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.
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 continues to demonstrate its national leadership role as the best university for veterans and military-connected students with a first-of-its-kind degree completion partnership with the United States Army Warrant Officer Career College.
Under the first-of-its-kind agreement, Syracuse University will award 51 course credits to Warrant Officer candidates and Senior Warrant Officers completing programs of instruction at the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC). The agreement is designed to assist participating Soldiers in obtaining one or more of the following undergraduate degrees through the College of Professional Studies: Business Management, Creative Leadership, Knowledge Management, and Policy Studies.
“This partnership agreement dramatically expands access to Syracuse University for active duty, guard and reserve Warrant Officers who have or will complete Warrant Officer Career College,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Our commitment to providing flexible and progressive pathways for military-connected students immediately extends to the approximately 28,000 Warrant Officers serving in the United States Army.”
Syracuse University’s enduring commitment to veteran and military-connected students dates back more than 100 years. As one of the best private schools in the country for military-connected students, Syracuse offers online and residential part-time undergraduate study to active-duty military, guard and reservists earning the distinction of being the Best Place for Veterans™.
Army Warrant Officers, who are admitted to one of the transfer-eligible online bachelors programs, can use their tuition assistance (TA) benefits to cover 100 percent of their tuition. Consistent with its commitment to enhancing affordability, Syracuse University honors the Department of Defense TA rate of $250 per credit hour for US military members who aspire to earn an undergraduate degree.
“Active duty military, guard and reservists are life-long learners – members of the largest population of students enrolled in higher education today. Making Syracuse University more affordable and accessible is both a natural continuation of the University’s history of supporting non-traditional students and an appropriate response to the changing needs and expectations of those who could most benefit from a Syracuse University education,” says Frasciello.
Active military, guard and reserve members interested in more information about enrollment opportunities at Syracuse University may contact the College of Professional Studies admissions team at 315.443.9378 or parttime@syr.edu. Veterans and military-connected students can learn more about tuition benefits at https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/info-for/veterans-military/military-tuition-assistance-ta/.
Golisano Graduates Eligible to Earn a Syracuse Degree in Two Years
Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship is partnering with Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies to offer its two-year certificate program graduates the option to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a reduced per credit rate equivalent to the total cost of a Golisano education.
The first partnership of its kind for both institutions is creating a path from a professional certificate program into transfer credits that will directly apply up to 48 credits toward a choice of four Syracuse bachelor’s programs: creative leadership, business management, knowledge management and liberal studies.
Founded and fully funded by Tom Golisano, Golisano Institute provides a tailored two-year certificate program aimed at making a premier business education accessible for all. The Institute will open this fall to welcome its first class of students.
“We are proud to partner with Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies to ensure that Golisano Institute graduates have the option to transfer credits earned here toward a Syracuse bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Ian Mortimer, president of Golisano Institute. “Our shared mission to deliver a high-quality educational experience for tomorrow’s business leaders and entrepreneurs while providing access to learners of all walks of life makes this the ideal partnership.”
“Our partnership with the Golisano Institute reaffirms our commitment to providing access to Syracuse University for non-traditional students who want to transform their lives and their communities through education,” said Dr. Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The content and quality of the Institute’s program aligns perfectly with the market-sensitivity and rigor of our online undergraduate degrees. The entrepreneurial and progressive missions of our institutions make this partnership immediately impactful and relevant.”
Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship offers a distinctive business-focused curriculum, integrated with local, regional and national employers and accessible for individuals of all ages seeking to pursue a career in business or start a new venture. Tuition for the two-year certificate program is $8,900 per year, payable in two installments of $4,450. Need-based financial assistance is also available to eligible students. Syracuse is reducing its per credit hour rate to $450 for Golisano graduates to ensure the program is affordable and accessible for all.
The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University supports all individuals seeking to start or finish a college degree, pursue an opportunity for professional acceleration or to simply take classes of interest taught by world-class faculty.
For more information, please visit Golisanoinstitute.org or professionalstudies.syracuse.edu.
About Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship
Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship offers a timely and affordable alternative path to a business education for high school graduates and young working professionals. Our two-year certificate program provides an intensive immersion in business-related coursework and an experiential learning environment. Our purpose is to efficiently turn out highly trained entrepreneurs in the greater Rochester region.
