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How an Online Project Management Degree Boosts Career Flexibility and Growth

Embarking on a project management degree is an exciting and rewarding journey, especially when pursued in an online format that provides flexibility and independence. Whether balancing work, personal interests, or professional responsibilities, online learning offers unique opportunities to tailor education to fit a busy lifestyle.

In this Q&A, we explore Kaija Dockter’s experiences and perspectives from the Project Management M.P.S. program. Learn how flexibility, collaboration, and real-world applications make online learning both practical and inspiring

As a full-time Special Event Coordinator at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, my schedule doesn’t align with the typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. class times, and I often work at events during evenings and weekends. On a personal note, I have a passion for traveling, and the ability to study from anywhere with an internet connection allows me to explore new places without sacrificing my academic goals. Online learning provides me with the flexibility to study during unconventional hours and from various locations.

I aim to build upon the solid foundation I have in events, which are essentially large projects, and expand my transferable skills. After learning key theories in hospitality management during my undergraduate program and having a few years of experience in the industry, I appreciate the applied focus of this master’s program. Learning to use various project management tools and gaining hands-on practice through assignments has been particularly beneficial. Specifically, the Global Projects and Virtual Project Management class would prepare me to work with international companies and potentially open doors to living abroad—both paths I have been eager to explore.

At the start of each week, I write in my planner all the meetings, appointments, and personal obligations that occur at specific times. Then, I add my class assignments and professional tasks, being cognizant to balance the overall workload for each day.

I now approach everyday tasks through the lens of the project management life cycle. Whether I’m planning my wedding and developing contingency plans for inclement weather, listening to László in The Brutalist discuss the construction schedule for his architectural project, or hearing a podcast explain how the creative advancements in technology stemmed from working with limited resources, I see parallels to project management in nearly every aspect of life.

In group projects, I’ve found that creating a group text is the most effective way to keep everyone updated on progress and help with accountability. Since not everyone responds promptly to emails, text messaging provides a more accessible and immediate way to communicate.

My advisor has been very supportive during the early stages of this online program! He quickly familiarized me with the online platforms and is always accessible via email or virtual meetings.

Learning best practices in project management has not only strengthened my skills but also introduced me to new frameworks that I’ve already applied in my current role. I now have a deeper understanding of the different types of projects and the various stages of a project’s life cycle, from initiation to closure. As I look forward to completing this degree and potentially earning a certificate from the Project Management Institute, I’m confident that I’ll be able to diversify my career options, whether continuing within the hospitality industry or exploring new fields.

The quality of engagement in online courses depends entirely on your personal contributions. To build relationships with classmates and instructors and to deepen your understanding of the content, you must actively participate in discussion boards and weekly Zoom sessions. It may be cliché, but you really get out of the experience what you put into it.

Schedule an in-person or virtual coffee chat with a current student or recent alum from the program! Speaking with someone who has firsthand experience gave me valuable insights into the application process, course content, program structure, and post-graduation opportunities.

Ready to build the career you’ve always dreamed of? Our Project Management degrees, certificates, and minors offer you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead successful projects in today’s dynamic business environment. Whether you’re aiming for a managerial role or looking to enhance your expertise, our programs empower you to tackle complex challenges, drive innovation, and lead teams toward project success.

Don’t wait to lead. Apply now and start making an impact!

Project Management Programs

6 Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Online Degree Program

Online education has exploded in popularity over the past decade. Whether you’re seeking to advance your career or looking to change fields entirely, online degrees can open doors to new opportunities. However, with so many options available, it’s crucial to make an informed decision when selecting the right program.

Consider these six expert tips for choosing the best online degree program for you.

1. Program Offerings and Curriculum

The heart of your online degree is the program’s curriculum. Before committing to a school, take time to research the courses and structure of the program. Does the curriculum align with your career goals and interests? How are the programs designed? Is the curriculum relevant in today’s job market?

