Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Join the next generation of public administration leaders.

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Why Choose an Online Master of Public Administration from Fairfield?

Tailored
Degree

Tailor your degree with a specialization and stand out from the crowd. Students can choose one of 4 tracks, including non-profit, city and state management, emergency management, or healthcare administration.

Expert
Faculty

Receive individualized guidance from highly engaged faculty members who bring decades of field experience into the classroom.

Career
Ready

Gain practical skills in essential public administration topics that you can apply immediately in your day-to-day work.

Unwavering
Support

Our support network offers unmatched personalized support for personal, academic, and career guidance from your first admissions conversation to graduation and beyond.

Program Specifics

Our interdisciplinary program challenges students to address pressing public issues through courses emphasizing theory, research, and application. The practical training you receive will prepare you to assume leadership roles in a variety of public fields and empower you to make a positive, lasting impact in your community.
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College of Arts and Sciences Virtual Information Session

Join us on October 9 at 6 p.m. E.T. for an introduction to the College of Arts and Sciences at Fairfield University. This virtual event will include a presentation on our graduate programs and career outcomes, as well as feature a Master of Public Administration specific conversation led by faculty.

Faculty Spotlight

photo of Gayle Alberda
Gayle Alberda, PhD

Dr. Gayle Alberda, Assistant Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Fairfield University, is a recognized leader in political participation and civic engagement. A Ph.D. graduate from Wayne State University, Dr. Alberda previously found success in the political arena, working on numerous campaigns, including state house, city council, governor, president, and U.S. Senate campaigns in multiple states. 

photo of Johnathan Delgado
Johnathan Delgado

Jonathan Delgado plays a vital role in administering city programs and initiatives. Working closely with developers, business owners, and the community, he fosters economic growth for the City of Bridgeport. Previously an Assistant Director for Community-Engaged Research at Fairfield University's Center for Social Impact, Delgado's experience bridges academia and practical urban development. 

photo of Richard Greenwald
Richard Greenwald, PhD

Dr. Richard Greenwald has an esteemed career in academia with leadership roles at institutions including the City University of New York, St. Joseph’s College, and Drew University. An expert in 20th Century U.S. History, his research intersects U.S. economic, political, and cultural landscapes since 1900. Author of notable books like “The Triangle Fire,” his insights also appear in major publications like The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. 

photo of thomas murray
Thomas Murray, PhD

Dr. Thomas J Murray, a faculty member at Fairfield University since 2011, specializes in public economics, urban economics, and the economics of sports. With a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, his research explores immigration and migration impacts on labor and education in the U.S. Recognized for his teaching excellence, Dr. Murray has been recognized with several awards, including the Alpha Sigma Nu Undergraduate Teacher of the Year at Fairfield University. 

photo of Melissa Quan
Melissa Quan, PhD

Dr. Melissa Quan leads the strategic growth of academic community engagement at Fairfield. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston, Dr. Quan currently serves as director of the Center for Social Impact at Fairfield University. She is a recipient of the Lucy Katz Woman of the Year Award (2016) and the Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Award (2012) for her commitment to social justice. 

photo of Tom Sobocinski
Tom Sobocinski

Thomas Sobocinski is a Fairfield University double alumnus with a rich background in grant writing. His experience involves utilizing his grant writing expertise to support social services and educational and workforce training programs for underserved populations. Sobocinski has been teaching grant writing at Fairfield since 2008, focusing on historical and political development, academic-community partnerships, and project assessment. 

photo of Rev. Charlie Stallworth
Rev. Charlie Stallworth

Rev. Charlie Stallworth is a former five-term Connecticut state representative and current senior pastor of the East End Baptist Tabernacle Church. He teaches public policy and administration at Fairfield University. Known for cosponsoring legislation on various social issues, he has been recognized multiple times as one of the "100 Most Influential African Americans" in Connecticut. Dr. Stallworth also authored the devotional series "Before You Give Up, Consider These Things." 

photo of Mousumi Bhattacharya
Mousumi Bhattacharya, PhD

Dr. Mousumi Bhattacharya, Associate Professor of Management at Fairfield University's Charles F. Dolan School of Business, specializes in strategy, human resource management, and international business. Her research explores the connections between strategy and human resource management, earning her awards such as the Richard A. Swanson Research Excellence Award. With experience as a Manager at Steel Authority of India Ltd., she brings valuable industry insights to her teaching and research. 

