Arts & Sciences Programs

Next Stop: Anywhere You Want to Go

Fairfield University's College of Arts and Sciences provides the critical skills needed to succeed in work and in life. Working closely with a passionate faculty, you’ll have the opportunity for civic engagement, studying abroad, and hands-on research across many disciplines, including the arts and humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences. Through the College of Arts and Sciences, you will be grounded in the 500-year-old Jesuit tradition of academic rigor and personal reflection, while preparing yourself to meet the demands of today’s marketplace and interpreting the ever-changing world in which we live.

The College of Arts and Sciences also overs a variety of accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs that allow qualified undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as few as five years, depending on the program. This accelerated pathway allows students to transition directly into one of the following master’s programs and earn a graduate degree in less time and at potentially less cost than when done separately. Visit our accelerated degree page to learn more.

Programs

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Major or Minor

Major
Minor
5-Year

American Studies

Offered as both a major and minor, Fairfield’s American Studies program engages the idea of America as it has been culturally imagined and contested throughout history, both within and beyond U.S. national borders. The program draws from a wide range of courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences to provide a thorough understanding of American culture, traditions, relationships, and institutions.

College of Arts & Sciences

Major

Minor

Accelerated BA/MA

Art History & Visual Culture

The art history program at Fairfield University offers a complete curriculum covering the major movements and developments in art and history throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Upon graduation, the skills you will acquire often lead to successful careers in education, museums and galleries, marketing, advertising, law, and media.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Asian Studies

Whether you see yourself as an entrepreneur or a philosopher, involved in government or the arts, a working knowledge of Asian realities is essential in today's world. Whatever major you choose, the Asian Studies minor allows you to tailor your course selection to explore Asian perspectives on the central questions of your field.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral neuroscience is an emerging field that combines biology, chemistry, computer science, philosophy and psychology to understand the interaction of brain processes and complex behaviors. Students will learn how the brain senses and perceives the environment, stores and retrieves memories, generates emotions, controls behavior, and produces consciousness.

College of Arts & Sciences

Natural & Behavioral Sciences & Mathematics

Major

Minor

Biology

The biology program provides students with a deep appreciation and understanding of the diversity of living things, their adaptations to the environment, and their evolutionary and ecological relationships. These fundamental understandings will give you the tools to grasp the challenges which arise in graduate medical, dental, or allied health schools, and in careers in the life and medical sciences.

College of Arts & Sciences

Natural & Behavioral Sciences & Mathematics

Major

Minor

Black Studies

Fairfield’s Black Studies program employs the methodology of various humanities and social science disciplines to offer a comprehensive study of the origins and experiences of people from African descent. By engaging in a comparative and theoretical examination of Africa and the African Diaspora, students are equipped to undertake an interdisciplinary scholarly analysis of the far-reaching impacts of race and ethnicity across continents.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

Catholic Studies

Catholic Studies is an interdisciplinary inquiry into the intellectual tradition, history and culture, both "high" and popular, of the Catholic Christian tradition. While the field of study includes religious questions and theological issues, it primarily follows a "cultural studies" model.

College of Arts & Sciences

Humanities

Minor

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Fairfield's chemistry and biochemistry curriculum gives students a comprehensive education in the field's principles and applications. Our programs thoroughly prepare you for careers in chemical, biochemical and pharmaceutical industries, along with advanced studies in these areas of science. Our degree programs also prepare students well for a career in the health professions including medical, dental, or pharmacy school.

College of Arts & Sciences

Natural & Behavioral Sciences & Mathematics

Major

Minor

Classical Studies

The Program in Classical Studies provides you with a broad background in the history and culture of classical antiquity, both as an aid to your general cultural education and to assist you in your own major fields. The program offers courses in Greek and Latin language and literature, as well as other courses taught in English on the history, culture, and civilization of classical antiquity.

