Independent Study Degree Programs At Syracuse University

Abstract

What do a grandmother from Connecticut, a lobster restaurant owner from Maine, and an assistant foodservice director of a 500-bed hospital from New York City have in common ? They are all pursuing their Bachelor of Science Degrees in Food systems Management at Syracuse University taking advantage of an innova tive approach to education called the Independent Study Degree Program (ISDP).

The ISDP format combines two elements: an intensive one-week, on-campus residence, and a variety of individual learning activities that the working professional completes at home. This approach allows the working professionals to continue their full-time management positions, while still pursuing the B.S. degrees. The only alternative for completing the bachelor's degree would be taking one or two night courses each semester for the next ten years.

One of the keygoals of the program is for the participants to gain a clearerinsight into the elements necessary for success in hospitality management. This is accomplished through course work with faculty in the Food Management Program as well as seniorfacultyfrom the distinguished School of Management. Throughout the semester the students andfaculty are in contact via telephone, letters, electronic mail, and even videos. The primary benefit of this innovative approach to education is that the working manager can immediately apply the new knowledge to the job. Since many of the students have an associate's degree it is realistic for them as working professionals to complete their bachelor's degree in two to three years.

Syracuse University has had an active Independent Study Degree since 1966 and all ISDP programs are fully accredited by Middle States and the prestigious Association ofAmerican Universities. At the present time, Food Systems Manage ment ISDP students join seven other studies of program including those working professionals pursuing M.B.A. degrees. The total number of students enrolled in ISDP is over 2, 000 with students coming from most states in the country and from over 20 foreign countries.

For more information about this innovative approach to education contact: Robert Colley, Director, ISDP-Syracuse University, 301 Reid Hall, 610 E. Fayette Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13244-6020; phone: [phone]; FAX: [phone].