At Syracuse University, the Center for Online and Digital Learning is redefining online education. Online courses taken at the College of Professional Studies are backed by research, design theories, and prescriptive models. Faculty and course development teams collaborate to create an immersive, fully online learning experience, ensuring high quality.

Center for Online and Digital Learning studio taping of course
Center for Online and Digital Learning studio taping of course

2. Faculty and Instructor Quality

The quality of instructors can make a significant difference in your learning experience. Look for programs where the faculty are not only experts in their field but also experienced in teaching online courses. Online learning requires a different set of skills compared to in-person teaching, so it’s important to choose instructors who are familiar with creating engaging and effective online learning experiences. The College of Professional Studies faculty practice in their industry, providing students with the latest field knowledge and research.

Research faculty qualifications by looking at their academic backgrounds and professional experience. Additionally, check if instructors are available for virtual office hours, providing students with the opportunity to ask questions, seek guidance, or receive additional support.

3. Accreditation: Why It Matters

Before selecting a program, it’s best to ensure the program you’re considering is accredited. Accreditation is the process through which a school or program is evaluated by an external body to ensure it meets certain standards of quality. Accreditation is important because it can impact the value of your degree.

For example, the B.P.S. in Business Management , the No. 1 in Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs of private universities, is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Cybersecurity Administration B.P.S. program is validated by National Security Agency.

When researching programs, always verify the institution’s accreditation status by checking the official accrediting body’s website.

4. Technology and Online Learning Platform

The technology used to deliver your online education can significantly affect your overall experience. A user-friendly learning management system (LMS) is essential for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors and peers. Some popular LMS platforms include Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle.

Before committing to a program, review the LMS to ensure it’s intuitive and meets your needs. Look for features such as video lectures, interactive tools, and discussion boards that promote engagement. Additionally, consider what technology is required to participate and whether the institution provides technical support to help you navigate challenges

5. Flexibility and Schedule

The appeal of online education is its flexibility, but it’s important to understand the delivery formats that each program offers. Some programs are asynchronous, meaning you can complete assignments and watch lectures on your own schedule. Others are synchronous, requiring you to attend live classes at scheduled times.

Consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to your studies. Are you planning to study part-time while working, or are you able to commit to full-time coursework?

The College of Professional Studies offers a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Complete most coursework at your own pace, then join weekly live classes to connect and engage with classmates.

6. Student Support and Resources

Online students need support just as much as on-campus students. Look for programs that offer a robust support system, including academic advising, career services, and access to an alumni network. Many online programs also provide virtual student communities or peer networks, which can be an excellent way to connect with fellow learners, share resources, and stay motivated.

Another crucial consideration is technical support. Ensure that the institution offers help with navigating the online learning platform and resolving any technology issues you might encounter during your studies.

Choosing the right online degree program is a big decision, and there’s a lot to consider before you make your choice. From accreditation to faculty quality and flexibility, every factor plays a role in shaping your education and future career prospects. Take the time to thoroughly research your options, assess your personal priorities, and choose a program that aligns with your goals.

Start by researching programs that fit your interests, reaching out to admissions teams for more details, and reviewing student reviews and testimonials. By doing your homework and ensuring the program meets your needs, you’ll set yourself up for success in the ever-expanding world of online education.

Your Guide to Remote Learning: 3 Tips to Elevate Your Online Learning Experience

How can you create the perfect at-home learning space? Start here. 

In the past, getting a degree online meant choosing between a narrow subset of options. In 2024, however, online learning is now a norm for many students, especially those looking to gain new skills or switch career paths. 

But while the rise of online learning has further normalized getting an online degree and learning from home, it isn’t without its challenges, including increased distractions, trouble connecting with peers, and overall boredom. 

To combat finding yourself in a remote learning slump, try these three tips to avoid burnout and help elevate your online learning experience.

