Syracuse University ranks No. 3 in Best for Veterans for Online Bachelor’s Programs of private universities for three consecutive years, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 Best Online Programs rankings.
Syracuse University additionally ranked No. 7 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs of private universities, and the AACSB-accredited business management degree, a partnership between the College of Professional Studies and the Whitman School of Management, ranked No. 1 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of private universities.
“The rankings are a testament to the excellence of the College of Professional Studies staff and faculty – of consistently and without fail delivering online programs of exceedingly high quality with a differentiated level of student support,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Our third consecutive year ranked No. 3 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans of private universities similarly demonstrates our unwavering commitment to establishing Syracuse University as an unrivaled ‘best place’ for veterans and military-connected students.”
These rankings are attributed to Syracuse University’s innovative degree and certificate programs developed for online learning by best-in-class faculty and instructional design and course development teams.
The College of Professional Studies is raising the bar for what it means to be an online learner by prioritizing student success through high-touch admissions, advising, and financial aid counseling. Students gain the prestige and rigor of earning a degree from a top-tier R1 research institution with flexible, part-time online programs taught by Syracuse University faculty.
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.
United States Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Greg BairdNew York Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Amanda Kreisel United States Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Sean Lawless
Serving in the military offers a unique benefit: the opportunity to earn a degree for free.
Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies makes it easier than ever to utilize this opportunity, offering flexible programs designed for military service members to study online or in person. Whether you’re approaching the end of your military career or just beginning, the College of Professional Studies academic team understands the unique challenges of military life and celebrates the strengths and skills military students bring to the classroom.
New York Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Amanda Kreisel is using those skills, and gaining even more, to get ahead as an officer and in civilian life by earning a bachelor’s in cybersecurity administration.
“I have found the program very rewarding. I appreciate the flexibility that Syracuse has while I attend full-time,” Amanda says. “When I have had to travel for the military, each professor has made sure I had everything I need when I couldn’t always be in class.”
Securing a Future
United States Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Sean Lawless and Senior Master Sergeant Greg Baird have also found reassurance and inspiration in the College of Professional Studies’ flexible online and in person programs.
Their military training has empowered them to excel in academia by honing skills such as time management, leadership, and problem-solving. For Sean, earning his master’s in project management and information technology has allowed him to focus on how to transition his career after his time in the military.
“I have a seven- and eight-year-old. I need to make sure that their future is secure by securing my future post-military,” Sean says. “With the flexibility that Syracuse University provides, I recommend not waiting.”
For Greg, a bachelor’s in cybersecurity administration allows him to apply his communication skills both personally and professionally as a volunteer fireman, hobby farmer, and full time as Chief of Plans and Resources for IT at the 174th Attack Wing – Communications Squadron.
“My advice to any young military members that are looking to get into the tuition assistance program – the sooner, the better,” Greg says.
Flexible Pathways for Military Students
The College of Professional Studies prioritizes student success. From inquiry to graduation, the team provides proactive support to meet each student’s specific needs.
The flexible pathways at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies enables military students to excel, with resilience, adaptability, and focus driving their success throughout the programs.
“I know many people can find the college admission process rather daunting, but the College of Professional Studies made it very quick and easy,” Amanda says.
The University offers flexible study options, including online and in-person courses, and allows the transfer of up to 90 credits. The College of Professional Studies’ 8-week course sessions are designed to accommodate schedules, with multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their studies when it fits best. For those with prior college credits or military experience, the University assists in transferring credits, helping students fast-track their degrees and save both time and money.
The College of Professional Studies announces the appointment of John Robinson ’90, P’25 as a professor of practice in the Office of Microcredentials. This position is made possible by a generous gift from the Einhorn Family Fund for Disability Entrepreneurship, founded by Syracuse University Trustee Steven L. Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92 and his wife, Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92.
Robinson will help coordinate and scale the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities, while also serving as a member of its instructional team. The workshop is a non-credit microcredential program designed to empower people with disabilities to either become entrepreneurs or to be better prepared for employment.
Additionally, Robinson will collaborate with the University in developing and offering non-credit microcredentials aimed at educating potential employers on appropriate work environments and accommodations for employees with disabilities.
Through the College of Professional Studies, Robinson will assist the University in the development of funding for the continued offerings of these microcredentials.
“Syracuse University aims to become a global leader in the research and application of advanced technologies that can dismantle the professional boundaries and barriers experienced by people with disabilities,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Microcredentials. “John’s experience and background are essential to achieving that goal.”
Creating Pathways for Accessible Education
Sherry Einhorn ’65, P’92 and Steven L. Einhorn ’64, ’67, P’92
A trailblazer in the architecture and entrepreneur industry, Steve Einhorn is dedicated to creating a more accessible campus. Previously, the family has supported the School of Architecture and made a naming gift to create the Einhorn Family Walk, which forever changed the footprint of Syracuse University. This latest gift builds on the Einhorn’s commitment to accessibility, which includes accessible online learning.
