Master of Public Administration (MPA)

FULL-TIME   |   PART-TIME

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

Suffolk’s MPA is all about developing yourself as a public service professional. Become a leader in the government, healthcare, nonprofit, or corporate social responsibility sector with Suffolk’s MPA program. Our program is ranked #88 among the best public affairs programs in the US News and World Report 2023 rankings.

View the MPA curriculum

MPA Program Overview

Suffolk's Master's in Public Administration

Suffolk’s MPA is a NASPAA-accredited master’s program, making it one of the country’s top-tier degrees in public administration. Your courses take a practical, hands-on approach with case studies, guest speakers, and travel seminars. You’ll get real-world experience, as Suffolk is located next to the Massachusetts State House, atop historic Beacon Hill.

Suffolk faculty link the analytical curriculum requirements to in-person public management practice to give you a well-rounded learning experience to prepare for your future in public administration.

Learn more about the program's enrollment numbers, completion rate, and graduate employment data on the MPA Program Outcomes page.

MPA Concentrations

In this Master’s of Public Administration program, you can customize your degree by choosing one of four concentrations. Each of these help you gain the skills and knowledge to help you focus on the sector in which you intend to advance your public service.

Healthcare

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

State & Local Government

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.

Nonprofit Management

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

Performance Management

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.

Advising & Other Resources

Suffolk University offers graduate students—incoming, current, and alumni—help with navigating financial aid and payments, searching for career opportunities, and building a strong professional network. Our Graduate Student Services team supports you every step of the way with various services including application advising, financial aid counseling, international student resources, and other resources such as the Career Development Center or the Center for Learning and Academic Success. We also offer you value-added professional development workshops to bolster your experiential education and other professional skills while studying at Suffolk University.

Applying to Suffolk's MPA Program 

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: July 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)
• 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)
• GMAT or GRE is NOT required
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE-Academic scores (international students only)