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 the how 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.