For three consecutive years, the College of Professional Studies is leading Syracuse University’s support for veterans and military-connected students.
As of fall 2025, 19% of all currently serving military students attending Syracuse University are enrolled in College of Professional Studies degree programs. Currently serving military students are service members on active duty, National Guard or reserve status. This leadership is driven by the College of Professional Studies’ innovative and progressive work to standardize the University’s Military Credit Evaluation, which evaluates military technical training and professional military education for academic credit.
“Bachelor of Professional Studies degrees are designed specifically for individuals like currently serving members of the armed forces juggling service obligations and life responsibilities with their educational goals,” says Michael Frasciello, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “We offer an accessible combination of flexibility, applied and focused career preparation, progressive credit transfer [up to 90 credits], and recognition of military experience and training.”
Currently serving military students admitted to the College of Professional Studies’ BPS programs are being recommended and awarded an average of 30 equivalency credits for their military technical training and professional military education.
Diverse Support for Military-Connected Students: Link
The College of Professional Studies supports 33% of all military-connected students at Syracuse University, including active duty, veterans, and military dependents.
Under our nationally recognized Military Advising Model, the College of Professional Studies has achieved skyrocketing persistence and graduation rates.
“Our ability to successfully support one-third of the University’s military-connected students is only possible because of our advisors who are specifically trained to understand the unique challenges military-connected students face,” says Liz Green, executive director of the student experience for Online Student Success. “This success starts with a recognition that military-connected students are non-traditional, adult learners with distinct needs.”
The College provides holistic support that proactively addresses academic, administrative, and military service-related challenges, such as deployment interruptions, VA benefits navigation, credit transfer from military training, and work-life-study balance, in an integrated way.
It’s a late evening in Asheville, North Carolina. The power is out, and the wind howls outside as Hurricane Helene tears through the region. Amid candles and a Starlink setup, determined Army veteran now student, Jonathan Milkovich ’25, logs into class, committed not to let the natural disaster derail his journey to graduation.
With the power out, many would have understandably postponed their coursework, but not Milkovich. That moment, equal parts grit, resilience, and resourcefulness, perfectly captures who Milkovich is. Although his professors understood and allowed Milkovich to complete his coursework on his own timeline, Milkovich persevered through the storm because it was his online program that fueled the optimism for his future.
“The transition from military life to academia was tough,” Milkovich says. “Even after serving only five years, transitioning back to civilian life presented numerous challenges. One of my blessings was finding Syracuse and transitioning from an in-person university to an online one with other veterans and adult learners.”
From Service Member to Student: A New Mission Begins
After serving in the military, Milkovich found himself at a crossroads. Like many veterans, the transition to civilian life came with uncertainty, emotional strain, and a new set of challenges.
“Before entering the military, I did not consider higher education a future option. Through service, I realized that the best future for myself, my family, and others was to continue learning and bettering myself through higher education,” he says. That realization led him to enroll into the online Business Management program at Syracuse University.
The shift to academia was anything but easy. Navigating lectures, assignments, and deadlines while juggling a full-time job and family life required a new kind of discipline. Still, Milkovich credits his wife and parents with creating the space, both emotional and logistical, that allowed him to thrive.
“Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, for my future and my family, was something that always allowed me to balance what needed to be done and what could wait,” Milkovich says. “The ability to balance full-time work and online studies is something I owe to my wife, who was always picking up what I couldn’t get done at home.”
Left to right: Christy Milkovich, Jonathan Milkovich, Sabrina Shoaff, and Chris MilkovichLeft to right: Mirza Tihic, Scott Smith, Jonathan Milkovich | Center: Susan Conklin Jonathan Milkovich ’25 and Scott Smith ’25
Syracuse’s veteran-friendly online program and support played a crucial role in his transition. Designed to accommodate the unique needs of those who’ve served, the program helped Milkovich feel less like a number and more like a valued member of a community. Surprisingly, some of the most meaningful relationships Milkovich developed happened virtually. It was proof that connections don’t require proximity.
