This article originally appeared as a “Spotlight” page in North Country This WeekThis article originally appeared as a “Spotlight” page in North Country This Week.

POTSDAM – Over the past three years, applications have more than doubled and enrollment has increased by 42 percent in SUNY Potsdam’s graduate programs, as the College has launched 10 new online graduate programs.

Between Fall 2020 and Fall 2023, graduate enrollment has gone from 242 to 345 students, and applications have increased to 209 (up from 118) in the same time period for the SUNY Potsdam graduate programs—a huge increase in interest, since many have moved to a virtual format.

The online master’s and advanced certificate programs were developed to meet market demand and serve the unique needs of graduate students, who often need to juggle their studies with a career and family obligations.

“SUNY Potsdam has a great program, and I couldn’t be happier. It was the best decision I ever made,” said Autumn Frazee Brown ‘23, who is completing her master’s degree in special education.

Although it’s been two decades since Brown has taken any college-level classes, she quickly found her comfort zone with support from SUNY Potsdam faculty Chad Graham and Vicki Hayes.

“They got me going, gave me a confidence boost right from the start. I had them each for two classes in the spring semester and it was just what I needed. It’s a virtual program, but we have regular meetings. The professors are very supportive,” she said.

After landing her dream job as the executive director for the St. Regis Tribal Gaming Commission in Akwesasne, Jill Benedict ’01 & ’24 was still looking for ways to challenge herself.

Twenty years after receiving her undergraduate degree from SUNY Potsdam, she has returned to her alma mater to pursue an M.S. in Management—a fully online degree program that has allowed her to parlay her educational experiences into transferrable leadership skills for the Mohawk government.

“The program has really been career-changing. I use the tools that are being taught throughout my day,” she said. “The program provides so many professional skills that can be used in any industry, not just a leadership capacity—really grooming you to be a professional.”

In addition, many prospective graduate students are coming from across the border—as Canadians flock to the SUNY Potsdam programs, made even easier to complete through the fully virtual format. The number of Canadian graduate students has nearly quadrupled over the past five years, to 43 in 2022-23.

The Canadian students are drawn to SUNY Potsdam’s online education programs in particular, said Nikki Zeledon, the interim director of graduate and continuing education.

“Our Canadian students love that they can complete these degrees in just three semesters, saving time and money. We also offer a path to earn certification in Ontario for our educational programs leading to certification, which we have been doing for many years,” she said.

SUNY Potsdam’s nationally accredited online graduate programs encompass a range of disciplines, including management (offering three specialization tracks), public health, education, and advanced certificates.

These programs provide students with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, develop specialized expertise, and gain valuable skills in a flexible and convenient learning environment.

“Our classes challenge students to put your knowledge into practice, by working on real-world problems facing businesses and organizations,” said Professor Dr. Tony Betrus ’93 & ’94, who directs three of the programs. “Even though our students come from all over, they get to know each other and support each other all the way to graduation.”