We look forward to seeing you soon.
Your Offer of Admission
We believe that your presence will positively contribute to Maxwell and the public service community. If you choose to join us, here’s how:
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
1. Submit the Intent to Register Form
Accept (or decline) your offer of admission by submitting the electronic Intent to Register (e-ITR) form no later than April 15 or the date listed in your offer of admission (please note: the response deadline provided in your offer of admission supersedes the April 15 deadline).
Please note:
- Students admitted early for the following academic year will have until December 31 to respond to their offer.
- Students admitted to the accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program must respond by the regular April 15 deadline (or the date listed in offer of admission, if different).
The e-ITR form will be sent to you from our Graduate Enrollment Management Center’s automated account (gradadm@syr.edu). Complete the requested information and send it back to graduateitr@syr.edu.
2. Pay Your Deposit
To secure your place in the upcoming class, submit a non-refundable deposit of $500. This deposit is payable by check, credit/debit card or wire transfer. You must first activate your Syracuse University NetID and then submit the payment on MySlice. This deposit will be credited to your first tuition bill upon matriculation. Only one deposit is required, even if you have been admitted to a dual degree program. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing of your deposit payment and the electronic Intent to Register form.
3. Submit Final, Official Degree-Bearing Transcripts
By the end of their first semester of study at Syracuse University, all graduate students at Syracuse University must submit an official transcript which must bear the appropriate signatures and seal of the institution that issued it. The transcript must be received by Syracuse University in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution. *NOTE: Accelerated bachelor’s/master’s students do not need to submit transcripts until after they have officially completed their undergraduate degree.
International Students
1. Provide Required Financial Documentation
Please note that all international students are recommended for admission on a conditional basis. The Graduate School and the Center for International Services at Syracuse University will communicate with you via email with instructions on how to submit the required documentation to finalize your admission and obtain your student visa. Please note that for the M.P.A. and M.A. in international relations programs, the required funding will be based on the full 40-credit program, your living habits, cost of living and possible changes in tuition and fees—minus any scholarships or awards granted by the Maxwell School. *See the Center for International Services for more information about arriving at Syracuse and living in the community.
2. Submit the Intent to Register form
Accept (or decline) your offer of admission by submitting the electronic Intent to Register (e-ITR) form no later than April 15 or the date listed in your offer of admission (please note: the response deadline provided in your offer of admission supersedes the April 15 deadline).
Please note:
- Students admitted early for the following academic year will have until December 31 to respond to their offer.
- Students admitted to the accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program must respond by the regular April 15 deadline (or the date listed in offer of admission, if different).
The e-ITR form will be sent to you from our Graduate Enrollment Management Center’s automated account (gradadm@syr.edu). Complete the requested information and send it back to graduateitr@syr.edu.
3. Pay Your Deposit
To secure your place in the upcoming class, submit a non-refundable deposit of $500. This deposit is payable by check, credit/debit card or wire transfer. You must first activate your Syracuse University NetID and then submit the payment on MySlice. This deposit will be credited to your first tuition bill upon matriculation. Only one deposit is required, even if you have been admitted to a dual degree program. Please allow two to three business days for processing of your deposit payment and the electronic Intent to Register form.
4. Submit Final, Official Degree-Bearing Transcripts
By the end of their first semester of study at Syracuse University, all graduate students must submit a final, official transcript which must bear the appropriate signatures and seal of the institution that issued it and clearly show your earned degree. The transcript must be received by Syracuse University in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution, although we understand that may not be possible for all schools outside of the U.S. Please email grad@syr.edu with questions about the final transcript requirement.
Opportunities to Connect
In Person Events
Admitted Students Day
Friday, March 31, 2023
This in-person admitted student day event will feature presentations by key department leadership, meetings with current students and alumni, a tour of our remarkable facilities and learning spaces, introductions to department resources like career services, academic advising, student groups, research centers and institutes, and more.

Office Hours
You are encouraged to attend our group events to ask questions and get to know Maxwell, but we understand that sometimes you’d prefer to speak privately. To address individual questions or concerns, schedule a 15-minute phone or video call with Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid Stephanie Worden (space permitting).

