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:
1. Submit the Admission Acceptance Form
Accept (or decline) your offer of admission by submitting the Admission Acceptance Form (AAF) by the date listed in your offer of admission (typically April 15 if you apply by our priority deadlines). The AAF is available in your applicant status portal (you must view your admission letter from the Dean of the Graduate School before the AAF will appear in your checklist).
2. Pay Your Enrollment Deposit
To secure your place in the upcoming class, submit a non-refundable deposit of $500. Instructions on how to pay the deposit will be in your applicant status portal. 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.
3. [International applicants only] Provide Required Financial Documentation
To obtain an F-1 student visa, you must provide proof of funding that will cover your cost of attendance. The required funding will be based on the first-year tuition charges plus estimated living expenses MINUS any scholarships or awards granted by Syracuse University and the Maxwell School. The exact amount that you will need to demonstrate will be provided to you via your applicant status portal. For more information, please visit the international graduate student funding requirements webpage.
4. Submit Final, Official Degree-Bearing Transcripts
Before the end of your first semester of study at Syracuse University, you must submit an official transcript which bears the appropriate signatures and seal of the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. The transcript must be received by Syracuse University in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution OR via a secure delivery service such as Parchment or National Clearinghouse. *NOTE: Accelerated bachelor’s/master’s students do not need to submit transcripts until after they have officially completed their undergraduate degree.
Opportunities to Connect
In Person Events
Admitted Students Day
Friday, March 22, 2024
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 an admission representative
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 2024
We have scheduled a series of virtual events exclusively for you, our admitted students, to provide a comprehensive understanding of our academic community and the opportunities available to you.
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! Specific dates will be posted in the spring of 2024. 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!
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.
Master of Public Administration
Summer 2024
- Colloquium begins July 1, 2024.
Fall 2024
- Specific dates will be posted summer 2024. Students should arrive a few days prior to attend orientation.
Spring 2025
- Specific dates will be posted fall 2024. Students should arrive a few days prior to attend orientation.
M.A. in International Relations
Fall 2024
- Orientation is August 21-23, 2024. Classes begin August 26, 2024.
Spring 2025
- Specific dates will be posted fall 2024. Students should arrive a few days prior to attend orientation.
M.A. in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications
Summer 2024
- Classes begin July 1, 2024.
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.
Tuition and Aid
The graduate tuition rate is set by the Syracuse University Board of Trustees each year. While we don’t yet know the tuition for the 2024-25 academic year, you can use the current rate to help with planning. The 2023-24 graduate tuition rate is $1,872 per credit.
If you received a merit-based tuition scholarship from the Department of Public Administration & International Affairs your award will apply to the minimum number of credits needed to earn your degree. At Syracuse University, graduate tuition and aid is administered on a term-by-term basis. Each term that you are enrolled you will be assessed tuition based on the number of credits you have registered for. After the add/drop period ends, you will be assessed a final tuition charge for the term plus any additional fees incurred. At that point, scholarships will be applied and you will be billed accordingly.