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

The Suffolk MPA program is designed to be flexible and accessible. Courses are delivered on campus, online and in a hybrid format. Faculty and program leaders support students in moving through the program via these options. 

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.

The mission of the MPA Program is to empower public and nonprofit leaders to serve the public interest ethically and effectively. We engage students in a transformative educational experience to build careers and respond to society’s complex challenges, while adhering to the public service values of democratic governance, accountability, and social justice.

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. The program is also ranked among the Top 100 Best Grad Schools for Public Affairs in the nation for 2026. 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.

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.

Concentration Requirements

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

Concentration Requirements

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.

Concentration Requirements

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
  • Spring Semester: December 1 (International Applicants), January 4 (Domestic Applicants), then rolling

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)

Tuition & Investment

Beginning Fall 2026, the Master of Public Administration program is offered at a single, transparent tuition rate of $1,000 per credit. This intentionally designed pricing model allows you to know the full cost of your degree from the start, without variable rates or competitive merit awards, so you can focus fully on your academic and professional goals. This model reflects Suffolk’s long-standing commitment to access, public service leadership, and delivering exceptional value in a NASPAA-accredited program.

Cost of Graduate Study at Suffolk

View current tuition and fees for this program  

View estimated cost of attendance

Financial Aid for Graduate Study

While this program does not offer merit-based funding due to its single, transparent tuition rate, Suffolk University graduates are eligible for an alumni scholarship of up to $2,000 per year. Applicants interested in learning more about loan and financing options can visit the Office of Student Financial Services.

Learn More About the Public Administration Program

What Women Leaders Need the Next Generation to Know
Five takeaways from the annual Massachusetts Women Leading the Way event at Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School

Advocating From The Heart
As CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts—and as a parent—Maura Sullivan, MPA ’10, is an impassioned advocate for people living with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities

Honoring a Trailblazing Alumna
Maura Sullivan, MPA ’10, receives the SAM Award, named for the late Professor Sandy Matava

Back to the Future
Public Administration graduate Christin Santiago returns to school after 25 years and discovers the rewards of being a student again

Brenda Bond: Will Tyre Nichols Trial Improve Accountability in Memphis?
Public Service and Healthcare Administration professor talks with The Washington Post about the Nichols trial and its implications for police reform

Serving Those Who Served
Suffolk alumnus honored at the State House for his efforts to reduce suicide rates among veterans

Making a Difference With Make-A-Wish
For Corrin Tangarone, a service-learning course led to a new minor and new career path

The State of Nonprofits in Massachusetts
At the Department of Public Service and Healthcare Administration’s fall Moakley Breakfast Forum, nonprofit leaders survey the post-election landscape
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