Why Study at Syracuse University

There are many reasons to choose Syracuse University and Counseling and Human Services. Among them are the following:

Accreditation: The Counseling and Human Services Department houses programs that are accredited by CACREP. As more counseling programs across the country seek accreditation, graduates of our doctoral program will have a background that will make them highly attractive to prospective employers.

In addition to departmental program accreditation, Syracuse University is one of a select group of 62 American and Canadian universities chosen for membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Receiving a degree from one of these universities is a career-long advantage to graduates.

The Faculty: Though a relatively small group of six full-time faculty, the faculty is diverse in their interests and background. As a group, we hold doctorates from every region of the country. Our faculty have strong publishing records and strong records of professional service at regional and national levels. Current and emeritus CHS professors have published more than 60 books. Faculty are actively involved in numerous professional organizations and have been awarded impressive grants to further the field of counseling in a variety of ways. The department claims a wide network of professional associates-- a network that our students may access when they are seeking professional positions.

Financial Support: There are doctoral assistantships dedicated to the department. In addition, there are opportunities across campus for graduate student assistantships which are available to both masters and doctoral level students. There is a concerted effort to insure that all our full-time doctoral students receive the kind of support that will allow them to complete their degrees in a timely fashion.

The Future Professoriate: In a recent text on graduate education, Syracuse University was named as one of four universities that had a program in place to prepare doctoral students for the professoriate. Our widely acclaimed program is called the Future Professoriate Program. Doctoral students may choose to participate in this program and receive a formal program of mentoring, pedagogical instruction, and peer support from others concurrently involved in the program. The program also provides some travel monies so students can attend conferences.

Research: The research sequence within the School of Education is strong. Furthermore, our students are not pressured to pursue one type of research over another. Instruction in both quantitative and qualitative research is exemplary. The CHS department is strong in quantitative research, while qualitative research study in the School of Education is directed by nationally recognized scholars. The result is that students from CHS regularly complete dissertations representing both types of inquiry.

Technology: The School of Education has excellent technological support and there are several initiatives presently underway that will give students new opportunities to experience technology in their education. Our goal is to make sure that your comfort and expertise with technology will become an additional asset you can offer your future work environments.

Size: CHS is a small department within a major university. Because we are small, you will have an opportunity to work with each of us in close mentoring relationships. This is not a department where you could get lost. Faculty care about your success in our programs and do everything they can to facilitate your personal and professional growth.

Syracuse - The City: Did you know that Syracuse is rated as #32 among cities in the United States and Canada in the most recent Places Rated Almanac? As the cultural center of central New York state, Syracuse has excellent professional theater, an outstanding symphony orchestra, an awesome opera company, and not least of all, a haven for both Jazz and Blues artists. (Our summer Jazz Festival draws national artists.) There are great places to eat (without forfeiting your mortgage payment) and plenty to do. Syracuse hosts the annual N.Y. State Fair, which draws visitors from all over the state, as well as from neighboring Canada. (Past performers include B.B King, Buddy Guy, The Allman Brothers, Reba McIntyre, ZZ Top, Kid Rock, and Busta Rhymes just to name a few!) The University supplements the city nicely through terrific lectures and guests, and some pretty exciting athletic events (football, lacrosse, basketball and much more).

Syracuse - the Nature: In addition to the city and the University, Syracuse is surrounded by beautiful country. This is apple country and wine country. Both the Finger Lakes and the Adirondacks are a pleasant drive away. Parks seem to be everywhere with trails galore. And if you enjoy winter sports, Syracuse in the winter is a wonderland. And flyfishing…it's a dream come true.

Snow: Have you heard that it snows in Syracuse? It does. But let's look on the bright side. You won't have to put up with old, dirty snow in Syracuse. You'll get it fresh on a regular basis. Snow brings neighborhoods together. "Would you mind giving me a push?" You'll have a new term in your vocabulary ("lake effect"). Snow teaches children to count ("82 inches, 83 inches…"). Snow is pretty, refreshing, invigorating and, well, seasonal! And we're minutes away from some outstanding skiing and snowboarding.

And, lest we forget…

Fashion: Syracuse is the home of Carousel Center, the premier retail, dining and entertainment center in Upstate New York. And, of course, if you have been looking for an excuse to add orange to your wardrobe, Syracuse University is the place for you!

Visit Marshall Street or Armory Square!