1. Declutter your space 

Without the spatial structure of an office or classroom, concentrating on the task at hand can be even more difficult. And without the obligation to be somewhere in person, the temptation to log into class or work from your bed can be all the more alluring. However, creating an organized space to complete your work is a critical first step in ensuring success when learning from home. 

If possible, working from a desk (even one that’s in your bedroom) is ideal. To mimic the feeling of a traditional learning space, adding a calendar or even some personal photos to your desk set-up can recreate the essence of a typical work setting. If you are studying from your bedroom, make sure your room is free of clutter, and your bed is made. Going even further, taking a few minutes out of your morning routine to declutter your space can be a great habit to build. If you start doing this daily, the act of preparing your remote learning space will eventually feel as natural as brushing your teeth. While these may seem like minimal changes, they can make all the difference in your productivity.

While learning from home, it’s also just as important to declutter mentally and digitally as it is physically. This can mean different things for different learners. For example, turning your phone and laptop on “Do Not Disturb” while doing schoolwork is a great way to ensure your brain isn’t running in a million different directions and mentally cluttered with messages to respond to. 

Decluttering your digital space, as your laptop is now your classroom, can also be a major help. Start by archiving old assignments you don’t actively need and organizing school files into distinct folders on your computer. While your LMS, or Learning Management System, will facilitate where you can find and submit assignments, keeping track of your personal copies and files of assignments is a great way to stay organized and ensure academic success. To brush up on other online learning terms like LMS, read our virtual vocabulary blog post.

The Office of Online Student Success at the College of Professional Studies can also serve as a resource to help you navigate the ins and outs of remote learning. By offering a wide range of strategies to help you feel more comfortable in the online environment, OSS is there to provide students with resources that empower them to reach their goals while earning their degree online. 

2. Minimize external distractions

Whether it’s the barking of a dog, the buzzing of a TV, or the calls of a child, learning from home can present many more distractions than the traditional classroom setting. When learning remotely, it’s important to set boundaries with those that you live with to ensure a calm work environment that produces the same levels of productivity you would achieve in person. 

Investing in noise-canceling headphones, closing your bedroom or office door, and communicating with your household that work means work are just a few ways you can do this. 

Additionally, it’s important to limit digital distractions, such as scrolling through social media, texting friends, or engaging in other non-school-related activities. A 2019 study published in the Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning found that the use of technology in class for noneducational purposes was distracting to almost half of students, with 49 percent of students surveyed saying “off-task” technology use was distracting to them. For a refresher on what technology you should be using during online learning, check out our technical requirements guide.

Time-based focus strategies, such as the Pomodoro Technique, a time-management strategy based on 25-minute focused work intervals followed by five-minute breaks, have also proven successful in helping students lock in without distraction. While you might’ve heard of this method before, it’s worth revisiting— researchers at University of California, Irvine found it can take nearly 23 minutes to resume work after an interruption. So, time-blocking might just be your new best bet for minimizing distractions.

While online learning can be filled with distractions of everyday life, it’s important to minimize these distractions as much as possible to maximize the unique benefits of learning from home. Whether you’re a 9-5 working parent, a traveling entrepreneur, or just someone looking to revisit your education, remote learning is a great way to work towards your goals without disrupting your existing life. 

3. Develop a routine

Taking classes online means that you won’t be doing things like walking to class, driving the same route to campus, or beginning your day with some sort of journey that acts as a buffer between your morning and the beginning of your school day. 

While cutting out commuting time is great for time-saving, it’s still important to develop a sense of routine, even if you’re online. If you’re enrolled in one of our many online undergraduate programs, which feature synchronous classes, you can organize your schedule around the times you know you’ll be logged into class. 

For example, if you have class at the same time every Monday morning, it can be tempting to wake up 10 minutes before your lesson starts. However, taking the extra time to wake up 30 minutes earlier to clean your space, make breakfast, and review your to-do list for the class, can not only ensure you feel more prepared and productive but also aid in creating a sense of routine while learning from home. 

