General Information

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University, located in the City of Syracuse in the center of New York State, is a private coeducational university comprising 13 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges. Founded in 1870, the University today has an enrollment of more than 22,000 undergraduates and graduate students representing all 50 states, more than 100 countries, and a variety of social and economic backgrounds.

Syracuse combines the supportive network of a small college with the superior resources and enhanced research and immersion opportunities needed for students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Students will learn from world-class teachers, assist in critical research, collaborate across disciplines, and engage in the many-faceted intellectual, cultural, and social activities and events that comprise this vibrant campus community. In and out of the classroom, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for them to excel in whatever field they choose to pursue.

Syracuse University’s picturesque main campus reflects its rich heritage, with an architectural mix of classic and contemporary academic buildings. The Hall of Languages and its early hillside companion, Crouse College, are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. At the heart of the campus is its sweeping “Quad”-an open expanse of lawn and walkways, and a popular gathering place for students throughout the day.

Syracuse University is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 1007 North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801; 267-284-5000. In addition to MSCHE institutional accreditation, some schools and colleges, academic programs, and units are evaluated by specialized and professional accreditors. The University’s accreditation schedule can be found on the Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment accreditation webpage. Professional accreditation for each of the professional colleges and schools accords with the regulations of the appropriate professional association.  For further information, contact the dean’s office of each school or college.

Syracuse University is committed to compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and all other applicable laws prohibiting disability discrimination. These statutes generally prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and provide that no otherwise qualified person with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Students who may need assistance should contact the Center for Disability Resources, 804 University Avenue, Suite 303; 315-443-4498, 315-443-1371 (TTY), www.disabilityresources.syr.edu.

Tuition and Fees

Bursar Operations publishes the Syracuse University Bulletin: Tuition, Fees, and Related Policies, which provides information about tuition, room, meal plans, and other University fees.

Academic Calendar

Academic Calendars for 2023-2024. 

Admissions and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Admission

To receive information about undergraduate admissions, please contact the Office of Admissions, 401 University Place, 315- 443-3611, or send an e-mail to orange@syr.edu. Visit our web site at admissions.syr.edu

Financial Aid

To receive information about financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs located at 200 Bowne Hall. Reach us by telephone at 315-443-1513, or send an e-mail to http://financialaid.syr.edu/emailus/. Visit our website for detailed financial aid information at https://financialaid.syr.edu. Current students may access their MySlice financial aid portal for additional aid information, to submit documents, and for a list of outstanding requirements. 

Graduate Admission

Post-Secondary Education Requirements

To be considered for admission, an applicant to a graduate program at Syracuse University must provide documentation of having earned the degree required for admission to the particular program or documentation demonstrating that the applicant will complete the required degree prior to beginning studies at Syracuse University. In most cases, this will be a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from another country. For some degree programs, this will be a master’s degree or its equivalent from another country. Degrees earned by international applicants must be from colleges or universities that are recognized by the national educational authority of the institution’s home country.

Admitted students will be required to submit official degree bearing transcripts. All official documentation must bear the appropriate signatures and seal of the institution from which the degree was issued.  The institution must send the official degree documentation directly to Syracuse University.

To meet this requirement, contact the Registrar’s Office of the higher educational institution that conferred the degree and request the electronic official transcript(s) be sent to Syracuse University. All original transcripts must be in English or translated into English and notarized by the Registrar’s Office at the institution attended. The Registrar’s Office at the institution may send the official degree documentation as follows:

• Transcript service. If the institution uses a transcript service such as Parchment, WES, or other services, they can select Syracuse University Graduate Admissions to send the official documents electronically.
• Secure email. If the institution uses a secure email system requiring a password, the official documents can be sent to grad@syr.edu. 
• By mail to the following address:
  • Enrollment Services Processing Center
    Syracuse University
    Graduate Admissions Processing
    400 Ostrom Ave.
    Syracuse New York 13244

General Required Materials

Individuals interested in applying to a graduate program offered at Syracuse University must complete an official graduate application and submit one copy of records of all previous post secondary education. Most departments also require three letters of recommendation and scores from standardized aptitude tests. The Program Requirements List by School/College included in the Graduate Application contains the specific tests required by each academic unit.

International Students

Those applicants whose primary language of instruction has not been English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants who are citizens of the following English-speaking countries are not required to submit TOEFL scores: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

Please be aware that exam scores are not generally available until four to six weeks after the exam is administered. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that exam scores reach Syracuse by any applicable deadlines. All scores for TOEFL, GRE, and GMAT are reported to a single location at Syracuse University. The institution code for Syracuse University is 2823.

Each academic unit establishes acceptable scores and may also require other demonstrations of English language competence. Details are available from academic units directly.

