College of Professional Studies

Boost Your Resume: 5 Online Minors That Employers Love

Want to stand out after graduation?

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies offers five 100% online minors. These online programs add specialized skills to any education path. 

In this guide, you will discover each minor, required courses, career benefits, and next steps to apply today. 

Admission requirements vary for each minor program. Be sure to consult the official program pages for detailed eligibility criteria and application guidelines.

1. AI Business Applications Minor (18 Credits)

Master the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and business systems. This minor teaches you how AI is transforming productivity, efficiency, and innovation across every industry.

You’ll learn to

  • Apply AI tools and techniques to real business scenarios
  • Analyze how AI impacts organizational efficiency and innovation
  • Design effective AI solutions that turn complex data into insights

Course overview

  • AIA 210 –  Foundations of Digital Automation 
  • AIA 216 – AI Automation Strategies 
  • AIA 316 – AI Semantic Data Storage and Integration
  • AIA 346 – AI Applications and Solution Delivery 
  • AIA 426 – Applied AI in Business Systems
  • AIA 430 – Generative AI in Digital Automation 

Why choose this minor? AI skills are in massive demand across all sectors. Whether you’re majoring in marketing, finance, healthcare, or engineering, this minor guarantees a competitive edge in the workforce.

2. Applied Digital Automation Minor (18 Credits)

Dive deep into how digital technologies are revolutionizing traditional automation processes. This minor covers everything from predictive analytics to IIOT data management.

You’ll learn to

  • Understand digital automation processes, tools, and techniques
  • Apply cutting-edge technologies in industrial scenarios
  • Analyze future trends shaping the automation landscape

Course overview

  • AIA 210 – Foundations of Digital Automation
  • AIA 328 – Predictive Analytics for Digital Automation 
  • AIA 330 – Applications and Dashboards in Digital Automation
  • AIA 340 –  Process Reengineering using Digital Automation 
  • AIA 427 – Sensor and IoT Data in Digital Automation
  • AIA 430 – Generative AI in Digital Automation

Why choose this minor? Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tech companies are in immediate need of professionals who understand automation. This minor positions you for roles in operations, technology, and innovation.

3. Cannabis Studies Minor (18 Credits)

Get comprehensive knowledge of one of the fastest-growing industries in America. This interdisciplinary minor covers law, science, business, and cultivation in the cannabis industry.

You’ll learn to

  • Identify differences between marijuana and hemp products
  • Navigate legal and regulatory frameworks
  • Learn the science behind cannabis and its health applications
  • Understand cultivation, manufacturing, and business operations

Course overview

  • CAN 301 – Cannabis Business Operations   
  • CAN 310 – Cannabis Start-ups   
  • CAN 315 – Cannabis Law, Policy, and Social Justice   
  • CAN 320 – Cannabis Science and Health   
  • CAN 325 – Cannabis Cultivation   
  • CAN 330 – Cannabis Manufacturing, Processing & Distribution 

Why choose this minor? New York’s cannabis legalization is creating thousands of jobs. This minor positions you for careers in healthcare, agriculture, policy, compliance, business operations, or legal sectors within this growing industry.

4. Organizational Development and Leadership Minor (18 Credits)

Build the critical skills that every leader needs. This minor combines theory and practice in organizational leadership, change management, strategic thinking, and professional relationship building.

You’ll learn to

  • Develop skills to cultivate professional relationships
  • Cultivate strong conflict resolution skills in the workplace
  • Apply strategic thinking for professional problem-solving and decision-making

Course Overview

  • ODL 301 – Analysis and Decision Models for Leaders
  • ODL 372 – Organizational Leadership
  • Elective courses (12 credits)
    • Choose four additional classes from available ODL offerings

Why choose this minor? Leadership skills translate to every career path. Whether you’re heading business, nonprofit work, healthcare, technology, or any other field, this minor prepares you for management and leadership roles.

5. Project Management Minor (18 Credits)

Learn to lead projects from start to finish. This interdisciplinary minor covers project organization, methodologies, controls, communications, and stakeholder management.

You’ll learn to

  • Master traditional and emerging project management methods
  • Launch and successfully complete projects on time and on budget
  • Manage large-scale, global team-based projects 

Required courses

  • PPM 301 – Foundations of Project Management
  • PPM 310 – Project Organization and Leadership
  • PPM 315 – Project Management Methodologies
  • PPM 320 – Project Controls
  • PPM 325 – Project Communications and Stakeholder Management
  • PPM 411 – Project Management Capstone

Why choose this minor? Project management skills are valuable across all industries. From healthcare to financial institutions, experienced project managers are always in demand. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your major is just the beginning. At Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies, these online minors allow you to stand out in the evolving job market. 