Career Outcomes

We offer the flexibility to customize your curriculum to meet your unique professional goals and expand your career options. Leverage our extensive alumni network and unrivaled career resources to support your next career move.

Faculty Spotlight

photo of Dr. Mirco Speretta
Mirco Speretta, PhD
photo of Dr. Mirco Speretta
Mirco Speretta, PhD

Not ready for a master’s program but want to expand your industry expertise and boost your resume?

Not ready for a master’s program but want to expand your industry expertise and boost your resume?

Expand your industry expertise and boost your resume with a certificate that can be directly applied toward your master's degree.

Non-Profit Management Certificate

We offer a Non-Profit Management Certificate you can put to use in the workforce and apply toward our Master of Public Administration program.

  • Acquire the practical skills to effectively manage an impactful and financially stable organization.
  • Streamline your path to a degree by applying your certificate credits directly toward an MPA without repeating any courses.
  • Gain a solid understanding of the foundations of public administration while developing key competencies, such as grant writing, project management, fundraising, and budget planning. 
Starts:

Fall, Spring, Summer

Schedule:

Full-time or Part-time 

Completion:

8 – 12 months 

Cost:

$11,220 (12 credits x $935 per credit hour) 

Degree Courses

Credits – 3

Public administrators use data in a variety of ways. Data analysis is necessary for conducing policy analysis or evaluating programs and policies. Therefore, being able to understand, utilize, and apply data is a necessary part of public administration. In this course, students will learn how to utilize statistical concepts in their roles as public administrators. Students will also learn a variety of different techniques used by public administrators to analyze and evaluate programs, services, and policies.

Credits – 3

This course provides an overview of the history, practical nature, function of public administration and policy making at the federal, state at the local levels. It will examine the theories and concepts of bureaucracy, as well as the formulation and implementation of policy. Among the topics covered are organization theory, federalism and regulation, ethics and accountability, decision-making, and leadership and budgeting. Case studies will be used to facilitate class lectures and discussions. Previously MPA 0410.

Credits – 3

This course will examine the proper role government has to play in today’s economy and will provide the fundamental and technical skills necessary to understand public budgeting and finances. Topics include the reasons for government involvement in the economy (market failure and redistribution), budgeting techniques at all levels of government, and sources of tax revenue. There will be a strong emphasis on issues related to state/local governments. By the end of this course students should have a strong understanding of the budgetary process at all levels, but in particular at the state/local level of government. Previously MPA 0400.

Credits – 3

This course is designed to acquaint students to both the theory and practice of human resource management in the public and nonprofit sectors. The class will consist of readings, discussions, and exercises that will demonstrate public personnel management techniques and strategies. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the difficulties involved in effective public personnel management. Previously MPA 0415.

Credits – 3

This course will introduce students to research methodology and hypothesis testing. The first part of the course will focus on understanding basic research techniques in the social sciences, including data collection, data analysis and reporting of results. The second half of the course will emphasize methodology. Students will be required to conduct a major research project in a laboratory setting and produce a finished report. Students must have taken a prior statistical methods class. Previously MPA 0405.

Credits – 3

This course explores leadership within the public sector. It focuses on leadership theories, leadership skills and how to develop them within an ethical framework. What can, or should, we expect from our leaders in the public sector? What can, or should, our public leaders expect from us? What is the nature of the relationship between the two? How do we ensure ethical behavior as public administrative leaders? Previously MPA 0420.

Credits – 3

This capstone experience is intended to complement the student’s coursework and complete the chosen program of study. It is undertaken with the close supervision of a faculty advisor and can take the form of a specially designed course, independent study, or a master’s thesis. Previously MPA 0510.

Credits – 15

Select five courses from a specialization of choice, listed below

 Total Credits – 36

1 Students may substitute one of the following courses for Human Resource Management:

Credits – 3

Human Resource Strategy is the linkage between human resource management (HRM) and firm strategy, contributing to competitive advantage of the firm. Human capital, which is knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) of people, is one of the strategic assets of the firm. HRM entails recruitment and selection, training and development, total compensation and rewards, performance management, employee relations (such as diversity management, work life balance, legal and ethical compliance, safety issues) and other people related practices. In this course students will analyze how these practices can be aligned with the strategy of the firm and lead to greater firm performance. The students will take an analytics approach to generate for effectively managing employees so that business goals can be reached quickly and efficiently. the challenge of human resources analytics is to identify what data should be captured and how to use the data to model and predict capabilities so the organization gets an optimal return on investment (ROI) on its human capital. Previously MG 0505.

