Master of Arts in International Relations Program Admission and Financial Aid

Criteria, Deadlines and Materials

Application Criteria

A strong application will include the following elements:

• Examples of prior foreign language study or international experience in a language other than English are preferred. In order to graduate, M.A. in international relations students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language. Students who enter the program without sufficient language skills must complete this requirement during their studies.
• Relevant internships or post-undergraduate work experience should demonstrate a public service ethos and appreciation of the Maxwell School’s mission to prepare graduates to contribute to the public good in all levels of government, nonprofits, NGOs and the private sector.
• Undergraduate coursework should demonstrate strong academic ability and potential to succeed in a rigorous graduate curriculum. Students from a range of undergraduate majors/programs are welcomed to apply to the interdisciplinary M.A. in international relations.
• Application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the applicant’s career goals as they relate to this field of study.

Maxwell reads applications holistically. This means that each element of the application is factored into the admission process.

GPA

There are no strict cutoffs or minimums or maximums when it comes to GPA. However, on average, our students have a cumulative GPA of 3.5.

GRE

The GRE is no longer required for admission to any of our department’s master’s programs.

Priority Application Deadlines

The Maxwell School’s professional master’s programs operate on a rolling, space-available admission basis, meaning that applications are reviewed as they become complete—both before and after the priority deadlines. However, if you are seeking financial assistance or are an international applicant, you are strongly encouraged to apply before the priority deadlines.

• Fall admission: January 15
• Spring admission: October 15

The Maxwell School participates in the Council of Graduate School’s “April 15 Resolution” and gives all admitted students until April 15th to accept or decline their offer of admission.

Application Materials

• Application and $75 application fee:
  In some cases, the application fee can be waived. See application fee waiver details.
• Personal statement
• Résumé
• Transcripts:
  Unofficial undergraduate transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required prior to enrollment.
• Letters of recommendation:
  Two (2) letters of recommendation from a current or previous faculty member or professional supervisor.
• English Proficiency Exam (international students only):
  TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or the Cambridge English Assessment.
• Foreign language statement:
  A brief statement explaining how you will fulfill the foreign language requirement of the degree. Examples include native speaking of a non-English language, planning to take future coursework at Syracuse or a community college, four semesters of study at the collegiate level, etc.

TOEFL

• Total Minimum Score:  100
• Syracuse University institution code: 2823

Duolingo

• Total Minimum Score:  115 to 120
• Institution Name:  Syracuse University Graduate Programs

IELTS

• Overall Minimum Score:  7.0
• E-download Account Name: Syracuse University-Graduate Admissions

Cambridge English Assessment

• Total Minimum Score (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): 185