Maxwell School of Syracuse University

Through its Executive Education program, Maxwell offers graduate programs for midcareer professionals who seek to update their knowledge and sharpen their skills in a challenging academic environment. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of professionals and can be customized to fit individual interests and goals. A master’s degree may be completed in one year of full-time coursework, or may take somewhat longer if pursued on a part-time basis.

Executives come to the Maxwell School from across the United States and around the world, with backgrounds in government service, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations. The typical applicant has significant managerial experience and at least an undergraduate degree.

Professionals receive extensive academic and individual support from the faculty and staff of Executive Education. They have use of a dedicated computer lab, fax machines and copiers, and ample facilities for study and group work.

Master of Arts in Public Administration

The M.A. is one of three degrees offered by Maxwell’s renowned public administration department. In recognition of the skills, knowledge, and accomplishments that professionals bring to Maxwell, the midcareer M.A. requires 30 credits of coursework, 10 fewer than the master of public administration (M.P.A.).

Working closely with an academic advisor, each executive student designs a 10-course customized program of study. Two courses are required: the Executive Education Seminar and the Executive Capstone. Four courses may be used to create an interdisciplinary concentration within Maxwell or (with permission) in another school of the University.

The culmination of the M.A. degree is the capstone master’s project, whose goal is to bring together and apply the knowledge gained in coursework to a leadership case. Students select and examine a crisis requiring leadership decision making. After sessions in decision making and analysis, each student writes an original case, published by the Transboundary Crisis Management Case Project at the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs.

Master of Arts in International Relations

The interdisciplinary M.A. in international relations prepares students to address issues of global governance and policy. While the M.A. is a 39-credit degree program, a flexible 30-credit option is available for midcareer professionals who have significant relevant experience. Students may earn both the M.A. in public administration and the M.A. in international relations by completing 49 credits of planned coursework over a 2-year period. Students complete three required courses in international relations, microeconomic theory, and quantitative methods. These serve as a foundation for coursework selected by students to form geographic and topical concentrations. Career tracks include global markets, global development, foreign policy, transnational organizations and leadership, global security, and negotiation and conflict resolution.

Dual Degree Programs

Students may pursue dual degree programs leading to an M.A. in public administration and a master’s degree in a second field, such as economics or political science. Prospective students interested in the dual degree should indicate this preference on their applications and complete applications for both programs.

Certificate in of Advanced Study in Public Administration

Many professionals leave their careers for just one semester and pursue the 12-credit certificate in public administration, awarded after the completion of four P.A. courses, including the required Executive Education Seminar. The other three courses are selected according to the student’s individual needs and personal goals.

Certificate of Advanced Study in Leadership of International and Non-governmental Organizations

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have emerged as able and legitimate actors in the international domain, playing a critical role in identifying, framing, and solving global problems. The 12-credit certificate of advanced study in leadership of international and non-governmental organizations prepares leaders for this environment.

The certificate is composed of four graduate courses, organized by three thematic areas: the operating context and key actors, organizational leadership, and policy context and analysis. The Executive Education Seminar on organizational leadership (PPA 895/6) is required. For the remaining three courses, students select at least one course in each thematic area from the professional and social science departments in the School.

Certificate of Advanced Study in Conflict Resolution
The 12-credit certificate in conflict resolution is designed to allow midcareer professionals and managers to learn the theory and practice of conflict resolution in an area of their choice. Specializations include international conflicts and their management, applied dispute resolution, and collaborative management, social movements and strategies of conflict, and environmental conflict studies. This interdisciplinary certificate may be completed in one semester.

Certificate of Advanced Study in Health Services Management and Policy

This 12-credit certificate of advanced study is intended to provide shared perspective among professionals throughout health care delivery and policy. Students complete required courses on the American health care system and on health care management; two electives meant to complement each student’s background and strengths; and a capstone research paper or practicum.

Applying for Graduate Study

Applicants to the master of arts and certificate programs should have a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education. At least seven years of substantial management experience in the public, nonprofit, or private sector is required.

Prospective students should clearly indicate a preference for either the executive degree or certificate on the application. Study can begin in any semester. Graduate admission tests are usually waived, although the program reserves the right to require them. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores of 580 (237 computer) or better are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English.

All credits earned in the certificate programs may be applied to the M.A. in public administration.

Selected Student Research Topics

South Korean involvement in Iraq
August 2003 blackout in the U.S. and Canada
The Love Canal crisis of 1978
From confrontation to cooperation: U.S.-China plane crash incident
Columbine High School shooting crisis case study

Executive Education contact:

Catherine Gerard, Associate Director
Executive Education Programs
219 Maxwell Hall
Syracuse NY 13244-1090
USA
Telephone 315-443-3759
Fax 315-443-5330
E-mail maxexed@maxwell.syr.edu