Students

10 Powerful Reasons to Earn a Project Management Certificate

Pursuing further education is a personal and professional decision, and for those already navigating a career, finding the right path can be both exciting and challenging. The College of Professional Studies’ online certificate of advanced studies (C.A.S.) in project management offers the flexibility to learn at your own pace, gain valuable skills from anywhere, and enhance your career prospects without disrupting your current lifestyle.

For Ashley Barletta, the decision to pursue a Project Management (C.A.S.) was driven by a desire to build on existing knowledge and skillsets while maintaining flexibility in her busy life. In this Q&A, we dive into the experience of earning a Project Management C.A.S., exploring the inspiration behind choosing a certificate over a degree, the skills gained, and how the program has impacted both Barletta’s career confidence and leadership abilities.

The workload and intensity of this program are in line with my expectations for a graduate program. Asynchronous work along with virtually meeting once a week is the perfect mix of collaborative and individualized learning that fits within my current work schedule and personal life. The course load and expectations are very similar to other online courses I have taken.

Getting a sense of the broad project management process has been the most valuable aspect of this program so far. There are so many intricacies associated with project management that don’t get covered in traditional job setting, so these courses are helping provide the foundation of what it truly means to manage a project.

Project management comes in many forms and the skills learned in this program have so many implications in my everyday work. I find myself being more mindful of the project planning process, assessing aspects like scope, key stakeholders and communications plans, which are integral parts of keeping a project running smoothly and on course.

Although I haven’t personally explored new software yet, I am learning about new templates and procedures to utilize when managing projects that I’ve never encountered before. Work breakdown structure? No problem. This skill is extremely helpful when outlining project activities and critical pathways that I can leverage in future projects.

I feel that this certificate has enhanced my leadership skills and confidence in the workplace. I feel more prepared to step up and take the lead on new or existing initiatives based on the learnings and knowledge gained from these courses. Learning about the fundamental principles of project management have shown me how crucial critical steps like planning, communicating and time management are to the success of a project.

The most challenging aspect of this certificate was the learning curve related to new terminology and processes associated with project management. There are many processes that we might utilize when handling a project, but there are so many steps to take and reasons for why something needs to be done within the project management landscape. It has been so interesting to discuss topics like risk assessment, the project lifecycle, stakeholder management and different project management approaches – most of which I had never studied before.

This program is so flexible! It fits into my lifestyle, both professionally and personally due to its modular and asynchronous nature. Working on projects and homework throughout the week, paired with a weekly virtual session with classmates and our professor, is a great way to learn and engage even with a busy life. I truly enjoy the flexible nature of the program and appreciate that it accommodates working professionals who want to continue or broaden their education in a new field.

I believe that this certificate will benefit me in many ways. Not only am I gaining skills that can be applied to any job or field, but I feel more marketable and well-rounded. Adding this certificate to my resume with be a great talking point when it comes to networking, elevating work in my current role or even new career opportunities down the road.

I would absolutely recommend this certificate—there are truly no drawbacks to this 5-course program. Through these compact yet jam-packed courses, you are able to learn so much in a short amount of time. The benefits of learning project management skills will undoubtedly make me a better worker, planner, and leader.

Ready to advance your career? Our project management degrees, certificates, and minors equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead successful projects. Whether you’re aiming for leadership or enhancing your expertise, our programs prepare you to drive innovation, solve complex challenges, and lead teams to success. Learn more today!

Project Management Programs

How an Online Project Management Degree Boosts Career Flexibility and Growth

Embarking on a project management degree is an exciting and rewarding journey, especially when pursued in an online format that provides flexibility and independence. Whether balancing work, personal interests, or professional responsibilities, online learning offers unique opportunities to tailor education to fit a busy lifestyle.

In this Q&A, we explore Kaija Dockter’s experiences and perspectives from the Project Management M.P.S. program. Learn how flexibility, collaboration, and real-world applications make online learning both practical and inspiring

As a full-time Special Event Coordinator at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, my schedule doesn’t align with the typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. class times, and I often work at events during evenings and weekends. On a personal note, I have a passion for traveling, and the ability to study from anywhere with an internet connection allows me to explore new places without sacrificing my academic goals. Online learning provides me with the flexibility to study during unconventional hours and from various locations.

