Undergraduate Programs
Fairfield University's College of Arts and Sciences provides the critical skills needed to succeed in work and in life. Working closely with a passionate faculty, you’ll have the opportunity for civic engagement, studying abroad, and hands-on research across many disciplines, including the arts and humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences. Through the College of Arts and Sciences, you will be grounded in the 500-year-old Jesuit tradition of academic rigor and personal reflection, while preparing yourself to meet the demands of today’s marketplace and interpreting the ever-changing world in which we live.
The College of Arts and Sciences also overs a variety of accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs that allow qualified undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as few as five years, depending on the program. This accelerated pathway allows students to transition directly into one of the following master’s programs and earn a graduate degree in less time and at potentially less cost than when done separately. Visit our accelerated degree page to learn more.
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Actuarial Science
The minor in Actuarial Science is perfect for students majoring in mathematics, economics, finance, or accounting, or for any student with a strong mathematics background who wants to learn how to model the uncertainty of events and to assess and manage risk
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American Studies
Offered as both a major and minor, Fairfield’s American Studies program engages the idea of America as it has been culturally imagined and contested throughout history, both within and beyond U.S. national borders. The program draws from a wide range of courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences to provide a thorough understanding of American culture, traditions, relationships, and institutions.
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Applied Statistics
The new minor in Applied Statistics is perfect for students majoring in business, economics, engineering, the natural sciences, nursing, health studies, public health, psychology, sociology, journalism, or politics, or for any student who wants to understand and interpret data. Students completing the Applied Statistics minor will gain hands-on experience analyzing and interpreting real world data - skills which they can then bring to their chosen careers.
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Art History & Visual Culture
The art history program at Fairfield University offers a complete curriculum covering the major movements and developments in art and history throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Upon graduation, the skills you will acquire often lead to successful careers in education, museums and galleries, marketing, advertising, law, and media.
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Asian Studies
Whether you see yourself as an entrepreneur or a philosopher, involved in government or the arts, a working knowledge of Asian realities is essential in today's world. Whatever major you choose, the Asian Studies minor allows you to tailor your course selection to explore Asian perspectives on the central questions of your field.
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Behavioral Neuroscience
The new minor in Applied Statistics is perfect for students majoring in business, economics, engineering, the natural sciences, nursing, health studies, public health, psychology, sociology, journalism, or politics, or for any student who wants to understand and interpret data. Students completing the Applied Statistics minor will gain hands-on experience analyzing and interpreting real world data - skills which they can then bring to their chosen careers.
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Biology
The biology program provides students with a deep appreciation and understanding of the diversity of living things, their adaptations to the environment, and their evolutionary and ecological relationships. These fundamental understandings will give you the tools to grasp the challenges which arise in graduate medical, dental, or allied health schools, and in careers in the life and medical sciences.
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Black Studies
Fairfield’s Black Studies program employs the methodology of various humanities and social science disciplines to offer a comprehensive study of the origins and experiences of people from African descent. By engaging in a comparative and theoretical examination of Africa and the African Diaspora, students are equipped to undertake an interdisciplinary scholarly analysis of the far-reaching impacts of race and ethnicity across continents.
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Catholic Studies
Catholic Studies is an interdisciplinary inquiry into the intellectual tradition, history and culture, both "high" and popular, of the Catholic Christian tradition. While the field of study includes religious questions and theological issues, it primarily follows a "cultural studies" model.
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Chemistry & Biochemistry
Fairfield's chemistry and biochemistry curriculum gives students a comprehensive education in the field's principles and applications. Our programs thoroughly prepare you for careers in chemical, biochemical and pharmaceutical industries, along with advanced studies in these areas of science. Our degree programs also prepare students well for a career in the health professions including medical, dental, or pharmacy school.
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Classical Studies
The Program in Classical Studies provides you with a broad background in the history and culture of classical antiquity, both as an aid to your general cultural education and to assist you in your own major fields. The program offers courses in Greek and Latin language and literature, as well as other courses taught in English on the history, culture, and civilization of classical antiquity.
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Communication
Fairfield’s Communication program focuses on the description and analysis of how humans acquire, process, and use information. Course work emphasizes theory, research, and application to examine the ways humans communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, across a variety contexts, including organizations, relationships, healthcare settings, and the media.