Remote learning is the perfect route for those who want to expand their knowledge while also juggling multiple commitments in their lives. There are countless benefits— you can continue working, pursue your side gig, or take care of your family, all while completing a degree. 

At the College of Professional Studies, our online undergraduate programs were designed to fit into your routine, not reroute it. With the addition of some new habits, you can develop a routine that accommodates your existing life, while also serving you on your new educational journey. 

The next time you find yourself in a rut while studying from home, try incorporating these tips into your week— after all, when you’re doing something as significant as getting an education from the comfort of your bedroom, small changes can make a big difference!

To learn more about our online programs, visit our academics page to see how learning from home can work for you.

By Isabel Bekele 

Career Corner: Fast Facts About a Career in Cybersecurity

Considering a career in cybersecurity? Here’s what you should know about this lucrative and exciting field.

When you picture a “cybersecurity expert,” you may envision the Hollywood version: a person typing away in a white van or surrounded by computers in a control room. 

In reality, cybersecurity is not a career path that exists solely on the big screen. As more of our professional world becomes digitized, cybersecurity experts are the key to ensuring that the data businesses, organizations, and governments share stays private and uncompromised. 

Cybersecurity is a career path growing in both need and popularity. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were over 700,000 open roles in cybersecurity as of August 2022. Jobs for information analysts are expected to jump 32 percent from 2022 to 2032, a clear indication the field is on the rise. According to staffing agency Mondo, the average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in the U.S. can be anywhere from $102,000 to $208,000.

What can you do with a degree in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a diverse field with a wide range of roles. Virtually every organization– from hospitals to universities– has data they need to protect, which means the need for cybersecurity analysts exists in every sector. Below are just a few examples of what a role in cybersecurity can look like for you:

  • Computer forensic analysts evaluate technology to recover data. They often aid in gathering information that police can use during criminal investigations, mainly focused on cybercrime.
  • Security consultants are professionals who inform businesses on how they can upgrade their security protocols. They develop strategies for making businesses keep their data more secure.  
  • Security specialists are those in charge of monitoring a company’s potential breaches. They address cyberattacks in real time and edit security measures to prevent attacks in the future.

Beyond these roles, cybersecurity can also venture into related fields such as:

  • Information Security
  • Network Setup
  • Core Database, Coding and Scripting
  • Auditing
  • Network Protocols
  • Systems Administration
  • Health Care 
  • Finance and Accounting

Is Cybersecurity right for you?

Being a cybersecurity professional may be the right field for you if you’re passionate about technology, but are more interested in the privacy side, and don’t see yourself studying in a program such as software engineering or computer science. 

For those with an interest in compliance, national security, or data protection, cybersecurity is a career path that can provide both personal and professional fulfillment. A career in cybersecurity means that you’ll play a vital role in whatever business or organization you become a part of, and can rest assured in knowing that you’re keeping your coworkers’ work safe and secure. 

At Syracuse University, our Bachelor of Professional Studies program in Cybersecurity Administration provides essential skills for managing the people and technologies that protect information, information systems, and infrastructures. The 120-credit program gives students an understanding of network setup, database coding, and systems administration. It’s also 100 percent online, has six start dates, and is accommodating to part-time students.

A B.P.S. degree is different from a normal degree in that it’s more career-oriented, meaning the program is hyper focused on providing you with the necessary skills for your intended profession. If a full degree isn’t the right choice for you at this time, Syracuse University also offers a 15-credit Cybersecurity Certificate. 

Ready to learn how you can start your journey in this exciting field? Read more about our programs here, and see how you can get started in cybersecurity today.

