Suffolk University
Suffolk University (visited 9/14/17)
“Students here demonstrate a fair amount of common sense,” said one of the professors. “They’re not afraid to work hard because they already work to pay to be here.” Suffolk is a truly urban school with its buildings integrated into the city of Boston. “This is like an NYU but with a small liberal arts mission.”
Students who want a school with a campus should look elsewhere: “This is the wrong place if that’s what you’re looking for, but it’s a perfect place if you want all the resources of an urban environment.” Its main building used to be a corporate office building that the university has been taking over as other companies’ leases run out. Students have to present their IDs to get into most of the campus buildings which are all within two blocks.
The lobby of the main academic building.
Suffolk got its start as a law school in 1906; their mission followed shortly thereafter: giving opportunities to people who may not otherwise have them. There is a great deal of diversity on campus in many of its forms including socio-economic. Teachers are trained for diversity and inclusivity. “Religion isn’t a deal here,” said a professor. The LGBTQ community is welcomed and accepted.
The closest thing they have to a “quad” – an activities fair was going on the day we visited.
A common misperception is that Suffolk is still a local commuter school, but this is no longer the case (although this still makes up much of the study body). They have two dorms and the residential population is growing. There are 2 T stops within 2 blocks of school which allows students to commute in easily if they live at home or want to move off campus. They also draw lots of international students because of the urban environment and the strong business programs.
One of the Art studios
The university offers and amazing range of majors, minors, concentrations, dual and accelerated degrees, etc. However, students tend to complain about class availability and getting into what they need. That being said, there are a number of opportunities for students with strong preparation for jobs post-graduation.
- They’ve absorbed New England School of Art and Design so their art programs are strong.
- They offer a 3+3 Bachelor’s/Law degree
- Sawyer Business School offers a variety of majors and concentrations such as Big Data and Business Analytics (became a major in 2017), Wealth Management, Global Business, and Business Economics.
- The College of Arts and Sciences is looking to expand its PhD footprint, particularly in psychology and education but offers a number of degrees ranging from an AA in Paralegal Studies to Bachelors in Journalism (with a good partnership with New England Cable News) and a Bachelors in Fine Arts.
- They offer an accelerated 6-year dual (BA or BS/MA) degree in Mental Health Counseling.
- Suffolk owns a campus in Madrid.
- Students interested in Government with an International Relations concentration can complete this degree entirely in Madrid
- Bachelors students can complete up to their first 2 years at this campus before coming back to Boston to complete their degree.
© 2017
