Maxwell School of Syracuse University: Public Administration

Admissions & Financial Aid

Students interested in careers in public policy analysis and management are invited to apply each year to the MPA program. The deadline for application is February 1st. Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed, so it is important to make sure that all application documents, test scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation are sent to Syracuse University by the deadline. We invite applications from committed individuals from all over the world and strive for a diverse student body. We encourage all applicants to apply via The Princeton Review (TPR). The Department is not able to waive the application fee for applicants to MPA program. The ONLY exceptions to this policy include PPIA Fellows and McNair Scholars.

Admission to the MPA program is highly selective. We are looking for students committed to public service and who demonstrate the capacity to handle demanding coursework at the graduate level. Work experience, internships and volunteerism in the public sector have proven to be solid indicators of success in our program. Therefore, professional work experience is highly desirable, although not required for admission. Applicants with limited exposure to the public sector or a professional working environment are encouraged to gain this experience prior to application. With a median age of 27, just 20% of our entering MPA class begins their studies with less than two years of work experience. While there are no cut-offs academically, we like to see minimum GPA’s at or above a 3.0 (4.0 scale), minimum GRE test scores at the median (mid 500’s on both levels and 4.5 on the analytic), and a minimum TOEFL of 600 written exam/250 CBT/100 IBT (revised 1/07). Applicants with TOEFL scores between 580/237/92-93 and 600/250/100 may be considered for admission, however they will be required to complete an English Language Assessment Exam upon matriculation and may be possibly recommended into English Language courses to be taken concurrently with their studies. Applicants competitive for admission and financial aid will have much higher scores than these stated minimums and a combination of leadership activities and professional work experience.

The Department of Public Administration does not require the completion of specific courses in economics nor statistics prior to application. However, due to the rigorous analytic component of our program, it is assumed that applicants will have a strong quantitative background. Applicants lacking a solid background in mathematics, economics and statistics are encouraged to remedy this deficiency prior to application. Past students have found courses in intermediate microeconomics and introductory statistics quite helpful in preparing them for graduate level study in the MPA program.

The personal statement is a critical component of a students application and should clearly address the applicants understanding of and interest in this field. It should also provide the motivation behind the applicants desire to enter graduate study in public administration and outline possible career goals.

All GRE and TOEFL test scores must be officially sent to the University from ETS. We will not waive our test score requirement. An application is deemed incomplete until the official test scores arrives to the University from ETS. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed for admission nor financial aid. In the cases where the GRE score is older than 5 yrs (and no longer on file with ETS), the student may send us the original score report or a certified (notarized) copy of this report. The codes for the GRE/TOEFL exams are: Syracuse University 2823.

We will accept the GMAT in lieu of the GRE, however the applicant must note this on their application. We will NOT accept the LSAT in lieu of the GRE from applicants outside of Syracuse University. We will accept the LSAT in lieu of the GRE from first year College of Law School applicants ONLY who are applying to the joint JD/MPA program.

Students are asked to submit 3 letters of recommendation. For students closer to their undergraduate experience, two letters should come from faculty members with whom they have studied. For students with several years experience, it is preferred that at least one of these is from an academic source, however, we understand that this is not always feasible.

We do not require an interview for admission, however, students often find a visit to the school to be a very useful tool in their decision to apply and/or attend the Maxwell School. We encourage visits and are happy to work with students to arrange a visit to Maxwell, please contact Debbie Toole at datoole@maxwell.syr.edu In the spring we will hold several formal visiting days for admitted students who are considering study at the Maxwell School.
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Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions cycle, beginning in early January of each year. We will continue to review all completed applications received up through March 1^st and notify applicants of the admissions decisions on a weekly basis. We cannot guarantee that applications received complete (including official test scores) after our deadline of February 1^st, will be reviewed for admission. Financial aid decisions are made separately from admissions decisions. All financial awards will be made on or around March 15 of each year. All students will receive a notice regarding financial awards, even if no award is made. All award decision letters will be mailed no later than April 1 of each year.

The primary mechanism to fund all or part of graduate study at Syracuse University is through need-based federal student loans. Need-based aid includes federal student loans and federal work-study appointments. Therefore application for federal student loans through the initiation of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is highly important and student should not wait for an admissions decision from Syracuse University before filing this document (after January 1 for summer admission).

