Through
its Executive Education Program, the Maxwell School offers four programs of
study for mid-career executives who seek to update their knowledge and sharpen
their skills in a challenging academic environment:
the master of arts in public administration,
the certificate in public administration,
the
master of arts in international relations, and
the
master of arts in economics.
The
curriculum is designed to meet the professional needs of executives and can be
customized to fit individual interests and goals. Each master’s degree can be
completed in one year of full-time coursework or somewhat longer on a part-time
basis. The certificate is a semester-long program.
Executives
come to the Maxwell School from all across the United States and around the
world, with backgrounds in government service, the private sector, and nonprofit
organizations. The typical applicant has significant professional managerial
experience and at least an undergraduate degree.
Professionals receive extensive academic and
individual support from the faculty and staff of the Executive Education
programs. Executive students have use of a dedicated computer lab, fax machines
and copiers, and ample facilities for socializing and studying.
The
Master of Arts in Public Administration
The
M.A. is given via Maxwell’s renowned public administration department. In
recognition of the skills, knowledge, and accomplishments that executives bring
to Maxwell, the 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 (as master’s project). Four courses may be
used to create a concentration in other Maxwell departments or schools within
Syracuse University. One such option is a certificate from the College of Law.
This requires completion of four courses at the College of Law, including a
required course on law and public administration.
The
culmination of the M.A. degree is the Executive Capstone, a master’s project
whose goal is to bring together and apply the knowledge gained in coursework to
a specific problem or issue. This paper is an applied research project that
deals with an issue relevant to the student’s organization or professional
interest.
The
Master of Arts in Economics
The
Maxwell approach to economics is oriented toward applied and policy-related
economics, built on a strong foundation of economic theory and statistical and
econometric methods.
Executive
Education's 30-credit
M.A. degree program features core courses in micro- and macroeconomics,
statistics, and econometrics; five electives; and the Executive Education
Seminar. This course brings together executives from economics, international
relations, and public administration in a curriculum designed to further enhance
management and leadership skills.
Executive
students choose their five electives from a variety of fields: applied labor;
international, public, or urban and regional economics; econometrics; public
finance; and money and banking. Additional elective courses may be taken in
other Maxwell programs. Faculty interests in tax policy and selected
international economic issues provide students with opportunities for
faculty-directed electives, as well.
Professionals
interested in the M.A. degree in economics should have substantial professional experience and strong recommendations. Training in calculus and mathematics is also recommended for admission.Master of Arts in International Relations
The interdisciplinary M.A. in international relations prepares students to address issues of global governance and policy. 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. Topical concentrations include global markets, global development, foreign policy, international law and organizations, intercultural communication and negotiation. A final required master's paper ensures application of learning to an issue of concern. 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.
Master of Arts in Political Science
The M.A. in political science is a flexible 30-credit degree program focused on the study of institutions and political processes, both American and international. While broad fields of study include American politics, comparative politics, international politics, public administration and policy, and political inquiry, students are invited to tailor a program of study to their intellectual and professional interests. All students complete Introduction to Quantitative Political Analysis as a foundation for other coursework, some of which may be taken from other disciplines within the Maxwell School.
Joint and Concurrent Degree Programs
Within
Maxwell, two-year dual degree programs lead to an M.A. in public administration
and a master’s degree in a second field. One such option is the M.A. in public
administration and the M.A. in international relations, which offers students
maximum preparation for careers valuing analytic and public management skills
combined with global expertise, whether in government, international
organizations, or consulting firms. Participants in this highly integrated
course of study enjoy the full range of offerings available in both programs.
Prospective students interested in pursuing the dual degree should indicate this
preference on their applications, and apply to both programs.
The
Certificate in Public Administration
Many
professionals leave their careers for just one semester and pursue the 12-credit
certificate in public administration. The certificate is awarded after the
completion of four public administration courses, including the required
Executive Education Seminar. The other three courses are selected according to
the student’s individual needs and personal goals.
Many
students who earn the certificate decide to continue their studies and complete
the master of arts in public administration. In that case, all credits earned in
the certificate program may be applied to the M.A. requirements.
Advanced Certificate in Health Services Management and Policy
This certificate is intended to provide shared perspective among professionals throughout health-care delivery and policy. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with Maxwell's M.A. or M.P.A. degrees in public administration, or pursued independent of a degree by qualified candidates.
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 strength; 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. Substantial management experience in the public, non-profit, or private sector is required.
Prospective students should indicate clearly a preference for the executive degree or certificate on their 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) are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English.
Selected Student Research Topics include:
Executive Education contact:
Catherine Gerard, Associate Director
Executive Education Programs
219 Maxwell Hall
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13244-1090 USA
Telephone 315-443-3759
Fax 315-443-5330
E-mail maxexed@maxwell.syr.edu
Main departmental website with graphics www.maxwell.syr.edu/exed
A graphic version of this site is also available.