Credits – 3

This course builds on the foundational evaluations and reward concepts covered in “Managing People for Competitive Advantage.” Students explore in some depth the employee performance management, compensation, and reward systems in organizations. Topics may include 360 degree feedback programs, ESOPs, profit sharing, gain sharing, and the strategic use of employee benefits. The course focuses on how employee performance management, compensation, and reward systems can lead to a competitive advantage for firms. Previously MG 0525.

Specializations

In addition to required courses offered by the MPA program, students will choose one specialization from the following areas:
City/State Management Track

Credits – 3

This course will prepare participants to write effective proposals and reports. It will also provide information on planning special fundraising events, requesting funds from donors and seeking funds from corporations and foundations. Students will learn to define and write problem statements, objectives, plans of action, assessment documents, budgets and project summaries. In addition, students will sharpen their teamwork, editing, writing, audience awareness, and design skills as they engage in collaborative projects with a nonprofit organization or government agency. Previously MPA 0425.

Credits – 3

With the rise of analytics for cutting-edge business innovation, the industry needs business leaders who can solve an organization’s most important problems by asking and answering questions using data. These business consultants need to bridge both the data analytics and business fields. This class tries to provide a “real world” consulting experience through a project-centric experiential approach, in addition to case studies of analytics consulting and business problem solving using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. When possible, class projects will be client-driven using community partners. Students work in teams using analytics to answer the client’s current and important business questions using data. The students will approach these as business analytics consultants by using effective project management to gathering requirements, using continuous client engagement to deepen understanding of the problem, suggesting ways in which to explore the question and its possible solutions through data, running different data models to approach the solution, working with clients to come up with effective analytics strategies, making business presentations based on findings, incorporating the inevitable changes that come with real world projects, and recommending strategic solutions based on their findings. Previously IS 0520.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction and foundation for critical issues related to homeland security and emergency management. Managers in public safety agencies deal with several challenges arising from environmental and natural disasters to man-made disasters. Managers in such institutions are responsible for the development and administration of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs that arise with disasters. Public managers also need to consider the issues related to social, economic, and political vulnerabilities, community resilience, and ethical responses to risk managements. The course addresses these issues within the context of disaster and emergency management, homeland security, criminal justice, and fire/emergency management.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction to policy, planning, and management of the response to disasters and emergencies, both natural and man-made. It explores the full spectrum of emergency planning: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; profiles infrastructure preparedness, techniques used to develop strategic plans, on-site crisis management; and addresses the critical need for accessible and accurate information and communication.

Credits – 6

Credits – 15

Non-profit Track

Credits – 3

With the rise of analytics for cutting-edge business innovation, the industry needs business leaders who can solve an organization’s most important problems by asking and answering questions using data. These business consultants need to bridge both the data analytics and business fields. This class tries to provide a “real world” consulting experience through a project-centric experiential approach, in addition to case studies of analytics consulting and business problem solving using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. When possible, class projects will be client-driven using community partners. Students work in teams using analytics to answer the client’s current and important business questions using data. The students will approach these as business analytics consultants by using effective project management to gathering requirements, using continuous client engagement to deepen understanding of the problem, suggesting ways in which to explore the question and its possible solutions through data, running different data models to approach the solution, working with clients to come up with effective analytics strategies, making business presentations based on findings, incorporating the inevitable changes that come with real world projects, and recommending strategic solutions based on their findings. Previously IS 0520.

Credits – 3

This course will examine both the role that nonprofits play in the U.S. economy and how charitable organizations are managed and financed, including the interplay between the government and the Third Sector. Particular attention will be paid to distinctions between successful (impactful) nonprofits and those that are less effective in pursuing societal needs. New forms of philanthropic organizations will be examined, including benefit corporations and social marketing enterprises. In addition, new ethical practices, including impact investing, will be surveyed. Case studies will be utilized to illuminate the economic circumstances that can impact Individual nonprofits. Previously MPA 0430.

Credits – 3

This course will prepare participants to write effective proposals and reports. It will also provide information on planning special fundraising events, requesting funds from donors and seeking funds from corporations and foundations. Students will learn to define and write problem statements, objectives, plans of action, assessment documents, budgets and project summaries. In addition, students will sharpen their teamwork, editing, writing, audience awareness, and design skills as they engage in collaborative projects with a nonprofit organization or government agency. Previously MPA 0425.