If you are admitted and need to obtain a non-immigrant student visa to enter the U.S. or transfer to Syracuse University from another school in the U.S., you must show evidence of having secured sufficient funding for at least the first year of study. For a privately sponsored applicant, acceptable evidence of such funding consists of a certified current bank statement on official bank letterhead, signed by an authorized bank official, indicating that sufficient funds exist to meet at least first-year expenses in U.S. dollars. A government-sponsored applicant must submit an original award letter (or a certified copy of an award letter). The letter must state the annual amount of the award in U.S. dollars.

All financial documents must be written in English and valid within one year of the start of the semester. Please note that it is only possible to estimate the annual cost of attendance for graduate students because costs vary widely according to the number of credits taken as well as the lifestyle of the student.

Non Immigrant Alien Students

Syracuse University is authorized under federal law to enroll non immigrant alien students.

Graduate Financial Assistance

Many graduate students receive financial assistance, either through Syracuse University or outside programs. For a full list of funding opportunities, visit Funding Options in the Graduate School website for additional information and deadlines.

Hours of Operation

University Facilities

Syracuse University students learn, study, and play among the 300 buildings on 900 acres that make up the campus. The University’s 152-year history is reflected in buildings across campus, with architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to modern. Fifteen buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

• The College of Arts and Sciences’ humanities programs are concentrated in the Hall of Languages, Huntington Beard Crouse Hall, Bowne Hall, and Sims Hall. Facilities for instruction and research in the sciences are located in the Life Sciences Complex, Physics Building, Heroy Geology Laboratory, Carnegie Library, the Center for Science and Technology, and on South Campus at 621 Skytop Road.
• The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs is housed primarily in Maxwell Hall and Eggers Hall with additional facilities in Lyman Hall and Steele Hall.
• The College of Visual and Performing Arts is comprised of the Setnor School of Music, the School of Art, and the School of Design as well as the Departments of Transmedia, Drama, and Communication and Rhetorical Studies. The School of Art is located in the Dorothea Ilgen Shaffer Art Building, Smith Hall and the Comstock Art Facility. The School of Design is located in the the Nancy Cantor Warehouse in downtown Syracuse. The Setnor School of Music is located in Crouse College. The Department of Drama is located in the Regent Theatre Complex, which also houses Syracuse Stage, a regional equity theater company. The Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies is located in Sims Hall. The Department of Film and Media Arts and the Department of Creative Arts Therapy are located in the Dorothea Ilgen Shaffer Art Building.
• The School of Architecture is located in Slocum Hall.
• The Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science is housed in Link Hall, the Center for Science and Technology, the Syracuse Center of Excellence Headquarters, Bowne Hall, and on South Campus at 621 Skytop Road.
• The College of Law is located in Dineen Hall.
• The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics is primarily located in the Falk College Complex with additional facilities in the Women’s Building. The college’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy is located in off-campus facilities at Peck Hall in Downtown Syracuse.
• The Martin J. Whitman School of Management is housed in the School of Management building, located at University Avenue and Marshall Street.
• The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is located in the three-building Newhouse Communications Complex along University Place.
• The School of Information Studies is located in Hinds Hall.
• The School of Education is housed primarily in Huntington Hall, with additional program and administrative offices in Sims Hall, the Henry Health Center at 111 Waverly, and the Women’s Building.
• Syracuse University Global is located at 700 University Avenue, between Marshall and Adams streets.

SU maintains a presence in New York City at the Joseph I. Lubin House and the Fisher Center; in Washington, D.C. at the Center for Strategic and International Studies; and in California at the SU in LA offices. A variety of programs and events draw alumni, students, and friends to the centers.

Overseas, Syracuse Abroad houses programs in Florence, London, Madrid, along with other sites.

Student Life Facilities

Students have a variety of housing options on Main Campus and South Campus. They can live in single rooms, double rooms, and suites in residence halls and apartments. Students can grab a meal or a snack at any of the five dining centers or several snack bars around campus.

The Schine Student Center )is the hub of student life activity on Main Campus, housing a food court, auditorium , gallery, lounges, meeting rooms, and student organization offices in addition to the Intercultural Collective comprised of the Disability Cultural Center, the LGBTQ Resource Center and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.  The main Campus Store is also located in The Schine.

The JMA Wireless Dome is home to sporting events, commencement, and musical and cultural events. An international student center, Barnes Center at The Arch, Goldstein Student Center, the Women’s Building, Watson Theater, Robert B. Menschel Media Center, and several other facilities accommodate student services and extracurricular programs.

