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What Makes Maxwell Different?

Maxwell is where diverse and collaborative problem solvers develop innovative solutions to move people, policies and communities forward.

Why We're Different

Step into the Maxwell Community

The best way to get to know Maxwell is to visit. Can’t make it to campus? Take a virtual tour, attend an event online, or engage with an Alumni Ambassador.

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How Will You Change the World?

No matter where you are in your academic journey, there’s a Maxwell program designed to help you develop knowledge, skills and contacts to improve your community.

Explore Programs

15

research centers generating policy-relevant insight into pressing issues

#1

ranked for public affairs (U.S. News & World Report)

12

departments teaching excellence in social science and public/international affairs

Influence with Integrity

It’s not just an education. It’s a mindset. Maxwell students celebrate diverse people and ideas. They value informed and ethical leadership. They are engaged—and engaging—citizens primed to shape the future.

Undergraduate student presenting research at annual celebration of undergraduate scholarship

Our acclaimed education programs combine the study of human society and relationships with opportunities to address relevant social challenges.

Apply now to a professional graduate program and start in 2025

An aerial photo of the Syracuse campus
In addition to classes and community involvement opportunities, the office will oversee a new CCE minor.
John Cawley
John Cawley specializes in the economics of risky health behaviors and has been widely published in journals and covered by the media.
William Pelton, Mary Jane Massie, and Jody Barringer
William Pelton and Mary Jane Massie have created the Barringer Pelton Public Service Graduate Scholarship to honor their niece, Jody Barringer ’08 M.P.A., and support future public servants.
Elliot Stamler with Liz Armstrong
Dean David M. Van Slyke said the retired investor and philanthropist is “a lifelong learner with a strong commitment to democracy and citizenship.”
Rose Tardiff
As the City of Syracuse’s director of neighborhood and business data and evaluation, Rose Tardiff taps skills she learned in Maxwell’s geography program.
Derek Wallace
As CEO of Golden Fork Media and founder of the children’s book series Kalamata’s Kitchen, he draws on lessons gleaned—and risks taken—as a policy studies major.

Maxwell in Action

Our faculty and students are making breakthroughs, connecting with communities and engaging with with the most pressing issues of today. Keep up with everything going on at Maxwell.

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Forever Orange. Forever Grateful. Forever Forward.


The generosity of our donors and volunteers creates an enduring legacy that will benefit generations of students to come, transforming countless lives through education, research and opportunity.

We build upon this remarkable foundation of collective impact and remain committed to advancing our mission and writing the next inspiring chapter in our story.

$132,300,000campaign goal
2013the year the campaign started
106% Funded
2024the year the campaign will end
Cheryl Camillo headshot

I Ever Strive...

to make a difference by participating in the policy process in every way: as a citizen, voter, advocate, teacher, researcher, evaluator, policy formulator and commentator.”

Cheryl Camillo ’98 M.P.A.

Maxwell's Centennial