Credits – 6

Credits – 15

Emergency Management Track

Credits – 3

This course will prepare participants to write effective proposals and reports. It will also provide information on planning special fundraising events, requesting funds from donors and seeking funds from corporations and foundations. Students will learn to define and write problem statements, objectives, plans of action, assessment documents, budgets and project summaries. In addition, students will sharpen their teamwork, editing, writing, audience awareness, and design skills as they engage in collaborative projects with a nonprofit organization or government agency. Previously MPA 0425.

Credits – 3

With the rise of analytics for cutting-edge business innovation, the industry needs business leaders who can solve an organization’s most important problems by asking and answering questions using data. These business consultants need to bridge both the data analytics and business fields. This class tries to provide a “real world” consulting experience through a project-centric experiential approach, in addition to case studies of analytics consulting and business problem solving using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. When possible, class projects will be client-driven using community partners. Students work in teams using analytics to answer the client’s current and important business questions using data. The students will approach these as business analytics consultants by using effective project management to gathering requirements, using continuous client engagement to deepen understanding of the problem, suggesting ways in which to explore the question and its possible solutions through data, running different data models to approach the solution, working with clients to come up with effective analytics strategies, making business presentations based on findings, incorporating the inevitable changes that come with real world projects, and recommending strategic solutions based on their findings. Previously IS 0520.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction and foundation for critical issues related to homeland security and emergency management. Managers in public safety agencies deal with several challenges arising from environmental and natural disasters to man-made disasters. Managers in such institutions are responsible for the development and administration of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs that arise with disasters. Public managers also need to consider the issues related to social, economic, and political vulnerabilities, community resilience, and ethical responses to risk managements. The course addresses these issues within the context of disaster and emergency management, homeland security, criminal justice, and fire/emergency management.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction to policy, planning, and management of the response to disasters and emergencies, both natural and man-made. It explores the full spectrum of emergency planning: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; profiles infrastructure preparedness, techniques used to develop strategic plans, on-site crisis management; and addresses the critical need for accessible and accurate information and communication.

Credits – 6

Credits – 15

Health Administration Track

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction and foundation for critical issues related to homeland security and emergency management. Managers in public safety agencies deal with several challenges arising from environmental and natural disasters to man-made disasters. Managers in such institutions are responsible for the development and administration of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs that arise with disasters. Public managers also need to consider the issues related to social, economic, and political vulnerabilities, community resilience, and ethical responses to risk managements. The course addresses these issues within the context of disaster and emergency management, homeland security, criminal justice, and fire/emergency management.

Credits – 3

This course will prepare participants to write effective proposals and reports. It will also provide information on planning special fundraising events, requesting funds from donors and seeking funds from corporations and foundations. Students will learn to define and write problem statements, objectives, plans of action, assessment documents, budgets and project summaries. In addition, students will sharpen their teamwork, editing, writing, audience awareness, and design skills as they engage in collaborative projects with a nonprofit organization or government agency. Previously MPA 0425.

Credits – 3

With the rise of analytics for cutting-edge business innovation, the industry needs business leaders who can solve an organization’s most important problems by asking and answering questions using data. These business consultants need to bridge both the data analytics and business fields. This class tries to provide a “real world” consulting experience through a project-centric experiential approach, in addition to case studies of analytics consulting and business problem solving using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. When possible, class projects will be client-driven using community partners. Students work in teams using analytics to answer the client’s current and important business questions using data. The students will approach these as business analytics consultants by using effective project management to gathering requirements, using continuous client engagement to deepen understanding of the problem, suggesting ways in which to explore the question and its possible solutions through data, running different data models to approach the solution, working with clients to come up with effective analytics strategies, making business presentations based on findings, incorporating the inevitable changes that come with real world projects, and recommending strategic solutions based on their findings. Previously IS 0520.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction to policy, planning, and management of the response to disasters and emergencies, both natural and man-made. It explores the full spectrum of emergency planning: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; profiles infrastructure preparedness, techniques used to develop strategic plans, on-site crisis management; and addresses the critical need for accessible and accurate information and communication.

Credits – 6

Credits – 15

Public Administration Electives

Credits – 3

This course will examine both the role that nonprofits play in the U.S. economy and how charitable organizations are managed and financed, including the interplay between the government and the Third Sector. Particular attention will be paid to distinctions between successful (impactful) nonprofits and those that are less effective in pursuing societal needs. New forms of philanthropic organizations will be examined, including benefit corporations and social marketing enterprises. In addition, new ethical practices, including impact investing, will be surveyed. Case studies will be utilized to illuminate the economic circumstances that can impact Individual nonprofits. Previously MPA 0430.