College of Arts & Sciences

Humanities

Minor

Communication

Fairfield’s Communication program focuses on the description and analysis of how humans acquire, process, and use information. Course work emphasizes theory, research, and application to examine the ways humans communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, across a variety contexts, including organizations, relationships, healthcare settings, and the media.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Social Sciences

Major

Minor

Accelerated BA/MA

Digital Journalism

The Digital Journalism program is infused with the spirit of investigative, explanatory journalism, a civic-rooted journalism that seeks to make good on H.L. Mencken's call for journalists to "afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted." Beyond informing the public, the young journalists in our program seek to engage citizens, create a public debate, and push readers and viewers to be more than mere spectators.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Major

Minor

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Available to all students regardless of their major, the minor in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) was designed for students who are passionate about social justice. The goal of the minor is to provide students with the economics and social justice knowledge to work effectively in any organization in pursuit of DEI goals.

Dolan School of Business

Minor

Economics - Arts & Sciences

The economics program at Fairfield University blends modern economic concepts with current issues, preparing students for careers in the private and public sectors, at both domestic and international levels, as economists, analysts, and upper-level managers.

College of Arts & Sciences

Natural & Behavioral Sciences & Mathematics

Social Sciences

Major

Minor

Education

The School of Education and Human Development Educational Studies and Teacher Preparation (ESTP) Department, in close collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a 5-Year Bachelor's/Master's Teacher Program and a 15-credit minor in educational studies open to all interested undergraduates.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

5-Year

Accelerated BS/MS

English

The Department of English offers a flexible and challenging curriculum, allowing students to experience a wide range of approaches to literature and writing. This program provides a solid core of literary courses, allowing students the opportunity to create an individualized program that reflects their interests and passions.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Accelerated BA/MA

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies is one of the most interesting, exciting and fastest growing fields. By combining cutting edge coursework in environmental science, policy, economics, and philosophy with real world workshops and internships, Fairfield University's Environment Studies program prepares students for the tremendous opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. At Fairfield, you can become part of the solution.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Major

Minor

Film, Television, & Media

The film, television, and media arts major and minor provides students with a detailed understanding of the visual, creative, and communicative power of various media. Upon graduation, you will be fully prepared to continue your education in postgraduate programs or join the workforce as a knowledgeable professional in such fields as broadcasting, public relations, advertising, telecommunications, and marketing.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

French

Discover the unique history and culture of France as you study one of the world’s most globally used languages. Courses are available in composition and conversation, creative writing, translation, French commerce, French and francophone cultures, current events, literature, and film.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

German

Develop your proficiency in the most widely spoken language in the European Union and study the culture behind Europe’s strongest economy. Courses are available in composition and conversation, creative writing, contemporary culture and film, youth and children's literature, culture and civilization, and the German-American experience.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Graphic Design

The interdisciplinary minor in graphic design asks students to learn, reflect, and act as designers, preparing them for work in the increasingly complex world of design. The minor offers students the ability to develop design skills, explore different understandings of visual communication, enhance other fields of study, and prepare for a variety of careers.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Minor

Health Studies

Human health and healthcare is an integral and essential part of everyone’s life. Fairfield’s 15-credit minor in health studies provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the complex issues related to the current and future environment of contemporary healthcare.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

History

The Department of History at Fairfield University is dedicated to teaching its students to understand today's world through the study of the past. Working collaboratively in small classes, along with an exciting faculty, you will hone the skills and outlook needed to succeed as a global citizen and future professional.

College of Arts & Sciences

Humanities

Major

Minor

Humanitarian Action

In response to the increasing number, scope and intensity of humanitarian emergencies, the field of humanitarian action has grown dramatically over the last 25 years, along with diverse career opportunities. In collaboration with Fairfield University’s five schools, this minor complements students’ other fields of study with the concepts, theories and skills to discern individual and collective responsibilities to respond to humanitarian needs at home and around the world.

Interdisciplinary program with minor only.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

Individually Designed Major

For qualified undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences, the individually designed major allows you to develop an academic program to pursue a career path that coincides with your ambitions, values, and passions.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Major

Italian

The Italian language is key to understanding the humanities and essential to gaining strong communication, writing, and analytical skills. Courses are available in creative writing, film, short story, theatre, literature, the city of Rome, Dante, and Italian Americana.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Italian Studies

The Italian Studies Program focuses on a nation and people whose contribution to civilization has been significant. Virtually every area of the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics partakes of that heritage, and Italy continues to influence cultural, political, scientific, and economic trends today.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

International Studies

The international studies program teaches you to think critically, address global challenges, and promote social justice and service. Through this program, you will gain the skills necessary for a successful career in public service, education, business, law, and nonprofit services, as well as the background to pursue a range of graduate programs.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Major

Minor

Irish Studies

An opportunity to learn about the intriguing history, politics, literature, and art of Ireland is available to you through a minor in Irish studies at Fairfield. You can choose to focus on topics such as the troubled history of the nation and its colonial and postcolonial significance, difficult politics of Northern Ireland, or inspired art and literature that emerged from its turbulent past.