I aim to build upon the solid foundation I have in events, which are essentially large projects, and expand my transferable skills. After learning key theories in hospitality management during my undergraduate program and having a few years of experience in the industry, I appreciate the applied focus of this master’s program. Learning to use various project management tools and gaining hands-on practice through assignments has been particularly beneficial. Specifically, the Global Projects and Virtual Project Management class would prepare me to work with international companies and potentially open doors to living abroad—both paths I have been eager to explore.

At the start of each week, I write in my planner all the meetings, appointments, and personal obligations that occur at specific times. Then, I add my class assignments and professional tasks, being cognizant to balance the overall workload for each day.

I now approach everyday tasks through the lens of the project management life cycle. Whether I’m planning my wedding and developing contingency plans for inclement weather, listening to László in The Brutalist discuss the construction schedule for his architectural project, or hearing a podcast explain how the creative advancements in technology stemmed from working with limited resources, I see parallels to project management in nearly every aspect of life.

In group projects, I’ve found that creating a group text is the most effective way to keep everyone updated on progress and help with accountability. Since not everyone responds promptly to emails, text messaging provides a more accessible and immediate way to communicate.

My advisor has been very supportive during the early stages of this online program! He quickly familiarized me with the online platforms and is always accessible via email or virtual meetings.

Learning best practices in project management has not only strengthened my skills but also introduced me to new frameworks that I’ve already applied in my current role. I now have a deeper understanding of the different types of projects and the various stages of a project’s life cycle, from initiation to closure. As I look forward to completing this degree and potentially earning a certificate from the Project Management Institute, I’m confident that I’ll be able to diversify my career options, whether continuing within the hospitality industry or exploring new fields.

The quality of engagement in online courses depends entirely on your personal contributions. To build relationships with classmates and instructors and to deepen your understanding of the content, you must actively participate in discussion boards and weekly Zoom sessions. It may be cliché, but you really get out of the experience what you put into it.

Schedule an in-person or virtual coffee chat with a current student or recent alum from the program! Speaking with someone who has firsthand experience gave me valuable insights into the application process, course content, program structure, and post-graduation opportunities.

Ready to build the career you’ve always dreamed of? Our Project Management degrees, certificates, and minors offer you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead successful projects in today’s dynamic business environment. Whether you’re aiming for a managerial role or looking to enhance your expertise, our programs empower you to tackle complex challenges, drive innovation, and lead teams toward project success.

Don’t wait to lead. Apply now and start making an impact!

Project Management Programs

From Boots to Books: Three National Guard Students Use Military Skills to Earn Degrees While Serving 

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United States Air National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Greg Baird
New 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.  

To learn more about tuition assistance at the College of Professional Studies, visit nationalguard.professionalstudies.syracuse.edu.  

 

English Language Institute Student Reaches for the Stars

Kazuma Nagao visits the Kennedy Space Center.

Although Japanese student Kazuma Nagao had never been to the United States, he knew that studying abroad to learn English would help him inch closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming an astronaut. He had no idea, though, that this chance would bring him into contact with NASA astronauts and a community that supported his dream.

Nagao, an aerospace engineering major concentrating in fluid dynamics at Tokai University, seized the opportunity to study overseas at the English Language Institute (ELI) at Syracuse University. The 30-year partnership allows students in Japan to take part in the rigorous language learning program, studying English textually and orally five days a week. Nagao credits the ELI with giving him not only improved English skills, but also strong friendships and a new outlook on his career goals.

In this Q&A with Nagao, learn more about his experience at the ELI, the connections he made, and his favorite moments during his time at Syracuse University.