About Syracuse University College of Professional Studies
The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to a diverse population of students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate or educational experience from anywhere in the world.
Tamrie Oliver speaks at the College of Professional Studies 2023 convocation.
Tamrie Oliver ’23 retired her putty knife after spackling her living room walls for the final time. The sun crept through the windows, casting a spotlight for Oliver to examine her work. Each groove would soon be sanded down and splashed with a layer of “Glamour,” a paint mixed with tints of light pink and soft brown.
Although it took 350 hours of sweat equity, Oliver was finally seeing her vision come together. Not just in her home that she was building through Habitat for Humanity, but in life itself. From raising three children as a single mother to attending college part-time at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies, Oliver could envision the next phase of life approaching—the one she spent ten years preparing the blueprint for.
“I once heard someone describe a student who studies online as a nontraditional student. Over the course of my life, the phrase ‘nontraditional’ has always followed me,” Oliver said.
Phase One: Preparing the Blueprint
It was three months before Oliver’s high school graduation when the term nontraditional began to cling. Oliver, a spunky 18-year-old ready to embark on adulthood, stared at a positive pregnancy test. A cluster of emotions bubbled in her chest as she realized her life was taking a nontraditional route.
Filled with anxiety about what motherhood would mean, Oliver enrolled in community college and held tightly onto the lingering moments of a normal teenage life. Like lightning, a nontraditional occurrence struck again when Oliver delivered her baby at only 26 weeks. With a 2-pound newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Oliver was forced to take a medical leave of absence.
College would have to wait.
Soon after, Oliver gave birth to her second child at 25 weeks. This time, she would have to juggle raising a baby at home, working overnight shifts, and commuting 45-minutes to visit her newborn in the NICU.
College continued to wait.
Three years went by, and Oliver was now a single mother of three children. As her family continued to evolve, Oliver knew she wanted more for them. It would require taking a step backward and moving into her parent’s home, but it was time for Oliver to finally attend college. Two years later, Oliver graduated with an associate’s degree in business management. Although delighted that she obtained a degree after an unexpected hiatus, Oliver couldn’t help but feel that this was merely the blueprint for the goals she wanted to achieve. If she wanted to build a better future for her family, she needed to lay the foundation.
Shortly after, Oliver enrolled in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University.
“I was shocked that Syracuse offered bachelor’s degrees online. I called immediately to make sure it was real,” Oliver said. “After talking with an advisor, I chose to study a bachelor of professional studies in creative leadership.”
Phase Two: Building the Foundation
From 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oliver would go to work, while the remainder of the day was spent taking classes online. Oftentimes, Oliver’s children could be seen peeking through the bedroom door while they watched their mother attend class through a video camera and computer screen. Oliver’s father corralled the children back to playtime so she could focus on her studies. It was a controlled chaos, and Oliver was thankful for it, but she knew it was time to move into a space just for her and her children.
With one degree completed, another in progress, the kids a bit older, and Oliver a bit wiser, she knew this was the perfect time to build a house through Habitat for Humanity, a home-buying program for low-income homebuyers.
The program required 350 hours of sweat equity, which Oliver tackled each weekend from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oliver spent her time installing drywall, painting the interior, and dodging splinters from the raw wood, while the other home building volunteers and professionals focused on the more advanced work.
When moving day arrived, Oliver’s vision finally came to life. She took in the freshly painted walls—the ones she spackled, primed, and coated with pigment herself. Oliver felt a sense of pride unlike any other.
“Habitat for Humanity had this whole ceremony when the house was completed,” Oliver said. “Building a house while going to school and raising my children was a big accomplishment. I felt really proud.”
With another goal completed, it was time for Oliver to finish her degree. Tucked away in her newly decorated office nook, Oliver continued to attend classes online. A tapestry hung behind her, replicating the set of Oliver’s favorite YouTube show, “Good Mythical Morning,” which depicted a mid-century modern aesthetic combined with a collection of random trinkets, instruments, and forest print wallpaper. Surrounding her computer were various awards, ones that reminded her of the goal she was working towards.
“I kind of tried to put in a little bit of everything. I like to show my personality through the camera,” Oliver said.
Phase Three: Movin’ on Up
Tamrie Oliver takes a picture with her professor at the College of Professional Studies 2023 convocation.
