Syracuse University College of Professional Studies

What Syracuse University College of Professional Studies does

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies (CPS) is an academic college within Syracuse University, a private nonprofit R1 research university headquartered at 700 University Ave, Syracuse, NY. Originally established in 1948 as University College to serve part-time and non-traditional students, it was renamed College of Professional Studies in 2018 and operates as a degree-granting unit offering over 100 undergraduate degrees, a Master of Professional Studies in Project Management, a Certificate of Advanced Study, more than nine professional certificates, six minors, and non-credit microcredentials. Programs are delivered through 100% online, on-campus part-time, and hybrid formats using an LMS that supports both asynchronous and synchronous instruction, with six start dates per year, 8-week course formats, and up to 90 transferable credits.

CPS generates tuition revenue at $575 per credit for undergraduate online students (reduced from $750 via an automatic Tuition Incentive Grant effective August 2025) and $1,050 per credit for graduate MPS/CAS programs, on a pay-as-you-go billing cadence. Distribution spans self-serve online enrollment, dedicated admissions counselors, monthly information sessions, and channel partnerships with NFLPA, MLBPA, NHL, MLS, NWSL, and Siemens — the latter providing up to 81 transfer credits toward the BPS in AI in Business Process Automation for SMSCP-certified employees. Specialized offerings include the New York State-only part-time Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP, est. 1969), the English Language Institute (est. 1979), pre-college programs, and a microcredentials office.

The portfolio is anchored by validated credentials: NSA-validated Cybersecurity Administration, AACSB-accredited Business Management (via the Whitman School of Management, ranked #1 in Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs among private universities in 2025), and a Policy Studies program partnered with the U.S. News #1-ranked Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs. CPS has been ranked #3 for Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans among private universities for three consecutive years (2023-2025) and #7 for Best Online Bachelor's Programs in 2025, lending the college the reputational weight of Syracuse University's 150-year classroom-teaching history.

Name

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies

Legal name

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies

Website

https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies is a nonprofit academic college offering flexible online and part-time undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs — including BPS, MPS, CAS degrees and microcredentials — primarily for working adults, military-connected students, and corporate/sports-league partner cohorts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Junior Colleges (611210)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Language & Communication Continuing Education (EDAAAEAF), Short-Term Certificate & Micro-Credential Programs (International) (EDAIAIAI), Junior Colleges (Associate-Degree Granting) (EDAHADAC)

Keywords

• Online degree programs
• Professional certificates
• Adult education
• Higher education
• Part-time degrees

Headquarters

HQ city

Syracuse

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Undergraduate Online Tuition: Part-time undergraduate students in online programs pay tuition per credit hour. The Tuition Incentive Grant reduced the rate from $750 to $575 per credit for all admitted and enrolled online undergraduate students.
2. Graduate Tuition (MPS/CAS): Graduate-level programs including Master of Professional Studies and Certificate of Advanced Study in Project Management are priced at $1,050 per credit.
3. Summer College Programs: Pre-college programs for high school students explore potential college majors and careers. Fee-based program structure.
4. English Language Institute: Pre-degree program preparing international students for undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1979, year-round immersive program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies delivers flexible undergraduate and graduate degree programs, professional certificates, minors, and microcredentials through fully online, hybrid, and on-campus part-time formats. The college serves working adults, non-traditional learners, veterans, and other student populations with stackable credentials, 8-week courses, multiple start dates, and dedicated student support. It also operates the English Language Institute and New York State's only HEOP program for part-time students.

Product overview

Syracuse University College of Professional Studies is a higher education institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, professional certificates, minors, and microcredentials primarily through flexible online and part-time formats. The product portfolio includes Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) degrees in fields such as AI in Business Process Automation, Business Management, Cybersecurity Administration, Healthcare Administration, Organizational Development and Leadership, Project Management, Policy Studies, and Interdisciplinary Studies; Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies; Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts; Master of Professional Studies in Project Management; and graduate-level Certificate of Advanced Study. Professional certificate offerings span AI in Business Applications, Applied Digital Automation, Cybersecurity Administration, Healthcare Administration, Cannabis Studies, Project Management, Organizational Development and Leadership, Full Stack Development, and eSports Gaming. The institution also provides minors in six disciplines, microcredentials in cannabis-related fields, pre-college programs, and support services including the English Language Institute and HEOP. Programs are designed for working adults with flexible 8-week course formats, multiple start dates, and a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Partnerships with professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, NWSL) and Siemens provide specialized educational pathways.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• English Language Institute (ELI): Pre-degree program that prepares international students to succeed in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Products and services