Recreation facilities abound throughout campus. The Barnes Center at The Arch, Flanagan Gymnasium, the Women’s Building, and Ernie Davis Hall contain fitness centers, swimming pools, gymnasiums, exercise rooms, dance studios, and courts for racquet sports. Outdoor tennis courts and playing fields are located on both Main and South campuses. The Goldstein Student Center on South Campus serves south campus, commuter and off-campus students. The Tennity Ice Pavilion offers skating rinks for recreational and intramural skating sports. Hendricks Chapel, on Main Campus, sits majestically on the Quad as the focus of programs of the dean of the chapel. The St. Thomas More Chapel serves Roman Catholic students, and the Winnick Hillel Center for Jewish Life serves Jewish students.

Administrative Operations

University administrative functions are conducted in Crouse Hinds Hall, Steele Hall, and at 111 Waverly Avenue on Main Campus and in the Skytop Administrative Services Building and 621 Skytop Road on South Campus.

Academic Computing Services and facilities for administrative data processing are located in the Green Data Center and Machinery Hall, with administrative offices located in the Center for Science and Technology, 410 South Crouse Avenue and 621 Skytop Road.

The State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is situated on its own campus, adjacent to Main Campus.

Libraries

On the web at library.syracuse.edu, Syracuse University Libraries is your partner in learning, creativity, community, and research. The Libraries is the hub of the academic community on campus and offers extensive print and online collections in a wide range of formats, knowledgeable and helpful librarians and staff, and access to up-to-date technology. Contact us by calling 315.443.4083, texting 315.464.0744, emailing at libref@syr.edu, or Live Chatting at library.syracuse.edu.

Students can begin your research using one of our curated Research Guides on various subject matters or Course Guides for specific classes. Our diverse collections include nearly 5 million items, including online and print journals, as well as maps, images, sound and video recordings, music scores, rare books, and manuscripts. Over 700 research databases contain the full text and images from hundreds of thousands of e-books, journals, and newspapers. The Libraries also offers guidance on citing sources. Our online resources are accessible to SU students anywhere. 

Contact the Libraries to borrow books for a semester, access materials from other libraries across the globe via Interlibrary Loan, borrow technology, access course reserves, or reserve a study room. We are committed to providing all SU students with equitable access to resources and services, and we offer a range of services for individuals who may require assistance or specific tools.

Syracuse University Libraries spaces include:

• Bird Library, home to Pages Café, houses humanities and social science materials, library administrative offices, and Special Collections Research Center. Located within the seven floors of Bird Library are: Blackstone LaunchPad, a cross-disciplinary experiential entrepreneurship program open to all students; Syracuse Abroad@Bird; Center for Learning and Student Success, offering academic support, tutoring, and academic coaching; SOURCE, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement; and Digital Scholarship Space providing a workshop, laboratory, and classroom for digital artifacts and experiences.
• Carnegie Library on the Shaw Quadrangle features a quiet reading room and computer cluster.
• King + King Architecture Library, located in the School of Architecture in Slocum Hall, contains a materials library.
• College of Law Library, located in Dineen Hall.

Other campus libraries include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library (African American Studies Department).

Information Technology Services

Instagram: @su_its

Information Technology Services (ITS) ensures that students at Syracuse University have access to a broad range of computing and information technology services. Services provided include:

• Productivity and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Office 365 and Google Workspace
• MakerSpace and Digital Scholarship Space
• Research computing
• Email
• LinkedIn Learning
• High-speed wired and wireless Internet connections across campus
• Technology-enhanced classrooms and collaborative spaces
• Computer labs

Two key platforms for success at Syracuse University are MySlice (myslice.syr.edu) and Blackboard (blackboard.syr.edu). MySlice provides a secure gateway to all essential University resources, including the course catalog, financial aid and more. The Blackboard online learning platform hosts thousands of courses across campus.

Additional computing resources for specific academic programs and research activities are available through the University’s schools and colleges.

Getting Help

In addition to maintaining the University’s computing and network services, ITS provides a variety of support options:

• Online, self-serve support information is available at answers.syr.edu.
• Students can resolve NetID account issues including password management and multi-factor authentication at netid.syr.edu.
• The ITS Service Center is available by phone (315.443.2677), by email (help@syr.edu) or through in-person support. You can find information regarding ITS Service Center hours at its.syr.edu/its_service_center.

Health and Wellness

The Barnes Center at The Arch is a state-of-the-art health, wellness and recreation complex located at 150 Sims Drive between the JMA Wireless Dome and Carnegie Library. The integrated wellness team offers modern and expanded programs and services that promote holistic health and well-being to all students in one accessible, centralized space on campus. Highlights include the following. Visit the Barnes Center website or call 315.443.8000 to learn more about accessing services, resources and appointments.

