Application Checklist and Deadlines for the Online MS in Policy Analytics
Application Deadlines
Our admissions committee accepts and reviews applications on a rolling basis, and we encourage students to submit their applications as early as possible.
In addition to having more time to plan courses, secure financial aid and begin networking, students who submit their applications before the early action deadline will have their $75 application fee waived.
| Term | Early Action Deadline | Priority Deadline |
|---|---|---|
Term Fall | Early Priority Deadline June 1 | Priority Deadline July 1 |
Term Spring | Early Priority Deadline October 1 | Priority Deadline November 1 |
Term Summer | Early Priority Deadline February 15 | Priority Deadline March 15 |
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the online M.S. in policy analytics program, applicants must:
- hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution;
- express interest in public affairs and policy; and
- demonstrate fluency in English if living in a non-English-speaking country.
There is no minimum undergraduate GPA requirement and no GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the program.
Application Materials
- Application fee:
- $75, application submitted by the priority deadline
- $0, application submitted by the early action deadline
- Personal statement outlining your background, goals and reason for pursuing an M.S. in policy analytics.
- Résumé (preferred) or CV.
- The GRE is not required for application to any master’s degree program offered by the Public Administration and International Affairs Department; however, students with valid GRE scores are encouraged to submit them as part of their application if they feel they accurately reflect their abilities. The ETS school code for Syracuse University is 2823.
- English Proficiency Exam (international students only): TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores
- Transcripts: unofficial transcripts may be submitted with the application; however, if admitted, official transcripts will be required in order to enroll.
- Transcript service. If the institution uses a transcript service such as Parchment, WES or other services, they can select Syracuse University Graduate Admissions to send the official documents electronically.
- Secure email. If the institution uses a secure email system requiring a password, the official documents can be sent to grad@syr.edu.
- By mail. The documents may be sent to the following address:
Enrollment Processing, Graduate Admissions
Syracuse University
804 University Ave., Suite 201
Syracuse, NY 13244
USA
- Letters of recommendation: two (2) letters of recommendation from a current or previous faculty member or professional supervisor.
Personal Statement
Policy analytics combines training in data analytics, research methods, and policy design to help address complex public problems. Academic training and professional experience in various fields and backgrounds (e.g. economics, policy analysis, music, architecture, and others) can prepare one for a policy analytics degree.
Describe the professional and personal experiences you have had that motivate and/or prepare you to pursue a degree in policy analytics. Additionally, what are your career goals and how will this program in the Maxwell School at Syracuse University help you achieve them?
Please address the preceding questions in a clear and concise manner. While there are no minimum or maximum page requirements, the personal statement should be approximately 2 pages double-spaced with standard margins and fonts; you do not need to request an exemption for a statement that is shorter or longer than this.
A Note Regarding AI
The admissions committee reads your statement of purpose to understand who you are, what motivates you, and how you think. For that reason, it must be written by you. You may not use generative AI tools to draft, write or substantially revise your statement. Standard spelling and grammar checkers (such as those built into Word or Google Docs) are fine, and so is feedback from a mentor, colleague, or writing center. By submitting your application, you certify that your statement of purpose is your own original work.