Credits – 3

This course will prepare participants to write effective proposals and reports. It will also provide information on planning special fundraising events, requesting funds from donors and seeking funds from corporations and foundations. Students will learn to define and write problem statements, objectives, plans of action, assessment documents, budgets and project summaries. In addition, students will sharpen their teamwork, editing, writing, audience awareness, and design skills as they engage in collaborative projects with a nonprofit organization or government agency. Previously MPA 0425.

Credits – 3

This examines the political processes and institutions of U.S., state, and local governments. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss the state/federal/local relationships within the context of the American Constitution and political process, examine the various governmental structures and functions of state and local governments and how these structures impact the political process, demonstrate an understanding of the role states and localities play in the elections and the political process, understand the institutions of state and local governments including how they vary, and the various policy issues before the states and local governments. Previously MPA 0450.

Credits – 3

This course examines how decisions shape the ways in which people live in cities. Over the past century and a half, cities have become the center of social, economic, political, and cultural activity. With a focus on urban policy from post-WWII to present, students will examine at theories and solutions to urban problems, such as housing, economic revitalization, transportation, socio-spatial segregation, health and welfare, sustainability, while paying particular attention to the roles and responsibilities of levels of government, how politics can influence policy, and the relationship between government, non-profit, and private sectors. Previously MPA 0451.

Credits – 3

This course covers the management and financial aspects of healthcare provision in the United States. The transitions that are underway in the market that have influenced the manner in which healthcare is provided will be examined. The course will also discuss the rising cost of treatment and changes in the how services are provided. Students will examine the structure of management within various healthcare organizations, hospitals, networks, and small providers, and how that influences quality of care. The final part of the course will examine the financial nature of various organizational forms within the medical industry. Previously MPA 0480.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction and foundation for critical issues related to homeland security and emergency management. Managers in public safety agencies deal with several challenges arising from environmental and natural disasters to man-made disasters. Managers in such institutions are responsible for the development and administration of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs that arise with disasters. Public managers also need to consider the issues related to social, economic, and political vulnerabilities, community resilience, and ethical responses to risk managements. The course addresses these issues within the context of disaster and emergency management, homeland security, criminal justice, and fire/emergency management.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction to policy, planning, and management of the response to disasters and emergencies, both natural and man-made. It explores the full spectrum of emergency planning: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; profiles infrastructure preparedness, techniques used to develop strategic plans, on-site crisis management; and addresses the critical need for accessible and accurate information and communication.

Credits – 3

This course is an introduction into the study of public policy. Students will learn about the various models and theories surrounding the study of public policy. Several specific policies will be covered, such as healthcare policy, civil rights policy, and environmental policy. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of significant public policies, how public policies are formulated, the tools and techniques used in making public policy, and the ability to assess public policies.

Credits – 3

This course provides an overview of the evolving structure of the US healthcare delivery system. Since the US healthcare system has been periodically changed in diverse aspects over the decades, its dynamic mechanism should be understood. Particularly the healthcare system encompasses organizations, management, finance, policy, and technology. This course introduces students to the complexity of healthcare, challenges of leadership, the key stakeholders, and the current state of healthcare in the US. As the introductory course for the MHA program, this hybrid course will allow student to acclimate to the program through multiple learning modalities and activities. Collaboration and team building, critical success factors in healthcare, will be a focus of the on-site portion of the course. The cohort will be introduced to many key aspects of healthcare administration as well as acclimating to the rich learning environment of Fairfield University.

Credits – 15

In addition to the MPA courses listed above, students may take one of the following elective courses in Communication:

Credits – 3

This course reviews and explores, through simulation and experiential learning, negotiation as a communication process in and among organizations. It focuses on core concepts and approaches to negotiation, and exercises the negotiative process in a contemporary context. In this course, which is open to majors and minors in communication and other disciplines related to the study of humans and their organizations in the work world, participants carry out individual and team work, and contribute on time and proportionately to team preparations and class simulations. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 4321. Previously CO 0497M.

Credits – 3

This course discusses key concepts, principles, and best practices of crisis communication. Intersections with other areas of the communication field will also be addressed, including public relations and organizational and risk communication. Students will understand the role strategic communication, power, stakeholders, and organizational culture play during a crisis. This course analyzes case studies of previous crises and will ask students to provide their own plans and critical assessments of recent crises. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 3324. Previously CO 0497J.

