Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Become a leader in the government, healthcare, nonprofit, or corporate social responsibility sector with Suffolk’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.
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Full-Time
in as few as 3 semesters
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Part-Time
in as few as 5 semesters
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42 Credits

Uniquely positioned beside the Massachusetts State House in the heart of downtown Boston, Suffolk University has been the ideal training ground for future public servants since 1974. The Suffolk MPA will prepare you for a career supporting your community and the common good by providing an academic foundation for your pursuit of service.

While earning your MPA at Suffolk, you’ll:

  • Make connections in the public service community and forge mentor relationships with Suffolk alumni
  • Learn from your fellow students and their personal experiences, gaining fresh perspectives on new and familiar discussions in a cohort-style learning experience
  • Study real-world cases that represent the cutting edge in public management practice
  • Focus on the management and interpersonal aspects of public service, with additional attention on the policy formation phase

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Success After Suffolk

Our alums are doing great things. Some of our recent graduates' job titles and employers include:

Founder & Executive Director
Autism Sprinter
Deputy Chief of Staff, Access & Opportunity
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Director of Grants & Contracts
Bay State Community Services, Inc.
Lead Social Services Case Manager
Codman Square Health Center
Lead Administrator, Community Partners Program
MassHealth
Director of Finance
Town of Marblehead, Massachusetts
Associate Director
Greengard Center for Autism
Division Director
Justice Resource Institute
Senior Supply Chain Deployment Manager
United States Department of Energy
Policy Analyst
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Chief Operating Officer
Community Health Center of Franklin County
Deputy Town Administrator - Operations
Town of Natick, Massachusetts
Office and Grants Manager
Wagner Foundation
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MPA Program Overview

Continuing Excellence

NASPAA logoSuffolk’s MPA is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), making it one of the country’s top-tier degrees in public administration. Learn more about the program's enrollment numbers, completion rate, and graduate employment data on the MPA Program Outcomes page.

The Curriculum

Our curriculum provides a strong foundation in public administration, organizational theory, and quantitative analysis with in-person public management practice to give you a well-rounded learning experience. Your courses take a practical, hands-on approach with case studies, guest speakers, and travel seminars.
View the MPA Curriculum

MPA Concentrations

Customize your degree by choosing one of our four concentrations. You’ll gain the specialized skills and knowledge needed to advance in the sector that aligns with your public service goals.

Build the skills to provide healthcare delivery and management in community agencies, advocacy organizations, and government agencies.

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Prepare to act as state and local government managers and officials and function as effective leaders that are able to respond to the changing climates of government.

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Cover topics that give special attention to the additional intricacies of nonprofit management within the field of public service.

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Study the application of data from new management and performance systems to decision making as it pertains to both the public sector and nonprofit organizations.

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Advising & Other Resources

Our Graduate Student Services team is here to support you every step of the way. From application advising to financial aid counseling and international student resources, we provide a wide range of services to help you get the most out of your business education. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in professional development workshops throughout the year, as well as lifelong access to all of the tools and resources offered by our Center for Career Equity, Development & Success.


Alumni Perspectives


Applying to Suffolk's MPA Program

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester: June 15 (International Applicants), August 15 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling; Submit your completed application by July 1 for Sawyer Business School Fellowship Employment consideration
  • Spring Semester: December 1 (International Applicants), January 4 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling; Submit your completed application by November 1 for Sawyer Business School Fellowship Employment consideration

Learn about the advantages of priority applications.

Application Materials

  • Completed application
  • $50 Application Fee (waived for students who visit campus or attend an event virtually)
  • Resume
  • Unofficial transcripts of all post-secondary work. Admitted students enrolling in the program will need to have official transcripts, including proof of degree conferral, on file prior to their first class
  • Goal Statement (essay)
  • Letter of Recommendation (Learn more)
  • Official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE-Academic scores (international students only)

MPA (2023-24)

Per semester rate: $15,864
Per credit: $1,322

View current tuition and fees for this program

View estimated cost of attendance

Financial Aid for Graduate Study

Suffolk University is pleased to offer both merit- and need-based financial aid to graduate students—these awards can be up to $20,000 per academic year. Merit-based aid is awarded based on the applicant's academic credentials presented on the admission application. No separate application is required for merit consideration.

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