Michael Schneider

Michael Schneider is an experienced professional in the field of public diplomacy and international relations, currently serving as the director of the Washington, D.C. capstone semester for the Graduate Public Diplomacy Program at The Maxwell School of Syracuse University.1

Career Highlights

Current Role: Schneider has held his position as director of the Washington, D.C. capstone semester since January 2009, overseeing a program that combines elements of public relations and international relations.1 This program is part of a dual degree initiative between The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and the Newhouse School of Communication.1

Previous Positions:

• Director of Maxwell-in-Washington until 20092
• Deputy Associate and Acting Associate Director of the United States Information Agency (USIA) for policy and programs in the 1980s2
• Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of State in the mid-1990s2

Academic Background

Schneider holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from American University, which he completed between 1968 and 1978.1 He also has degrees from Rochester University (B.A.) and Columbia University (M.A.).1

Program Oversight

In his role, Schneider guides students through:

• A seminar on Issues in Public Diplomacy
• Research and consultancy projects
• Internships in diverse communications positions within the U.S. government, private businesses, and NGOs1

Notable Contributions

Schneider has made significant contributions to the field of public diplomacy:

• Served as executive secretary for a panel examining the Fulbright Exchange Program
• Authored the report "Fulbright at Fifty" and a subsequent report to the State Department titled "Others' Open Doors"2

Throughout his career, Michael Schneider has played a crucial role in shaping public diplomacy programs and fostering international relations education.