Build on your career in public service
Opportunities for Veterans and Military Personnel at Maxwell and Syracuse University
![NVRC entrance at Syracuse University](/images/default-source/interior-hero/nvrc-entrance.jpg?sfvrsn=339e9d01_0)
Educational Programs
Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs—online and on campus
Veterans transitioning into public service can benefit from the Maxwell School's graduate degree and certificate programs. Maxwell is Syracuse University’s home for the social sciences (economics, history, political science, etc.) as well as professional programs in public and international affairs, including the #1-ranked M.P.A., M.A. programs in international relations and public diplomacy, an M.S. in sustainable organizations and policy, and executive master’s degrees for midcareer individuals.
We also offer several graduate certificates in areas such as conflict and collaboration, health services administration and policy, and public leadership and management, among others.
Defense Comptroller Program
Since 1952, Syracuse University has been educating and training the Department of Defense’s financial managers. Students study for 14-months and receive an executive M.P.A. from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and an MBA from the Martin J. Whitman School of Management.
Executive Education at Maxwell
Maxwell’s Executive Education Department supports several engagements with active military, veterans and their families. Since 1996, the Maxwell School and Executive Education are home to the National Security Studies (NSS) program that offers courses for senior civilian and military leaders responsible for the national security interests in their respective organizations.
NSS currently offers two courses through the Executive Education Department.
Discipline and Practice of Strategy
provides knowledge of strategy as a specific discipline, an awareness of its application to the special class of challenges that truly warrant its exercise, and a toolkit for thinking strategically, formulating strategies, and acting with strategic coherence.
National Security Management
is geared to the needs of senior executives of military, government and industry organizations navigating the transition from enterprise leadership to managing policy challenges at a national scale and scope.
Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement
- Online and on campus in Syracuse, N.Y.
- Non-degree professional certificate
- Open to all veterans and their family members who demonstrate a strong potential for a future career in politics and an interest in running for public office
Learn the fundamentals of campaigning, fundraising, platform development, messaging and public communications, and reflect on your skills and which political offices are a good fit for you.
GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon
Syracuse University participates in all veterans’ education programs, including the GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon program through the Department of Veterans Affairs. There is currently no limit on the number of students eligible to receive the Yellow Ribbon benefit at Syracuse University. If you have insufficient remaining eligibility to complete your degree or need additional grant options for your dependents, Maxwell has financial aid available to help you.
Most 100% Yellow Ribbon-eligible veterans can complete their education at Syracuse University without any out-of-pocket costs for tuition or fees. If you do not have enough remaining eligibility to complete your degree or need additional grant options for your dependents, Syracuse has financial aid available to help you.
Veterans eligible for the 100% Yellow Ribbon Program or Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits also receive an annual $3,000 grant from Syracuse University to apply toward on-campus housing.
Partnerships
![ICMA logo](/images/default-source/callouts/icma-logo.png?sfvrsn=d9f141c7_3)
ICMA
Maxwell and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) are working together to support veterans transitioning into public service at the local level.
Transitioning veterans interested in a career in local government can explore opportunities ranging from taking select courses, to earning certificates and degrees. Connect with us to learn more about these various opportunities that can be completed independently or in conjunction with ICMA programs.
![Service to Service program logo](/images/default-source/callouts/service-to-service-program.png?sfvrsn=58b097b0_2)
Service to Service
Maxwell is also one of the inaugural programs in the Service to Service initiative, a partnership between the Volcker Alliance and We the Veterans to help schools of public service connect veterans and military families with public service education pathways and propel them into stable and impactful careers in public leadership.
Resources
NVRC
The National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) functions as the center of military and veteran life on the campus of Syracuse University, in the local community, and across Central New York. The NVRC includes a regional student veterans’ resource center, serving as a one-stop-shop in support of the educational needs of the region’s veterans and families.
OVMA
The Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) supports, assists and empowers veteran and military-connected students and employees. OVMA houses Veteran Career Services, a full-spectrum career services center exclusively dedicated to supporting the career pathways of veteran and military-connected students and the Office of Veteran Success (OVS), which serves to support the student experience by processing certifications of education benefits established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
O2O
Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a free career training program that provides professional certification and employee support services to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses.