Maxwell offers three distinct graduate programs in public administration and policy: master of public administration (M.P.A.), doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), and the master of arts for midcareer executives (M.A.). These programs are recognized around the world for the quality of their faculty, graduates, curricula, instruction, and research facilities.

The Master of Public Administration

The goal of the M.P.A. program is to educate the next generation of leaders for all levels of government in the United States and abroad and for related nonprofit or private organizations. Its three-pronged interdisciplinary curriculum ensures that all graduates understand the political, economic, and social context of public administration; achieve substantial competency in organization design and analysis and in management and administrative techniques; and gain experience in applying qualitative and quantitative analysis to public policy issues.

The 40-credit curriculum requires 25 core credits: public affairs colloquium, quantitative methods, managerial economics, public administration and democracy, public budgeting, public organizations and management, professional group project, and policy/ politics exercise.

The remaining 15 credits are satisfied by programs of study such as state and local government financial management, international development and administration, public and nonprofit management, technology and information management, environmental policy and administration, social policy (health, aging, and social welfare), or a blended program of study designed by the student.

All M.P.A. students matriculate in July with an intensive public affairs colloquium and two core courses. Fall or spring entry is not permitted. Classes continue year-round, and the majority of full-time students complete the M.P.A. in a 12-month calendar year, finishing their degrees in the following summer. Others may elect to take 18 to 22 months.

Public administration is exclusively a graduate department. A high faculty-student ratio encourages collegial relationships. More than 100 M.P.A. students begin each summer, joining about 25 continuing students. Students in a typical class range in age from 22 to 45, are equally divided by gender, come from urban and rural backgrounds in the United States and around the world, and arrive with a broad mix of undergraduate majors and experiences. Prior work experience, while desirable, is not required for admission. Internships are advised for M.P.A. students who lack previous public or nonprofit service and may be fulfilled in the Syracuse area or elsewhere.

Students in the school’s two professional master’s programs—public administration and international relations—share the Academic Village, featuring comfortable study areas, lockers, a kitchen, and a lounge. They also have exclusive access to a 30-unit computer lab.

Completed applications must be received by February 1 to be given priority for admission and graduate awards. Admission decisions are made as applications are received, and class size is limited. Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged but interviews are not required for admission.

Prospective applicants for financial assistance must meet deadlines for the award categories described elsewhere in this publication. All M.P.A., Ph.D., and joint program applicants must provide Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants should take care in the personal statement to define their specific graduate and career public service objectives.

Joint and Dual Degree Programs

Public administration and the College of Law offer a three-year joint J.D./M.P.A. Program. It is also possible to pursue an M.P.A. and a second concurrent graduate degree in Maxwell or elsewhere in the University. These programs are usually completed in two years of full-time study. Within Maxwell, a two-year dual degree program leading to both the M.P.A. and the M.A. in international relations offers students maximum preparation for careers valuing analytic and public management skills combined with global expertise, whether in government, international organizations, or consulting firms. Prospective students interested in pursuing joint or dual degrees must be accepted by both programs and should indicate this preference on their applications.

The Master of Arts in Public Administration

For information on the master of arts in public administration, developed for midcareer executives, please see the program description for Executive Education.

Public Administration contact:  

Christine M. Omolino, Associate Director
Department of Public Administration
215 Eggers Hall
Syracuse University
Syracuse NY 13244-1090 USA

Telephone 315-443-4000
Fax 315-443-9721
Main departmental website with graphics www.maxwell.syr.edu/pa

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