Public Administration

Program Overview

The Public Administration Minor at Fairfield University equips students with a comprehensive understanding of government functions and critical issues, developing skills for various areas of public service. The program offers a range of electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests, and prepares them for internships, public sector jobs, and graduate programs in public administration.

Program Outline

Public Administration Minor at Fairfield University

Degree Overview:

The Public Administration minor at Fairfield University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how government works, explores critical issues, and develops relevant skills sets for various areas. The program prepares students for internships, public sector jobs, and graduate programs in public administration.

Objectives:

• Equip students with knowledge of government functions and critical issues.
• Develop skills in public administration for specific areas of interest, including:
• City government
• Criminal justice
• Local economic development
• Environmental policy
• Disaster and emergency management
• Non-profit management
• Public health policy
• Prepare students for internships, public sector jobs, and graduate programs in public administration.

Outline:

• Required Courses (18-19 credits):
• Public Administration
• State and Local Government
• Public Sector Research Methods
• Grant and Proposal Writing
• Two Public Administration electives
• Elective Courses:
• Students can choose from a variety of electives to tailor the program to their specific interests.
• Course Schedule and Modules:
• The program offers courses throughout the academic year, with specific modules focusing on various aspects of public administration.
• Course descriptions and schedules are available in the University's course catalog.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods:
• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Projects
• Assessment criteria:
• Understanding of key concepts
• Critical thinking skills
• Analytical abilities
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Group projects
• Faculty:
• The program includes faculty with expertise in various disciplines, including politics, public administration, economics, sociology, English, anthropology, public health, business, management, and communications.
• Many faculty members have practical experience in their respective fields, providing students with valuable insights.
• Unique approaches:
• The program provides students with access to the annual MPA Summit, which brings together citizens, students, public administrators, community leaders, and state and local officials to discuss relevant issues.
• The Public Administration accelerated BA/MPA program offers flexible and cost-effective options for students seeking advanced degrees.

Careers:

• Potential career paths:
• City government
• Criminal justice
• Local economic development
• Environmental policy
• Disaster and emergency management
• Non-profit management
• Public health policy
• Government agencies and nonprofit organizations
• Career support:
• Fairfield University's Career Services provides support to graduates in their job search and career development.
• The University's alumni network offers opportunities for mentorship and networking.

Other:

• Program benefits:
• The program provides students with a strong foundation in public administration, preparing them for a variety of career opportunities.
• The program allows students to explore their specific interests in public service.
• The program offers access to valuable resources, including the annual MPA Summit and the Public Administration accelerated BA/MPA program.
• Diversity and inclusion:
• Fairfield University is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
• The University offers resources and support to students from diverse backgrounds.

For further information:

• Visit the Public Administration Minor website at Fairfield University.
• Contact the College of Arts and Sciences for admission information.