Need based financial aid at Syracuse University is the province of the University’s Office of Financial Aid. Once filed, the Financial Aid Office will contact the student directly regarding federal student loan approvals and procedures.

For more information, please review the following websites at SU Office of Financial Aid:

Merit-based financial assistance is awarded upon recommendation to the Graduate School by the Department of Public Administration. Decisions are made through a highly competitive process, and awards are provided to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential, as evidenced by past professional, internship and volunteer experiences. Merit-based awards include Scholarships, Cash Awards, Assistantships and Syracuse University Fellowships.

Additionally, the Department of Public Administration offers matching funds for external scholarship holders from the Truman Scholars, Rangel Scholars and the PPIA Fellowship programs. There are a limited number of fellowships for McNair Scholars at the University level and the Department of Public Administration is able to recommend McNair Scholars for University Fellowship consideration.

There are two types of University Fellowships: Syracuse University Fellowships and Syracuse University African American Fellowships. Both University Fellows and African American Fellows receive a full tuition scholarship for 40 credit hours of tuition and a stipend. There is no work requirement associated with these awards however University African American Fellows are required to complete 6 credit hours of graduate study within the African American Studies program. There is no separate application process for these awards, but applications must be received complete by February 1st for full consideration. In order for the department to nominate an applicant for a University Fellowship the department must have officially admitted the student to their graduate program, therefore it is crucial that applicants submit a complete application, including all official test scores, to the department by the February 1st deadline.

These two fellowships are outside awards. The Snow Foundation provides each Fellow a stipend of $15,000, disbursed in equal monthly installments of $1250 over the duration of the MPA program. Syracuse University matches this award with a 40 credit hour tuition scholarship. Additionally, Snow Fellows serve up to 16 hours per week at a local foundation (CNY Community Foundation) during the academic year. To be considered for a Snow Fellowship award, a separate letter of application is necessary. This letter should summarize your background and interests in non-profit management and state your commitment to enter this field upon graduation. Please enclose a resume/curricula vita with the letter and address it to: The Snow Fellowships in Non-Profit Management Selection Committee, c/o the Department of Public Administration, 215 Eggers Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244. You may include this letter with your application. Deadline for consideration is February 1st.

The Public Administration Department awards 10-12 Graduate Assistantships (GA’s) to incoming full-time MPA students each year. This is the primary mechanism for funding graduate study at Syracuse University. This is the highest level of support an incoming student can obtain directly from the department. Public Administration Department Graduate Assistantships usually carry a 24 credit hour tuition scholarship and provide a stipend of $11,000. All full-time Graduate Assistants work 20 hours per week over the academic year. GA’s often work in an administrative or quasi-research capacity within the department, related offices or in one of the Maxwell School’s research centers or institutes. Half time graduate assistantships are also available. The awarding of departmental Graduate Assistantships rests solely with the department and not the faculty, please do not contact faculty directly about Graduate Assistantship appointments. Determinations as to GA awards will be made each year in March. There is no further application for departmental GA awards necessary, and completed applications should be received by February 1st for full consideration.

Each year some of our MPA students obtain Graduate Assistantship positions from central offices across the SU campus. Application for these positions mirrors a job search. For information on University Graduate Assistantship positions for which you may apply, please refer to the Human Resources Job Opportunities web site: http://seo.syr.edu/ There is a specific link for incoming students to click on.

Departmental scholarships are provided to students demonstrating strong academic and professional credentials. Departmental scholarships provide 12 or 24 credit hours of tuition. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

This scholarship fund was established in honor of Alvin L. Alm. Alvin L. Alm, a graduate of the MPA program, was a dedicated scholar and practitioner committed to environmental issues. The Alvin L. Alm Award will be provided to an incoming student who shows the same dedication to environmental issues. The Alm Scholar will receive a cash award to assist with entering summer expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

This scholarship fund was established in honor of Max J. Baker a graduate of the Maxwell School and dedicated practitioner committed to health policy and administration. The Max J. Baker Award will be provided to an incoming student who is enrolled in the Health Services Management and Policy (HSMP) Certificate program and whom shows the same dedication to health policy. The Max Baker Scholar will receive a cash award to assist with summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

Matriculated MPA students will have the ability to apply for the Birkhead-Burkhead Research Apprenticeship during their initial summer of study. The apprenticeship will allow the student to work with a faculty member on a research project over the course of their studies. The Birkhead-Burhead Research Apprentice will also receive a cash stipend of $5000-$10,000.