• Barnes Center at The Arch Wellness Wheel
• Crowley Family MindSpa
• Counseling 
• Esports facility
• Group fitness classes
• Group Counseling
• Health Care (e.g. appointments, consultation, immunizations, vaccines, travel, more)
• Health Insurance
• Intramural sports
• Laboratory
• Medical transportation (ambulance, non-urgent)
• Meditation room
• Nutrition Counseling
• Outdoor adventure trips
• Peer education
• Psychiatry
• Recreation (e.g. pool, fitness centers, climbing wall and more)
• In-person and Virtual Retail Pharmacy
• Referrals 
• Safer Sex Express 
• Soul Series
• Walters Pet Therapy Room

Student Health and Wellness Fee 

The Student Health and Wellness Fee is mandatory for full-time undergraduate students, College of Law students registered for 12 or more credits and graduate students registered for nine or more credits. Students who are not required to pay the Student Health and Wellness Fee but would like to pay the fee for the semester to obtain eligibility for these services are asked to complete the Student Health and Wellness Fee Request Form. Visit the Barnes Center at The Arch About webpage for complete details.

Confidentiality

Visit the Barnes Center at The Arch Confidentiality webpage to learn more. 

Emergency

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you are in immediate danger, call 911.

• Syracuse University Ambulance (Call 315.443.4299, #78 using a cell phone or 711 from a campus phone.): Provides basic life support and emergency medical services to the campus community, 24-hours a day during the academic year.
• 24-Hour Support (Call 315.443.8000): Syracuse University students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence, or needing urgent medical consultation can receive free confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 315.443.8000. Please note, routine consultations should hold until the next business day.
• Visit the Barnes Center at The Arch Emergency webpage for additional information. 

Student Health Insurance Requirement 

Each year, all full-time, matriculated undergraduate, graduate and law students are required to demonstrate proof of qualifying health insurance coverage or enroll into the Student Health Insurance Plan. Students within traditionally online degree programs are not eligible to enroll in or waive the Student Health Insurance Plan. 

Failure to take action or receive an approved waiver by the deadline, will result in automatic enrollment into the Student Health Insurance Plan and the anticipated premium fee to remain on the student’s Bursar account. Additionally, this will result in a delay of active insurance coverage and access to insurance cards. Visit the Barnes Center at The Arch Student Health Insurance webpage for deadlines and to learn more.  

Immunization Requirements

If documents are not received by deadlines, students may risk administrative consequences, including the inability to register for classes and more. Visit the Barnes Center at The Arch Patient Portal instructional webpage to learn more.

• Documentation of two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) or proof of immunity.
• Documentation of one dose of meningococcal meningitis ACWY vaccine within the preceding five years and after the age of 16 or a completed waiver form declining the vaccination.

Please contact the Barnes Center at the Arch by calling 315.443.8000 or visit Immunization Requirements webpage for complete details. 

Career Services

(315) 443-3616
careerservices.syr.edu

From connecting passions to coursework, experiencing internships, securing professional employment, and setting career goals, Syracuse University Career Services is here to help you achieve your unique professional dreams.

Through personalized meetings, strategic professional development resources and networking opportunities, the team is devoted to helping you achieve not only post-graduation employment but long-term professional successes.

Whether you are looking to begin your professional development journey or seeking support during an employment offer negotiation, Syracuse University Career Services alongside campus partners, are here to help you define and achieve professional success.

Students are encouraged to utilize the career office in their home school/college for career advising, internships and specific programming. Career exploration specialists in Central Career Services are here to help undergraduate students navigate choosing a major and finding a career path that aligns with their professional goals. Additionally, career offices host large-scale events and programs that connect students with employers and SU alumni in their desired career fields. Career Services for graduate students can be found in The Graduate School.

A brief description of services:

Career advising and guidance. Each Career Coaching experience is customized to meet your professional development needs and to answer your questions.

Through advising sessions, formal assessments, and informational resources, the wealth of career development resources across campus help students gain clarity in their academic and career interests. For students who know exactly what field they wish to pursue, career advisors assist in strategizing and navigating the internship/job search process. They can also help students build application documents such as resumes and cover letters and strengthen interview skills.

Alumni Connections. Specialized events such as the Alumni Speaker Series and immersion programs help connect students with alumni from diverse backgrounds and industries and designated geographic locations. Students can also learn about these unique opportunities to connect with our SU community through our on-campus CRM platform, Handshake. In addition, students can access the ‘CuseConnect LinkedIn group, as this is a valuable resource for exploring careers and break into the working world.

Employer Connections. Each semester, Career Services across campus host large-scale career fairs and on-campus interviews to connect students with employers in their desired industries. Typically, several hundred employers attend these fairs and hold on-campus interviews, seeking to hire for internship and full-time positions. Additionally, Central Career Services manages an online job board, Handshake, which stores all of the internship and job postings and employer information sessions submitted targeted for SU.