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Digital Journalism
The Digital Journalism program is infused with the spirit of investigative, explanatory journalism, a civic-rooted journalism that seeks to make good on H.L. Mencken's call for journalists to "afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted." Beyond informing the public, the young journalists in our program seek to engage citizens, create a public debate, and push readers and viewers to be more than mere spectators.
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Economics - Arts & Sciences
The economics program at Fairfield University blends modern economic concepts with current issues, preparing students for careers in the private and public sectors, at both domestic and international levels, as economists, analysts, and upper-level managers.
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English
The Department of English offers a flexible and challenging curriculum, allowing students to experience a wide range of approaches to literature and writing. This program provides a solid core of literary courses, allowing students the opportunity to create an individualized program that reflects their interests and passions.
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Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies is one of the most interesting, exciting and fastest growing fields. By combining cutting edge coursework in environmental science, policy, economics, and philosophy with real world workshops and internships, Fairfield University's Environment Studies program prepares students for the tremendous opportunities and challenges in the years ahead. At Fairfield, you can become part of the solution.
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Film, Television, & Media Arts
The film, television, and media arts major and minor provides students with a detailed understanding of the visual, creative, and communicative power of various media. Upon graduation, you will be fully prepared to continue your education in postgraduate programs or join the workforce as a knowledgeable professional in such fields as broadcasting, public relations, advertising, telecommunications, and marketing.
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Graphic Design
The interdisciplinary minor in graphic design asks students to learn, reflect, and act as designers, preparing them for work in the increasingly complex world of design. The minor offers students the ability to develop design skills, explore different understandings of visual communication, enhance other fields of study, and prepare for a variety of careers.
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History
The Department of History at Fairfield University is dedicated to teaching its students to understand today's world through the study of the past. Working collaboratively in small classes, along with an exciting faculty, you will hone the skills and outlook needed to succeed as a global citizen and future professional.
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Italian Studies
The Italian Studies Program focuses on a nation and people whose contribution to civilization has been significant. Virtually every area of the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics partakes of that heritage, and Italy continues to influence cultural, political, scientific, and economic trends today.
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Irish Studies
An opportunity to learn about the intriguing history, politics, literature, and art of Ireland is available to you through a minor in Irish studies at Fairfield. You can choose to focus on topics such as the troubled history of the nation and its colonial and postcolonial significance, difficult politics of Northern Ireland, or inspired art and literature that emerged from its turbulent past.
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Islamic World Studies
The Islamic World Studies minor at Fairfield University introduces students to this diverse population by exploring the historical, political, and religious aspects of Muslim societies as well as the artistic, literary, and cultural achievements of Islamic civilization.
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Judaic Studies
Dating back nearly 4,000 years, Judaism is the world's oldest monotheistic faith and the foundation of both Christianity and Islam. Studying Judaism is thus central for understanding the roots of Western Civilization. This is especially true at Fairfield University, an institution whose rich Jesuit heritage is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition.
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Latinx, Latin American & Caribbean Studies
Fairfield University's commitment to a humanistic perspective and to the concept of social justice requires that Fairfield students be introduced to the "other" Americans who inhabit this hemisphere. The vibrant cultures of the Caribbean and Central and South American nations - which blend indigenous, European, and African influences - provide a rich field of study that can be approached from many points of view.
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Leadership Ethics
The Leadership Ethics minor provides a philosophical grounding to student study and practice of the essential concepts related to effective ethical leadership: character, influence, power, justice, and the common good. Students interested in leadership positions gain a comprehensive understanding of over 2,500 years of ethics, reasoning, and the relation between the two.
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Liberal & Professional Studies
As a degree completion program, a major in Liberal & Professional Studies through the Bachelor in Liberal & Professional Studies Program lets you finish what you started. Working closely with your advisor in this interdisciplinary and flexible program of study, you’ll be on your way to earning your BA or BS in Liberal & Professional Studies.
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Mathematics
The mathematics program teaches students to think analytically, to find connections between concepts, and to spot patterns both in abstract settings and in practice. Through this program, you will gain the skills, disciplinary awareness, and preparation to pick your career path, either through graduate study or in a multitude of professions.
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Modern Languages & Literatures
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (MLL) offers courses in the prominent modern languages of the world, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. As a MLL major, you will expand your proficiency in a foreign language and prepare yourself for a life and career in a progressively global world.
