News

Mirza Tihic Co-authors Article “The emergence and impact of the military veteran entrepreneurship industry”

Mirza Tihic, assistant teaching professor at the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, co-authored the article “The emergence and impact of the military veteran entrepreneurship industry” with Adam Pritchard and Alexander McKelvie. The article was published by Small Business Economics: An Entrepreneurship Journal.

Abstract:

“In the past decade, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Industry (VEI) has seen a remarkable expansion in the U.S., yet its effectiveness remains largely unexplored. Utilizing data from the National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs with 2222 respondents, we delve into the effectiveness of VEI and the general Entrepreneurship Industry (EI) to address veteran-specific challenges of military veteran entrepreneurs. Building on cultural and social support theories, we broaden the existing literature on EI by focusing on the specific subset of military veteran entrepreneurs. We propose an outcome-based model to measure the impact of EI on this group, emphasizing factors such as a sense of belonging, sense of purpose, transition difficulties and social capital, thereby extending the potential benefits of EI. We find a mixed impact of VEI and EI on these key outcomes, suggesting a nuanced and equivocal role of the entrepreneurship industry on military-affiliated entrepreneurs. We highlight policy implications to better serve the diverse veteran population.”

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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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College of Professional Studies Leads the Way for Military-Connected Student Support

For three consecutive years, the College of Professional Studies is leading Syracuse University’s support for veterans and military-connected students. 

As of fall 2025, 19% of all currently serving military students attending Syracuse University are enrolled in College of Professional Studies degree programs. Currently serving military students are service members on active duty, National Guard or reserve status. This leadership is driven by the College of Professional Studies’ innovative and progressive work to standardize the University’s Military Credit Evaluation, which evaluates military technical training and professional military education for academic credit.

“Bachelor of Professional Studies degrees are designed specifically for individuals like currently serving members of the armed forces juggling service obligations and life responsibilities with their educational goals,” says Michael Frasciello, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “We offer an accessible combination of flexibility, applied and focused career preparation, progressive credit transfer [up to 90 credits], and recognition of military experience and training.”

Currently serving military students admitted to the College of Professional Studies’ BPS programs are being recommended and awarded an average of 30 equivalency credits for their military technical training and professional military education.

Diverse Support for Military-Connected Students:

The College of Professional Studies supports 33% of all military-connected students at Syracuse University, including active duty, veterans, and military dependents.

Under our nationally recognized Military Advising Model, the College of Professional Studies has achieved skyrocketing persistence and graduation rates.

Persistence Rate

  • College of Professional Studies: 93%
  • National Average: 45%

Graduation Rate

  • College of Professional Studies: 70%
  • National Average: 20%

“Our ability to successfully support one-third of the University’s military-connected students is only possible because of our advisors who are specifically trained to understand the unique challenges military-connected students face,” says Liz Green, executive director of the student experience for Online Student Success. “This success starts with a recognition that military-connected students are non-traditional, adult learners with distinct needs.”

The College provides holistic support that proactively addresses academic, administrative, and military service-related challenges, such as deployment interruptions, VA benefits navigation, credit transfer from military training, and work-life-study balance, in an integrated way.

Coupled with its national ranking as the #3 Best Online Bachelors Programs for Veterans among private universities, the College of Professional Studies is in the vanguard of Syracuse University’s commitment to being the Best Place for Veterans.

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