Although she was online, Oliver felt connected to her cohort. Classes conducted through video calls offered a different kind of enrichment that still allowed Oliver to interact with her peers and professors. She connected with other post-traditional students, learning that their life experiences and wealth of diverse perspectives were celebrated. Suddenly, Oliver’s nontraditional life felt empowering. The adjective now held a positive connotation, and she was proud to be a nontraditional student.
“When my academic journey first began, I felt like I didn’t really have confidence or a voice,” Oliver said. “But I’ve proven myself. I’m the first graduate of my family.”
Oliver closed out her courses for the last time and soaked up the excitement of the unknown. The possibilities of the what-ifs circulated in her mind as she felt blissful knowing she had accomplished what she set out to do ten years ago. The obstacles Oliver endured, academically and personally, allowed her to grow into the best version of herself. Now, it was time to pass the wisdom on to her children.
Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the Class of 2023 on Thursday, May 11, at its 75th annual Convocation Ceremony. Fifty-eight students, in total, were individually recognized for completing their program of study in 2023, representing eight schools and colleges and 20 majors within the University.
Dean Michael Frasciello began the night applauding the graduating class for their high achievements. Keynote speaker Mirza Tihic, College of Professional Studies faculty member, challenged the graduates to use their education to make a positive impact in the world. Tihic also remarked on the importance of “staying human” in this increasingly digital world by enacting a concerted effort to build and maintain relationships. “Please don’t forget the people that helped you get here, your friends and family members. Maintain and cherish those relationships,” Tihic said.
College of Professional Studies Convocation 2023
Tamrie Oliver, creative leadership bachelor of professional studies graduate, served as student speaker. Oliver recounted her life experiences that exemplify the term “nontraditional.” As a full-time single mother, full-time worker and part-time online student, Oliver cites her support system and unwavering determination to break out of the “stuck” feeling she found herself in for many years. Hoping to serve as encouragement to fellow students, Oliver urged “anyone that feels stuck or feels being nontraditional isn’t the way to go, I hope you find comfort and inspiration in my story.”
Celebrating Academic Achievements
Ten students were named as prestigious Alumni Scholars. Each of these bachelor’s degree candidates earned a minimum GPA of 3.9. The class of 2023 Alumni Scholars are Michael Crandall, Joseph Fernandez, Edward Furcinito, Scott Howard, Joshua Kompf, Tamrie Oliver, Andrew Ostrander, Timothy Sullivan, Dania Tompkins and Cherri Wells.
This year, the Nancy C. Gelling Award, which is given annually to part-time students who achieve the highest overall grade point average for a first bachelor’s degree was awarded to three students graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average; Michael Crandall, graduating with bachelor’s degree in Creative Leadership, Edward Furcinito, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Knowledge Management, and Scott Howard, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. This is the first time in the history of the award that the College of Professional Studies recognized multiple students.
Additionally, the College of Professional Studies awarded the Faculty Excellence Award to Katherine Sosa, Ph.D., a Bachelor of Professional Studies instructor and the Staff Service Award was awarded to the Office of Government and Community Relations. The College of Visual and Performing Arts awarded George Lambert the Sylvia Wyckoff Award for outstanding academic achievement. The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics awarded Aglaeth Vazquez the Hortence Cochrane Award for outstanding academic achievement.
Honoring a Collaborative Community
College of Professional Studies Convocation 2023
The College of Professional Studies was excited to honor three current staff members who joined the class of 2023 graduates; Margaret Thompson, database administrator, Cherri Wells, online student success advisor, and Rich Pitzeruse, educational technologist.
For the first time in the College’s history, student participants in the iConsult Collaborative and Nanhi Kali student groups were honored for their outstanding leadership skills. iConsult is a university-wide program to build experience for students through real-world client projects involving digital transformation. The 2023 iConsult student graduates recognized were Chakshushri, Manali Ghorpade, Ruchita Harsora, Srishti Sanghvi, Pranav Sheth, Nikita Sirwan and Ankita Vartak. Nanhi Kali is a project of the Mahindra Foundation of India, supporting education for underprivileged girls. The 2023 Nanhi Kali student graduates recognized were Chakshushri, Sagarika Barde, Sanjana Dubey, Ashitosh Gupta, Ruchita Harsora, Rahul Khairnar, Sahaj Kandelwal, Aishwary Patel and Nidhee Patil.
The ceremony was immediately followed by a reception on the quad.