This apprenticeship position is made possible by the generous contributions of alumni and friends to the Birkhead-Burkhead Scholarship Fund. This fund was founded by Maxwell alumna, Dr. James Harkin, to honor two men who made significant contributions to the Maxwell School’s tradition of leadership and excellence during their combined 80 years of teaching and administrative service. Dr. Guthrie Birkhead served Maxwell in a number of capacities – professor, Director of the Metropolitan Studies Program (precursor to the Center for Policy Research), and was Dean from 1977-1988. Dr. Jesse Burkhead was a long-time Maxwell Professor in Economics. Matriculated students will be invited to apply in late summer or early fall once the project and faculty mentor is determined.

This fund was established in honor of the memory of Jennifer Zrebiec Carroll a graduate of the Maxwell School. The award will be provided to a student who exemplifies the spirit and qualities of Jennifer Carroll: that is a student who has contributed to her community through volunteer work; wishes to pursue a career in the not-for-profit sector; and who may have overcome adversity in the pursuit of her education. This cash award may be awarded after students have begun taking classes and can be provided in conjunction with other awards to support summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

Cramer Awards are provided to incoming Joint MPA/MA IR student exhibiting exceptional academic and professional merit. Cramer Awards are provided in the form of half Graduate Assistantships and Cash Awards. These awards are made to incoming and continuing MPA/MA IR students. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st. Students must be admitted to the joint MPA/MA IR program to be eligible.

Full-funding (tuition and stipend for one year of study) financial awards are provided from this endowed fund to students who are nationals of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela and other South American/Andean countries who intend to return to their home countries to work in the public or non-profit sector. These awards are administered through the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs of the Maxwell School. Most deSardon-Glass awards are provided in the form of a one-year graduate assistantship and the recipient often works in the Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs during the academic year. Admitted and qualified applicants will be nominated internally by the department for these awards, so an additional application is not necessary. Deadline for full consideration is February 1st. In order for the department to nominate an applicant for deSardon-Glass funding, the department must have officially admitted the student to their graduate program, therefore it is crucial that applicants submit a complete application, including all official test scores, to the department by the February 1st deadline.

This scholarship fund was established in 1996. Flaherty Scholars receive a cash award of varying amounts. These awards can be awarded in conjunction with another award to cover an entering student’s summer tuition expense or assist with fall/spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

The Maxwell Dean’s Office has made available to the Department of Public Administration cash awards for assisting MPA students on the basis of need and merit. These cash awards are provided in varying amounts and may be used to support summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

This fellowship fund was established in honor of Brian McLane, a valued alumnus of Syracuse University, who’s past and continuing efforts to represent the interests of under-served individuals and communities with disabilities have been exemplary. The Brian McLane Scholar will receive a cash award of varying amount. This award may be provided in conjunction with other awards and can be used to support summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

Sanford Menter had a long and distinguished career in government service, and in particularly the foreign service . He established this award to honor his late wife. It will be provided annually to a Master of Public Administration student with a commitment to a career in government service with priority given to those with a specific interest in international public service. The Menter Scholar will receive a cash award to assist with summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

This fund was established in memory of Albert B. Merrill an alumnus of Syracuse University. Merrill Scholars will receive a cash award of varying amounts to be used to support summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

This award has been established to honor the memory of John David Michel by his family. David Michel and his late wife, Ann Cooney Michel, both spent many years of their professional careers working in Syracuse city government and Dave continues this tradition as the current Director of Economic Development at City Hall. Their dedication to improving the Central New York area is highly regarded in the local community. The John David Michel Award will be provided to an MPA student (with preference to a student who graduated from the Syracuse City School District) who shows a commitment to a career in local government and economic development. The Michel Scholar will receive a cash award to assist with summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

Colonel Fortunato Priore Scholar Award The Colonel Fortunato Priore Scholar Award was established at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs to assist a student enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program. The fund was established to honor Colonel Fortunate Priore by his wife, and will be awarded to a student each year interested in the areas of security studies and/or military affairs. The Priore Scholar will receive a cash award to assist with summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

This scholarship fund was established in 2001 in honor of Raymond T. Schuler, a 1952 graduate of the Maxwell School. Raymond Schuler had an impressive and extensive career in public service in New York State. Schuler Scholars receive a cash award in varying amounts. These awards may be used to support summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