Individual Campus Visits
In addition to our in-person group events and virtual office hours, you can request an individual visit that is personalized based on your interests and availability. Use the link below to review the details and submit your visit request.
Virtual Events

Spring 2023
- Master of Public Administration, March 7, 2023
- M.A. in International Relations, March 9, 2023
- Introduction to Research Centers/Institutes, March 29, 2023
- Current Student Q&A March 3, 10, 17, 24 and April 7, 14, 21, 28
- Alumni Panel Q&A April 11, 2023
Dual M.P.A./M.A. (IR) students should attend both sessions.

Connect with an Alumni Ambassador
Learn about our community from the people who know us best! Ambassadors are passionate champions of the Maxwell School who are using their education to make real and lasting change in the world. Alumni from every degree program and a range of sectors and industries are available to answer your questions. Connect with one today.
Pictured left: Alumni Ambassador Lorraine Bower ’19 M.A. (IR), Advisory Consultant, Grant Thornton / U.S. Army Reserve
Alumni Coffee Chats
Who better to help you get to know the Maxwell School than our successful alumni? A number of our alumni ambassadors have agreed to meet with admitted students for an informal, no-pressure conversation.
Reach out to schedule a meeting with an alum in your dream job, who lives near you, or who shares an interest or two.

Digital Swag
Tell the world about your fantastic news! Download some digital swag to use on social media and more.
Grab more digital swag from Syracuse University!
Pre-Arrival Checklist
In order to best assist you, we’ve created a list of things to accomplish to ensure a smooth transition into the Maxwell community.
Access to this information and forms will become available after you officially matriculate. This occurs after you pay your $500 non-refundable deposit. You will receive an email communication describing the steps from Syracuse University. Therefore, we recommend regularly checking your Syracuse University email account.
When does my program start?
Join us for the Graduate School Fall Welcome on August 26th at 2 p.m. in the Goldstein Auditorium at Schine Student Center. This event is your chance to connect with fellow new graduate students and learn about the offices and resources available to support your success at Syracuse University. Stay tuned for more details about the event through upcoming emails and website updates closer to the date. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!
Master of Public Administration
Program begins July 5, 2023.
- Students should arrive a few days prior to attend colloquium
MPA Summer Schedule
July 5 through July 7
9:00 AM EST – 5:00 EST (the holiday is the Tuesday the 4th).
PAI 600 – Public Affairs Colloquium (1 credit)
Classroom: Eggers 010
July 10 through July 28
9:00AM EST – 1:00 PM EST
PAI 734 – Public Budgeting (3 credits)
Classroom: Eggers 010
July 31 through August 18
9:00AM EST – 1:00PM EST
PAI 755 - Public Administration and Democracy (3 credits)
Classroom: Grant Auditorium with breakouts
M.A. in International Relations
Program starts in the fall on August 28, 2023
- Orientation Dates: August 23-24.
The full Syracuse University Academic Year Calendar will be updated prior to the start of each academic year. Please note that the Maxwell School holds our own commencement ceremony that will have a different date.
M.A. in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications
Program begins July 3, 2023.
- Students should arrive a few days prior to attend orientation. Specific dates will be posted in 2023.
Next steps for newly admitted PDGC students. Accepted your offer and paid the deposit? Here's what you can expect.

Housing Resources
Syracuse University does not offer guaranteed housing for graduate students. However, the institution provides ample resources via the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services to aid in your search. You are welcome to join and consult the LinkedIn group on your own should you be looking for a roommate. Please refer to the start dates listed above when looking into housing options. As an additional resource, you can access the Off Campus Housing portal in your search.
Use the link below to access our housing and transportation guide for students and visitors to secure safe, affordable and convenient housing.
Housing and Transportation Guide
What kind of computer do I need?
Students are encouraged to have their own laptops. 16 GB - 32 GB of RAM is recommended for students using their laptop for statistical (i.e. Stata, SPSS) or cartographic software such as ArcGIS. Learn more about Syracuse University's Information and Technology Services for new students.