Credits – 3

Conflict is a natural part of human life that has a variety of potential consequences. Although conflict can be disruptive and destructive, it can also be constructive and lead to improved adjustment and better decisions. The course is designed to offer you opportunities to enhance and improve your techniques and skills in managing conflict and moving them in a productive direction. The course examines the dynamics of human conflict across a variety of settings from personal relationships to the workplace, with special attention to the communication processes that escalate, manage, and mediate conflict. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 3340. Previously CO 0497O.

Credits – 3

This course will explore the dialectical tensions between the need for safe and effective products/services and the expectations for corporations to generate profits and dividends for their stakeholders. This course will use an applied ethics lens to examine the organizational, marketing, advertising, and corporate communication to clients, consumers, vendors, and investors.The content and ethical implications of marketing communication (from a variety of organizational perspectives: healthcare, economics, cultural, etc.) on expected and unintended outcomes will also be discussed and analyzed. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 4343. Previously CO 0497K.

Credits – 3

This course explores the organizational communication of modern U.S. healthcare organizations, including: managed care, insurers, healthcare systems, and Medicare/Medicaid. The primary purposes of this course are to provide an understanding of how communication within, and from healthcare corporations impacts the organization, its employees, the health of its customers and U.S. healthcare delivery. This course will evaluate and explore the multidimensional processes involved in healthcare organizations and how communication is critical to their success or failure and to the health and well-being of their customers. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 3347. Previously CO 0497W.

Credits – 3

This course examines the communication theories and research that underlie the study of risky behaviors and the development of effective responses to perceived risks. This course provides an understanding of how communication impacts our assessment of risk, critical thinking and policy making about risk prevention and response, and the creation of preventive programs and campaigns. Students will evaluate and explore the multidimensional processes involved in researching and responding to sustained risks or emergency situations, utilize communication theory to develop appropriate campaigns, and assess their success or failure. Topics may focus on health and environmental risks, security, or disaster response. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 3348. Previously CO 0497R.

Credits – 3

This is a one-week, predominantly face-to-face course that includes online interactions. This course examines the theories and research that underlie the study of health risk communication and behaviors. The primary purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of how communication impacts our assessment of health risk behaviors, critical thinking, the creation of preventive programs, and outcomes. This course will evaluate and explore the multidimensional processes involved in researching the communication of risky behaviors and how organizations can utilize health communication theory to develop appropriate campaigns and assess their success or failure. Previously CO 0448.

Credits – 3

This course is a study of the communication dimensions and dynamics of small groups, teams, and networks of organizational actors. Coursework and projects focus on interpersonal processes and structures for tasking and relating effectively in organizational settings. The special characteristics of virtual team and technology-enhanced decision-making work are investigated. Previously CO 0502.

Credits – 3

This course explores a selection of conflict situations with particular emphasis on organizational and community settings. Theoretical exploration focuses on the nature of conflict, and negotiation and dialogue as communication processes. The course privileges win-win and dialogic approaches and provides experiential learning in simulations in which teams of students negotiate detailed and practicable outcomes for resolving contemporary organizational and societal problems. Previously CO 0524.

Credits – 3

This course focuses on public relations, advertising and marketing strategies for nonprofit and public service organizations. The course begins with a broad overview of media industries and the changing landscape of media technologies and then considers how nonprofit and other public service organizations can best leverage resources to effectively communicate with intended audiences. Both theoretical and practical, this course provides graduate students with historical understandings of how media industries are organized and how not for profit organizations interface with profit-driven media businesses. Special attention is paid to how social media platforms and other digital technologies impact communication strategies. Previously CO 0532.

Credits – 3

This course examines the processes and complexities of modern healthcare organizations (hospitals, nursing homes, insurers, associations, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, non-profits, marketing, advertising, and PR firms, provider education institutions, etc.). The primary purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of how communication within, to, and from healthcare organizations impacts the company, its employees, stakeholders, customers, federal and local governments, and U.S. healthcare delivery. This course will evaluate and explore the multidimensional processes utilized by healthcare organizations and how communication is critical to their successes or failures and to the health and well being of their customers. Previously CO 0547.

Credits – 15

Fairfield Mission

Visionary by nature.
Jesuit Catholic by origin.
The driving force of Fairfield is our mission — to impact the world. It prompts us to ask important questions, to embrace our social responsibilities, and to lead by example. And it’s what has made us a premier institution in the Northeast. Let the mission be part of your journey.

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