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What Makes Maxwell Different?

Maxwell is where diverse and collaborative problem solvers develop innovative solutions to move people, policies and communities forward.

Why We're Different

Step into the Maxwell Community

The best way to get to know Maxwell is to visit. Can’t make it to campus? Take a virtual tour, attend an event online, or engage with an Alumni Ambassador.

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How Will You Change the World?

No matter where you are in your academic journey, there’s a Maxwell program designed to help you develop knowledge, skills and contacts to improve your community.

Explore Programs

14

research centers generating policy-relevant insight into pressing issues

#1

ranked for public affairs (U.S. News & World Report)

12

departments teaching excellence in social science and public/international affairs

Influence with Integrity

It’s not just an education. It’s a mindset. Maxwell students celebrate diverse people and ideas. They value informed and ethical leadership. They are engaged—and engaging—citizens primed to shape the future.

Undergraduate student presenting research at annual celebration of undergraduate scholarship

Our acclaimed education programs combine the study of human society and relationships with opportunities to address relevant social challenges.

Apply now to a professional graduate program and start in 2026

A person smiles at the camera wearing a gray Syracuse University sweatshirt. A brick building is visible through large windows in the background.

First-year student Cole Bailey cowrote a book about his high school volunteering experience and says his Maxwell classes have inspired him to think about giving back on a larger scale.

A person sits at a wooden desk with a laptop and two small potted plants, smiling at the camera. They are wearing glasses and a blue short-sleeve button-down shirt. Bookshelves, a floor lamp, and a colorful woven wall hanging are visible.

The assistant professor of geography and the environment will speak at the Maxwell School Graduate Convocation on Friday, May 8.

Celebration poster for Public Service Recognition Week, dated May 3-9, 2026, with the text "Public servants fuel America every day, in every community." The design includes stars and a gradient background.

Founded in 1924 as the first school in the country dedicated to public administration, Maxwell has spent a century training and preparing leaders for careers in government, nonprofits and public service.

A person is giving a presentation in a lecture room. The slide on the screen is titled "The Path to Abolition" with historical dates and events listed, accompanied by a statue image. The room includes a podium and a computer setup.
Now in its 5th year, the student-run history journal conference drew researchers from four universities.
Two individuals stand in front of a backdrop with "International Studies Association" and its acronym, "ISA," prominently displayed. Each person holds a plaque featuring the ISA logo.

Faculty and graduate students presented research, led panels and shaped the conversation at one of international studies’ premier gatherings.

A group of people sitting on a carpeted floor, engaged in a word card activity. The cards are scattered in front of them, and each person is reaching for different cards.

Hosted by the Moynihan Institute, the gatherings create opportunities for students and faculty to explore languages, cultures and global perspectives.

A person wearing a black-and-white patterned top and a delicate necklace with a turquoise pendant, against a neutral gray background.

ASPA recognizes Pathways to Positive Public Administration for its lasting contribution to the field.

A person with long blonde hair, wearing a black top, smiling against a light gray background.

The Maxwell alumna is president of Virgin Music Group North America, one of the world’s leading partners to independent labels, artists and entrepreneurs.

#1 in the Nation for Public Affairs. U.S. News & World Report 2026.

Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs ranked #1 overall in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Public Affairs Schools rankings.

Cheryl Camillo headshot

I Ever Strive...

to make a difference by participating in the policy process in every way: as a citizen, voter, advocate, teacher, researcher, evaluator, policy formulator and commentator.”

Cheryl Camillo ’98 M.P.A.

Maxwell's Centennial