When it comes to providing impactful educational opportunities for service members, veterans and military family members, Syracuse University consistently ranks among the top schools in the country. A key component to that success is the ongoing innovation at the College of Professional Studies in adapting to the needs of military-connected students wherever they are in the world.
The College of Professional Studies was integral to Syracuse University being named among the top private schools for online bachelor’s degree programs for veterans, and that same commitment to military-connected students extends to graduates of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF).
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/.
Liz Green recites the Air National Guard oath to Major Squier.
When Liz Green began her career in higher education, she didn’t expect joining the military to be a part of her journey.
In February 2022, Green found herself spending a significant amount of time at the Hancock Field Air National Guard Base advising members of the 174th Attack Wing. Nearly weekly, the executive director of Online Student Success could be found speaking with prospective military students interested in online programs at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies. The more that Green connected with students of various backgrounds and career fields, the more she found herself drawn to the mission and community that surrounded the Air National Guard.
“Can a civilian just join the military?” Green asked herself.
Although it was a simple question, it felt loaded with opportunity. Just like higher education, a career in the military was all about service. Both required commitment, leadership, and a passion to transform lives. While joining the military was an extension of an existing career built on service, this new career path would cultivate a deeper understanding of what it means to be military-connected in higher education.
But Green didn’t just join on a whim.
“When I had the thought, I laughed it off in my head,” Green said. “But it’s like what we tell our [College of Professional Studies] applicants: don’t self-select out. At least ask the question because you never know what you might learn in the process.”
As a full-time employee, PhD student, and a mom, could Green squeeze in another commitment? A two-hour conversation with a recruiter answered her question, which made her realize it was an oddly perfect fit. Green imagined a Venn diagram of her life and how this opportunity would blend into her other roles.
“It dawned on me that our presence on base was having an impact,” Green said. “I was an accessible person to talk to about degrees and there was a lot of enthusiasm. I want to keep doing what I can for this group of people and also serve the mission that they serve.”
Green began the five-month preparation of paperwork, exams, and medical clearances it would take to officially commission. On Nov. 4, Green was sworn into the New York Air National Guard, three weeks shy of her 40th birthday. Upon completion of officer training school, Green will be a second lieutenant and will be formally assigned to the public affairs career field.
“I didn’t even know this opportunity existed,” Green said. “But I’m so glad it evolved the way it did.”
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.
Under the General Education Mobile (GEM) Program, Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies continues its commitment to offer affordable education to military-connected students by providing online courses in partnership with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).
For over 100 years, Syracuse University has been committed to offering military-connected students affordability, academic success, and a seamless transition to the student experience. Syracuse University continues to honor this commitment by being an approved CCAF GEM university.
The GEM Program, a partnership between CCAF and civilian academic institutions, offers general education courses which fulfill requirements for the CCAF Associate in Applied Science degree.
“We are thrilled to be one of the newest institutions approved under the CCAF GEM program. Accessibility to higher education through online modalities is of critical importance to military-connected students,” says Liz Green, executive director of online student success. “Our online courses approved through GEM will help support Airmen in continuing towards their educational goals.”
Syracuse University GEM Program courses are offered at a reduced rate of $250 per credit. With rolling admission offering 6 starts a year, approved courses utilize the College of Professional Studies’ 8-week online course format, which offers the ability to fit more classes into a traditional semester.
Part-time, online students enrolling in courses will receive dedicated online academic services and support provided by the College of Professional Studies. With a centralized support team, students will receive assistance for topics regarding advising, bursar/registration and financial aid.
“Making a Syracuse University education more accessible to members of the military starts with meeting them where they are in their professional lives,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The CCAF GEM program puts our online general education courses in front of Air Force members stationed anywhere in the world, giving them unencumbered access to exceptional foundational courses they’ll use toward their CCAF degrees and beyond.”
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 its commitment to be the leading university for veterans and military-connected students with the announcement of the 174th ATKW Grant at the College of Professional Studies.
The award is available to spouses and children of members of the New York Air National Guard assigned to the 174th Attack Wing (ATKW) at Hancock Field in Syracuse, New York, accepted to Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies online undergraduate degrees and undergraduate certificates.
“The 174th ATKW Grant extends our full commitment to addressing the needs of our nation’s veterans and military-connected communities,” says College of Professional Studies dean, Michael Frasciello. “Many members of the 174th Attack Wing live and work here in our community. Providing them and their family members greater access to Syracuse University is one way that we collectively transform and improve the Central New York region.”
Eligible admitted students will pay $475 per credit hour under the award. The 174th ATKW Grant represents a 30% tuition discount of the Syracuse University part-time per credit rate.
To learn more, contact Nichole Henry, director of admissions and recruitment, at 315.443.9378 or parttime@syr.edu.
About the College of Professional Studies
The College of Professional Studies is a global inclusive student-centric college, delivering Syracuse University academic programs and professional development opportunities to the diverse part-time student populations. Serving as the home for part-time matriculated students and non-matriculated students, the College of Professional Studies aims to act as the connector for academic excellence.
