Part-time

Syracuse University Announces New Online Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree in Policy Studies

Starting in Fall 2022, prospective students will have the opportunity to pursue a policy studies bachelor’s degree online through a partnership between the College of Professional Studies and the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, the #1 school in the nation for public affairs (U.S. News & World Report).

“The online policy studies program extends the excellence of the Maxwell school to students who otherwise cannot attend Syracuse University on-campus or full-time,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The inter-curricular program is another wonderful expression of Maxwell’s commitment to make Syracuse University more accessible and truly a university welcoming to all.”

Policy studies students will examine the policy making process and be introduced to the historical, social, economic and political factors shaping issues at local, state, national and global levels. Students will also learn to measure the resulting impact of policies and how they affect individuals and communities. an in-depth research project involving a government agency or community organization, graduates of the program will have a rich portfolio that showcases their learning.

“Policy Studies has been a popular, signature undergraduate program in the Maxwell School for 45 years,” says Carol Faulkner, associate dean of academic affairs at the Maxwell School. “We are excited that this partnership with the College of Professional Studies will allow us to reach new audiences of students who want to make an impact in their communities.”

The B.P.S. in policy studies program will be an online, immersive experience that provides opportunities for real-world learning through a blend of asynchronous coursework, remote experiential activities and synchronous classes. Much of the coursework is designed to be completed outside of the weekly class meetings. The weekly 90-minute classes provide students with the time and space to engage in active discussions, receive immediate feedback, and make connections with fellow classmates and instructors.

The structure of a B.P.S. degree allows online part-time learners with busy schedules to focus on professional competency and practical skills. With a B.P.S. in policy studies, graduates will be highly competitive in the job market and when seeking admission to a wide variety of graduate programs.

“A B.P.S. degree is focused on professional skills and career preparation,” says Ryan O. Williams, associate dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The combination of coursework and seminars designed to enhance career readiness distinguishes a B.P.S. from other bachelor’s degrees. We are delighted to be able to offer a policy-focused degree in partnership with the Maxwell School.”

To learn more about Bachelor of Professional Studies in Policy Studies, visit https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/academics/online/policy-studies/.

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.

About the Maxwell School

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University is the nation’s top-ranked school for public affairs, having earned the #1 spot in the U.S. News ranking in every survey year except one. The school offers highly regarded professional programs in public administration and international affairs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees across the social sciences, and signature interdisciplinary undergraduate programs in policy, civic engagement, environmental sustainability and international relations. It is home to 13 interdisciplinary research centers focused on topical areas within public affairs. With campuses in Syracuse, New York, and Washington, D.C., and academic partnerships around the globe, the Maxwell network provides access to a world of opportunity. For more information, please visit maxwell.syr.edu.

College of Professional Studies Launches First Master of Professional Studies Degree in Project Management with Tuition Discount for First Cohort

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies announces its first graduate degree program, a Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in project management, launching in Spring 2023. The 30-credit degree will be offered fully online, and an exclusive tuition discount will be applied to the initial cohort through the Start Now incentive grant.   

The Start Now incentive grant will be awarded to students admitted into the Spring 2023 cohort. They will receive a discounted rate of $1000/credit, which is 44% less than the graduate tuition rate ($1802/credit hour). The discount will be applied for the first 30 credits of study, allowing students to earn the degree for a total of $30,000.

Consistent with Syracuse University’s commitment to being the number one school for military-connected students, all active duty, guard, reserve and veterans, including spouses and dependents, admitted to the M.P.S. degree program pay $1000 per credit hour, regardless of when they start the program.

All non-military connected students admitted after Spring 2023 pay $1350 per credit hour, which is 25% less than the graduate tuition rate.

“Project management is an increasingly high-demand career choice for members of the military,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The new online master’s program is ideally suited for active and prior military members, as these students come into the program with an ability to think strategically to solve complex challenges. The curriculum is designed to leverage that ability, so each student further develops expertise across a wide range of project management skills.”