For more information about Career Services, or to schedule an appointment with a career exploration specialist, please visit Handshake or call (315)443-3616.

Syracuse University Internship Opportunities

Elective Internships: Syracuse University Career Services

http://careerservices.syr.edu/internshipsjobs/internships-for-credit/index.html

Career Services offices across campus help students find and arrange local and national internships (whether they carry academic credit or not). Internships may be taken during any semester or summer session. Each school and college facilitates the internship process and makes information about internship options available to graduate and undergraduate students from across the University. Students who want to receive academic credit for their internship are subject to the provisions and regulations of the school or college in which they are enrolled.

Elective internships can provide students with opportunities to apply what they have learned in the classroom, explore career options, develop specific career skills, and become involved with community service. The specific role of the intern varies with each host organization, depending upon the student’s goals, objectives, and skills and the organization’s needs and resources.

Academic Credit

Once accepted for an internship, students must complete a learning proposal that describes the goals and activities planned for the internship and an online supplemental information (and waiver) form, available through their school or college.

Internships for elective academic credit require at least 45 hours of internship work for each credit earned. Thus, during a regular 15-week semester, an intern may earn three credits by working an average of 9 hours a week. During summer sessions, work schedules vary widely and often include more than the minimum number of hours. The number of credits are determined by the specific department, school or college in which a student is enrolled. On average students register between 1 and 6 credits.

During fall and spring semesters, full-time undergraduate students may include internship course credits as part of their regular course load, which allows up to 19 credits without incurring additional tuition charges. Undergraduates accepted for summer sessions internships pay tuition at the rate set for other summer credits. All graduate students and all University College students taking internships for credit pay tuition at the rates set for other credits.

Interns must be registered during the semester or summer session in which their internships take place. Retroactive credit is not granted.

For further information about local and national internship opportunities, program policies, and application and registration procedures, please refer to the internship contact list or students can visit the career office in their school or college.

Interdisciplinary and Specialized Study

Syracuse University has long promoted the development of special programs and research groups, many of an interdisciplinary nature. Not only does Syracuse offer a wide array of interdisciplinary programs of study, but many individual courses provide students with considerable flexibility in developing their academic programs. Students enrolled in certain programs at Syracuse may also take selected courses at one of the two SUNY institutions adjacent to the campus, the College of Environmental Science and Forestry and SUNY Upstate Medical University. Detailed descriptions and requirements of these programs are given in the appropriate colleges’ and schools’ listings in this catalog.

The interdisciplinary network at Syracuse also encompasses faculty members who serve in dual capacities, holding joint appointments in more than one department within the University or at other institutions. For example, some School of Education faculty members regularly instruct classes in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and vice versa. Other faculty members hold external appointments in addition to their posts at the University.

Graduate Study

Generally, graduate students select a program of study within one academic unit that leads to a degree conferred by the Graduate School. Students may also choose to pursue formal joint-degree programs. In such cases, the student is enrolled in more than one school or college and is able to earn two degrees with fewer total credit requirements than two separate degrees. A student enrolled in a joint degree program must meet the degree requirements in each school or college. Examples of joint degree programs are the law/public administration (J.D./M.P.A.) program, the law/business administration (J.D./M.B.A) program, the law/cultural foundations of education (J.D./M.S) program, the law/forensic science (J.D./M.A.) program, and the law/international relations (J.D./M.A) program. Students wishing to pursue joint law/graduate degrees must be admitted to the College of Law and complete their first year of legal studies before admission to the joint law/graduate programs is considered.

Similar in concept to joint degree programs are concurrent degree programs, which also allow students to pursue programs of study in more than one discipline simultaneously, often with fewer total credit requirements than the two separate degrees. This plan leads to two degrees, one in each program of study. 

Under the terms of a formal Scholar Exchange Program, Syracuse graduate students may avail themselves, for up to one year of study, of classes offered by Cornell University or the University of Rochester in addition to the courses and programs offered by Syracuse University.

The Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering (CASE)

The Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering (CASE) is an ESD/NYSTAR-designated Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) funded by New York State to support collaboration with industry towards innovative, interdisciplinary research in complex information-intensive systems. CASE’s mission is to catalyze growth in the state’s high technology economy by connecting industry with technical expertise in data fusion, data mining, command and control, machine learning and AI, security assurance, wireless communication, sensor network/management, and unmanned aerial systems, to develop new products and services.

CASE serves number of industry-facing roles at Syracuse University. Through CASE’s Co-op and Internship Program, graduate students can apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world projects working for CASE on assignments created by the University’s industry partners. For faculty and students interested in entrepreneurship, CASE offers business incubation support and helps lead SU’s efforts in the National Science Foundation Interior Northeast Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Hub, providing resources for early-stage technology commercialization. A CASE experience can significantly enhance students’ professional development and career options.

