Master of Arts in International Relations Application Checklist
We’re here to help. Please attend an event or contact an admission counselor for any questions you may have about your application to Maxwell.
The GRE is no longer required for application to any of the department’s graduate programs.
Criteria, Deadlines and Materials
Application Criteria
A strong application will include the following elements:
- Examples of prior foreign language study or international experience in a language other than English are preferred. In order to graduate, M.A. in international relations students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language. Students who enter the program without sufficient language skills must complete this requirement during their studies.
- Relevant internships or post-undergraduate work experience should demonstrate a public service ethos and appreciation of the Maxwell School’s mission to prepare graduates to contribute to the public good in all levels of government, nonprofits, NGOs and the private sector.
- Undergraduate coursework should show strength in economics and other social science disciplines.
- Application should demonstrate a clear understanding of the applicant’s career goals as they relate to this field of study.
Maxwell reads applications holistically. This means that each element of the application is factored into the admission process.
GPA
There are no strict cutoffs or minimums or maximums when it comes to GPA. However, on average, our students have a cumulative GPA of 3.5.
GRE
The GRE is no longer required for admission to any of our department’s graduate programs.
Don’t go it alone.
Priority Application Deadline: February 1
Any student that applies on or before the deadline and indicates interest in merit-based aid will be considered.
Maxwell will allow students to apply after the deadline, and admission and merit-based aid are considered on a rolling and space available basis.
To be considered for merit-based financial assistance from Syracuse University, simply check the appropriate box on your application for admission and be sure to apply before the priority deadline. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the general timeline for the financial award process is as follows:
- February 1: Priority application deadline for the M.A. in international relations
- March: Admitted students are reviewed for financial aid awards
- By April 1: All admitted students are notified by email about status of awards
- April 15: Deadline for admitted students to accept or withdraw financial aid awards
Department financial assistance includes:
- Scholarships
- Federal and state loans and grants
- Graduate or research assistantships
- Part-time employment
Every year, a limited number of fellowships covering full tuition with stipend are available to highly qualified candidates who apply before the priority application deadline. See all M.A. in international relations funding opportunities.
Graduate awards continue to be made until all resources have been committed or we have reached our enrollment capacity. In the case that funds become available, application for these awards will be announced.
Application Materials
- Application and $75 application fee. In some cases the application fee can be waived. See application fee waiver details.
- Personal statement
- Résumé (preferred) or CV
- The GRE: is optional
- Transcripts: Unofficial undergraduate transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required prior to enrollment.
- Letters of recommendation: three (3) letters of recommendation from a current or previous faculty member or professional supervisor
- English Proficiency Exam (international students only): TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores
TOEFL
100 is the minimum requirement for admission.
The median TOEFL score has been above 105.
Duolingo
Literacy - 125
Comprehension - 110
Conversation - 120
Production - 95
Total 115-120
IELTS
The minimum score is a 7.0.
Funding Your Education
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA allows graduate and professional students to be considered for need-based federal student loans and private educational loans. You should file the FAFSA as early as possible during the application process. Once filed, the Syracuse University Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs will contact you about loan approvals and procedures.
MA in International Relations Fellowships
