Master of Arts in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications Admission and Financial Aid

Criteria, Deadlines and Materials

Application Criteria

A strong candidate will have:

• A public service ethos and appreciation of the Maxwell and Newhouse school’s mission to prepare graduates to contribute to the public good in all levels of government, nonprofits/NGOs and the private sector.
• Relevant internships or post-undergraduate work experience.
• 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.
• A clear understanding of their career goals as they relate to this graduate program.

Syracuse 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, most admitted students have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

GRE

The GRE is not required for admission.

Priority Application Deadline

The M.A. in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications program operates 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 deadline.

• Summer admission: January 15

Application Materials

• Application and $45 application fee
• 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 (faculty recommendations are strongly encouraged).
• English Proficiency Exam (international students only):
  TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or the Cambridge English Assessment.
• Online video interview submitted via Kira Talent. Each interview includes four to six questions and could be a combination of video questions/answers and written questions/answers. No prior preparation is necessary.

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