The Maxwell Visiting Scholars Program is a flexible, non-degree program of study for highly qualified public and private sector officials from the United States and abroad. The program permits participants to pursue informal, individually tailored programs of study and research under the guidance of Maxwell School faculty and staff. Rather than being associated with one specific department for a structured program of graduate study, the Fellows program is intended to appeal to individuals with varied interests who want to acquire knowledge in a range of areas and take full advantage of the interdisciplinary character of the Maxwell School. The Maxwell Visiting Scholars Program serves a range of education and career development needs for experienced (7 years) managers and professionals who wish to undertake a self-paced form of education and research during an extended sabbatical or leave from their organization. These individuals may wish to increase professional competence, broaden their perspectives on public issues or work with faculty on a specific research project.

Fellows are selected competitively based upon the following criteria:

• a record of achievement and leadership within his/her chosen field or profession;
• a clear statement of learning objectives to be achieved while in residence at the Maxwell School;
• ability to support the costs associated with the fellowship; and,
• value the participant would bring to the academic community of the Maxwell School.

The Visiting Scholar may be in residence for one or more semesters. During that period, Fellows audit graduate courses offered by the Maxwell School, take part in seminars, and conduct research project in collaboration with an interested faculty member, and participate in lectures and special events.  All University facilities are open to the Fellows. Visiting Scholars may choose to study English at the University’s English Language Institute for an additional fee.  After the period of residence, the Visiting Scholar receives a certificate to acknowledge completion of the Fellows program.