Fairfield University | 2024-25 Undergraduate Viewbook
jesuit through
The moment you arrive on Fairfield University’s 200-acre campus, you’ll see and feel our commitment to a valuesbased, student-centric, outcomes-focused educational experience.
Fairfield is proud of its Jesuit and Catholic identity, which gives rise to its strong institutional mission: how you learn is just as important as what you learn. Our integrated curriculum provides an enriching education in your chosen major and gives you the freedom to feed your passion, explore your purpose, and reach your potential.
When you combine this academic approach with 500 years of Jesuit tradition, you get a deeper educational experience that cares for the whole person. Every step of the way, your professors will both challenge and support you. You’ll graduate equipped to navigate the road ahead with the skillset to pave your own path .
Fairfield by THE NUMBERS
1 % TOP
— College Factual TOP 5%
Best Colleges & Universities in the Nation
12 %
— Wall Street Journal and College Pulse Salary Impact Ranking TOP
Colleges for Salary Impact
99% Reported Placement Rate for the Most Recent Graduating Class*
Best College Campuses in America
— Niche Best College Rankings For Long-Term Value — Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce
50+ Study Abroad Programs
20 NCAA D1 Varsity Athletics
12:1 Student-toFaculty Ratio
20 Average Class Size
Colleges in the Nation for Student Engagement
— Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings
300+ 100+ Organizations & Clubs Faculty-Student Research Studies
*Placement rate refers to the percentage of students who secure full-time professional employment, admission to graduate programs, or participation in volunteer service programs within six months of graduation.
MAJORS OF STUDY
INTERDISCIPLINARY MINORS
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
GRADUATE STUDENTS STATES REPRESENTED COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
to the Beach Town BIG APPLE
From the shores of Long Island Sound to the city blocks of Manhattan, our surroundings make Fairfield University’s idyllic location difficult to match elsewhere.
Downtown Fairfield is a walkable, culturally rich New England town full of great restaurants, coffee bars, theatres, boutique shops, and of course, beautiful beaches.
If you manage to run out of cool things to do, hop on Metro-North Railroad and arrive in New York City in about an hour — with all its culture and entertainment.
Fairfield is halfway between the city hubs of Stamford and New Haven in a region that is host to the largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the U.S., giving our students access to unlimited opportunities for internships and employment.
Boston - 160 mi
New York City - 40 mi
Philadelphia - 150 mi
Washington, D.C. - 280 mi
DISTANCE TO AIRPORTS:
Westchester County Airport (NY) – 37 mi
LaGuardia (NYC) – 49 mi
JFK (NYC) – 60 mi
Newark Liberty (NJ) – 71 mi
Bradley (CT) – 73 mi
DISTANCE TO TRAIN STATIONS:
NYC/New Haven (Metro North) - 1 mi
DC/Boston (Amtrak) - 5 mi Fairfield University
MAJORS MINORS &
MARION PECKHAM EGAN SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES
Learn by doing, succeed by caring, and graduate well-equipped to make a positive change in the world. Ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation, Fairfield Egan offers the latest simulation technology in a 70,000 square-foot facility.
– Nursing
– Public Health+
– Social Work*
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTING
Are you hardwired to change the world? Collaborate with fellow analytical thinkers and learn how things work, how to make them work better, and how to build a strong foundation to solve the world’s engineering problems.
– Biomedical Engineering*
– Computer Science*+
– Electrical Engineering*
– Engineering+ (Minor only)
– Mechanical Engineering*
CHARLES F. DOLAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Fairfield Dolan – ranked among the best business schools in the country – emphasizes ethics in business on a national scale and graduates socially responsible, intellectually curious, and compassionate leaders who inspire in today’s global market.