Stephen J. Smallwood Endowed Memorial AwardThis award has been established to honor the memory of Stephen J. Smallwood by his family and friends. Stephen was a 1961 graduate of Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Very active in his time at Syracuse University, Stephen held his alma mater in great esteem. Stephen even began his career as a Development Officer at Syracuse University. He then went on to establish himself as an innovator and leader in the field of philanthropy in the public sector. It will be awarded to a public administration student each year that exemplifies Stephens commitment to non-profit management and philanthropy. The Stephen J. Smallwood Scholar will receive a cash award to assist with summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

The Colonel Jane M. Vino Scholar Award was established by her family and friends to honor Colonel Jane M. Vino and her accomplishments in the military in the area of national security. It is to be granted to a female student each year enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program who exemplifies Colonel Vino’s commitment to public service in the area of security studies. The Colonel Jane Vino Scholar will receive a cash award to assist with summer, fall or spring expenses. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

This award is made possible by a gift to the Maxwell School by Florence White, honoring her daughter who was a Syracuse University student. It will be awarded to an outstanding student who has shown great compassion and duty to the public through professional and/or voluntary activities. This scholarship will provide a cash and/or tuition award to partially cover a student's expenses in the program. There is no separate application necessary, and the deadline for consideration is February 1st.

Syracuse University's Center for European Studies Center announces the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship competitions the coming Academic Year and for the Summer term in European Studies. The FLAS program provides tuition and stipend for SU graduate students who are US citizens or permanent residents to undertake intensive language training and area studies that complements their program of study. FLAS awards are open to SU graduate students in any program, with interests in contemporary European Studies.

We anticipate awarding 4 academic year FLAS fellowships that will provide $14,000 stipend and up to 24 credit hours tuition coverage shared by the Center for European Studies and the Graduate School. Preference for academic year FLAS awards may be given to those studying at the advanced level in one of the commonly taught European languages at SU (French, German, Spanish and Russian) or at beginning or intermediate levels in the less commonly taught European languages at SU (Italian, Polish or Turkish). Preference may also be given to professional program students and those who may work in public service in future. Summer FLAS fellowships may be for study abroad in any accredited language program in any European language. Proposals for dissertation research are generally not accepted unless they contain a substantial language training component.

Application forms can be downloaded from the following URL:
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/moynihan/programs/ces/funding.html

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The Soros Foundation provides Fellowships for New Americans to pursue graduate degrees in any professional field of scholarly discipline in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences. Applications Due: early November of each year.

The Jacob K. Javits Fellowship program, administered through the U.S. Department of Education, provides financial assistance to students pursuing graduate study in the selected areas of the arts, humanities and social sciences.

The Maxwell School has had a long-standing relationship with the Truman Scholarship program. Most Truman Scholars receive a full 40 credit hour tuition scholarship with admission to the MPA Program. Please note on your application that you are a Truman Scholar.

Students who have participated in the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship program and have been awarded a PPIA Fellowship through the new APPAM consortium are invited to apply to the Maxwell School’s MPA Program. Upon admission, the University is committed to providing a minimum $5000 cash award to all PPIA Fellows and waives all mandatory fees associated with graduate study at the University (including the application fee). Additional tuition and cash awards will be

awarded on an individual basis along with all other financial aid in early March of each year. Please note on your application that you are a PPIA Fellow, and have your

Syracuse University is a participating institution in the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program. Not only does the University provide research training and mentorship to promising undergraduate students preparing for graduate study, but it also provides a limited number of Graduate Fellowships to incoming McNair Scholars accepted into graduate programs across campus. The Ronald E. McNair Graduate Fellowships provide full tuition support and a stipend. Once admitted to a program, the departments will internally nominate all Scholars for the Graduate Fellowship. Announcements of these awards will be made by the McNair Graduate Fellowship selection committee in mid spring. To be competitive for these limited graduate fellowships, McNair Scholars should be careful to include a letter of recommendation from their primary mentor with their application. Additionally, the application fee is waived for all McNair Scholars applying to graduate programs at Syracuse University. In order for the department to nominate an applicant for a McNair Fellowship, the department must have officially admitted the student to their graduate program, therefore it is crucial that applicants submit a complete application, including all official test scores, to the department by the February 1st deadline.

