Prepare to lead and make a difference in communities around the globe. At Maxwell, you’ll find faculty, students and alumni who are dedicated to the idea that well-trained public service-minded professionals can change the world.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or you are a seasoned professional, you’ll find a Maxwell program designed to help you:
- fill gaps in knowledge,
- build skills and confidence to take on a leadership role in your organization,
- prepare to move across sectors and,
- boost your ability to drive change.
Our Approach
We’ve situated a world-class team of public administration faculty among an equally accomplished faculty of the social sciences. This dynamic mix of educators and scholars creates a one-of-a-kind experience in which students immerse in interdisciplinary coursework and topical research at one of 15 research centers within the school.
You’ll reach your professional ambitions—fast. Our professional degrees provide exceptional preparation to advance your career in as few as 12 months, letting you get back to work more quickly than most other programs. And, if you have seven years of experience, you may qualify for one of our midcareer executive programs—with course options that are even more flexible and efficient.
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complete master’s degree options in as few as 12 months
award-winning faculty of national and international renown
global professional network 37,000 strong
Explore Master’s Degrees
Public Administration
Master of Public Administration
Prepare to lead positive change through a rigorous yet efficient array of skills-building courses.
- On campus, in Syracuse, N.Y.
- 40 credits plus optional internships
- Complete full-time in 12 to 18 months
Executive Master of Public Administration—On Campus or Online
Fill gaps in your knowledge with a program tailored to your career goals—five to seven years of experience required. An online option for working professionals provides added flexibility.
- Online or on campus in Syracuse, N.Y., options (separate programs)
- 30 credits
- Complete part- or full-time in as few as 12 to 15 months
International Relations
Master of Arts in International Relations
Satisfy your curiosity about the world, and develop skills and knowledge to change it for the better.
- On campus, in Syracuse, N.Y.
- 40 credits with a required global internship
- Required career track selection to focus your studies
- Complete full-time in 18 months
Master of Arts in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications
Prepare to drive change in a range of international contexts through effective public and interpersonal communications. One powerful degree, two schools: the Maxwell School and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
- On campus, in Syracuse, N.Y., and Washington, D.C.
- 43 credits with a required global internship
- Complete full-time in 18 months
Executive Master's in International Relations
Improve your leadership and management skills and global affairs knowledge—seven years of experience required.
- On campus, in Syracuse, N.Y.
- 30 credits
- Complete on a part- or full-time basis
Executive Master’s in International Relations in D.C.
Leverage the combined experience, knowledge and networks of two top-ranked institutions—the Maxwell School and the Center for Strategic and International Studies—and earn your degree while you work in D.C. Seven years of experience required.
- On campus, in Washington, D.C.
- 30 credits
- Complete part-time in as few as 18 to 20 months
Doctoral Program
PhD in Public Administration
Educate the next generation of public service leaders and conduct research that moves the field of public administration and policy analysis forward.
- On campus, in Syracuse, N.Y.
- 72 credits (36 credits beyond the M.A.)
- Full-time residential program, typically completed in 4.5 years
Department Admission Events
We offer a range of in-person and virtual opportunities to learn more about the Maxwell School and degree programs offered by the Public Administration and International Affairs Department, answer questions about the application process, and help you work toward your goals.
See All Department Admission EventsSchedule a One-on-One Meeting
to ask more in-depth questions not covered in the group information sessions. These individual meetings are informational in nature and are not admission interviews.
Request a MeetingStudy in Washington, D.C.
Our D.C. headquarters at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, top-ranked by the Global Go To Think Tank Index, gives students access to leading minds in the world of policy and international affairs, competitive internships, employment opportunities and a deeply engaged network of D.C.-based alumni.
Need a midcareer boost? Explore our Certificates of Advanced Study
We offer a variety of regional, topical and skills-based Certificates of Advanced Study (CAS) to help you focus and refine your expertise. Some CAS can be earned as part of a master's program while others can be earned independent of a degree. Learn to use data to formulate and analyze policy, deepen your knowledge of effective public management practices, develop techniques to promote collaboration and resolve conflicts, broaden your expertise in a specific region of the world, and more.
Alumna Contributes to Anthology About the Trials and Triumphs of Women of Color
May 3, 2024
Tyra Jean ’20 B.A. (Soc)/’21 M.P.A. has contributed to an anthology that portrays the duality of the challenges and triumphs women of color experience in leadership roles. The alumna is one of 29 co-authors featured in “Our Stories Belong in History” (Ingram Sparks, 2024), which was conceptualized and developed by Elizabeth Leiba.
The book covers a broad spectrum of disciplines including sociology, psychology, anthropology and political science. It includes leadership and entrepreneurship strategies for diverse women.
“Collectively, our aim is to inspire and empower present and future leaders to embrace ownership of their narratives,” says Jean. “For too long, the narratives about our communities have centered on the hardships we've endured. ‘Our Stories Belong in History’ takes back our voice to speak our truth—of the beauty we've nurtured, the wisdom we've gained, and the boundless potential we've cultivated through it all.”
After completing an M.P.A. at Maxwell, Jean returned to New York City where she pursued a career as a runway and print model. She currently works as a business insights analytics and engineering consultant at the Kubrick Group. She has also founded a digital self-care boutique, Naturally Verified Co., consisting of a holistic health and beauty brand and an accompanying podcast.
“The Maxwell School has empowered me to cultivate a sociological imagination, enabling me to comprehend and empathize with diverse groups and individuals,” she says.
By Carina Sarracino
Published in the Spring 2024 issue of the Maxwell Perspective
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