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What Makes Maxwell Different?

Maxwell is where diverse and collaborative problem solvers develop innovative solutions to move people, policies and communities forward.

Why We're Different

Step into the Maxwell Community

The best way to get to know Maxwell is to visit. Can’t make it to campus? Take a virtual tour, attend an event online, or engage with an Alumni Ambassador.

Visit Us

How Will You Change the World?

No matter where you are in your academic journey, there’s a Maxwell program designed to help you develop knowledge, skills and contacts to improve your community.

Explore Programs

14

research centers generating policy-relevant insight into pressing issues

#1

ranked for public affairs (U.S. News & World Report)

11

departments teaching excellence in social science and public/international affairs

Influence with Integrity

It’s not just an education. It’s a mindset. Maxwell students celebrate diverse people and ideas. They value informed and ethical leadership. They are engaged—and engaging—citizens primed to shape the future.

Student giving a poster presentation in Maxwell's Commons area

Our acclaimed education programs combine the study of human society and relationships with opportunities to address relevant social challenges.

Apply now to a professional graduate program and start in 2024

group of 6 students posing for camera

The program will provide training and experiential learning for future public servants across Syracuse’s schools and colleges.

New faculty headshots

The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs is pleased to welcome several new faculty members.

Shana Gadarian headshot

In her new role, Gadarian will help students and faculty develop their research projects and secure funding to advance scholarly pursuits.

Johanna Dunaway headshot

The political scientist and media scholar will engage colleagues and students in nonpartisan, evidence-based research to foster dialogue in the public’s interest.

Best Grad Schools Badge
The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs is ranked #1 overall in a survey of its peers and is highly ranked in ten subspecialties, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Public Affairs School rankings.
George Washington Statue with portraits of Susan B Anthony and Frederick Douglas
This first collection of portraits from the "Americans Who Tell the Truth" collection by artist Robert Shetterly are being displayed in the foyer outside the Maxwell Auditorium, in Maxwell Hall, to elicit a conversation about citizenship.
Rendering of CSIS building
Maxwell’s D.C.-based facilities at the Center for Security and International Studies are a perfect launching point for networked, effective leaders prepared with the knowledge, skills and connections to get things done.

Over Three-Quarters There!


With incredible support, our start is strong. But to meet our campaign goals, we will need to raise the remaining $30 million to support Campaign Priorities from the School’s long-range strategic plan.

$125,000,000campaign goal
2013the year the campaign started
78% Funded
2024the year the campaign will end
Lauren McNamara

I am Maxwell.

I knew that I was interested in going into environmental work, but I was missing that natural sciences foundation. ESP has given me the qualitative and quantitative foundation that I needed...The faculty members were amazing in encouraging me and helping me make it all work.”

Lauren McNamara ’21 B.A. / ’22 M.P.A.

Undergraduate triple major: international relations; economics; environment, sustainability and policy

Read about Lauren’s experiences at Maxwell