The Fairfield University Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed for those working in the public and nonprofit sectors, recent college graduates, or those looking for a career change. Working professionals in this exciting field examine pressing social, ethical, and professional issues and develop strong leadership abilities for advancement in their chosen fields.
Fairfield's state-accredited program is ideally suited for students interested in a public administration degree. Students in this program will study current theories, trends, and issues related to the field of Public Administration and will engage in active learning, critical reflection and experiential practices that are the hallmarks of a Jesuit education. Courses emphasize theory, research, and application to advance careers in the following areas:
- State Governments
- City Governments
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Healthcare Management
- Private Research
As a graduate student in this program, students will work closely with faculty to tailor their curriculum to their personal, professional, and academic goals. The MPA program offers flexibility for students' busy schedules and provides the highest quality graduate educational experience.
To earn the Master of Public Administration degree, students choose from a range of courses that have been designed specifically for the MPA program and may also take up to two courses in allied areas.
Students, in consultation with the program director, select courses to suit their academic, personal, and career goals.
Electives
In addition to courses offered by the MPA program, students may also choose from the following, with approval by their advisor and the offering department:
Course List
Code |
Title |
Credits |
COMM 5402 | Ethics and Communication | 3 |
MGMT 6503 | Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | 3 |
City/State Management Track
Course List
Code |
Title |
Credits |
| 9 |
| Negotiation and Conflict Management: Communication Approaches | |
| Project Management | |
| Grant Writing | |
| State and Local Government | |
Total Credits | 9 |
Health Administration Track
Students completing the Healthcare Management Track will take only one additional course in Graduate Communication to complete their 36-credit degree requirement.
Course List
Code |
Title |
Credits |
NURS 6521 | Healthcare Leadership Roles for Systems Improvement | 3 |
NURS 7602 | Healthcare Economics and Marketing | 3 |
| 3 |
| Healthcare Organizational Communication | |
| Health Communication | |
| Project Management | |
| Grant Writing | |
Total Credits | 9 |
Nonprofit Track
Course List
Code |
Title |
Credits |
ISOM 6520 | Project Management | 3 |
PUAD 5430 | Economics of the Nonprofit Sector | 3 |
PUAD 5435 | Grant Writing | 3 |
Total Credits | 9 |
Emergency Management Track
Course List
Code |
Title |
Credits |
PUAD 5405 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 |
PUAD 5435 | Grant Writing | 3 |
or ISOM 6520 | Project Management |
Total Credits | 6 |