Application Requirements

Note that these are not required for non-degree programs. Application information for non-degree programs is here.

Application Form and Fee

Complete the Suffolk online application and submit a $50 application fee (non-refundable).

Fee waivers are available to U.S. active military and veterans, Suffolk alumni, and currently enrolled degree students at Suffolk. Applicants visiting campus will also receive a fee waiver.

Transcripts

Transcripts showing credits and grades for all post-secondary work from each college or university you've attended, including study abroad programs, are required. They may be submitted either by mail or electronically.

Unofficial Transcripts

We will review applications with unofficial transcripts and give you an admission decision that is contingent upon receiving a copy of an official transcript by the start of your entering term.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required for admitted students enrolling in a graduate program.

Electronic transcripts may be sent from your university registrar through their secured document system, such as e-Script, Clearinghouse, etc., to Suffolk’s Office of Graduate Admission. Your university registrar may also send sealed, original transcripts through the mail to:

Office of Graduate Admission
Suffolk University
73 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108

All materials must be received secured and sealed. We cannot accept any materials as official from an applicant if they are opened or as an attachment to an email from the applicant. All materials submitted to the Office of Graduate Admission become the property of the University and cannot be returned. Further details for students who attended non-U.S. institutions that do not produce additional official copies of transcripts can review options under the International Students page.

Confirmation of Undergraduate Degree

Students enrolling in graduate programs must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or an equivalent degree granted by an institution in another country (as determined by the Office of Graduate Admission). Proof of degree conferral must be on file with the University for enrollment. For those attending a U.S. institution, this is often a part of your university transcript. For those from non-U.S. institutions, this will be a degree statement in addition to your marks sheets.

Students applying before completion of their bachelor's degree or equivalent may submit a transcript showing coursework in progress. A note will appear on your status portal indicating that a final transcript is required after degree conferral. Failure to provide proof of degree may result in a delay in registering for classes.

Goal Statement or Writing Sample

Unless otherwise indicated on the application (as with the doctoral and radiation therapy programs), please provide a statement outlining your reasons for applying to the program. Include a candid analysis of professional objectives, both long- and short-term, and indicate how the graduate program to which you are applying will help you achieve them. There is no minimum or maximum length for this statement; however, one to two pages is usually sufficient.

Resume

Submit a current resume summarizing your academic qualifications, appropriate work and volunteer experience, relevant skills, and any honors or awards you have received.

References

References are required of all applicants. All graduate programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as the Master of Healthcare Administration and Master of Public Administration programs, require two references. All other Sawyer Business School programs require one.

References should be submitted by faculty members with whom you have studied or from people with whom you have worked professionally (preferably a direct supervisor). When possible, MS in Crime and Justice Studies applicants are encouraged to submit at least one letter from an academic reference. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admission if you have any questions or concerns.

For Spring 2024 Applicants

Letters of recommendation may be submitted electronically through the online application form or sent to the Office of Graduate Admission. Online references will receive a unique link for submission. Paper letters may be submitted using personal letterhead when available. Recommenders must sign the letter, include their full name and contact information, and submit it in a sealed, signed envelope, which can be sent to our mailing address:

Office of Graduate Admission
Suffolk University
73 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02108

Up to two letters of recommendation may be submitted electronically. Students may submit more recommendations than are required (up to three), but the application will be considered and reviewed when the minimum required number of references are received.

For Fall 2024 Applicants

Applicants of the College of Arts & Sciences, Master of Healthcare Administration, and Master of Public Administration programs are required to submit two letters of recommendation following the process above.

All other Sawyer Business School applicants will be asked to provide the contact information for one reference. The reference will receive a link to complete an online form assessing the candidate in a number of areas. No letter is required. Submitted letters will not be used in lieu of a completed form.

Academic Testing

Many graduate programs do not require testing. For those that do, most allow students with good undergraduate academic records to waive the GMAT or GRE. Please refer to our waivers page for more information on your specific program.

For those programs that do require testing, examination scores must be submitted directly by the testing agency to the Office of Graduate Admission to complete the application process. Scores are valid from the date taken for five (5) years. In addition, test scores will be reviewed once and only once. Students may not submit new scores after admission in order to be reconsidered for merit aid.

Suffolk University's code for ETS test scores is 3771. No department code is needed for GRE test-takers.

Suffolk University's codes for the GMAT are program-dependent, as follows:

MBA full-time: ZWT-BN-92
MBA part-time: ZWT-BN-83
Executive MBA: ZWT-BN-29
Other Master's: ZWT-BN-55

English Proficiency

International applicants must submit proof of English proficiency via successful completion of the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE-Academic. Additional details, including exemption criteria, can be found on the International Students page.

Interviews

Admission interviews are required for certain programs. Please refer to your program of interest for more information.

Additionally, the Admission Committee may request an interview for any program if deemed necessary.