Returning to college isn’t easy, especially when you're balancing work, parenting and personal growth. But for students in SUNY Oswego’s integrative professional studies (IPS) program, flexibility and support create a meaningful path forward. The program is helping Oswego students shape new futures through this dynamic, fully online degree program.

Turning passion into purpose

After a decades-long gap in education, J White reignited her academic journey with a powerful purpose: to understand and change the legal and social systems that perpetuate injustice. Inspired by “Just Mercy” and the story of Walter McMillian, White began searching for an online criminal justice program that felt like the right fit. A conversation with Karen Archibee, SUNY Oswego academic planning coordinator and recruiter, changed everything.

“Karen took time to listen and suggested the Integrative Professional Studies program,” White said. “I connected with it immediately. I loved the course options, especially those that explored social structures.”

Now pursuing a double major in IPS and criminal justice, White is balancing life in Florida with her studies and thriving in the flexibility of online learning. She organizes her schedule at the start of each semester and uses a shared family calendar to stay on track.

Courses like “Refugee Wellness” and “International Perspectives on Women” have deepened White’s awareness of global issues and inspired her commitment to equity. She envisions a future that may include graduate study in human rights or law school, with the ultimate goal of advocating for civil liberties and justice.

“The IPS and criminal justice programs are helping me stay focused,” White said. “It’s never too late to invest in yourself.”

Building a future in advocacy

For Shayla Shuler, returning to college was about creating new career opportunities, and finding a program that fit into her busy life as a full-time employee and mother. SUNY Oswego’s 100 percent online IPS program was exactly what she needed.

“I knew if I had to go in person, I wouldn’t finish,” Shuler said. “The flexibility of being able to study at home was everything.”

Shuler is completing classes this summer and during the upcoming fall semester, while working full-time and managing a busy household, to graduate in December 2025. Despite the chaos, she’s staying motivated by focusing on the finish line. Her career goal is to work in human resources, particularly in employee advocacy.

“I see a lot in my current workplace that makes me want to help employees and be their voice,” she said. “This program is helping me work toward that.”

With support from professors like Sandra Bargannier and continued encouragement from her advisor, Shuler describes her experience at Oswego as seamless.

“My Oswego journey has been a good choice,” she said. “Everything has gone smoothly since I started.”

About the IPS program

SUNY Oswego’s integrative professional studies program is designed for students seeking flexible, relevant and purpose-driven education. Whether starting fresh or returning after a break, IPS students engage with real-world topics like communication, global systems and social equity, all through a fully online platform. 

With tailored advising and faculty who care, the program empowers students to align their education with their career goals and values. Learn more about the IPS program at SUNY Oswego.