• AI in Business Process Automation (BPS) Bachelor of Professional Studies degree that equips students with understanding of artificial intelligence and digital automation technologies and their intersection with business processes for productivity and operational efficiency.
• Business Management (BPS) AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Professional Studies degree offered in partnership with the Whitman School of Management, covering international business, strategy, finance, global leadership, communications, and project management.
• Cybersecurity Administration (BPS) Bachelor of Professional Studies degree validated by the NSA, preparing students to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber attacks while managing the people and technologies that protect information systems and infrastructures.
• Healthcare Administration (BPS) Bachelor of Professional Studies degree combining healthcare field knowledge with business, finance, electronic records management, and emergency management to prepare graduates for healthcare settings.
• Organizational Development and Leadership (BPS) Bachelor of Professional Studies degree preparing students for leadership roles, covering strategic thinking, agile adaptation, and interpersonal skills for managing multigenerational workforces.
• Project Management (BPS) Bachelor of Professional Studies degree teaching students to create project plans, manage schedules and budgets, identify risks, and communicate status reports to stakeholders.
• Policy Studies (BPS) Bachelor of Professional Studies degree offered in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, examining how decisions are made and how they affect government policies at international, federal, state, and local levels.
• Interdisciplinary Studies (BPS) The most flexible BPS degree, designed to combine knowledge from multiple disciplines allowing students to gain a well-rounded education and develop a diverse skill set tailored to specific interests and career goals.
• Liberal Studies (BA) Bachelor of Arts degree exploring humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences, developing critical thinking skills and knowledge for career advancement or graduate school preparation.
• Liberal Arts (AA) Associate of Arts degree providing general education in liberal arts through coursework in humanities, natural and social sciences, and mathematics, serving as an interim degree or pathway to a bachelor's program.
• Project Management (MPS) Master of Professional Studies degree in project management designed to be completed in two years, providing skills to create project plans, manage schedules and budgets, identify risks, and communicate with stakeholders. Eligible for MPS/CAS Tuition Incentive of $1,050 per credit.
• Project Management (CAS) 15-credit graduate-level Certificate of Advanced Study in project management providing skills to create project plans, manage schedules and budgets, and communicate with stakeholders. Eligible for MPS/CAS Tuition Incentive of $1,050 per credit.
• Project Management Certificate 15-credit interdisciplinary certificate exploring foundations of organization, leadership, methodologies, and communication techniques of project management, satisfying education requirements for PMP and CAPM exams.
• AI in Business Applications Certificate 15-credit certificate preparing students to leverage artificial intelligence in business systems and decision-making, covering AI principles, automation, predictive analytics, and digital technologies driving efficiency and innovation.
• Cybersecurity Administration Certificate 15-credit certificate enhancing knowledge of information security policy and processes, providing skills to protect information, information systems, and infrastructures from cyber threats.
• Organizational Development and Leadership Certificate 15-credit certificate imparting critical organizational and analytical skills for leadership effectiveness, incorporating theory and practice in leadership, problem-solving, change management, and strategic thinking.
• Healthcare Administration Certificate 15-credit certificate providing foundational healthcare knowledge combined with business, finance, electronic records management, and emergency management for career advancement in healthcare.
• Cannabis Studies Certificate 15-credit certificate providing foundation knowledge across the cannabis industry including governing laws, plant science, medicinal properties, cultivation, and business opportunities.
• Applied Digital Automation Certificate 15-credit certificate exploring fundamental concepts in applied digital automation, the convergence of digital technologies with traditional automation, including predictive analytics, process automation, and generative AI.
• Full Stack Development Certificate 18-credit certificate preparing students to build web-based and hybrid computer solutions, mastering front-end development, server-side development, SQL databases, and web application design.
• eSports Gaming Certificate 18-credit certificate preparing students for a development career in Esports, focusing on game development aspects of multiplayer Esports including digital graphics, programming, and multiplayer game design.
• Cannabis Studies Microcredentials Non-credit microcredential programs in Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture, Cannabis Healthcare and Medicine, and Cannabis Law and Policy, providing industry-specific skills.
• English Language Institute Pre-degree program established in 1979, preparing international students to succeed in undergraduate and graduate degree programs through immersive English language and American culture instruction.
• Summer College Pre-College Programs Pre-college programs for high school students, providing the opportunity to explore potential college majors and careers, build confidence, and prepare for college through immersive summer learning experiences.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward degree completion
