BA Policy Studies at Syracuse University

Programme overview

Major covering the historical, social, economic and political forces behind policy issues at local, state, national and global levels. Students learn how policymaking works and how decisions affect communities, and complete a research project for a government agency or organization.

Faculty: Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs | Study mode: full-time | Location: Syracuse, NY, United States

What you will study

Ten courses: seven required core courses and three electives, drawing on public affairs, social sciences, management, education, communications and visual arts.

Career pathways

Law and government, social justice and advocacy, and social sciences career paths.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Maxwell School (university-wide first-year requirements): Syracuse University first-year applicants submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, an official high school transcript, senior year grade report, a school counselor evaluation and one academic recommendation; SAT/ACT scores are optional. English proficiency for international applicants: TOEFL iBT 85+, IELTS 6.5+ or Duolingo 125+ preferred. Some programmes in the college may have additional requirements.

Requirements published at faculty level.

USD 69,180 a year (2026-27). 2026-27 Main Campus undergraduate full-time tuition ($34,590 per semester for 12-19 credits, shown as $69,180 for the academic year on the cost page); one undergraduate rate band, the same on the international costs page. Excludes housing, meals, miscella Source

Students may apply for the fall or spring semester. First-year fall applicants may apply through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action or Regular Decision. Transfer applicants may apply for fall or spring.

First-year deadlines: Early Action November 1; Early Decision I November 1; Early Decision II January 5; Regular Decision January 5. Fall transfer applications are due July 1; spring applications (first-year and transfer) are due November 15. Some programmes have earlier deadlines (for example Drama acting and musical theater application and prescreen December 1; architecture portfolio January 5).

First-year students apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application powered by Scoir. SAT/ACT scores are not required for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 admission, and students who do not submit scores remain eligible for merit scholarships. An application fee waiver can be requested in writing by the school counselor to [email protected].

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