Return to: Academic Offerings

Michael J. Frasciello, Interim Dean
700 University Ave.
parttime.syr.edu

About the College

University College (UC), is the home of part-time and summer studies at Syracuse University. UC offers a variety of credit and noncredit classes for part-time students during the fall and spring semesters, and for full-time, part-time, and visiting students during the summer. Part-time students receive Syracuse University degrees upon completion of their academic program.

UC also offers unique and valuable summer programs for high school students, administers educational programs for international students, is actively engaged in the University’s commitment to serving veterans and their families, and enhances the local community through its continuing education and outreach programs. UC serves its constituents throughout their lifespan, engaging a spectrum of people from elementary school students to retired professionals.  It enriches their lives by applying the knowledge and resources of a major university toward community issues and problems. University College acts as a bridge between the academic purposes of Syracuse University and the interests and needs of the community.

Our Mission

To provide exceptional support and services for a diverse population seeking access to Syracuse University. To act as an entry point for students, an innovator of programs, a connector across campus disciplines, a builder of bridges to the community, and a partner for business.

Undergraduate Programs

Degrees

University College students earning a Syracuse University associate or bachelor’s degree may enroll for 11 or fewer credits each semester. Students have the option of taking day, evening, online, or flexible format classes, and have numerous choices in programs of study offered by the academic schools and colleges. Curricula is the same for both part- and full-time undergraduates. Click here for a complete listing of all degree programs available to part-time students.

Available only through University College is an innovative career-focused degree program the Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.). This program of study, available fully online or in a blended  format, and designed specifically for working adults, offers a Syracuse University degree, or a certificate, in either Creative Leadership or Knowledge Management. Both B.P.S. programs are expressly designed to prepare students for the demands of the current workplace and job market. An all-University faculty committee oversees the two degree programs, including policies and procedures.

Certificates

Undergraduate certificate programs in Creative Leadership or Knowledge Management, available fully online or in a blended format are offered as an option of the B.P.S. curriculum path. They are designed for working adults seeking an interim credential as they complete the B.P.S. degree or prefer a stand-alone certificate.

Minors

Undergraduate minors in Creative Leadership or Knowledge Management are offered to enhance an individual’s degree by preparing students for the demands of the current workplace and job market.

General Regulations

For academic rules and regulations applying to all University students, see the Academic Rules section of this catalog, which also contains special regulations that apply to University College students. The regulations below apply to all students matriculated through University College for the Bachelor of Professional Studies degree, certificates and minors.

Minimum Requirements for Degree, Certificates and Minors

At least 120 credits of coursework are required for the B.P.S. degrees. To be eligible for graduation, B.P.S. students must attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses taken at Syracuse University. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 2.0 in courses counted toward completion of their program of study.

Minimum Requirements for Certificate

At least 15 credits of coursework are required for the certificates. To be eligible for graduation, certificate students must attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses taken at Syracuse University. Students must earn a grade point average of at least 2.0 in courses counted toward completion of their certificate. Admission requires associate degree or 60 college credits.

Minimum Requirements for Minors

At least 18 credits of coursework are required for the B.P.S. minors.  At least 12 credits must be in 300-400 level courses. The minors are open to Syracuse University undergraduate students in good standing with the approval of their home college. The minor is not available for students in The Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Students must enter the program no later than first semester of junior year and have a 3.0 GPA (based on completion of 30 credits). 

Declaring a Program of Study

B.P.S. students must declare a program of study by the time they have reached junior standing.

Prior Learning Assessment for Bachelor of Professional Studies

Under the guidelines of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), University College recognizes that adult students may bring with them transfer credits from accredited American colleges and universities, credits from approved institutions in other countries, performance in college-level or proficiency examinations, and/or prior college-level learning gained from work and life experiences.

A maximum of 30 credits from the combination of advanced credit, prior learning assessment, and/or credits earned through nontraditional programs may be applied toward the number of credits required for graduation. These credits may not be applied to the 30-credit residency requirement. A maximum of 12 transfer or other credits may be applied in the program of study.

Student must be matriculated in a B.P.S. program with junior standing to apply for prior learning assessment by developing a portfolio of prior college-level learning that identifies and documents the learning and how it applies to the individual’s degree program. Further information is available from UC’s Academic Advising Office, 315-443-3261.

Transfer Credit Policy

Students who are matriculated in a B.P.S. degree program can earn up to 90 credits toward the 120 required for graduation through a combination of traditional transfer credit and prior learning assessment. A maximum of 66 lower-division credits may be transferred to an SU degree from a combination of testing programs and two-year college credits. A maximum of 90 credits may be granted from another four-year school. University College accepts a maximum of 12 transfer or other credits in the B.P.S. program of study.

Bachelor of Professional Studies

Academic Director: Arthur Jensen, Senior Associate Dean/Professor, College of Visual and Performing Arts, 315-443-5890, adjensen@syr.edu

Program Questions, contact University College at 315-443-1317, or email parttime@uc.syr.edu

University College provides part-time students with personalized academic advising, financial aid, registration and bursar services. To find out how you can earn an SU degree part time or to begin by taking a course, attend an Information Session, call for an appointment with an academic advisor (315-443-3261), or e-mail parttime@uc.syr.edu. We’ll get you started on the journey of a lifetime.

(*Matriculation: admission to a degree program. Required for graduation and financial aid.)