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Major League Soccer (MLS)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSyracuse University and MLS formed educational partnership enabling current players, part of MLS Greats Network, league/club employees, and their families to access online degrees, certificates, and career development through College of Professional Studies and other Syracuse schools including Whitman School of Management, Newhouse School, and Falk College.
• NFL Players Association (NFLPA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSyracuse University and NFLPA partnership provides active or former NFL players, NFLPA employees, or eligible participants access to world-class online degrees, certificates, and career development opportunities through College of Professional Studies and other Syracuse schools.
• National Hockey League (NHL)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSyracuse University and NHL formed partnership enabling current and former players and their dependent family members to access online degrees, certificates, and credentials through College of Professional Studies, Newhouse School, Whitman School of Management, and Falk College of Sport.
• Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSyracuse University and MLBPA partnership enables current and former players, MLBPA employees, and their dependent family members to access online degrees, certificates, and credentials through College of Professional Studies and other Syracuse schools.
• SiemenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollege of Professional Studies partnered with Siemens to help skilled professionals advance their careers. Employees with Siemens experience and associate degrees can earn Bachelor of Professional Studies in AI in Business Process Automation. Those with SMSCP certification may qualify for up to 81 transfer credits. Programs offered 100% online.
• National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSyracuse University and NWSL formed partnership enabling current players, former players within five years, NWSL employees and club employees, and immediate family members to access online degrees, certificates, and credentials through College of Professional Studies and other Syracuse schools.
• Whitman School of ManagementflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness Management degree represents a partnership between College of Professional Studies and the AACSB-accredited Whitman School of Management. Ranked No. 1 in Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs of private universities.
• Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public AffairsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolicy Studies degree represents a partnership between College of Professional Studies and Maxwell School, ranked #1 school in the nation for public affairs by U.S. News & World Report. Provides broad range of scholarly and professional perspectives.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Southern New Hampshire University: SNHU is a large nonprofit university widely regarded as the leading online university for adult and non-traditional learners, offering flexible online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and tuition structures comparable to CPS's adult-learner focus.
• Western Governors University: WGU is a nonprofit competency-based online university serving working adults with flexible, flat-rate tuition and accelerated credential pathways—directly comparable to CPS's online adult-learner mission and similar employer-aligned programs (IT, business, healthcare).
• University of Maryland Global Campus: UMGC is a public online-focused university serving working adults, military-affiliated students, and career changers with online degrees and certificates—closely matching CPS's adult-learner, military-friendly model.
• Penn State World Campus: Penn State World Campus is the online arm of Penn State, offering more than 175 online degrees and certificates to adult learners worldwide—directly competing with CPS in online undergraduate and graduate program categories.
• Arizona State University Online: ASU Online is one of the largest and most highly ranked US online universities, offering a broad catalog of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs targeted at adult learners—directly comparable to CPS in scale, ranking ambition, and program diversity.
• Excelsior University: Excelsior is a nonprofit online college focused on working adults, military service members, and transfer students with credit-for-prior-learning programs—overlapping with CPS's flexible, accelerated, military-affiliated pathways.
• Purdue University Global: Purdue Global is an online university serving working adults and military-connected learners with competency-based and traditional online degree pathways; comparable in mission to CPS's adult-learner and veteran focus.
• Columbia University School of General Studies: Columbia GS is Columbia University's college for nontraditional and continuing education students, offering flexible undergraduate and pre-professional pathways—directly analogous to CPS's role within Syracuse.
• Boston University Metropolitan College: BU MET is Boston University's continuing and professional studies college, offering online and hybrid graduate and undergraduate degrees for working professionals—closely matching CPS's continuing/professional studies mission.
• National University: National University is a nonprofit, veteran-friendly online and hybrid university serving adult learners with flexible four-week courses and credit-for-prior-learning—directly comparable to CPS's adult-learner, military-affiliated positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/gosuparttime
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/SUUniversityCollege
• Facebookfacebook.com/UniversityCollegeSU
• Instagraminstagram.com/parttimesu

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Syracuse University College of Professional Studies