2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

Master Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Administration (CASPA)

This postgraduate MPA program is designed to increase your understanding of current concepts and tools used in public administration. It is a valuable certificate for MPA graduates entering new areas of public administration or seeking to advance in their current areas. You may choose from all PAD electives, tailoring a program to meet your needs. The program consists of five (5) courses at the 800 (elective) level, to be completed within five years with a grade point average of 3.0 (“B”) or better.

To earn the CASPA you must complete five elective courses (courses with a designation of # 800 or above).

CASPA Admission
To be considered for admission to the CASPA program, you must:
• Hold a bachelor’s degree and an MPA from a school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration or its equivalent¹
• Complete the application process

¹Graduates with other degrees may be required to complete prerequisite courses, as non-certificate candidates

Students taking courses at the Boston Campus should contact: Richard H. Beinecke or Leann Baldwin at mpa@Suffolk.edu for more information.

Students taking courses on Cape Cod should contact Michael Lavin at mlavin@suffolk.edu for more information.

PAD 840: Comparative Public Policy

Travel to Puerto Rico or Ireland 
The great success of the MPA Comparative Public Policy course (PAD 840) is rooted in the unique opportunity for students to explore policy/management issues with public service practitioners from other parts of the world. Through this program, students participate in a mutual educational experience and by developing relationships with their international counterparts in their specific field of study.

This year, PAD 840 will be offered in Puerto Rico and Ireland. Participants will have the opportunity to study politics and public policy, and gain new perspectives on health care, housing, social welfare, and community development programs. All Suffolk MPA students and alumni are invited to take part in this invaluable experience.

You may take PAD 840 as an elective twice (for a total of 6 credits); as long as the location you visit is different each time you take the course.

For more information on the trip to Puerto Rico contact Nicole Rivers: nrivers@suffolk.edu.

For more information on the trip to Ireland contact Brendan Burke: bburke@suffolk.edu.

PAD 859: The Internship in Public Service
Students with no public service management experience are required to complete an internship prior to graduation. This is a 3-credit course that requires both class attendance and a 300-hour work requirement. If you are required to take PAD 859, it will count as one of your PAD electives. We recommend that you get more information about the internship as soon as you start your program.

The faculty advisor for the internship is Nicole Rivers, nrivers@suffolk.edu.

If you are interested in a career change, and you are not required to take the internship at admission, you may take PAD 859 as an elective.

Past internships have included placement at:
• ARC of Massachusetts
• Boston Redevelopment Authority
• Cambridge Child and Family
• City of Lawrence
• Town of Barnstable
• Rehab Hospital of Cape Cod
• Catholic Charities
• Representative Stephen Lynch’s Office

Pi Alpha Alpha
Pi Alpha Alpha is a national honor society formed to recognize and promote excellence in the study and practice of public affairs and administration. PAA membership identifies those with the highest performance levels in educational programs preparing them for public service careers. To be inducted, students must:

• Be enrolled in MPA, MHA, or any other joint MPA program;
• Complete at least 27 credit hours (18 credit hours in the 10-course MHA);
• Remove all incompletes (except internship or practicum);
• Have a cumulative GPA in the top 20% of those students meeting requirements one and two;
• Students are automatically reviewed by Suffolk PAA chapter officers for eligibility and are invited to join.

MPA Mentor Program
Open to full-time and part-time MPA students. This program links students with Suffolk alumni, and friends who are recognized leaders in public and nonprofit sector organizations. Mentor relationships provide students with opportunities to gain insight into career development, how to further focus their personal objectives, and share their excitement and satisfaction of public service with a seasoned professional. For more information send an e-mail to MPA@Suffolk.edu.  


The MPA Association
The MPA Association at Suffolk University strives to bring students together in social events and encourages student involvement in professional, academic and social interest and development. This association is open to MPA enrolled students as well as joint degree enrolled students.

The MPA association is a great way to get involved and feel connected on campus. New members are always welcome!

Please email the MPA Association at for information, mpaa.suffolk@gmail.com. You can also contact them via Facebook by searching for the group: Public Administration, Suffolk University.