Communications for a Better World
Master of Arts in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications
The master of arts (M.A.) in public diplomacy and global communications combines international relations knowledge and skills from the #1-ranked Maxwell School with public relations know-how from the prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Program Overview
As a student in our public diplomacy and global communications (PDGC) program, you will learn to communicate and build relationships in an international setting on behalf of governments, organizations and corporations to improve the public good.
In addition to a required summer internship, spend two semesters in Syracuse and one semester on our campus in Washington, D.C.
Program Schedule and Requirements
Students complete one half of their course work in the Maxwell School’s Public Administration and International Affairs Department and the other half in the Newhouse School’s Public Relations Department. Students spend their final semester in Washington, D.C. For complete requirements, please visit our Course Catalog.
Required Courses with Sample Schedule
The program is 43 credits over the course of 18 months. Integrated into the 43 credits is a required internship and a semester on our Washington, D.C., campus.
Second Summer Session (6 credits)
Introduction to Public Diplomacy and Communications
Media Law
Fall Semester (12 credits)
International Actors and Issues
Economic Principles for International Affairs
Public Relations Writing
Public Relations Research
Spring Semester (12 credits)
One management course
PAI Elective
Advanced Public Diplomacy
PR Campaign Planning & Execution
Maymester/Summer Session (3 credits)
PAI elective
Summer Session (1 credit)
Summer off-campus internship program
Fall Semester in Washington, D.C. (9 credits)
Issues for 21st Century Public Diplomacy
PAI Elective
Public Diplomacy Practicum (Internship)
I am Maxwell.
I loved the diversity of my classmates and my exposure to real-world problems...The experience shaped my vision for where I wanted to be in the future, giving me the skills to build relationships with multicultural audiences.”
Dayanna Torres '09, DIRECTOR, BLACKSTONE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
M.A. in international relations/M.S. in public relations; inaugural cohort of the public diplomacy collaborative program
