Home > Academics > Academic Catalogs > 2011/2012 Graduate Catalog > Sawyer Business School > Master of Public Administration > Degree Requirements

2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

  • Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

The Faculty will recommend to the President and Trustees of Suffolk University the awarding of the Master of Public Administration degree if the following conditions are satisfied:

  • all graduate courses are satisfactorily completed; 
  • an overall average of 3.0 (“B”) or higher is achieved for the entire graduate program; and, 
  • all degree requirements are completed within seven years after the start of graduate work.

Graduate Warning

A graduate warning is issued:

  • if the student’s grade point average falls below a 3.0 (“B”) for the first time or 
  • a student receives a cumulative total of two “C” grades with a grade point average above 3.0

Subject to Dismissal 

  • A graduate warning has previously been issued and the student’s cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 (B), 
  • An “F” grade with a GPA of above 3.0

Dismissed

  • An “F” grade with a GPA of below 3.0 
  • Two “F” grades 
  • A student may retake one graduate course where an “F” grade has been received. The new grade will be included in his/her GPA. The original “F” will remain on the transcript, but will not be included in the GPA. Only one course with an “F” grade may be retaken during the student’s graduate program. If a second “F” is received, the grade will remain on the transcript and be included in the GPA.

Joint Degrees

MPA/MSMHC 
MSPS/MPA

MSCJS/MPA
JD/MPA

Students in a joint degree program need to be especially careful not to take courses not required for their degree (for example: P.AD 715 is not required for students in the MSCJS/MPA program). They also need to be sure not to take too few PAD electives. Each joint degree offers a specific number of electives that students must take in EACH program. These are not interchangeable.

Students in a joint-degree program must complete 30 credit hours in the Suffolk University Institute for Public Service. This means that you may not waive credits/courses that reduce your program below 30 credit hours.

For questions, contact Leann Baldwin, lbaldwin@suffolk.edu or 617-994-4273.

For information about joint degrees with the College of Arts and Sciences and Law School, refer to the Joint Degree section of this catalog.

Scheduling

  • The program accommodates full and part-time students.
  • Fall & Spring classes meet once a week unless otherwise noted. Weekday classes meet in the evening (4:30 – 7:10 or 7:15 – 9:55), Monday thru Thursday, for fifteen weeks.
  • Saturday classes meet in the morning (8:30 am – 12:30pm) or the afternoon (1:15 pm – 5:15 pm) for nine weeks or all day (9:00 am – 4:45 pm) for five weeks unless otherwise noted.
  • Summer session weekday classes meet twice a week and Saturday classes meet once a week for five weeks unless otherwise noted.
  • Because of holiday adjustments, some classes may meet on an odd day/evening during the semester (i.e. a Monday class may meet on a Friday). Check your course syllabi and the Suffolk calendar (www.suffolk.edu/onesource)

    The Suffolk University Boston Campus & the Cape Cod Program schedule may vary. Please contact the CC office for further information on the Cape Cod Program. 508.375.4083

Scheduling Classes
It is advisable to complete the core courses prior to registering for electives, with the exception of PAD 890, which should be taken after completion of 30 credits. However, it is possible to take core and electives together.

PAD core courses are 700 numbers and electives are 800 or 900 numbers. Some electives are only offered every 1.5-2 years. Look ahead on the department course schedule to make sure you take courses you need or want when they are offered.

It is not necessary to take core courses in order except

  • We encourage all new students to take PAD 711 in their first semester. Summer admits – as soon as it is offered (i.e. fall semester).
  • PAD 712 is a prerequisite for PAD 715. It is advisable to take PAD 715 in the semester immediately following taking PAD 712.

Course Waiver, Transfer & Substitution Policy
You MAY be able to waive up to four courses (12 credits) through a combination of transfer credits, and Suffolk University undergraduate or NASPAA accredited graduate coursework. However, you MUST complete a minimum of 30 credits/10 courses (exclusive of the internship) at the Suffolk University Institute of Public Service.

You MAY be able to waive requirements for courses taken as part of a completed Graduate program. You can NOT however transfer credits based on courses taken as part of a completed graduate program.

All transfers and waivers must be reviewed in writing and approved by the Department Chair. All waiver requests are evaluated upon acceptance into the MPA program and waived during the first year. The Department Chair shall have final authority to approve any waiver, transfer or course substitution.

Course Locations
The primary location for the MPA Program is the Boston campus. Students living south of Boston may participate in the Cohort Program offered on Cape Cod.

Cape Cod Program
Students who participate in the Cape Cod Program complete their entire MPA on the campus of Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. Students will enroll annually as a class and complete the MPA in a peer group, executive-style program format. Classes meet once a week at convenient times and complete their degree in two years. Students have access to on-site student services and advising; and an extensive alumni network.

For more information on the Cape Cod Program contact, Mike Lavin at mlavin@suffolk.edu.