“At graduation, I had the opportunity to meet and develop the relationships we had built through online classes and meetings even more,” Milkovich says. “These people I met are the ones I will work with, pursue veteran initiatives with, and form relationships that I will cherish for a very long time.”
Syracuse has earned top honors among private universities, ranking No. 3 in Best for Veterans in Online Bachelor’s Programs, No. 7 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, and No. 1 for Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs. These distinctions underscore Syracuse’s strong reputation as a leading choice for military-connected students and veterans.
From the moment they express interest to the day they graduate; students enrolled in the College of Professional Studies’ online programs are supported every step of the way through the College’s dedicated Online Student Success services.
“Our primary goal is to create conditions for our students to be successful,” says Liz Green, executive director of the student experience. “Our team is trained to support our military-connected students through an individualized approach that honors their experiences, commitment to service, and their mission-driven perspectives. We’re privileged to provide accessible educational pathways for military students like Jonathan.”
Operation WarriorFit: Building a Legacy of Service
Graduation isn’t the end of Milkovich’s journey, it’s a launching point for the foundation of his nonprofit organization, Operation WarriorFit.
When Milkovich left the military, he didn’t just hang up his uniform; he left behind the team, the structure, and the purpose that had shaped his life. Operation WarriorFit is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders through fitness focused events. Born from personal experience after losing a friend in service to mental health struggles, and facing his own challenges transitioning to civilian life, Milkovich recognized the difficulties many veterans, service members, and first responders encounter.
“Operation WarriorFit’s mission is to offer something after service, to provide the ability to compete, to have something to look forward to,” Milkovich says. “When you go to an event and see someone in OWF gear, you know that you’re in a similar company and back around the people that you miss from service. There is someone out there who went through the exact same thing; you are not alone and never will be.”
Jonathan Milkovich and his wife, Sabrina Shoaff, after completing the Biltmore 15k in Asheville, NC.
Armed with the knowledge and skills gained through his online Business Management program, the graduate is seamlessly transitioning from student to founder, using his education as a foundation to build and launch his nonprofit organization.
The course content had immediate relevance to his professional life. Leadership theories were integrated into his logistics work, while communication strategies served as essential tools for engaging effectively with his colleagues. Along the way, he sharpened key skills like virtual presentation and learning to “read the room” even when the room is a screen.
“One of the biggest things that kept me motivated throughout these classes was not only the apparent fact of bettering myself, but also all the material that was taught throughout the program was always very applicable,” Milkovich says. “I would learn something then go into work the next day and be able to apply the material.”
Milkovich’s journey is a testament to the power of education as a catalyst for transformation. His online degree didn’t just equip him with practical skills; it fueled his ability to turn a vision into reality. The lessons he learned became the building blocks of Operation WarriorFit and his journey has redefined his definition of success.
For Milkovich, success is no longer just about personal achievement; it’s about ensuring that others have the support and resources they need to navigate their own transitions. His ability to turn obstacles into opportunities is what defines his journey, and his nonprofit stands as proof that education isn’t just about earning a diploma; it’s about unlocking doors to new opportunities.
At the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, we understand that learning happens everywhere. If you’ve built a career, served in the military, earned certifications, or gained valuable life experience, you may already be closer to your degree than you realize.
Many adult learners are surprised to learn how much of their professional experience can translate into academic credit. Organizations like CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) provide helpful insights into how prior learning assessments work and why they matter in higher education.
Every credit you earn through prior learning is a step closer to graduation. We can help you save time, reduce tuition costs, and avoid repeating what you already know. Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process helps you:
Save thousands in tuition by earning credit for your experience
Graduate faster and move forward with your goals
Focus on new learning instead of repeating old material
Get recognized for your real-world knowledge and skills
Whether you are transferring from another college, transitioning from the military, or returning to school after time in the workforce, our advisors will work with you to evaluate your experience and maximize your credit potential.
The more credit you bring in, the fewer courses you need to take. That means you can finish your degree sooner and start applying it to your career goals.
Our flexible, career-focused degree programs are designed for working professionals. With online options, personalized advising, and a commitment to recognizing your achievements, we make it easier to earn your degree on your terms.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.