The Graduate School

Peter A. Vanable, Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and Dean
Gabrielle Chapman, Associate Dean
304 Lyman Hall, 315-443-2543
graduateschool.syr.edu
gradschool@syr.edu

Graduate study and research have been recognized as a critical piece of Syracuse University’s mission since its inception in 1870. Today, every school and college at Syracuse offers graduate study, and the University awards approximately 1,700 master’s degrees and certificates of advanced study and 150 doctoral degrees annually. A complete listing of graduate degree programs can be found in the Academic Offerings Tab section in this catalog.

Individual graduate programs are administered by departments or interdisciplinary committees and are subject to approval by the appropriate schools and colleges and by the University Senate. These policies and standards are administered by the Graduate School. All postbaccalaureate degrees are awarded through the Graduate School, with the exception of the J.D. degree, which is awarded through the College of Law.

Graduate students will learn from a full-time faculty of more than 800 scholars, many of them internationally or nationally recognized in their field and will assist faculty both in the classroom and with important research initiatives.

All Syracuse University graduate degree programs, with the exception of law, are organized under the auspices of the Graduate School. Applications for admission are submitted to the Graduate School, which also confers degrees upon graduation. The graduate degree programs themselves, however, are offered by faculty of the University’s 12 academic schools and colleges. This unique organizational structure fosters intellectual collaboration and exploration across the disciplines while at the same time recognizing the highly specialized nature of graduate-level academic work.

Requests for information about graduate programs should be directed to the specific academic units offering those programs. Questions about University-wide policies should be directed to the Graduate School.

The Syracuse University Infrastructure Institute (SUII)

The Syracuse University Infrastructure Institute is an interdisciplinary institute drawing upon the expertise of faculty and students from all schools and colleges at SU. The mission of SUII is to facilitate efficient, effective and socially responsible infrastructure development and rehabilitation, globally and domestically. Participants in the institute are engaged in research, teaching and commentary about the planning, management, building, funding, and societal impacts of public and private infrastructure. Faculty and students study such topics as infrastructure computer vision, resilient communities, energy efficient building design, alternative project delivery systems, educational implications of transportation systems, affordable housing, and green infrastructure. The Institute develops and supports curriculum for undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals.

Syracuse University Graduation Rate

In compliance with the federal Student-Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act, and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education, Syracuse University provides the following information to current and prospective students: Of the cohort of full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students who first enrolled at Syracuse University in fall 2016, 83 percent had earned their bachelor’s degrees as of August 2022. These beginning and end dates comprise 150 percent of the normal length of full-time study (4 years) needed to complete a typical undergraduate degree program. While this calculation meets the act’s requirements for determining a graduation rate, Syracuse University recognizes that many students for diverse reasons are unable or choose not to complete their degrees in a continuous sequence of full-time enrollment and, therefore, that the rate may not accurately reflect the commitment and achievement of its students. Moreover, the act’s stipulation that the graduation rate be that of the cohort of entering full-time students leaves out the significant population of part-time students who constitute an important part of the Syracuse University community.

Graduate Student Life

Graduate students at Syracuse University enjoy many academic, cultural, recreational, and social activities outside the classroom within the University’s vibrant campus life.

Students can choose from more than 200 student organizations, including performing arts groups; sports teams; and student-run print, radio, and broadcast media, to name a few. The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) takes an active part in formulating graduate policy, exploring problems of concern to graduate students, and is represented on the University Senate and the University Board of Trustees.

Several recreational facilities on campus draw students all hours of the day for invigorating workouts. Students can challenge a friend to a game of squash, or master hip hop during a late night dance class at the Barnes Center at The Arch. Facilities also include weight machines, free weights, and cardiovascular exercise machines, along with basketball, racquetball, and handball courts. For more structured activities, Syracuse University fields varsity teams in a number of sports for men and women. Some teams compete in the JMA Wireless Dome, located on campus.

Concert and lectures with nationally and internationally known presenters are held frequently at Hendricks Chapel and many other locations across campus. On-campus entertainment sources also include first-run and classic movies presented nearly every night of the week by various film societies; forums; art exhibitions; and plays. The Setnor School of Music organizes performances featuring students, faculty, and guest artists.

The Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service offers students the opportunity to get involved in service projects and volunteer activities. Opportunities for involvement extend into the community as well, with the University-city Connective Corridor initiative linking the campus by bus with downtown galleries, museums, theaters, music venues, and cultural festivals.

Traveling exhibitions and student and faculty art are shown throughout the year, principally in the Joe and Emily Lowe Art Gallery on campus. For stage performances, the John D. Archbold Theater is home of the professional Equity company Syracuse Stage. The intimate Experimental Theater is used for student productions.

