Rising to Today’s Challenges

At Syracuse University, physics students work alongside faculty to advance research and discovery in gravitational wave physics. Creative writing students immerse themselves in the world of words under the guidance of such acclaimed authors as George Saunders, Dana Spiotta and Mona Awad. Students in the food studies program engage in community building through neighborhood gardens and sustainability efforts.

Whether in the classroom or community, performing research or creative work, or engaging in internships, immersion or study abroad programs, students thrive in the experience-based, hands-on approach to education at Syracuse University. With an emphasis on inclusivity and experiential learning, students rise to their full potential. They interact and learn from global faculty who generate groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary scholarship while remaining active industry leaders.

Driving Impact Through Academic Excellence

This dedication to advancing knowledge and elevating its impact as a global community of leaders is reflected in Syracuse University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence. In recent years, the University has made major investments in its faculty, research portfolio, technology infrastructure and facilities, including those that support student health and wellness. It embraces interdisciplinary opportunities aimed at addressing emerging societal needs and ultimately preparing students for the careers of today and tomorrow. With a focus on specialized research areas that reflect its institutional strengths, the University continues to attract and retain world-class innovative thinkers. For example, through the BioInspired Institute, scientists are collaborating across the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and engineering. By using nanotechnology and researching complex biological systems, Syracuse University researchers are confronting global health challenges and developing new solutions―like next-generation antibiotics and surgical materials―to propel advances in medical science. In addition, they are using insights from biology to drive innovation in the design and manufacture of new types of materials with applications including adhesives and robotics.

Syracuse’s top-tier professional schools, such as the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, provide students with access to leading academic and professional minds, giving them the breakout leadership they need to become breakthrough thinkers.

Enhancing Innovative Research

As an R1 research institution, Syracuse University possesses elite research capabilities and continually invests in new research activity that advances it as a globally relevant center for discovery and innovation, exploring opportunities that will accelerate its impact on the world. For example, the Aging, Health and Neuroscience research area and Aging Studies Institute tackle the challenges of an aging population. Bringing together faculty from fields such as economics, neurology, psychology and sociology, they explore biological and psychosocial factors to reveal relationships among our brains, our behavior and our well-being.

Achieving Positive Outcomes

Blending the foundational power of the liberal arts with the intense focus of professional programs, Syracuse University offers its students hundreds of majors, flexible study options and programs that span the nation and globe. They create their own academic pathways, and by customizing major and minor combinations, they customize their coursework to address the challenges most meaningful to them. For example, as an undergraduate studying biology, psychology and public health, Ifeyinwa “Ify” Ojukwu ’22 conducted research on breast cancer, kidney disease and the neurodegenerative disease PKAN while setting her sights on addressing systemic, race-related disparities through health care policies. Like Ify, many students become active contributors to scholarly research in science, the arts, and humanities, working closely with some of the world’s foremost thinkers in their fields.

By creating these kinds of student experiences, Syracuse University has been recognized nationally time and time again. It was named a top Fulbright Award-producing institution in 2020-21, and U.S. News and World Report cited it as a top institution for Best Undergraduate Teaching and ranked it No. 18 among Academic Programs to Look For―Learning Communities.

According to a placement outcomes report, 90% of Syracuse’s 2020 graduates secured positions related to their career goals. The University attributes this success not only to their academic experience, but also to its powerful alumni network. It has a global family of game changers who stay proudly connected long after graduation—using their time, talent and treasure to give back and provide opportunities for students.

Through faculty and student research, and creative and academic excellence, Syracuse University is in constant pursuit of what lies beyond—beyond current understanding, viewpoints and perceived capabilities. Through this pursuit, Syracuse expands knowledge, heightens perspectives and maximizes impact. The Syracuse University community rises together to achieve its vision, change lives and improve our world—for today, tomorrow and beyond.

This sponsored content was written and paid for by Syracuse University. The editorial staff of Inside Higher Ed had no role in its production.