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Admissions Overview
The Maxwell School’s online Executive MPA program welcomes ambitious professionals from diverse educational, cultural and professional backgrounds who are united by their commitment to drive positive change. Candidates are expected to have significant leadership experience in the public, private or nonprofit sector and should be able to demonstrate how an education from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs can help them improve their organizations or communities.
Scholarship Eligibility
The Maxwell School’s online EMPA program offers tuition scholarships each cohort. Our admissions counselors are available to answer questions on scholarship opportunities and assist you throughout the entire process.
See Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our FAQ page for common questions applicants may have.
Virtual Tours
The Maxwell School offers virtual tours of the online classroom experience. To learn more, contact an an admissions counselor at 866-376-3167. Or visit the Maxwell Graduate Admissions events page to view sessions hosted by the on-campus program.
Explore Tuition and Financial Aid
Visit our tuition and financial aid page to learn more about ways to fund your education and scholarship opportunities.
Start Dates
April
July
October
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 priority deadline will have their $75 application fee waived. Students who submit their application by the priority deadline will have their application fee reduced to $45.
We’re dedicated to supporting our students, especially during these challenging times. Explore available scholarships for upcoming cohorts by contacting your admissions counselor.
| Program Start Date | Early Priority Deadline | Priority Deadline | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
April 2025 | December 19, 2024 | January 9, 2025 | February 6, 2025 |
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to the online Executive MPA program, applicants must:
- hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution;
- have at least five years of managerial work experience with progressively greater levels of organizational responsibility, particularly in areas such as budgeting, hiring and supervising employees, and strategic planning;
- demonstrate fluency in English if living in a non-English-speaking country; and
- show proof of proficiency in algebraic and geometric principles to enroll in some courses.
There is no minimum undergraduate GPA requirement and, like many executive education programs, no GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the program.
Application Requirements
To apply to the online Executive MPA program, applicants are required to complete or submit the following:
Online Application
The online application will walk you through each required item.
Application Fee
The application fee is $75, and it is nonrefundable. If you apply by the early priority deadline, the application fee will be waived. If you apply by the priority deadline, the application fee is $45.
Application fee waivers are available for active-duty service members, veterans, McNair Scholars, current Syracuse University undergraduate and graduate students, Syracuse University alumni and Syracuse University employees. Speak with an admissions counselor to learn more.
Personal Essay
A personal essay outlining a student’s background, goals and reason for pursuing an Executive MPA degree is required.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional connections. We strongly recommend that at least one letter comes from a professional connection who can speak to the applicant’s management experience, ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment and potential for leadership.
Official Transcripts
Official degree-bearing transcripts are required. You may be required to submit transcripts from other academic institutions you have attended as well. Please send transcripts to:
Syracuse University
Application Processing Center
ExecutiveMPA@Syracuse
P.O. Box 30096 017-001
College Station, TX 77842
Many schools issue official transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available, applicants should request their transcript(s) be sent to applicationservices@onlinempa.syr.edu. This will expedite transcript delivery and application completion.
Resume or CV
Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume or CV.
GRE Not Required
GRE scores are not required to apply to the online Executive MPA program; however, students with valid GRE scores are encouraged to submit them as part of their application. The school code for Syracuse University is 2823.
ALEKS Algebraic and Geometric Principles Review Course
Given the importance of mathematics in the curriculum, incoming online Executive MPA program students are strongly encouraged to review key algebraic and geometric principles through the ALEKS course. Students should demonstrate proficiency in these key concepts prior to starting PAI 897: Fundamentals of Policy Analysis.
ALEKS starts with a diagnostic test to determine what topics you need to review. You will then be directed to a personalized mini course to work through each topic via instruction, practice problems and worksheets.
Students will pay $40 to access the customized math preparatory course for six weeks.
Request information to learn more about the online Executive MPA program or contact an admissions counselor at 866-376-3167