College of Arts & Sciences

Humanities

Social Sciences

Minor

Islamic World Studies

The Islamic World Studies minor at Fairfield University introduces students to this diverse population by exploring the historical, political, and religious aspects of Muslim societies as well as the artistic, literary, and cultural achievements of Islamic civilization.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

Judaic Studies

Dating back nearly 4,000 years, Judaism is the world's oldest monotheistic faith and the foundation of both Christianity and Islam. Studying Judaism is thus central for understanding the roots of Western Civilization. This is especially true at Fairfield University, an institution whose rich Jesuit heritage is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

Latin American & Caribbean Studies

Fairfield University's commitment to a humanistic perspective and to the concept of social justice requires that Fairfield students be introduced to the "other" Americans who inhabit this hemisphere. The vibrant cultures of the Caribbean and Central and South American nations - which blend indigenous, European, and African influences - provide a rich field of study that can be approached from many points of view.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

Leadership Ethics

The Leadership Ethics minor provides a philosophical grounding to student study and practice of the essential concepts related to effective ethical leadership: character, influence, power, justice, and the common good. Students interested in leadership positions gain a comprehensive understanding of over 2,500 years of ethics, reasoning, and the relation between the two.

College of Arts & Sciences

Humanities

Minor

Liberal & Professional Studies

As a degree completion program, a major in Liberal & Professional Studies through the Bachelor in Liberal & Professional Studies Program lets you finish what you started. Working closely with your advisor in this interdisciplinary and flexible program of study, you’ll be on your way to earning your BA or BS in Liberal & Professional Studies.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Major

Mathematics

The mathematics program teaches students to think analytically, to find connections between concepts, and to spot patterns both in abstract settings and in practice. Through this program, you will gain the skills, disciplinary awareness, and preparation to pick your career path, either through graduate study or in a multitude of professions.

College of Arts & Sciences

Natural & Behavioral Sciences & Mathematics

Major

Minor

Accelerated BS/MS

Modern Languages & Literatures

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (MLL) offers courses in the prominent modern languages of the world, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. As a MLL major, you will expand your proficiency in a foreign language and prepare yourself for a life and career in a progressively global world.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Music

Music majors and minors at Fairfield develop their creative skills by exploring the many dimensions of music, while also building their critical, analytical, and aesthetic thinking skills. The training received in the Music Department will allow you to become cultured leaders on the forefront of music, music education, and other related fields.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Peace & Justice Studies

"You must be the change you want to see in the world" – Mahatma Gandhi

‌The Program in Peace and Justice Studies is an expression of the Jesuit educational commitment, which is fundamentally identified with the promotion of the values of peace and justice. The program is based on the principle that true peace is not only the absence of hostilities, but also requires the establishment of a just social order providing a decent and dignified life for all.

Interdisciplinary program with minor only.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

Philosophy

The Philosophy Department offers students an understanding of philosophical topics through the study of great modern thinkers, as well as classical scholars. The program is designed to cultivate the confidence and skills of its students, while broadening their critical and logical thinking abilities.

College of Arts & Sciences

Humanities

Major

Minor

Physics

At Fairfield University, students learn to apply physical principles and creative theory to logically predict the behavior of the physical universe. This major offers you the flexibility to pursue careers in the fields of health, computer science, medicine, law, and education.

College of Arts & Sciences

Natural & Behavioral Sciences & Mathematics

Major

Minor

Politics

The Department of Politics offers a stimulating, balanced curriculum, which covers all fields of the profession: political theory, American and comparative politics, and international relations. Upon graduation, you will be well versed in the affairs and theories of the contemporary world, and have the skills to succeed in the job market or continue on to graduate school.

