Bachelor of Professional Studies

College of Professional Studies Announces Bachelor of Professional Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies

The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University announces its most flexible degree program, a bachelor of professional studies (B.P.S.) in interdisciplinary studies.

The fully online B.P.S. in interdisciplinary studies is designed to combine knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines, allowing students to gain a well-rounded education and develop a diverse skill set. This program offers a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning through eight-week courses for part-time learners with busy schedules aiming to develop their professional competency and practical skills.

“The B.P.S. in interdisciplinary studies is a unique program which allows students to combine career tracks in three different market-sensitive fields,” says Ryan Williams, associate dean of the College of Professional Studies. “This flexible approach builds on students’ varied interests and aims to prepare them for an increasingly interconnected workplace.” 

A Personalized Educational Journey

With six start dates a year, the 120-credit undergraduate degree is fully online and offers students an immersive online classroom experience that is highly customizable, enabling students to tailor their educational experience to align with their specific interests, career goals, and strengths.

The interdisciplinary studies degree will prepare students to tackle complex issues that cannot be solved using knowledge from a single field alone. Interdisciplinary studies students will develop knowledge and skills in a wide range of competencies and cognitive skills in three of the following disciplines:

  • Cannabis Studies
  • Computer Programming
  • Creative Leadership
  • Cybersecurity Administration
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Knowledge Management
  • Project Management

Start Now Grant

The B.P.S. in interdisciplinary studies is eligible for the College of Professional Studies Start Now Grant.

Students that apply and get admitted in the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters are eligible to receive the Start Now Grant, which gives students $200 off their first 15 credits in an online undergraduate degree or certificate, an opportunity to save up to $3,000.

For more information, visit https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/academics/online/interdisciplinary-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.

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.

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.