Syracuse University: A Comprehensive Overview of Academic Programs and Opportunities
Syracuse University, a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, offers a wide array of academic programs across its 13 schools and colleges. Informally known as 'Cuse or SU, the university was established in 1870 and has been nonsectarian since 1920, tracing its roots to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Situated on University Hill, east and southeast of downtown Syracuse, the campus boasts an eclectic architectural mix, from Romanesque Revival to contemporary designs. This article delves into the various degrees offered, popular majors, campus facilities, and unique aspects of Syracuse University.
A Historical Perspective
The institution's origins lie in the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded in 1831 in Lima, New York. In 1850, the seminary aimed to expand into a college, Genesee College, but its location became a concern. Concurrently, Syracuse sought to establish a university in the city. Despite initial attempts to bring Cornell University to Syracuse, the city eventually succeeded in founding its own institution.
After disputes and a court injunction that blocked Genesee College's move to Syracuse, Syracuse University was granted its charter on March 24, 1870, independent of Genesee College. The Methodist church contributed an endowment, and the City of Syracuse offered funds to establish the school. The university opened in September 1871, initially in rented space downtown, before Judge George F. Comstock donated 50 acres of farmland on a hillside.
Syracuse University was founded as coeducational and racially integrated, with equal admission conditions for all persons. This progressive policy led to a high proportion of women students, particularly in the College of Fine Arts. In the late 1880s, the university underwent a building spree, constructing Holden Observatory, Von Ranke Library (now Tolley Humanities Building), and Crouse College.
The university's growth into a comprehensive institution was driven by Chancellor James Roscoe Day and John Dustin Archbold. After World War II, Syracuse University transformed into a major research institution, with enrollment increasing due to the G.I. Bill.
Read also: SU and the City
Campus and Facilities
Syracuse University's campus features a diverse range of buildings, from nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival structures to contemporary designs. The campus center includes a quadrangle, walkways, and outdoor sculptures. The university also owns an on-campus Sheraton Hotel (later Orange Hall), Marshall Square Mall, Drumlins Country Club, and the Marshall student housing complex (later Milton Hall).
The Main Campus, also called "North Campus," houses most academic buildings and residence halls. The Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, or "The Quad," is surrounded by academic and administrative buildings, including Hendricks Chapel. Approximately 70 percent of students live in university housing, with first- and second-year students required to live on campus. All 22 residence halls are coeducational and offer lounges, laundry facilities, and social/study spaces. Residence halls are located on both Main Campus and South Campus, accessible via bus. Learning communities and interest housing options are available, along with six residential dining centers, two food courts, and several cafes.
South Campus, developed after World War II, initially housed returning veterans in military-style housing. This housing was later replaced by townhouses. The John A. Lally Athletics Complex, formerly Manley Field House, is home to 20 Syracuse University athletics teams.
In downtown Syracuse, the university purchased or leased twelve buildings, including The Warehouse, which houses design programs and a contemporary art space. The Syracuse Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems, in partnership with Clarkson University and SUNY-ESF, focuses on innovations in environmental and energy technologies. The Connective Corridor project aims to connect the main campus to downtown Syracuse.
Syracuse University has established admissions presences in Los Angeles, New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, and Boston. The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs maintains operations in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Warehouse Gallery in D.C. is operated under the SU Art Museum.
Read also: History of Bird Library
SU has a permanent art collection of over 45,000 objects, with notable sculptures on campus including Sol LeWitt's Six Curved Walls, Anna Hyatt Huntington's Diana, and Jean-Antoine Houdon's George Washington.
Academic Programs and Degrees Offered
Syracuse University offers a wide range of degrees, including:
- Certificate
- Associate
- Bachelor's
- Post-bachelor's certificate
- Master's
- Post-master's certificate
- Doctorate - professional practice
- Doctorate - research/scholarship
- Combined-degree programs
The university provides opportunities to pursue passions, develop skills, and realize ambitions across its 13 schools and colleges. Flexible academic options allow for personalized education.
The Shared Competencies are six learning goals that enhance the Syracuse University experience.
Dual and Combined Enrollment Options
Students interested in pursuing a major from the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) | Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs as well as a major from another school at Syracuse can consider dual and combined enrollment options. Syracuse University offers both dual majors (leading to one degree) and combined majors (leading to two degrees).
Read also: Funding Your Education at Syracuse University
Examples of dual majors include:
- College of Arts and Sciences and the Newhouse School of Public Communications
- School of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences (secondary education programs)
- School of Education and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (art and music education)
- School of Education and Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (Inclusive Early Childhood Education program)
- Newhouse School of Public Communications and the School of Information Studies
- Whitman School of Management and the School of Information Studies
- Whitman School of Management and the Newhouse School of Public Communications
- College of Arts & Sciences (Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, International Relations Majors) and the Whitman School of Management
- College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Newhouse School of Public Communications and School of Information Studies
There is one formally established undergraduate combined program (leading to two degrees): Arts and Sciences and Engineering and Computer Science B.A. (or B.S., by petition) in Arts and Sciences and B.S. in Engineering and Computer Science.
Signature Subject Areas at A&S | Maxwell
At A&S | Maxwell, degree programs help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to actively contribute to solving the world’s most urgent problems through four signature subject areas:
- Climate change and the environment
- Health and well-being
- Culture, community and change
- Innovative technologies
With majors and minors across the sciences, mathematics, humanities and social sciences, and hands-on, interdisciplinary work, students are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
Specific Degree Programs
- Asian/Asian American Studies: This program was developed out of an awareness that we cannot understand Asian Americans without understanding the histories and cultures of Asia. (B.A.)
- Audiology: (Au.D.)
- Dual Audiology/Ph.D.: (Dual Au.D. / Ph.D.)
- Research: (M.S., Ph.D.)
- Digital Humanities: The digital humanities integrated learning major combines the traditional strengths of the humanities with attention to digital and information technology. (B.A.)
- Energy and Its Impacts: Many of the issues facing humanity today center on energy: its supply, use, and impact on our environment. (B.A., B.S.)
- Russian and Central European Studies: Pursue a liberal arts education with a focus on Russian and Central European art, culture, geography, history, language, literature and political science. (B.A.)
Popular Majors and Student Life
The student-faculty ratio at Syracuse University is 15:1, with 60.8% of classes having fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Syracuse University include:
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Social Sciences
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
- Visual and Performing Arts
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
- Architecture and Related Services
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 91%.
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