and alumni residing in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Engagement with these important members of the Orange family will continue, with plans to visit New York City, Los Angeles and other cities where the Syracuse University presence is strong.

“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 University affiliation, as well as the plans to expand the experiences they had as students to a global community.”

For questions or more information, contact Comanici at jjcomani@syr.edu or 315.443.1409.