Summer Programs

Summer Sessions

• MAYmester - an intensive, two-week session
• Session I - six weeks (mid-May to late June)
• Session II - six weeks (early July to mid-August)
• Combined Session - 12-week session (mid-May to mid-August)\
• Flex Format Sessions
  • Long - Classes that meet equal to or more than 5 days
  • Short - meets equal to or less than 4 days

Attending summer sessions enables students to take courses they couldn’t enroll in during other semesters. Additionally, students visiting from other colleges can, with permission from their home school, take courses at SU during the summer and transfer their credits to their own university.

The Summer Course Schedule is available at the beginning of March. Students may also search for classes in MySlice.

Summer College for High School Students

High school students can take undergraduate courses, earn college credits, and explore potential majors while taking part in campus life through Summer College. Two-week, three-week, and six-week programs are available - some credit and some noncredit. For more information, contact the Summer College office, at 315-443-5000 or sumcoll@syr.edu, or visit the web site.

SummerStart

SummerStart is a six-week residential program specifically designed for incoming first-year students. The program is offered during Summer Session II. Students earn 7-9 credits toward their degree program, as they become more familiar with the academic, social, and cultural life at SU. SummerStart helps to ease the transition into college, expands academic options, and affords students the opportunity to become a more self-assured and confident first-year student. For more information, contact the SummerStart office at 315-443-5045 or SUstart@syr.edu, or visit the web site.

Student SUccess Initiative

The Student SUccess Initiative (SSUI) program is committed to the retention of students. In partnership with SU’s schools and colleges, SSUI provides a comprehensive learning community experience that includes personal coaching, quiet study areas, tutorials, and social activities. To qualify for the SSUI program, students must show some indication that they are academically “at risk” and are dedicated to making a change in their approach to academic and personal development. For more information, contact the SSUI office at 315-443-1095 or ssui@syr.edu, or visit the web site.

Winterlude

Winterlude is a four-week session between fall and spring semesters. All classes are either fully online or off campus, occurring at alternate domestic or international locations.  Taking a Winterlude class provides students the opportunity to take a course they couldn’t enroll in during other semesters. Full-time SU students must receive permission from their home school/college prior to class registration.  Additionally, students visiting from other colleges can, with permission from their home school, take an SU Winterlude class and transfer their credits to their own university. The Winterlude Class Schedule is available in October. Students may also search for classes in MySlice.

For more information, call 315-443-3261 or visit our web site http://winter.syr.edu

English Language Institute

David Lind, Director
700 University Avenue, Suite 207

English Language Institute (ELI) courses are designed for international students and professionals who are interested in short-term or long-term study to improve their English skills. This full-time intensive program is offered through University College. Five levels of Academic English courses are offered. Many of the students have been conditionally admitted to Syracuse University and need to increase their English proficiency before enrolling in a degree program. Completion of the level 4 (high intermediate) course will waive the university’s TOEFL requirement for most undergraduate and some graduate programs.

Courses of varying length can be designed for individuals or groups with specific needs and disciplines (e.g., architecture, business, engineering, etc.). The Legal English program offered every summer is an example of this type of specialization where students can prepare before starting in an LL.M. (Master of Laws) program at an American university.

Highly qualified instructors, a great deal of personal attention, and intensive exposure to English language instruction enable students to make the necessary progress. Enrollment is limited and admission is by application only. For more information about the ELI, call 315-443-8571, email elimail@syr.edu, or visit the website at eli.syr.edu.

Veterans Resource Center (VRC)

Veterans are a part of the thriving Syracuse University community. SU’s Veterans Resource Center is dedicated to assisting prospective and current students as they navigate Veterans Affairs and University administration. The SU Veterans Lounge, staffed by fellow veterans, is a place where student-veterans make connections and share strategies and support while acclimating to college life. The Student Veterans Organization is a recognized student organization supported by the Veterans Resource Center. A chapter of the national S.A.L.U.T.E. honor society for veterans (salute.colostate.edu/) inducts Syracuse student-veteran members annually. Syracuse University’s proud history of serving veterans dates back to World War II. We remain committed to supporting those who have served our country. For more information, call 315-443-3261 or visit our web site vrc.syr.edu.

Arthur O. Eve HEOP

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) for part-time students, administered by University College, is designed for first-time college students and transfer students from other opportunity programs. It provides academic and financial support for people of all ages who, because of educational and economic circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend college. This is the only HEOP program for students who can study on a part-time basis in New York State.

For more information on the HEOP program, call 315-443-3261 or visit the web site.

University College Honors

University College celebrates the accomplishments of those students who achieve extraordinary success in their studies with the following forms of recognition.

Alpha Sigma Lambda - Matriculated part-time candidates for the bachelor’s degree may be invited to join Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honor society for continuing education students, represented at SU by the Beta Delta chapter. To qualify, part-time students who have earned at least 24 credits, have maintained a 3.2 GPA, and are in the top 10-20% of the class may be selected as initiates.

Dean’s List - Matriculated part-time students enrolled at University College are selected for the dean’s list at the end of the fall or spring semester, if they have enrolled in consecutive semesters with a total of 12 or more credits and earned a 3.4 GPA.

University Honors - Students who achieve superior cumulative GPAs are eligible to receive their degree with University Honors. This honor is based on a minimum of 60 credits of letter-graded classes taken at Syracuse University.

See the current issue of Academic Rules  for a complete statement of University policies and requirements.

Return to: Academic Offerings