Master of Public Administration - National and International Security Policy

The National and International Security Policy area of study provides courses that develop leadership, management and public service skills in the wide-ranging areas of national defense and foreign relations, intelligence and counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution, with an understanding of the interplay between policy, law and process and the ethical challenges national security presents.

Students in this program are prepared to address contemporary security concerns that affect the economy, environment, food, health, technology, communications, law, and governance.

In the years since September 11, 2001, fundamental changes were made to the way we conduct border security, transportation systems, communications, intelligence gathering capabilities, and counterterrorism procedures. In the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security was created, marking a shift towards increasing interagency and cross-sector collaboration. Cyber tools and emerging technologies have also transformed the nature and practice of security presenting new and evolving challenges, testing our understanding of security, privacy, law, and transnational boundaries.

The field of security, like so many other sectors, is constantly in flux and requires government agencies to be nimble and forward thinking with well-honed technical skills, such as data analysis, GIS, and social science skills, such as policy analysis, and knowledge of history and international relations.

Personal statement
R'sum (preferred) or CV
The GRE: no longer required for application to any PAIA master's degree program
Public Administration: GRE recommended*
International Relations and Public Diplomacy & Global Communications: GRE optional**
English Proficiency Exam (international students only): TOEFL /, IELTS , or Duolingo scores
Transcripts: Official transcripts are not required at the time of application, but will be necessary to enroll into the program
Letters of recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation from a current or previous faculty member and/or professional supervisor
*Applicants to the M.P.A. program must demonstrate adequate quantitative, analytic and writing aptitude to be admitted. These requirements can be evidenced by successful completion of coursework in relevant content areas and/or by adequate performance on the GRE or GMAT exams.

**The GRE may demonstrate an applicant's quantitative, analytic or writing ability and, though not required, will be considered for those applicants who choose to submit them.

All test scores must be sent to Syracuse University from the testing service.

Admitted students over the past three years have had median GPAs of 3.5. Past GRE scores of successful candidates who chose to submit them averaged: 158 Verbal, 156 Quantitative and 4.5 Analytical Writing. The median TOEFL scores of those applicants admitted over the past three years have been above 105. Minimum scores for English Language proficiency are 100 for the TOEFL and 7.0 for the IELTS.