College of Arts & Sciences

Social Sciences

Major

Minor

Psychology

As an integral part of a liberal arts education, psychology studies the processes, behavior, and experience of humans, and is used to improve people's mental health and lives. With a degree in psychology, you will have the knowledge and abilities for careers in related fields such as law, education, social work, and public policy.

College of Arts & Sciences

Social Sciences

Natural & Behavioral Sciences & Mathematics

Major

Minor

5-Year

Accelerated BA/MA

Public Relations

Public relations is the study of how individuals or organizations maintain and manage communication with intended audiences. From fashion and celebrity PR to healthcare PR and corporate communications, the field of public relations engages with multiple audiences, media platforms and organizations. Our exciting major in PR is grounded in the liberal arts and designed to provide a broad overview of this exciting and growing field. You’ll study media, crisis communication, public advocacy, and a wide range of other topics that are essential to the academic study and practice of public relations. Join us!

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Social Sciences

Major

Minor

Religion In America

The religion in America minor focuses on the study of religious traditions, people, history, and ideas in the American, particularly United States, context. Students explore traditions both endemic and imported to the United States, as well as themes of religious and national identity; the intersectionality of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and religion in American society; and the relationship between religion and American culture.

College of Arts & Sciences

Humanities

Minor

Religious Studies

Students majoring in Religious Studies explore the philosophy and reasoning behind religion and the beliefs of cultures across the globe. Throughout the program, you will gain an informed perspective of the world's religions, and you will be able to apply it to fields such as education, law, business, and social services.

College of Arts & Sciences

Humanities

Major

Minor

Russian, East European & Central Asian Studies

The end of the Cold War, along with the collapse of the Soviet Union and communist regimes in Eastern Europe, offers a unique opportunity to take a fresh look at an old field: Russian, East European, and Central Asian area studies. Formerly caught within the framework of the Cold War, new societies are emerging, struggling to come to grips with their pasts and forging their own unique futures.

Interdisciplinary program with minor only.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Minor

Sociology & Anthropology

The sociology and anthropology program challenges students to examine the social and cultural dimensions of the modern world. Due to the diversity of the major, you are given an excellent start toward gaining acceptance into graduate school, or finding careers in such fields as business, marketing and communication, criminal justice, and social work.

College of Arts & Sciences

Social Sciences

Major

Minor

Spanish

Fairfield’s Spanish program will expand your career opportunities in an aggressively global world while developing your proficiency in a language spoken by 600 million people worldwide. Courses are available in Spanish and Latin-American culture, literature, cinema, and Spanish Linguistics.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Sports Media

Experiential, analytical, and interdisciplinary, the sports media program encompasses the main tenets of the industries that make up the larger sports media environment, including journalism, broadcasting, communication, and public relations. Students critically evaluate the social, cultural, and political issues that surround sport, while learning the professional skills needed for careers in sports media.

College of Arts & Sciences

Major

Minor

Studio Art

The studio art program focuses on students' creative inquiry, and provides a platform to develop the techniques, sensibility, and understanding necessary for working with different materials. A studio art major provides a solid basis for continuing work in graduate school or finding work in art-related fields such as design, teaching, museum and gallery curating, art therapy, design, and advertising.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Theatre

The theatre program at Fairfield University offers students a liberal arts education infused with the theoretical and everyday aspects of the theatre profession. A theatre major prepares you for a multitude of careers. Our graduates have gone on to become industry experts, as well as managers, lawyers, and educators.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Visual & Performing Arts

The Visual and Performing Arts Department offers a hands-on learning approach to unlock the creative potential of our students, while encouraging the curiosity, growth, and development of the artistic spirit. Here, you will develop your own creative process, and give shape to your own experiences through experimentation, introspection, and risk taking. The Programs in Art History; Film, Television, and Media Arts; Music; Theatre, and Studio Art are all housed in this department.

College of Arts & Sciences

Communication, Arts, & Media

Humanities

Major

Minor

Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary minor that challenges the cultural, intellectual, social and political assumptions about sex, gender and sexuality systems. Courses in the program critically engage issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and other key components of identity, and the ways they intersect.

College of Arts & Sciences

Interdisciplinary Programs & Integrated Majors

Major

Minor

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