Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs are launching two new dual degree programs: the master of public administration (M.P.A.) combined with the master of business administration (MBA) and the master of arts (M.A.) in international relations combined with an MBA. These dual degree programs leverage the national reputations and programmatic strengths of both schools in preparing students to be versatile, multidisciplinary and future-leading thinkers ready to take on the important challenges in the world related to public administration, international relations and business.

Each dual degree program is offered in a streamlined format, requiring students to take 76 credit hours for each dual degree. Students can complete the programs in two years including summers.

Whitman School Interim Dean Alexander McKelvie says, “There is increased demand for multidisciplinary programs that embrace different facets of politics, government, international relations and business. Both students and employers recognize the benefits of the well-rounded students who possess the skills and abilities to navigate complex topics at the intersections of these areas. We are confident that our dual degree programs with the Maxwell School will attract highly-qualified and diverse students based on the international reputations of our programs and the shorter length of time needed to graduate compared to competitor schools. Whitman’s STEM-designation for our MBA concentrations is also an attractive factor for international candidates.”

Graduates will be well-prepared for a range of careers in private industry, consulting, federal and multilateral agencies, nonprofit organizations and transnational NGOs. “Governance today is more intergovernmental, cross-sectoral and global. At its core, public policy and the implementation of government programs would not happen without the involvement of private firms and nonprofit organizations,” says David M. Van Slyke, dean of the Maxwell School. “And for many of these organizations, government agencies are one of their largest clients and partners.”

Van Slyke, who is also the Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business and Government Policy, and a member of the Defense Business Board appointed to advise the U.S. Secretary of Defense, says that learning how leaders across the sectors think about issues will make Maxwell/Whitman graduates that much more versatile and impactful in their organizations. “By combining graduate professional degrees in public administration or international affairs and business, graduates will be able to contribute to policy and programs at the intersection of where governance happens all around the globe.”

Admission requirements will remain similar for both programs and emphasize both academic credentials and leadership experience and potential. Dual degree programs are highly demanding and students should possess the strong analytical abilities and the soft skills needed for leadership positions. Competitive scholarships are available based on merit. In addition, the Whitman School is a partner with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) that provide scholarships for underrepresented minority MBA candidates based on application.

For more detailed information about these new dual programs, visit the M.P.A./MBA and MBA/M.A. in international relations program sites.