Students gather at the Schine Student Center on Main Campus to meet friends, grab lunch at Schine dining, or pick up art supplies at the main bookstore. The Goldstein Student Center provides the same atmosphere for students residing on South Campus.

Syracuse University Leadership

The Officers of the University are:

For more information on University leadership, please visit the Chancellor’s website at chancellor.syr.edu

Student Privacy Rights (FERPA)

Annual Notification of Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Syracuse University fully complies with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and its implementing regulations, as amended (collectively, “FERPA”), and with guidelines recommended by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. FERPA gives students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

I. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records.

Students should submit to the University Registrar (106 Steele Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-1120 or registrar@syr.edu) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University Registrar will make arrangements for access, excluding records and documents that are not education records or that a student is otherwise not entitled to access or has waived their right of access, and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Access will be provided within a reasonable time, not to exceed 45 days after the University Registrar’s receipt of the student’s request. Upon reasonable request, and to the extent necessary, the appropriate University personnel will explain information contained in education records. Students have the right to review only their own records. When a record contains information about more than one student, the University will limit access to that part of the record which pertains only to the student requesting access unless information regarding the other student(s) cannot be segregated and redacted without destroying the meaning of the record insofar as it pertains to the requesting student.

II. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

A student requesting an amendment to their education records should obtain a Request to Amend or Remove Education Records form from the Registrar’s Office and clearly identify the part of the record they want amended and specify why it is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of their rights of privacy. The University Registrar may concur that an amendment is appropriate and will take steps to make the amendment. If not, the student will be notified within a reasonable period of time that the records will not be amended and will be informed by the University Registrar of the right to a hearing. If the hearing results in a final determination not to amend the record, the student will be permitted to place a statement with the record commenting on the contested information, stating their disagreement with the decision not to amend the record, or both.

The right to challenge information in education records does not include a right to contest grades or other substantive matters accurately reflected in the records. Thus, this procedure may not be used to change a grade in a record unless the grade assigned was inaccurately recorded, in which case the record will be corrected.

III. The right to provide written consent before the University discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

A student has the right to consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Set forth below is information about some of the circumstances in which FERPA authorizes such disclosures. The University reserves the right to make disclosures of information from education records without a student’s consent in these and other circumstances in which such disclosures are permitted by FERPA.

The University may disclose education records without a student’s prior written consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The University may make such disclosures in these and other circumstances as and to the extent permitted by FERPA.

A school official is: a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research or support staff position; a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing their tasks; or a person volunteering or otherwise performing services for the University. A contractor, consultant, volunteer, or other party to whom the University has outsourced institutional services or functions may be considered a school official only if they perform an institutional service or function for which the University would otherwise use employees, is under the direct control of the University with respect to the use and maintenance of education records and agrees to use the education records only for the purposes for which they were disclosed.

A school official has a “legitimate educational interest” when they have a need to access student education records for the purpose of performing an appropriate educational, research, administrative or other function for the University. This includes performing tasks specific to job, contractual, or volunteer duties and provision of a service or benefit relating to the student or the student’s family. The information sought and provided must be pertinent to and used within the context of official University business and not for a purpose extraneous to the official’s area of responsibility.

The University may disclose education records without consent to officials of another university, college or school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled, for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.

The University may disclose education records without consent to parents of a dependent student as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, when proof of dependency has been provided. A “parent” is a parent, legal guardian, or someone acting as a parent who meets the IRS standard. (Note: Students should refer to their individual school/college policies concerning parental notification of information regarding academic misconduct and/or academic performance.)

The University may make disclosures in the case of emergencies to appropriate persons, if the knowledge of such information is necessary to protect against an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of a student or other persons.

IV. The right to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information that Syracuse University has designated as “Directory Information.”

Unless a student has followed the steps described below, the University may disclose “Directory Information” without consent in accordance with the provisions of FERPA. Directory Information is defined as that information which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. Syracuse University considers the following to be directory information:

Name
Current address and phone number
Permanent address and phone number
SU email address
Academic awards and honors
Athletic participation
Class/level
Dates of attendance
Degree(s) earned and date(s)
Full/part-time status
Majors(s)/degree program(s)
Photograph or other visual image
Prior postsecondary institutions attended
SU school/college(s)

Students have the right to have some or all of this Directory Information withheld from the public if they so desire. To prevent disclosure of Directory Information, students must file a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form with the Registrar’s Office, 106 Steele Hall or registrar@syr.edu). Requests may be filed at any time and remain in effect permanently (including after departure from the University) until removed, in writing, by the student.