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Music
Music majors and minors at Fairfield develop their creative skills by exploring the many dimensions of music, while also building their critical, analytical, and aesthetic thinking skills. The training received in the Music Department will allow you to become cultured leaders on the forefront of music, music education, and other related fields.
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Peace & Justice Studies
"You must be the change you want to see in the world" – Mahatma Gandhi The Program in Peace and Justice Studies is an expression of the Jesuit educational commitment, which is fundamentally identified with the promotion of the values of peace and justice. The program is based on the principle that true peace is not only the absence of hostilities, but also requires the establishment of a just social order providing a decent and dignified life for all. Interdisciplinary program with minor only.
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Philosophy
The Philosophy Department offers students an understanding of philosophical topics through the study of great modern thinkers, as well as classical scholars. The program is designed to cultivate the confidence and skills of its students, while broadening their critical and logical thinking abilities.
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Physics
At Fairfield University, students learn to apply physical principles and creative theory to logically predict the behavior of the physical universe. This major offers you the flexibility to pursue careers in the fields of health, computer science, medicine, law, and education.
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Politics
The Department of Politics offers a stimulating, balanced curriculum, which covers all fields of the profession: political theory, American and comparative politics, and international relations. Upon graduation, you will be well versed in the affairs and theories of the contemporary world, and have the skills to succeed in the job market or continue on to graduate school.
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Psychology
As an integral part of a liberal arts education, psychology studies the processes, behavior, and experience of humans, and is used to improve people's mental health and lives. With a degree in psychology, you will have the knowledge and abilities for careers in related fields such as law, education, social work, and public policy.
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Public Administration
Public administration is the on-the-ground implementation of governmental policies and programs as well as an academic discipline. 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.
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Public Relations
Public relations is the study of how individuals or organizations maintain and manage communication with intended audiences. From fashion and celebrity PR to healthcare PR and corporate communications, the field of public relations engages with multiple audiences, media platforms and organizations. Our exciting major in PR is grounded in the liberal arts and designed to provide a broad overview of this exciting and growing field. You’ll study media, crisis communication, public advocacy, and a wide range of other topics that are essential to the academic study and practice of public relations. Join us!
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Religion in America
The Religion in America minor focuses on the study of religious traditions, people, history, and ideas in the American, particularly United States, context. Students explore traditions both endemic and imported to the United States, as well as themes of religious and national identity; the intersectionality of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and religion in American society; and the relationship between religion and American culture.
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Religious Studies
Students majoring in Religious Studies explore the philosophy and reasoning behind religion and the beliefs of cultures across the globe. Throughout the program, you will gain an informed perspective of the world's religions, and you will be able to apply it to fields such as education, law, business, and social services.
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Russian, East European & Central Asian Studies
The end of the Cold War, along with the collapse of the Soviet Union and communist regimes in Eastern Europe, offers a unique opportunity to take a fresh look at an old field: Russian, East European, and Central Asian area studies. Formerly caught within the framework of the Cold War, new societies are emerging, struggling to come to grips with their pasts and forging their own unique futures. Interdisciplinary program with minor only.
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Sociology & Anthropology
The sociology and anthropology program challenges students to examine the social and cultural dimensions of the modern world. Due to the diversity of the major, you are given an excellent start toward gaining acceptance into graduate school, or finding careers in such fields as business, marketing and communication, criminal justice, and social work.
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Sports Media
Experiential, analytical, and interdisciplinary, the sports media program encompasses the main tenets of the industries that make up the larger sports media environment, including journalism, broadcasting, communication, and public relations. Students critically evaluate the social, cultural, and political issues that surround sport, while learning the professional skills needed for careers in sports media.
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Studio Art
The studio art program focuses on students' creative inquiry, and provides a platform to develop the techniques, sensibility, and understanding necessary for working with different materials. A studio art major provides a solid basis for continuing work in graduate school or finding work in art-related fields such as design, teaching, museum and gallery curating, art therapy, design, and advertising.
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Theatre
The theatre program at Fairfield University offers students a liberal arts education infused with the theoretical and everyday aspects of the theatre profession. A theatre major prepares you for a multitude of careers. Our graduates have gone on to become industry experts, as well as managers, lawyers, and educators.
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Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary minor that challenges the cultural, intellectual, social and political assumptions about sex, gender and sexuality systems. Courses in the program critically engage issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and other key components of identity, and the ways they intersect.