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Syracuse University Graduate Tells Stories With Vintage Clothes at the Black Citizens Brigade

Cjala Surratt ’22 in her shop, Black Citizens Brigade. / Hope Alvarez

On a recent trip to visit extended family, Cjala Surratt ’22, Syracuse University alumna and founder of the Black Citizens Brigade, was presented with a gift– her late grandmother’s boiler room jacket. Surratt’s grandmother had been a ship-fitter in Norfolk, Virginia, and the clothing item had been a welcome surprise for Surratt, a vintage clothing fanatic.

Even more surprising than the jacket, however, was the history behind the woman who wore it. “Did you know she was the first Black female union leader for the shipyard?” a relative asked Surratt during her visit. Surratt’s grandmother, who had stepped up to do the job no one else wanted, had been trailed by a security detail at the time, as the owners of the commercial port were against unionization.

“I was like, wait, what?” says Surratt. “This is exactly what I mean– that clothes can be the prompt for these broader stories.”

For Suratt, clothes have always been a conduit for storytelling. Following her graduation from Syracuse University and ten subsequent years spent as the Director of Marketing for Light Work, the University’s nonprofit photography studio, Suratt opened the Black Citizens Brigade, a downtown storefront dedicated to amplifying Black history through clothes, books, and art.

“For Black and brown people, or those who’ve historically experienced economic disparity, upcycling has always been an economic imperative,” says Surratt. “I think I’m part of continuing that legacy.”

Surratt’s grandmother’s jacket is displayed at the Black Citizens Brigade. / Hope Alvarez

Legacy is the through line of Surratt’s work. Her love of vintage clothing came from growing up in a family of seamstresses, milliners, and creatives. During the early days of COVID-19, Surratt and her daughter would peruse the racks of Goodwill, one of the few businesses open at the time. With many elders being pushed into nursing homes, the pandemic made thrift stores abundant with discarded clothes from families cleaning out their parents’ closets, says Surratt.

Once her home began overflowing with garments from thrifting trips, she decided it was time to finally take the leap and pursue establishing her own shop. After months of working with the Syracuse Downtown Committee, scouring listings for vacant storefronts, and organizing her collection, Surratt opened the Black Citizens Brigade in June of 2023 and has been providing downtown Syracuse with an eclectic mix of clothing, culture, and community ever since.     

Today, Black Citizens Brigade sells hard-to-find items that center on Black history, specializing in clothes from the 1950s-1980s, along with vintage books, magazines, and records. The time period of the clothes is an ode to Surratt’s fascination with the aesthetics of that time, while the book selections represent her commitment to education. 

“The clothes and the books are prompts for larger conversations about race, culture, history, and gender,” says Surratt. “And so, the books all center on Black community, Black history, Black culture.”

Surratt’s blending of learning through culture stretches back to her time at Syracuse University, where she studied Stage Theatre through the College of Visual and Performing Arts and minored in Cultural Anthropology and Psychology. Later on, she came back as a continuing education student to finish credits part-time through the College of Professional Studies. She credits specific parts of her education, such as doing character studies that involved thinking about the history of trends, as helping her in her current career.

“The common thread is understanding people– a desire to know why people arrive at the choices they make, and also a deep curiosity about culture and community,” she says.

Since its opening, Black Citizens Brigade has Surratt’s community to thank for the store’s success. She’s leveraged her upbringing in Syracuse and attendance and former job at the University to bring more attention to her space.

Downtown, where businesses founded by BIPOC owners statistically don’t last as long as businesses with white business owners, is where the physical storefront is located, Surratt says. However, Surratt knows that being a visible part of the community beyond the brick-and-mortar is crucial, as it shares the message that Black and brown businesses are here to stay.

“We’re at a very pivotal time in our city to bring the message,” says Surratt.

Looking forward, Surratt hopes to expand her storefront and host interactive events, such as poetry workshops and listening sessions. In her store lined with archival photos of Black domestic life, Surratt is aiming to cultivate a feeling of homecoming for all who enter.

“I want it to feel like you’re coming into a Black family photo album.”

Items available at the Black Citizens Brigade / Hope Alvarez

By Isabel Bekele