Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have announced a partnership to offer academic programs tailored for current and former players. This collaboration will provide market-relevant degrees, certificates, credentials, and non-credit professional development through online courses.

The initiative is designed to support career growth for MLBPA's thousands of members. It will draw on Syracuse University's resources across several schools, including the David B. Falk College of Sport, the Newhouse School of Public Communications, the Whitman School of Management, and the College of Professional Studies.

Falk College Dean Jeremy Jordan stated, "My fellow deans and I are excited to partner with the Major League Baseball Players Association to provide the Syracuse University experience to those interested in pursuing our vast academic offerings." He emphasized that these programs offer flexibility and robust support for athletes with demanding schedules.

Chris Singleton, MLBPA special assistant for player resource programs and a former major league outfielder, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "The Major League Baseball Players Association is thrilled to partner with Syracuse University to provide our members with exceptional educational opportunities."

This partnership aims to equip players with skills relevant for their post-career lives through tailored curricula aligned with their aspirations. Additionally, it plans collaborative research projects which may result in innovative advancements benefiting professional athletes.

Students at Syracuse will also benefit from practical experiences like internships and co-op programs with the MLBPA. This exposure is expected to enhance learning outcomes and foster networking opportunities in sports, broadcasting, and business sectors.

Syracuse University will accommodate participants' unique needs by offering flexible formats such as online courses or on-campus sessions at its Study Away sites in New York City, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. An online English program will also be available for non-native speakers preparing for non-credit coursework.

Further information about this collaboration can be found on the Syracuse University College of Professional Studies website.