Master of Public Administration 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; however, it is recommended for the M.P.A.
Deadlines, Materials and Criteria
Application Criteria
A strong candidate will have:
- a public service ethos and appreciation of the Maxwell School mission to prepare graduates to contribute to the public good in all levels of government, nonprofits/NGOs and the private sector;
- relevant internships or post-undergraduate work experience;
- strong undergraduate coursework in economics and other social science disciplines and;
- a clear understanding of their 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 not required for admission to any of our department’s graduate programs; however, it is strongly encouraged for the M.P.A. Applicants must demonstrate adequate quantitative, analytic and writing aptitude to be admitted.
These requirements can be evidenced by successful completion of coursework in relevant content areas or by adequate performance on the GRE.
The benchmark GRE scores for a strong M.P.A. candidate have been:
- 158 Verbal
- 156 Quantitative
- 4.5 Analytical Writing
Don’t go it alone.
Priority Application Deadline: January 15
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:
- January 15: Priority application deadline for the M.P.A.
- 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.P.A. 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 but recommended
- 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 - this is a minimum requirement for admission.
The median TOEFL score has been above 105.
Duolingo
Literacy - 125
Comprehension - 110
Conversation - 120
Production - 95
Total - 115 to 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.
MPA Fellowships
2023 Forever Orange Scholarship Program
We are happy to continue our support of the Forever Orange program! Syracuse University Class of 2023 graduating seniors are eligible to apply for our master’s program and, if admitted, will receive a guaranteed 50% tuition scholarship! Please visit the Graduate School website for additional details on eligibility, participating programs and application instructions.
