Master of Public Administration Admission and Financial Aid
The world and Maxwell are waiting for changemakers like you. Are you ready to join us?
We prepare graduates of Maxwell’s professional programs to lead and to have a meaningful impact in their communities. In fact, a strong commitment to the public good is a fundamental aspect of Maxwell’s global community.
We seek applicants who show an understanding of the professional nature of the field with clearly identified career goals that are aligned with the program's mission, as well as a demonstrated ability to handle graduate-level coursework.
The GRE is no longer required for application to any of the department’s master’s programs; however, it is recommended for the M.P.A. program.
Fellowships for the Public Good
One thing I would stress for students applying to Maxwell is make sure to apply for financial aid and not to delay or be afraid of asking,” says Kelli Sunabe, whose Robertson Foundation for Government Fellowship covers full tuition plus a stipend. Kelli is finishing her Maxwell studies as a Boren Fellow in Tapei and improving her Mandarin proficency.
Kelli Sunabe ’22 M.P.A./M.A. in international relations
Robertson Foundation for Government Fellow; Boren Fellow
Read Peace Corps, Fulbright Evacuees Find Community, Opportunity at Maxwell School
Criteria, Deadlines and Materials
Application Criteria
A strong candidate will have:
- a public service ethos and appreciation of the Maxwell School 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;
- strong undergraduate coursework in economics and other social science disciplines and;
- a clear understanding of their 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 not required for admission to any of our department’s master’s programs; however, it is strongly encouraged for the M.P.A. Applicants must demonstrate adequate quantitative, analytic and writing aptitude to be admitted. These requirements can be evidenced by successful completion of coursework in relevant content areas or by adequate performance on the GRE.
The benchmark GRE scores for a strong M.P.A. candidate have been:
- 158 Verbal
- 156 Quantitative
- 4.5 Analytical Writing
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
- Summer admission: January 15
Application Materials
- Application and $75 application fee:
In some cases the application fee can be waived. See application fee waiver details. - Personal statement
- Résumé
- The GRE:
Optional but recommended for applicants who have not successfully completed college-level quantitative-based coursework such as economics or statistics. - 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.
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
Funding Your Education
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Maxwell Scholarships and Fellowships
The Maxwell School offers a significant number of merit-based scholarships and fellowships every year. While the typical scholarships simply require applicants to express interest in financial support on the application, some fellowships require additional application materials.
Don’t go it alone.
