Roughly 6.3 million U.S. students were enrolled in at least one online college course last year, a trend that is expected to rise as the North American e-learning market reaches a predicted $76 billion by 2030. Fairfield has been taking strides to meet this growth in demand, as well as to offer learners a uniquely personal and engaging online experience.

In short, the University is on the forefront of developing what cura personalis looks and feels like in an online environment.

“In the early days of online learning, the appeal to learners was convenience and accessibility, but today’s student is looking for more — more support, more interaction, and more personalization,” explained Robert Schnieders, vice president of online strategy and innovation. “Students in Fairfield’s online programs find they have the best of both worlds — the access and convenience afforded by online learning, without sacrificing the interaction and rigor that are hallmarks of a great education.”

Taught by the same expert faculty behind the University’s graduate programs, Fairfield’s online curriculum is designed to address the latest industry needs and trends. Classes are designed to be smaller in size, not only to provide students with a strong sense of community, but to guarantee individualized attention and personal connection with faculty and peers. In a landscape in which many online providers utilize a high-volume, transactional approach to instruction, Fairfield’s engaged style of learning and cutting-edge curriculum are what Schnieders believes sets the University apart.

“Our students interact extensively with faculty and fellow learners, and since many of their classmates have varied backgrounds, students find our programs have a diversity of thought and experience that allow for devel oping robust professional networks,” he said.

Since 2019, Fairfield has launched 11 fully online master’s degree programs, two low-residency online doctoral programs, and 12 stackable online graduate certificate programs that can be completed on their own or applied toward a full master’s degree. The University’s online enrollment has more than doubled year after year.

“Our online graduate students are a diverse group. They are career switchers, as well as those looking to move up within their chosen profession,” Schnieders said. “Many live throughout the U.S. and are drawn to the level of faculty and peer interaction that is consistent throughout our offerings.”

To ensure remote learners have the tools they need to succeed both professionally and academically, Fairfield has prioritized the development of its online support services. Students are given access to an array of intuitive digital learning platforms, 24/7 online technical support, a student success coach, mental health initiatives like teletherapy, and the University’s Career Center, which offers professional development and recruitment opportunities.

Many of the University’s current online programs have already begun receiving national recognition. In its 2023 Best Online Programs rankings, U.S. News and World Report ranked the Charles F. Dolan School of Business #75 in the country for Best Online Master’s in Business Programs, while the School of Education and Human Development’s Education Technology program ranked #124 in the Best Online Master’s in Education Programs category.

Outlined below are five of the many examples of current graduate programs making a name for Fairfield University in the online higher education landscape:

Business Analytics (MSBA)
Ranked #21 Graduate Business Analytics Program in the country by U.S. News and World Report in 2023, Fairfield Dolan’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program took gold in the 2022 Wharton-QS Reimagine Education Awards’ Best Online Program category for outstanding pedagogical innovation worldwide. Available in both online and oncampus formats, the MSBA program teaches students the latest and best practices for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive strategic business decisions. The 36-credit program can be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Business Administration (MBA)
Ranked among the top 25 in the nation for MBA specializations by U.S. News and World Report, Fairfield Dolan’s highly customizable MBA program gives students the ultimate flexibility to design a unique course of study tailored to their professional background, learning style, and career aspirations. Available in both an online and hybrid format, the 36-credit program can be completed in one year (fulltime) or two years (part-time).

Cybersecurity (MS)
The School of Engineering’s fully online, 30-credit Master of Science in Cybersecurity program equips students with the technical competencies to identify system vulnerabilities and outsmart hackers. Students participate in real-life simulations using the University’s fully remote Cybersecurity Lab — a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility created in partnership with Pulse Secure. The program can be completed in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Interior Design (MA)
The first and only degree of its kind in Connecticut, the College of Arts and Sciences’ fully online Master of Arts in Interior Design is a part-time, four-year program designed for educated adults seeking a career change. The program gives students the opportunity to develop a robust design portfolio while preparing them to achieve National Council of Interior Design Qualification certification. Courses are taught synchronously so that students receive project feedback in real time.

Public Health (MPH)
The newest addition to the University’s online portfolio, the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies’ 42-credit Master of Public Health program offers a customizable curriculum. Students participate in fieldwork experience, as well as a two-term independent research project. The program can be completed in 15 months (full-time) or 28 months (part-time).