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Program Overview
Public Administration is the on-the-ground implementation of governmental policies and programs as well as an academic discipline. Public administrators work in local, state, and federal government agencies or related non-profit, not-governmental organizations (NGOs). Students minoring in public administration will learn how the government works, explore critical issues, and develop skill sets relevant to public administration in specific areas of their choosing: city government; criminal justice; local economic development; environment policy; disaster and emergency management; non-profit management; or public health policy.
The public administration minor consists of a curated set of multidisciplinary courses prepare students for internships, public sector jobs, and graduate programs in public administration. This minor pairs with majors or minors, such as accounting, american studies, business, economics, management, philosophy, politics, public health, sociology, and more.
Students minoring in public administration have increased access to Fairfield University’s annual MPA Summit. The Masters in Public Administration program at Fairfield University hosts the Summit every spring. It brings citizens, students, public administrators, community leaders, and state and local officials together to participate in constructive dialogue on matters that directly affect our community. The Summit is a forum where we exchange ideas, ask each other tough questions, really listening to one another, take an active role in the decision-making process, and most importantly work collectively to develop real solutions for problems that face the public sector.
The program includes faculty with expertise in an array of disciplines including politics, public administration, economics, sociology, English, anthropology, public health, business, management, and communications. Many of our faculty also have years of practical experience in their respective fields providing students with invaluable instruction.
There’s also an exciting new Public Administration accelerated BA/MPA program that is flexible and cost effective, offers asynchronous courses for busy schedules, and allows students to acquire real-world training that extends beyond the classroom.
Contact Us
Gayle Alberda
Associate Professor
Politics
x2324
Office of Undergraduate Admission
P: (203) 254-4100
F: (203) 254-4199
admis@fairfield.edu
Requirements & Curriculum
Required Courses
Public Administration |
State and Local Government |
One (1) course in Public Sector Research Methods |
One (1) course in Grant and Proposal Writing |
Two (2) Public Administration elective courses |
A detailed list of course requirements, offerings, and more can be viewed in the University’s course catalog.
More About Public Administration
Life After Fairfield
As you embark on a career path after graduation, the direction and distinction you gain as Public Administration minor at Fairfield will enhance your professional opportunities over both the long and short term. Over the years, graduates of the PA minor program have been candidates for employment in:
- City government
- Criminal justice
- Local economic development
- Environmental policy
- Disaster and emergency management
- Non-profit management
- Public health policy
- Government agencies and nonprofit organizations
Learn how Fairfield's Career Services can support your post-graduate goals, and how our tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.
Faculty
The College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University is home to a vibrant community of engaged faculty, dedicated staff, and accomplished scholars devoted to the process of innovation and excited by the prospect of producing knowledge in the service of others. The program includes faculty with expertise in an array of disciplines including politics, public administration, economics, sociology, English, anthropology, public health, business, management, and communications. Many of our faculty also have years of practical experience in their respective fields providing students with invaluable instruction. Meet the members of our Public Administration Minor faculty.