Syracuse Sun

The remitted tuition benefit offers eligible employees the opportunity to have tuition charges covered for undergraduate and graduate classes at the University. Employees considering this benefit might find interest in the College of Professional Studies' programs, which are designed to enhance professional skills and career readiness.

Ranked No. 5 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs among private universities, these programs aim to provide practical and career-focused education. Deanna Grannis, a project director in the Division of Marketing, is utilizing the remitted tuition benefit to pursue a master of professional studies (M.P.S.) in project management online program. She discovered this degree program through a postcard introduction.

“I took a copy of it, and I just stuck it in my pocket,” Grannis said. “Every time I wore my coat, it was just there as a reminder to do this.”

The M.P.S. in project management has allowed Grannis not only to refine her skills but also to network within the University community. “There’s always breakout sessions within each one of the classes, and you really get to know what people are doing across the University,” she noted.

Designed with industry needs in mind, the College of Professional Studies programs cater to professionals aiming for career advancement. Grannis reports seeing significant professional growth halfway through her graduate program and applying her new knowledge directly in her role as a project director. Recently, she managed the re-imagination of the Syracuse.edu flagship website.

“The skills that I have been learning through each and every one of the classes, I have immediately applied to my role,” Grannis said. “I believe that they helped clarify different things that were going on and how I should approach them.”

Staff and faculty looking to advance their careers can choose from various degree and certificate options offered by the College of Professional Studies. For Grannis, pursuing an M.P.S. in project management aligned with her professional goals, allowing her coursework to directly influence her job performance. She even organized an event with her professor for an exclusive professional development workshop for colleagues.

“From developing skills for the next chapter in your work life to having greater success in your personal life, the M.P.S. in project management is a difference-maker for all students,” said John Stinnett, College of Professional Studies instructor. “I tell students that life is a project, and this program delivers by helping them treat all activities as projects.”

Balancing full-time work with family responsibilities posed initial concerns for Grannis about returning to school; however, she found balance thanks to eight-week online course formats that fit into her schedule.

“When they have their reading time, I also have my reading time,” Grannis shared about studying alongside her children. “I think that it’s really great for them to see that learning and education don’t stop.”

For more information on College of Professional Studies online programs or using remitted tuition benefits, interested parties can review relevant policies or guides provided by the University.