Master of Public Administration Online (MPA) Program
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2024-05-01 | - |
Program Overview
Fairfield University's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program equips students with the administrative acumen and leadership skills to make an impact in the public sector. The program offers a balance of theory, research, and application, with a focus on practical skills and real-world training opportunities. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in various public fields, including government, non-profit organizations, healthcare management, and emergency management.
Program Outline
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program
Degree Overview:
Fairfield University's online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to equip and empower students with the administrative acumen and leadership skills needed to put their passion for public service to work.
The program focuses on:
- Equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the public sector's challenges.
- Enabling students to put their learning into immediate action with hands-on experience in areas like grant writing, fiscal management, human resources, data analysis, and project management.
- passion-driven leaders
This program is ideal for:
- Individuals launching their public service careers.
- Professionals seeking to advance in their current roles.
- Those planning a career change into the public sector.
Program Benefits:
- Gain essential skills to make an immediate impact in the community.
- Earn a master's degree from a state-accredited program.
- Enjoy flexible learning options with online classes.
- Benefit from personalized guidance from a faculty advisor.
Completion Time:
24 months (full-time)
Schedule:
Full-time | Part-time
Start Dates:
Fall (September) | Spring (January) | Summer (May)
Outline:
Coursework:
The online MPA program is interdisciplinary, offering a balance between theory, research, and application.
The 36-credit program consists of:
Core Courses (12 Credits):
- Data Analysis for Public Administrators
- Introduction to Public Administration
- Financial Management and Budgeting
- Human Resource Management
- Research Methods
- Administrative Leadership and Ethics
- Capstone Experience
Elective Courses (24 Credits):
Students select five elective courses from chosen specialization areas:
- City/State Management Track
- Emergency Management Track
- Health Administration Track
- Nonprofit Track
View Course Catalog
Curriculum Highlights:
- Skills-based curriculum with a focus on practical applications.
- Jesuit values of service, justice, diverse viewpoints, accountability, and inclusiveness are integrated throughout the program.
- Real-world training opportunities through Fairfield's Center for Social Impact.
Structure:
- The online format provides students with flexibility to learn at their own pace.
Teaching:
Faculty and Academic Approach:
The program boasts experienced faculty with diverse backgrounds in government, non-profit management, grant writing, homeland security, and the armed forces. Students benefit from:
- Small class sizes facilitating personalized learning and collaborative experiences.
- Diverse perspectives from classmates and professors.
- Constructive dialogues about pressing social, ethical, and professional issues.
- Industry speaker sessions and the annual MPA Summit.
Faculty Highlights:
- Dr. Gayle Alberda, with expertise in politics and frequent media contributions.
- Dr. Thomas J. Murray III, specializing in financial management, urban economics, and the economics of sports.
View All Faculty
University Commitment:
Fairfield University is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating an enriching environment for all students.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
The online MPA program prepares graduates for leadership roles in various public fields, including:
- State and city government
- Non-profit organizations
- Healthcare management
- Emergency management
- Private research
Career Resources:
Fairfield University provides comprehensive career support to students, including:
- Personal, academic, and financial guidance
- Graduate Financial Aid and Graduate Student Resources
- Graduate Veterans Fellowships for former service members
Other:
- leaders who can navigate an increasingly complex societal landscape and make a positive impact in their communities
- Students will gain foundational public administration knowledge and specialized skills tailored to their career aspirations.
Information Sessions:
- Upcoming information session: "Tips for Success: Fairfield's MPA Non-Profit Management Track" on Thursday, April 25th at 6pm ET.
Fairfield University
Overview:
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. It boasts a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast, just an hour from New York City. The university offers a liberal humanistic approach to education, emphasizing critical thinking, free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values. Fairfield University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 and over 330 full-time faculty members.
Services Offered:
Fairfield University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
The university provides academic advising, tutoring, and writing centers to help students succeed in their studies.Career Services:
The Career Center assists students with career exploration, job searching, and internship opportunities.Financial Aid:
Fairfield University offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students afford their education.Health and Wellness:
The university provides comprehensive health and wellness services, including a health center, counseling services, and fitness facilities.Student Life:
Fairfield University offers a vibrant student life experience with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Fairfield University provides a dynamic campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:
Athletics:
Fairfield University is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) and offers a wide range of Division I sports.Arts and Culture:
The Quick Center for the Arts hosts a variety of performances, lectures, and exhibitions throughout the year.Campus Ministry:
The university offers a variety of spiritual and religious programs and services.Student Organizations:
Students can join a variety of clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, and service-oriented groups.Key Reasons to Study There:
Jesuit Education:
Fairfield University's Jesuit heritage emphasizes intellectual rigor, ethical development, and service to others.Strong Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, nursing, engineering, and the arts and sciences.Experiential Learning:
Fairfield University encourages students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as internships, research, and study abroad.Location:
The university's location on the Connecticut coast provides easy access to both the vibrant city of New York and the beautiful natural surroundings of New England.Career Success:
Fairfield University graduates have a high rate of employment and graduate school placement.Academic Programs:
Fairfield University offers a variety of academic programs across five schools:
Charles F. Dolan School of Business:
Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, accounting, finance, and marketing.College of Arts & Sciences:
Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies:
Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, health sciences, and public health.School of Education and Human Development:
Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in education, counseling, and human development.School of Engineering & Computing:
Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, engineering, and data science.Other:
Fairfield University is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The university also has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and has a diverse student body and faculty.
Entry Requirements for the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Fairfield University
Entry Requirements:
For the most up-to-date and thorough admission requirements, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences Admission page . However, here is a summary of the general requirements:
Academic Requirements:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is typically required. However, applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they have significant professional experience or other mitigating factors.
- Applicants must have completed undergraduate coursework in the following areas:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Statistics
- U.S. Government or Politics
- Writing
Additional Requirements:
- Applicants must submit a personal statement, resume, and two letters of recommendation.
- An interview may be required.
- International applicants must submit official transcripts that have been evaluated by a credential evaluation service.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.5 on the IELTS.
Please note
- This is a general overview of the entry requirements.
- It is important to consult the official website for the most up-to-date information, as requirements may change.
- The program may consider applicants with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
- It is recommended that you contact the program directly if you have any questions about your eligibility.