Graduate students admitted to the Department of Public Administration and perhaps another program and whom are planning on being at SU for two years may be eligible for participation in the Army ROTC program for graduate students. While this program offers much more than funding – participation may have financial benefits. For more information please visit the US Army ROTC site at: http://sumweb.syr.edu/armyrotc/

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program seeks to attract and educate outstanding young people who desire careers in the Foreign Service. Funded by the US Department of State and managed by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University, these fellowships prepare students to enter exciting and rewarding careers in public service as Foreign Service Officers. The Rangel Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need. Fellows receive up to $28,000 annually in assistance for tuition, room, board and other related expenses for a two year masters degree in international public service. Maxwell matches the Rangel Fellowship funding with an additional $10,000 per year for students admitted into the joint MPA/MA IR program. Students admitted ino just the one year MPA or 18 month MA IR program will receive matching funds of $5,000.

NYS GFOA Stanley M. Schoenfeld Memorial Scholarship
The Stanley M. Schoenfeld Memorial Scholarship is available for students who are eligible to enroll in, and are considering entering no later than the Fall semester, a post graduate program in public affairs/management (with a concentration in finance) at a college or university in New York State, including the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University. Students committed to graduate study and a career in public finance, and admitted to the Maxwell School for the coming summer term are eligible to apply for this award. Applicants for this award can include in their application to the NYS GFOA their admission letter from Maxwell. If you have not yet received a notice of admission and are applying for the Scheonfeld Memorial Scholarship, please contact the Department of Public Administration to see if we can assist you fast tracking your application and getting this information to NYS GFOA in a timely manner. Maxwell will not be providing a Deans letter of support to a student who is not already attending our program and you should obtain this letter of recommendation from your current employer or undergraduate academic dean/advisor. NYS GFOA has assured us that they are not expecting a Maxwell School's Dean's letter of support for applicants to this scholarship. For more information and the application to apply for the NYS Government Finance Officers Association Stanley M. Schoenfeld Memorial Scholarship please visit www.nysgfoa.org.

Millennium Momentum Foundation, Inc. will be awarding 10 scholarships in the amount of $1000.00 for the academic school year to ethnic minority undergraduate and graduate college students pursuing careers in public administration, public policy, or related fields (i.e. political science, public affairs, etc.). The Millennium Momentum Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation aiming to increase the number of young professionals from various ethnic backgrounds in public administration, public policy, and related fields.

Previous applicants that were not selected during previous year are encouraged to re-apply for this prestigious opportunity this year, as their selection will be considered.

The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship program, managed by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, provides funding to participants as they are prepared academically and professionally to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.

The goal of the fellowship program is to attract outstanding students who enroll in two-year master's degree programs in public policy, international affairs, public administration, or academic fields such as business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages, who represent all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds and who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The program develops a source of trained men and women who will represent the skill needs of the Department and who are dedicated to representing America's interests abroad. Several Pickering Fellows have completed Maxwell’s MPA degree, alone or concurrently with other degrees (IR and Econ) within the school. Please visit the WWNFF website for more information: http://www.woodrow.org/public-policy/graduate.php

Organization of American States (OAS) Leo S. Rowe Fund
The Leo S. Rowe fund, a student loan program of the Organization of American States (OAS), helps citizens from Latin America and Caribbean countries finance their studies or research at accredited universities in the United States. Rowe Fund loans are given under the condition that at the end of a student’s studies, they return to their home country in order to further intercultural exchange and socioeconomic development. For more information: www.oas.org/rowe

Organization of American States (OAS) Graduate Scholarships
The Organization of American States also provides scholarships to applicants from member countries to pursue graduate study. Graduate Scholarships may be awarded up to $30,000 for one year of study. Preference will be given to students electing for OAS matching institutions. For more information: www.oas.org/

American Association of University Women (AAUW)
One of the world's largest sources of funding exclusively for graduate women, the AAUW Educational Foundation supports aspiring scholars around the globe, teachers and activists in local communities, women at critical stages of their careers, and those pursuing professions where women are underrepresented.

The AAUW provides international fellowships for graduate study in the United States for non-US citizen women admitted to an accredited graduate program. Applicants must intend to return to their home country for their professional careers upon graduation.

Career Development Grants
The AAUW provides career development grants to support women who hold a bachelor's degree and who are preparing to advance their careers, change careers, or re-enter the work force. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.