Explore our programs today and take the next step in your career journey.

Explore Syracuse’s Online Policy Studies Program: Real Research, Real Impact

In an era defined by rapid change and complex challenges, the ability to shape effective public policy reflects a deep commitment to public service. Syracuse University’s online policy studies degree offers a transformative path for students who want to make a meaningful impact in government, nonprofits, and beyond.

Designed for flexibility and relevance, this fully online undergraduate program empowers learners to analyze, design, and implement policies that address real-world issues, from housing and healthcare to education and environmental justice.

Real Research, Real Impact: A Glimpse into the Classroom

What sets this program apart isn’t just the curriculum, it’s the caliber of faculty leading it. Austin Zwick, Ph.D., policy studies program director, recent research published in SAGE Journals asks “Does variation in the size of communities influence the ambition of their smart city plans?”

This kind of work isn’t just academic, it’s actionable. Students in the policy studies program engage with the same tools and frameworks used by professionals in the field, learning how to turn research into results.

Hear directly from Professor Zwick in this video where he shares insights into his research, the evolving landscape of policy studies, and what students can expect from the program. It offers a glimpse into the insightful academic engagement that defines the Syracuse University experience.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Examine how public policy is implemented.
  • Develop research and problem-solving skills to create government policies that address current social and economic problems facing the United States.
  • Explore an expertise in a policy area of your choice that provides a broad range of scholarly and professional perspectives.
  • Gain an understanding of collecting and synthesizing information in a variety of ways using quantitative research and analysis techniques.
  • Analyze important political science concepts and the basics of political argumentation and reasoning.
  • Develop competencies in the application of social science methods to public policy problems.

With six start dates per year and the ability to transfer up to 90 credits, this program is built for learners who want flexibility without compromising academic rigor.

Your Moment to Make a Difference Begins Now

If you’re passionate about solving problems and shaping the future, Syracuse University’s online policy studies degree is your path to making a difference. With expert faculty, cutting-edge research, and a curriculum rooted in impact, you’ll graduate ready to lead with insight and integrity.

Explore the program and apply today.

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies Honors Class of 2025

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the class of 2025 on Thursday, May 8, at its 77th annual Convocation Ceremony. In total, 182 students were recognized for completing their program of study in 2025, representing seven schools and colleges within the University.

Dean Michael Frasciello congratulated the graduating class and honored the families earning their degrees and certificates. Hand in hand with their children, graduates walked across the stage. A powerful and uplifting moment that reminded the audience that no obstacle is too great and that with determination and heart, anything is possible.

B.P.S. graduate Catherine Ancillotti, motivated the class of 2025 and reflected on her ten-year journey during her student speech.

“I stand before you, having attended three colleges, completed 50 courses, attended over 200 live Zoom sessions, and spent thousands of hours studying. I finally made it to the end,” Ancillotti said. “No matter what the future holds for you, persevere through the tough times and believe in yourself. You’ve got this!”

To view the live streamed convocation ceremony, visit go.syr.edu/uc/convocation2025.

College Marshal

Robert Louis Salvato

Student Speaker

Catherine Ancillotti

Student Recognition

Nancy C. Gelling Award

Recognition of the Part-time commuter student with the highest grade point average

Samantha Anne Bonocora

Diane M. Malikow

Alumni Scholars

Members of the Class of 2025 with the highest grade point averages

Kathleen Brody

Alexander Lee Cook

Guy Mitchell George

Jvne Melendez

Samantha Marie Mills

Matthew Joseph Pallotta

Jennette Lee Peters

Troy Charles Quinn

Robert Louis Salvato

Eric Tremblay

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

Anne Collins

Senior Functional Business Analyst | Bursar & Registration

Faculty Excellence Award

Karen deJarnette

Bachelor of Professional Studies Instructor

Syracuse University Ranked No. 3 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans of Private Universities for Three Consecutive Years

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.

To learn more about continuing online education, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu.

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. 

College of Professional Studies Programs Provides Faculty and Staff Opportunities to Use Remitted Tuition

The remitted tuition benefit offers eligible employees the opportunity to have tuition charges covered for undergraduate and graduate classes at the University. If you’re thinking about using remitted tuition, consider enrolling in one of the in-demand programs offered through the College of Professional Studies.

Ranked No. 5 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs of private universities, the College of Professional Studies programs are designed to be career-focused and boost professional competencies and skills.

Deanna Grannis, project director in the Division of Marketing, is utilizing the remitted tuition benefit to participate in the master of professional studies (M.P.S.) in project management online program. Grannis discovered the project management M.P.S. degree when she received a postcard introducing the program.

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