Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the admissions requirements?
  2. Is financial aid available to part-time students?
  3. What scholarships are available?
  4. How many credits will transfer?
  5. How many credits can I take as a part-time student?
  6. How do I schedule an appointment with an academic advisor?
  7. What programs may be completed entirely in the evenings?
  8. Can I take classes during the day?
  9. What associate degrees are offered at Syracuse University?
  10. What does matriculated/non-matriculated mean?
  11. Does Syracuse University accept CLEP / AP tests for credit?
  12. What is HEOP?
  13. Can I transfer into the HEOP program?
  14. Do College of Professional Studies students receive a Syracuse University diploma?


What are the admissions requirements?

Admission to Syracuse University degree programs is based upon demonstration of previous academic success or current academic and professional achievement. Qualified students may apply anytime during the year. A consultation with a College of Professional Studies academic advisor is required of all candidates for admission to part-time study. A student may not simultaneously apply to The College of Professional Studies and any other undergraduate division of Syracuse University. The general criteria for admission includes:

  • Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED examination. If the applicant has taken college level work, then the student’s performance will be reviewed to ensure that he/she is prepared for study in a degree program.
  • An applicant’s volunteer work and or employment history are reviewed to understand not merely the relationship to the student’s educational and career goals, but also how they illustrate the individual’s organizational and leadership skills.
  • A personal essay by the applicant is used to demonstrate writing ability as well as to provide information about goals, interests and values.
  • The personal consultation, by far the most important step in the process, provides the opportunity to personalize the application and determine eligibility for admission.

If an applicant cannot demonstrate academic success, that person will be required to complete a minimum of courses as a non-matriculated student. Those courses will be determined based on the program to which the student is seeking admission. Upon successful completion of these courses, the students will be reviewed for admission to his/her intended program of study.


Is financial aid available to part-time students?

Yes. Financial aid resources include grants, scholarships, loans and employment opportunities, which are designed to help students meet college costs. To qualify for most types of Syracuse University financial aid through the College of Professional Studies, you must be a part-time student, matriculated (admitted to a degree program) through the College of Professional Studies, demonstrate financial need (for most aid programs), and enroll for 1-11 credits during the fall, spring and/or summer (optional) semester. Students may qualify for loans, the Achiever Scholarship and the Incentive Grant without demonstrating financial need. Students who borrow federal student loans must enroll at least half time (6 credit hours) to borrow and to keep prior student loans in deferment status. See eligibility criteria under Applying / Renewing Financial Aid. Contact the our Financial Aid Office to discuss your options.


What scholarships are available?

If you maintain the required GPA, you can continue to renew your Achiever Scholarship for 90 units, 6 years, or until you earn your bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first. Please visit the Scholarships & Grants page to view all available opportunities.


How many credits will transfer?

A maximum of 90 credits of transfer credit or a combination of transfer credit and any other credit (e.g., AP exams, experiential learning) may be accepted (to include a maximum of 66 credits from a combination of credit from a two-year college and any other credit.) At no time may the total credit hours transferred to Syracuse University from college courses and testing programs exceed 90 semester hours. Syracuse University grants transfer credit based on the content of courses previously completed, their applicability to the intended program of study, and the quality of the student’s performance.


How many credits can I take as a part-time student?

A maximum of 11 credits per semester.


How do I schedule an appointment with an academic advisor?

Please visit the Student Academic Services office for contact information.


What programs may be completed entirely in the evenings?

  • A.A. in Liberal Arts
  • B.P.S. in Creative Leadership
  • B.P.S. in Knowledge Management
  • B.A. in Liberal Studies
  • B.A. in Psychology
  • B.S. in Child & Family Studies
  • B.S. in Communication and Rhetorical Studies
  • B.S. in Information Management and Technology
  • B.S. in Management
  • B.S. in Social Work


Can I take classes during the day?

Yes, you may register – on a space available basis – for any course at the University if you meet the requirements for that particular course.


What associate degrees are offered at Syracuse University?

A.A. in Liberal Arts


What does matriculated/non-matriculated mean?

A matriculated student is one who has applied for and been formally admitted to a degree-granting program at either the undergraduate or graduate level. A student must be matriculated in order to receive a degree from Syracuse University. A non-matriculated student is one who takes courses and has not been officially admitted into a degree program.


Does Syracuse University accept CLEP / AP tests for credit?

The student’s home college or school will evaluate and apply accepted credit to the degree program for AP and CLEP examinations. Schools and colleges will be guided by the recommendations of minimum acceptable score, awardable credit, and SU course equivalency made by the academic unit with principal responsibility for the examination subject. For more information about transferring credits, please visit the Transfer Student page.


What is HEOP?

The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at the College of Professional Studies is a special admission program (funded by New York State Education Department and Syracuse University) for individuals whose financial and educational backgrounds would prohibit them from regular admission to Syracuse University.


Can I transfer into the HEOP program?

Yes, students who have begun their college career though a special program such as SEEK, College Recovery, or EOP and who meet Syracuse University admissions criteria may transfer into HEOP.


Do College of Professional Studies students receive a Syracuse University diploma?

Yes, upon completion of your program’s requirements you will receive a Syracuse University diploma.