A Message from the Dean

On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies (Egan School). We understand that you had many choices in selecting an educational program, and are thrilled that you have chosen Fairfield. In selecting Fairfield for your undergraduate education, you have chosen to join a community where excellent healthcare is valued, and kindness is embraced. In the Jesuit tradition, the Egan School strives for Cura Personalis or education of the whole person. The result of such an education is the development of professionals, who are morally reflective, working with consistent sensitivity to cultural differences and issues of social justice.

Advances in technology and access to healthcare have afforded society an unprecedented opportunity for extended quality and quantity of life. Our undergraduate programs are prepared to meet the challenges of the future with faculty recognized around the world for their expertise in addressing the broad issues that impact global health. These faculty provide every student with the necessary tools and resources to become successful.

You have selected Fairfield because of the excellence of our program and faculty. As you grow in the development of new knowledge and skills, you will witness first hand, the dedication our faculty have to your development. The relationships you build with your fellow classmates and faculty members will substantially impact your life and career. Moreover, you will find that the effects of your education at Fairfield will extend long past your days as a student here.

At Fairfield we strive to provide students with an educational experience rich in the Jesuit tradition of academic rigor and reflective practice. With a strong core steeped in ethics, communication, spirituality, care of vulnerable populations and service learning, students receive all the education necessary to become leaders. Our program also provides analysis of global health issues, with a strong focus on issues of social justice and equality to prepare our students as members of society capable of generating change from within.

Our ability to provide this exceptional educational opportunity is accomplished through our strong partnerships with over 100 partnering agencies, including acute care hospitals, community agencies, clinics, schools and long-term care facilities. Throughout these environments, students are provided the instruction to increase knowledge, skills and understanding of the issues that impact society. Practicum experiences begin early in the program and our individual attention to your education is unwavering throughout your years at Fairfield.  Our school also offers a number of study abroad experiences to provide students with expertise and insight beyond our national borders. The end result is the graduation of competent and compassionate professionals who will make an impact across the world.

Thank you for choosing Fairfield for your undergraduate education. Throughout your years here, we are confident that you will receive the educational foundation necessary to support your personal objectives. We are pleased to join you on your lifelong journey toward professional development and encourage you to take advantage of all that Fairfield has to offer!

Meredith Wallace Kazer, PhD, CNL, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, FAAN
Dean and Professor, Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies

Overview

The goal of the undergraduate program is to prepare students for professional practice. One of the unique features of all undergraduate programs at Fairfield is the strong liberal arts core that is integral to the curriculum. Through these courses, students develop the social awareness, historical consciousness, thinking skills, aesthetic sensibility, values orientation, and foundations in art, literature, and science that are hallmarks of undergraduate education. The program of study contributes to the development of a well-rounded person who is able to live effectively and productively in the world of today and tomorrow. Students grow personally and professionally to become committed and compassionate, capable of intervening professionally in whatever setting they encounter.

The curriculum of the Egan School provides students with educational experiences from which they gain a strong base in the humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and natural sciences as well as in professional theory and practice. Students are fully integrated into the University community and enroll in core courses with students of all majors.

Faculty members in the Egan School are exceptionally well qualified by academic and clinical preparation. The student-to-faculty relationship is an inherent component of the program, particularly as it relates to professional practice. Each student is assigned to a faculty advisor who works closely with students to monitor progression through the program. Academic counseling, individualized attention, and career mentoring are integral to the advisement process.

In the program, students participate in a variety of practicum settings. The Egan School has affiliations with more than 100 agencies, including small and large hospitals, community health agencies, in-patient and out-patient psychiatric institutions, and schools. Opportunities are available in urban and suburban settings, for students to work with people of different cultures, backgrounds, and needs.

The Egan School is housed in the Center for Nursing and Health Studies, which includes academic collaboration, state-of-the-art simulation, integrated learning classrooms, clinical learning environments, a task training laboratory space and classrooms to support our Integrated Health programs. The Center for Nursing and Health Studies reflects the interdisciplinary collaboration on campus of both faculty and students, and provides opportunities for enhanced collaboration through think-tanks, research initiatives, and shared teaching spaces.   

Mission Statement

Consistent with the mission of Fairfield University to develop men and women for others, the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies inspires students to become leaders across social and healthcare environments. These students are actively engaged with faculty in practice, policy, scholarship and service. As a modern Jesuit institution, a central focus of our care is to improve health outcomes with particular attention to the needs of the underserved or vulnerable populations.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to inspire professional leaders who demonstrate excellence across environments of care. Building on a tradition of caring, our commitment is to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive interprofessional nursing health studies education that promotes social justice and facilitates reflection and life-long learning.

Purpose Statement

To inspire students to become leaders across social and healthcare environments who improve health outcomes for all, inclusive of underserved or vulnerable populations.

Entry to the Egan School after Matriculation at Fairfield University

Fairfield University students who are currently enrolled in any major have the opportunity to change their major to a program in the Egan School.

Incoming first year students may not enter the Egan School to pursue nursing during their first year. Following their first year, students enrolled in any other major can meet with the Second Degree Program Director to discuss a transfer into nursing after their Junior year. Transfers must meet the following  academic requirements:

Students must have an overall GPA of 3.00 or above, successfully completed Fairfield University core requirements and completed prerequisite courses with a grade of B or better. Nursing classes will begin in the summer between junior and senior year. Students will join the accelerated nursing program students, maintaining their full-time undergraduate status, and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in August following their senior year.  Current Fairfield University students who are interested in this opportunity should reach out to the Second Degree Nursing Program Director (Fairfield campus).