“The values that fuel this mission are baked into my DNA as an architect. As a trustee, we want to create a campus welcoming to all,” Einhorn says. “Syracuse is flourishing with entrepreneurial opportunities, and we need to create more space for the disability community.”
Einhorn says the Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities provides space to thoughtfully merge technology and AI with the curriculum. Additionally, the program creates opportunities for people with disabilities in the entrepreneur industry as well as potential partnerships throughout the local community.
“This is an educational opportunity to sharpen the skillsets for business development and produce more mentors. It is an honor to be a part of this initiative,” says Einhorn.
The Workshop in Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities is part of Syracuse’s Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program, a pilot program that started two years ago and was originally funded through the support of New York State Senator John Mannion. The program has received additional state funding for the 2024-25 academic year.
“We are deeply grateful to the Einhorn family for making John’s position possible, and to Senator Mannion for his ongoing support of inclusive education at Syracuse,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Together, we are creating more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to realize their potential.”
About John Robinson
Robinson holds a B.S. in Project Management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and an M.A. in Disability Studies from the CUNY School of Professional Studies.
Robinson serves as the CEO for Our Ability, Inc., a disability-owned platform dedicated to building employment opportunities for people with disabilities through technology. In 2015, Our Ability, Inc. was presented with the Business Excellence Award in Small Business by the New York Small Business Development Corp and was also recognized in 2023 by the Zero Project as an Innovative Solution.
In 2013, Robinson was named one of the ten White House Champions of Change for Disability Employment. Moreover, Robinson was presented with the Chamber Champion Award in 2023 in recognition of actions that have advanced the mission of the Capital Region (NY) Chamber.
Robinson is the author of the autobiography, Get Off Your Knees: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Determination, which reflects on his life as a quadruple amputee and the journey to his success. The book was adapted into a public television documentary titled Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story by WMHT.
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 Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University
Orange isn’t just our color. It’s our promise to leave the world better than we found it. Forever Orange: The Campaign for Syracuse University is poised to do just that. Fueled by more than 150 years of fearless firsts, together we can enhance academic excellence, transform the student experience and expand unique opportunities for learning and growth. Forever Orange endeavors to raise $1.5 billion in philanthropic support, inspire 125,000 individual donors to participate in the campaign, and actively engage one in five alumni in the life of the University. Now is the time to show the world what Orange can do. Visit foreverorange.syr.edu to learn more.
When it comes to providing educational access to military-connected students, the mission comes from the heart for Liz Green, executive director of the student experience at the College of Professional Studies.
Air Force 2nd Lt. Green is currently serving as a public affairs officer with the New York Air National Guard in the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field in Syracuse.
Green recently completed the Public Affairs Communication and Strategy Qualification (PACS-Q), a Department of Defense course at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Fort Meade. The PACS-Q program includes six months of intense distance learning followed by a two-week capstone residency at Fort Meade.
In addition to graduating the program with academic honors, Green received the Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Brus Award for her overall achievements in a cohort of 77 public affairs officers and communication strategists. The award is the highest honor conferred on a graduating public affairs officer who demonstrates an unrivaled positive attitude, steadfast motivation, team building, and unwavering professionalism.
“The College of Professional Studies is the most mission-driven and service-focused college within Syracuse University,” says Air Force veteran, dean Michael Frasciello. “Throughout our history, we have been a place where veterans and currently serving military can excel and serve out of uniform. Liz is continuing that tradition of excellence and leadership at the College and within the University.”
Green’s service to military students dates back to February 2022 when she began advising members of the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base. The mission and community inspired Green to join the New York Air National Guard. Her service in the military and higher education have serendipitously evolved into missions that complement each other.
“Completing PACS-Q at DINFOS was a career and life highlight for me,” says Green. “I am grateful for this unique opportunity to both serve my country while continuing to serve military students through their educational pathways at Syracuse University.”
Austin Zwick, assistant teaching professor and program director of the B.P.S. in Policy Studies program at the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, co-authored the paper “Levelling Up Innovation in Local Government: An Evaluation of International Smart City Competitions” with Zachary Spicer, an associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at York University, and Aaron Eben, an undergraduate student in the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University. The article was published by the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance.
Abstract:
With rapid advancements in technology around the globe, all orders of governments are trying to spur modernization, digitalization, and innovation in local governance structures and service delivery. This process is known widely as “smart city” design. To encourage municipal governments to implement these new tools, some national governments hold incentive-based competitions.
In a new paper for the Institute on Municipal Finance and Governance, Austin Zwick, Zachary Spicer, and Aaron Eben ask whether the smart cities competition model is a good way to further the adoption of technology in cities. Using case studies from the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Canada, they find that these competitions helped generate new ways of thinking about technological solutions and supported the building of new relationships to address urban challenges for winners and non-winners alike. However, in terms of institutional and system change outcomes, the results of these competitions were more limited. The authors conclude by making policy recommendations on how to improve the future implementation of smart city competitions.
When it comes to providing educational access to military-connected students, the mission comes from the heart for Liz Green, executive director of the student experience at the College of Professional Studies.