Suffolk University

What you'll study

The curriculum builds a foundation in public administration, organizational theory and quantitative analysis and includes in‑person public management practice. Instruction uses case studies, guest speakers and travel seminars to connect theory and real‑world practice. Students can customize the degree by selecting one of three concentrations: State & Local Government, Nonprofit Management or Performance Management.

Entry requirements

Application materials include a completed application and a $50 application fee (waived for those who visit campus or attend a virtual event), a resume, unofficial transcripts of all post‑secondary work (official transcripts and proof of degree conferral are required from admitted students before the first class), a goal statement and a letter of recommendation. International applicants must submit official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE‑Academic scores. Application deadlines: Fall—June 15 (international), August 15 (domestic), then rolling; Spring—December 1 (international), January 4 (domestic), then rolling.

Career prospects

The program highlights alumni working across public, nonprofit and healthcare sectors. Recent graduate job titles and employers cited by the program include founder & executive director at Autism Sprinter; deputy chief of staff, access & opportunity at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; director of grants & contracts at Bay State Community Services; lead social services case manager at Codman Square Health Center; lead administrator, community partners program at MassHealth; director of finance for the Town of Marblehead; associate director at the Greengard Center for Autism; division director at Justice Resource Institute; senior supply chain deployment manager at the U.S. Department of Energy; policy analyst at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; chief operating officer at Community Health Center of Franklin County; deputy town administrator—operations at Town of Natick; and office and grants manager at Wagner Foundation.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Beginning Fall 2026 the program charges a single tuition rate of $1,000 per credit. The MPA does not offer merit‑based funding under this pricing model. Suffolk alumni are eligible for an alumni scholarship of up to $2,000 per year, and admitted students are advised to consult the Office of Student Financial Services about loans and other financing options.