The field of project management is vast, and individuals with advanced degrees have opportunities to work in many industries. Regardless of the industry in which they operate, effective project managers lead projects from conception through implementation, creating value and driving change. Project managers are invaluable in all types of organizations, large and small, making this degree highly relevant and sought after in today’s workforce.

“Project management is the art and science of getting stuff done using a proven set of tools, approaches and controls. Studies continue to show that project managers get tasks done more efficiently, and in today’s world, that translates into lower cost and better results,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of professional acceleration and microcredentials and program director for the Master of Professional Studies in project management. “The Project Management Institute has reported in its recent 2022 jobs report that we can anticipate growth of about 2.3 million annual job opportunities in project management through 2030. Now is the time to be a project manager.” 

The project management M.P.S. curriculum will equip students with the knowledge and skills to create project plans, manage schedules and budgets, identify and manage potential risks and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels within an organization.

The dynamic learning environment of the online project management master’s degree program combines both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Much of the coursework is designed to be completed outside of class meeting times in combination with a required weekly live session that gives students the opportunity to engage in real time discussions with classmates and instructors, ask questions and receive immediate feedback, and gain a stronger understanding of course topics.

Students who take one course every eight-week session can complete the program within 18 months.

To be eligible for the Start Now incentive grant, prospective students must apply by Monday, August 8.

To learn more about admission requirements and program details, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/academics/online/project-management-m-p-s.

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.

2022 Honors Reception Recognizes Part-time Student Academic Achievements

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies presented its annual academic awards on March 11 to recognize the academic achievement of Syracuse University students pursuing their degrees part-time and earning dean’s list status during the spring and fall 2021 semesters. In total, 148 part-time students from across Syracuse University’s campus were recognized at the reception.

The honors reception also inducted students into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society.

Alpha Sigma Lambda is the nation’s largest and oldest chapter-based honor society for nontraditional students. To be considered for membership, a candidate must have completed 24 credit hours at Syracuse University and be in the top twenty percent of the class with a minimum grade point average of 3.2. These students will join more than 200 existing members at the University.

This year’s Alpha Sigma Lambda inductees are:

  • Mark Wilson Chapman
  • Edward J. Furcinito
  • Scott G. Howard
  • James Thomas Leonard
  • Diane M. Malikow
  • Tamrie Alexandra Oliver
  • Andrea Turnbull

The College of Professional Studies offers a variety of online and residential degree and certificate programs. For more information, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/ or call 315.443.9378.

New Online Bachelor’s Degree Launched to Meet Demand for Data Analysis Professionals

In this highly digitized world, organizations rely on data insights to react to emerging trends and inform business strategies. To do this successfully, they need employees with data analysis expertise who can collect information and translate it into actionable plans. It’s an in-demand skillset that comes with a competitive salary.

Syracuse University has responded to the need for candidates with data analysis proficiency by launching a new online bachelor’s degree program in applied data and predictive analytics offered through a partnership between the College of Professional Studies and the School of Information Studies (iSchool).

Tying together the fields of computer science, management and business intelligence, the 120-credit part-time undergraduate degree program will prepare budding analysts to derive insights from complex data, create powerful predictions and drive critical business decisions with measurable performance.

The online program’s dynamic learning environment is built with a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Much of the coursework is designed for students to complete on their own time throughout the week. A weekly interactive live class gives students the opportunity to learn and engage with instructors and classmates in a virtual classroom that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

Online part-time programs at Syracuse University represent the various pathways students can take to earn a degree or certificate at the university. Part-time students who are enrolled in an online degree program are fully supported by the Online Student Success (OSS) team at the College of Professional Studies. OSS Advisors help make the transition to online learning seamless by helping to identify program requirements, monitoring academic progress and promptly responding to questions.

Applications are now open with financial assistance available. Students can apply to enroll in any of the six session starts throughout the year. For more information, contact the College of Professional Studies Admissions Office at 315.443.9378, toll free at 1.866.498.9378 or email parttime@syr.edu.