By Isabel Bekele 

Syracuse University Graduate Tells Stories With Vintage Clothes at the Black Citizens Brigade

Cjala Surratt ’22 in her shop, Black Citizens Brigade. / Hope Alvarez

On a recent trip to visit extended family, Cjala Surratt ’22, Syracuse University alumna and founder of the Black Citizens Brigade, was presented with a gift– her late grandmother’s boiler room jacket. Surratt’s grandmother had been a ship-fitter in Norfolk, Virginia, and the clothing item had been a welcome surprise for Surratt, a vintage clothing fanatic.

Even more surprising than the jacket, however, was the history behind the woman who wore it. “Did you know she was the first Black female union leader for the shipyard?” a relative asked Surratt during her visit. Surratt’s grandmother, who had stepped up to do the job no one else wanted, had been trailed by a security detail at the time, as the owners of the commercial port were against unionization.

“I was like, wait, what?” says Surratt. “This is exactly what I mean– that clothes can be the prompt for these broader stories.”

For Suratt, clothes have always been a conduit for storytelling. Following her graduation from Syracuse University and ten subsequent years spent as the Director of Marketing for Light Work, the University’s nonprofit photography studio, Suratt opened the Black Citizens Brigade, a downtown storefront dedicated to amplifying Black history through clothes, books, and art.

“For Black and brown people, or those who’ve historically experienced economic disparity, upcycling has always been an economic imperative,” says Surratt. “I think I’m part of continuing that legacy.”

Surratt’s grandmother’s jacket is displayed at the Black Citizens Brigade. / Hope Alvarez

Legacy is the through line of Surratt’s work. Her love of vintage clothing came from growing up in a family of seamstresses, milliners, and creatives. During the early days of COVID-19, Surratt and her daughter would peruse the racks of Goodwill, one of the few businesses open at the time. With many elders being pushed into nursing homes, the pandemic made thrift stores abundant with discarded clothes from families cleaning out their parents’ closets, says Surratt.

Once her home began overflowing with garments from thrifting trips, she decided it was time to finally take the leap and pursue establishing her own shop. After months of working with the Syracuse Downtown Committee, scouring listings for vacant storefronts, and organizing her collection, Surratt opened the Black Citizens Brigade in June of 2023 and has been providing downtown Syracuse with an eclectic mix of clothing, culture, and community ever since.     

Today, Black Citizens Brigade sells hard-to-find items that center on Black history, specializing in clothes from the 1950s-1980s, along with vintage books, magazines, and records. The time period of the clothes is an ode to Surratt’s fascination with the aesthetics of that time, while the book selections represent her commitment to education. 

“The clothes and the books are prompts for larger conversations about race, culture, history, and gender,” says Surratt. “And so, the books all center on Black community, Black history, Black culture.”

Surratt’s blending of learning through culture stretches back to her time at Syracuse University, where she studied Stage Theatre through the College of Visual and Performing Arts and minored in Cultural Anthropology and Psychology. Later on, she came back as a continuing education student to finish credits part-time through the College of Professional Studies. She credits specific parts of her education, such as doing character studies that involved thinking about the history of trends, as helping her in her current career.

“The common thread is understanding people– a desire to know why people arrive at the choices they make, and also a deep curiosity about culture and community,” she says.

Since its opening, Black Citizens Brigade has Surratt’s community to thank for the store’s success. She’s leveraged her upbringing in Syracuse and attendance and former job at the University to bring more attention to her space.

Downtown, where businesses founded by BIPOC owners statistically don’t last as long as businesses with white business owners, is where the physical storefront is located, Surratt says. However, Surratt knows that being a visible part of the community beyond the brick-and-mortar is crucial, as it shares the message that Black and brown businesses are here to stay.

“We’re at a very pivotal time in our city to bring the message,” says Surratt.

Looking forward, Surratt hopes to expand her storefront and host interactive events, such as poetry workshops and listening sessions. In her store lined with archival photos of Black domestic life, Surratt is aiming to cultivate a feeling of homecoming for all who enter.

“I want it to feel like you’re coming into a Black family photo album.”

Items available at the Black Citizens Brigade / Hope Alvarez

By Isabel Bekele