Master of Public Administration Online (MPA) Program

  • Online

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Increase your impact and influence change in the public sector.

Today’s government and non-profit organizations are in need of passion-driven individuals who can help navigate and overcome the challenges of the future. Fairfield University’s state-accredited public administration master’s program is designed to equip and empower students with the administrative acumen and leadership skills needed to put their passion to work.

Whether you’re just launching your career, looking to advance in your current role, or planning a career change, this online MPA program will help you build the essential skills needed to make an immediate impact in your community. Put your learning to work immediately with hands-on experience in areas like grant writing, fiscal management, human resources, data analysis, and project management.

Emerge as a leader in your organization with an online master of public administration degree.

Completion Time: 24 months (full time)

Schedule: Full-time | Part-time

Start Dates: Fall (September) | Spring (January) | Summer (May) 

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Tips for Success: Fairfield's MPA Non-Profit Management Track
Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. ET

Business leaders applauding a standing female presenter during a meeting.

Put your passion to work with a flexible master of public administration degree.

Curriculum

Tailor your online MPA program to meet your personal and professional goals.

This interdisciplinary program challenges students to address pressing public issues through courses that emphasize theory, research, and application. When you complete your master of public administration online, you’ll work directly with your faculty advisor to select courses tailored to your desired career path.

Fairfield’s online MPA courses are skills based and accentuated by our Jesuit values of service, justice, diverse viewpoints, accountability, and inclusiveness. The practical training you receive will prepare you to assume leadership roles in a variety of public fields.

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Potential career settings for those with a master of public administration degree include:

  • State and city government
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Healthcare management
  • Emergency management
  • Private research

Courses (36 total credits)

  • Data Analysis for Public Administrators
  • Introduction to Public Administration
  • Financial Management and Budgeting
  • Human Resource Management
  • Research Methods
  • Administrative Leadership and Ethics
  • Capstone Experience

Students select five elective courses of their choice from the following specialization areas:

  • City/State Management Track
  • Emergency Management Track
  • Health Administration Track
  • Nonprofit Track
View Course Catalog

Advance your career at your own pace.

Not ready to commit to a full master’s program? Start by earning our 12-credit non-profit management certificate, and seamlessly transition into the MPA program when you’re ready.

Enhance your administrative expertise to further your organization’s mission.

Highlights

Acquire real-world training that extends beyond the classroom.

This online MPA program focuses on practical skills that can be immediately applied in your day-to-day work, such as grant writing, budget planning, and fundraising. Gain hands-on experience supporting actual organizations through Fairfield’s Center for Social Impact.

Build meaningful connections that can boost your career.

Fairfield MPA students appreciate the interpersonal learning experience gained from our small class sizes. Learn from the diverse perspectives of your classmates and professors as you partake in constructive dialogue about pressing social, ethical, and professional issues.

Become a leader in the public sector.

Our MPA program will help you navigate an increasingly complex societal landscape and make a positive, lasting impact in your community. You’ll develop foundational public administration knowledge as well as specialized skills tailored to your career aspirations.

"My brother was also a Fairfield graduate and recommended the university to me for its small class sizes and attentive professors. With the support of faculty and a collaborative classroom experience, I learned from students with diverse perspectives."

– Cesar Zepeda
Master of Public Administration '21

Faculty & Academic Approach

Learn directly from experienced thought leaders.

The faculty members in our online MPA program bring decades of professional experience into the classroom, from a wide variety of fields including government, non-profit management, grant writing, homeland security, and the armed forces. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from industry speakers throughout the program, in addition to attending Fairfield’s annual MPA Summit.

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Gayle Alberda

Gayle Alberda

Prior to her career in academia, Dr. Alberda held many positions in the political field and worked on campaigns ranging from city council to governor to U.S. Senate. She has been recognized for her research and contributions to various industry publications and often serves as a political analyst for prominent media outlets. See more
Thomas J. Murray III

Thomas J. Murray III

Dr. Murray joined the Fairfield University faculty in 2011 after earning a PhD in economics from the University of Notre Dame. His teaching interests include financial management and budgeting, urban economics, and the economics of sports, and his work has been published in several economics publications. See more

Experience our College of Arts and Sciences.

Fairfield’s College of Arts and Sciences offers graduate programs that promote intellectual and reflective query, discovery, and practice — allowing students to build the foundation for a lifetime of learning. You’ll benefit from the flexible schedules, collaborative learning environments, and enriching field experiences that set the stage for career advancement.


Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences


Learn how Fairfield is committed to diversity and inclusion

Acquire the leadership expertise you need to activate positive change.

Admissions

Ongoing support on the path to your master of public administration.

From your first admissions conversation to graduation and beyond, you’ll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is second to none, offering personal, academic, and financial guidance for students earning their master of public administration online.

Admission Requirements 

For the most up-to-date and thorough admission requirements, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences Admission page.

Start Your Application

Explore Graduate Financial Aid

Explore Graduate Student Resources

Graduate Veterans Fellowships

Former servicemen and servicewomen interested in pursuing a master's in public administration from Fairfield can apply for a College of Arts & Science's Veterans Fellowship. Fellowships range from $3,000 to $10,000 and are available to graduate students who have exhausted all or a portion of their GI Bill® educational benefits.

For more information, contact program director Gayle Alberda, PhD, at galberda@fairfield.edu.

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Want details on courses, schedules, and financial aid? We’re here to help.

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The future you want starts here.

Earn an online graduate degree that fits your life and your goals. We’ll give you the flexibility and career skills you need to make it happen. Take the next step and learn more.

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