Any student who has reason to believe that the University is not complying with FERPA or this policy should inform the University Registrar in writing. The Registrar shall promptly review all such allegations and initiate appropriate actions. In addition, students have the right to file complaints with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. Complaints may be submitted in writing to:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202

For additional information about the University’s FERPA policy, see https://policies.syr.edu/policies/university-governance-ethics-integrity-and-legal-compliance/compliance-with-the-family-educational-rights-and-privacy-act-ferpa/

Related Policy:  Information Technology Resources Acceptable Use Policy

Student Grievance Process

Distance Learning Students Information

Syracuse University’s degree and certificate programs delivered through distance education are registered with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). 

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative to provide more access to online courses while maintaining compliance standards with state regulatory agencies. SARA allows institutions to provide online courses outside of their own state borders by seeking and maintaining state approvals via a streamlined process. New York State joined SARA on December 9, 2016. On February 15, 2017, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) approved institutional participation for Syracuse University.

Distance Learning Complaint Process for Out-of-State Students

Any student, including those out-of-state, who wishes to lodge a complaint or grievance must first file the complaint following Syracuse University’s internal processes. NC-SARA consumer protection complaints should initiate with the Office of Academic Affairs. Academic complaints or grievances should be initiated with the instructor, then the academic department chair or dean.  Grievances related to conduct of faculty, staff and other students should be brought to the Dean of Students Office. Further information can be found on the student grievance processes page.

If a complaint is not resolved satisfactorily within the University, under terms of the NC-SARA agreement, a student may file a complaint with New York State Education Department (NYSED). As our state portal entity, NYSED will investigate dishonest or fraudulent activity by any institution participating in NC-SARA. This includes the possibility of an institution providing potentially misleading or false information. 

New York State Education Department
Andrea Richards
Supervisor of Higher Education Programs
89 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12234
518.474.1551
IHEauthorize@nysed.gov

Additional information regarding filing a complaint may be found below:

NC-SARA https://www.nc-sara.org/student-complaints
New York State Education Department http://www.nysed.gov/college-university-evaluation/complaints

Policies for Recipients of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Ch.33) or Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31) Benefits

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill^® (Ch. 33) or Veteran Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA.  This school will not:

• Prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
• Provide written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

”GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”

Nondiscrimination and EEO Policy

Syracuse University does not discriminate on any protected basis. This includes in admission, treatment, or access to its programs and activities or in employment in its programs and activities. The University prohibits harassment or discrimination related to any protected categories. The protected categories include creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, marital status, political or social affiliation, age, race, color, veteran status, military status, religion, sexual orientation, domestic violence status, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender.

EOIRS is charged with ensuring compliance with a broad array of laws, statutes, and administrative policies regarding gender and racial equity, discrimination, and sexual harassment including Title VI, Title IX, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended (ADAAA), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, NY Human Rights laws and Affirmative Action Planning. The scope of responsibility is much broader than compliance, however. It includes a core educational mission for the campus that involves staff, faculty and departmental training; policy review; analysis of compensation and recruitment practices; conflict resolution; facilitating reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities; and affirmative action planning. For more information, visit the Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services website.

Any complaint of discrimination or harassment related to any of these protected categories (including any concern of sexual or relationship violence) should be shared with the University’s Chief Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer, Sheila Johnson-Willis, who is responsible for coordinating compliance efforts under the various laws including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX* of the Education Amendments, and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. You can contact Ms. Johnson-Willis at Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services, 005 Steele Hall, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-1520; OR by email: sjohnson@syr.edu; or by telephone: 315-443-1520.

If you have questions about compliance with the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or interpretation of its provisions, such as the obligation to provide reasonable accommodations, please contact the University’s ADA\503\504 Coordinator, William Myhill, by email: ada@syr.edu OR by telephone: 315-443-2377.

*Title IX prohibits harassment or discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. Titles VI and VII prohibit harassment or discrimination based on race, national origin, color, religion or sex.  Sections 503 and 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination or harassment because of disability. In addition, New York law prohibits discrimination or harassment based on these and other protected categories.

Campus Safety

It is Syracuse University’s policy to provide anyone, on request, with a printed copy of the University’s policies and procedures regarding campus security and safety, as well as crime rates and statistics for the most recent three-year period. A copy of Your Safety and Security at Syracuse University, a handbook that provides this information in compliance with a federal law known as the Clery Act, is available from DPS. The handbook is updated annually.

The Syracuse University Department of Public Safety will provide upon request all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education.

US DOE website: http://ope.ed.gov/security/

The Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Report provides information about substance use and abuse, institution policies and programs in place to provide intervention and support. To request a print copy of the Syracuse University Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act report, please contact Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance at riskadmin@syr.edu or 315.443.4011. Once you submit your request, your print copy will be delivered within 10 days.