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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.

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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 2023

Dave Bing and Chris Faricy interview
“I think the biggest impact that I'm making is what I'm doing now because I know I'm changing lives, and I know I'm bringing some of these boys out crime and out of poverty,” says Maxwell alum Bing, ’66, H’06, of his work at the Bing Youth Institute in Detroit.
Sean O'Keefe standing at a memorial for the Columbia Anniversary
O’Keefe, a Maxwell School alumnus and Syracuse University Professor, was at the helm 20 years ago when Columbia broke apart while returning from a space research mission. 

The Fall 2022 issue is now available in print and online. Read about the school‘s vast connections in Washington, D.C., including the new Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship Institute; Congresswoman Cheney discusses the January 6 insurrection; policy studies celebrates 45 years of “doing good;” and more.

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.
U.S. News Ranking Badge
The 2023 U.S. News and World Report Best Public Affairs Schools rankings have been released. In addition to #1 overall, Maxwell received high marks across a wide range of subspecialties within public affairs.
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

Upcoming Events

We continue to follow the advice of local public health officials in regards to in-person events. Please check Syracuse University’s Stay Safe website for the latest safety protocols before coming to campus or other in-person venues.

March 30, 2023

Paul Volcker Lecture in Behavioral Economics

Eggers Hall, 220

4:00PM-5:30PM

March 31, 2023

CAPS Methodology Workshop: Trenton Mize

Eggers Hall, 060

10:00AM-3:00PM

March 31, 2023

Book Launch: Critical Kashmir Studies

Eggers Hall, 341

12:00PM-1:30PM

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.

Triple major: international relations; economics; environment, sustainability and policy

Read about Lauren’s experiences at Maxwell