Syracuse Maxwell School

[BoSoxFanatic245]

Hey everyone, I'm wondering if you can provide me with some thoughts on the Syracuse Maxwell School MPA program. I just received an e-mail from them saying I was admitted. I know that it's been rated as the best public affairs program in the nation by U.S. News since they started doing ratings, but any other knowledge of it would be helpful. It's a one-year program (July to July) instead of the traditional 2-year masters program, right? I'm particularly interested in domestic policy matters. Would the school fit in with my interests? Thanks for your help.

[Minerva473]

I've been accepted to the joint MPA-MAIR program and from what I heard the MPA program in particular is very highly regarded. The Maxwell alumni network in DC is very strong if that's your bag. It is a domestically focused program. Try doing a search for "Maxwell" or "Syracuse MPA" on this site if you haven't already. You can also try e-mailing current students -- their contact details are listed on the Maxwell School's website.

[gotmusic702]

I've been accepted to the joint MPA-MAIR program and from what I heard the MPA program in particular is very highly regarded. The Maxwell alumni network in DC is very strong if that's your bag. It is a domestically focused program. Try doing a search for "Maxwell" or "Syracuse MPA" on this site if you haven't already. You can also try e-mailing current students -- their contact details are listed on the Maxwell School's website.

Do you think you'll end up at Maxwell? I'm about 85% sure I'm going to accept their offer for the MAIR program. The global programs are a real plus for me.

[gurf]

Do you think you'll end up at Maxwell? I'm about 85% sure I'm going to accept their offer for the MAIR program. The global programs are a real plus for me.

hey gotmusic,

i'm 50/50 between Maxwell and UCSD. are you going to the admitted students day for Maxwell? I won't be able to make that unfortunately...

[gotmusic702]

hey gotmusic,

i'm 50/50 between Maxwell and UCSD. are you going to the admitted students day for Maxwell? I won't be able to make that unfortunately...

No, I'm not going. I didn't think going was worth the money. I can just get all my questions answered by email.

I don't know much about UCSD's program but it if you're from Cali and are interested in Pacific studies than the money you'll save by going to UCSD is probably worth it. Syracuse's MA-IR program is ranked #10 and UCSD is #12 so not much difference there. What do these rankings really mean anyway?

If I go to Maxwell I'll be taking the Global Security and Foreign Policy tracks. The Middle East is my regional interest. Aside from the Global Programs, some other things that draw me to Maxwell are its certificate options. While earning my MA, I can earn a certificate in advanced security studies and Middle Eastern studies. If you're full-time (9 credits) you can audit language courses for free. I want to continue studying Arabic so this is a great plus for me.

Anyway, I don't know what you plan to study but maybe giving you my pros about Syracuse will be of some assistance.

[Minerva473]

Do you think you'll end up at Maxwell? I'm about 85% sure I'm going to accept their offer for the MAIR program. The global programs are a real plus for me.

Yesterday I was sure I wanted to go to Maxwell, ready to tell my friends and family and start making plans. Today I'm doubting myself. I don't think I'll be certain until I talk to a few more students / alumni at my 3 choices and go from there.

[BoSoxFanatic245]

Yesterday I was sure I wanted to go to Maxwell, ready to tell my friends and family and start making plans. Today I'm doubting myself. I don't think I'll be certain until I talk to a few more students / alumni at my 3 choices and go from there.

Out of curiosity, what are the 2 other programs you're considering?

[Minerva473]

Out of curiosity, what are the 2 other programs you're considering?

Fletcher and the Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI). The GPPI is probably my last choice but they have some faculty working in an area I'm interested in. Fletcher seems the most rigorous academically (a thesis in the second year while also taking a full load of courses, it seems) but it will cost me $30k-$40k more than the others and sometimes I think Maxwell is a better fit anyway.

[gurf]

No, I'm not going. I didn't think going was worth the money. I can just get all my questions answered by email.

I don't know much about UCSD's program but it if you're from Cali and are interested in Pacific studies than the money you'll save by going to UCSD is probably worth it. Syracuse's MA-IR program is ranked #10 and UCSD is #12 so not much difference there. What do these rankings really mean anyway?

If I go to Maxwell I'll be taking the Global Security and Foreign Policy tracks. The Middle East is my regional interest. Aside from the Global Programs, some other things that draw me to Maxwell are its certificate options. While earning my MA, I can earn a certificate in advanced security studies and Middle Eastern studies. If you're full-time (9 credits) you can audit language courses for free. I want to continue studying Arabic so this is a great plus for me.

Anyway, I don't know what you plan to study but maybe giving you my pros about Syracuse will be of some assistance.

i'm not going to admitted students day because of the $$ as well. however, admissions did tell me that they plan to record some of the panels so students who were not able to go can still see what went on.

if money wasn't a factor, i would definitely pick SYR as the program appeals to me more (i am a CA resident so going to a UC will save me quite a bit of money). i like that you can apply for ECON as a second degree, audit language as you've said, and the many study abroad/internship opportunities syracuse has.

BoSox: yes the MPA is a one year program http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/pa.aspx?id=646

[Affirmed]

I have been admitted MAIR/ECON dual degree program. And %90 I am going to attend Maxwell.

I am choosing Maxwell over Upenn/Fels.

Global programs, abroad campus opportunities and internships seem to me very interesting.

Auditing a foreign language course is a plus either. I am planning to take spanish courses then I want to take one semesr (fall 2011) at santiago - chile.

p.s: I am an international student whose interests are International Economics and Development.

[BoSoxFanatic245]

Seems like there's a lot of IR people on this forum planning on going to Maxwell. Any information on a more domestic-based track, particularly the Social Policy concentration?