– Accounting*+
– Business Analytics*
– Economics+
– Entrepreneurship+ (Minor only)
– Finance*+
– Integrated Business and Engineering
– International Business
– Management*+
– Marketing*+
– Sports Business+
INTERDISCIPLINARY MINORS
– Accounting Analytics
– Business Law and Ethics
– Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
– Sports Leadership and Management
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Committed to preparing professionals who serve children, youth, adults, families, communities, and organizations, and to addressing societal needs in education and the mental health fields.
– Curriculum and Instruction
– Elementary Education
– Special Education
– Library, Technology, and Information Studies+ (Minor only)
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Home to the Magis Core Curriculum, CAS empowers students to participate in innovative research, civic engagement, and customized study abroad opportunities across multiple disciplines in the natural sciences, humanities, and social and behavioral sciences
– American Studies+
– Behavioral Neuroscience+
– Biology+
– Chemistry & Biochemistry+
– Communication*+
– Digital Journalism+
– Economics (BA)+
– Economics, Quantitative (BS)+
– English Studies - Creative Writing, Literature, Professional Writing+
craft your FUTURE
The Magis Core Curriculum supports and reflects Fairfield University’s mission to educate the whole person, combining a strong liberal arts base with tiered exploratory courses.
While you may not know what path you want to follow just yet, you can explore what interests you by choosing from over 70 minors. The 5-year accelerated program offers students the chance to earn a master’s degree in less time and cost than if acquired separately from an undergraduate program. The possibilities are limitless.
MAJORS MINORS &
MARION PECKHAM EGAN SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH STUDIES
Learn by doing, succeed by caring, and graduate well-equipped to make a positive change in the world. Ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation, Fairfield Egan offers the latest simulation technology in a 70,000 square-foot facility.
– Nursing
– Public Health+
– Social Work*
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTING
Are you hardwired to change the world? Collaborate with fellow analytical thinkers and learn how things work, how to make them work better, and how to build a strong foundation to solve the world’s engineering problems.
– Biomedical Engineering*
– Computer Science*+
– Electrical Engineering*
– Engineering+ (Minor only)
– Mechanical Engineering*
CHARLES F. DOLAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Fairfield Dolan – ranked among the best business schools in the country – emphasizes ethics in business on a national scale and graduates socially responsible, intellectually curious, and compassionate leaders who inspire in today’s global market.
– Accounting*+
– Business Analytics*
– Economics+
– Entrepreneurship+ (Minor only)
– Finance*+
– Integrated Business and Engineering
– International Business
– Management*+
– Marketing*+
– Sports Business+
INTERDISCIPLINARY MINORS
– Accounting Analytics
– Business Law and Ethics
– Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
– Sports Leadership and Management
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Committed to preparing professionals who serve children, youth, adults, families, communities, and organizations, and to addressing societal needs in education and the mental health fields.
– Curriculum and Instruction
– Elementary Education
– Special Education
– Library, Technology, and Information Studies+ (Minor only)
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Home to the Magis Core Curriculum, CAS empowers students to participate in innovative research, civic engagement, and customized study abroad opportunities across multiple disciplines in the natural sciences, humanities, and social and behavioral sciences
– American Studies+
– Behavioral Neuroscience+
– Biology+
– Chemistry & Biochemistry+
– Communication*+
– Digital Journalism+
– Economics (BA)+
– Economics, Quantitative (BS)+
– English Studies - Creative Writing, Literature, Professional Writing+
– Environmental Studies+
– History+
– Individually Designed Major
– International Studies+
– Mathematics*+
– Modern Languages and Literatures –French, German, Italian, Spanish+
– Philosophy+
– Physics+
– Politics+
– Psychology+
– Public Relations+
– Religious Studies+
– Sociology and Anthropology+
– Sports Media+
– Visual and Performing Arts - Art History and Visual Culture; Film, Television, and Media Arts; Music; Studio Art; Theatre+
– Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies+
INTERDISCIPLINARY MINORS
– Actuarial Science
– Ancient Mediterranean Studies
– Applied Ethics
– Applied Statistics
– Asian Studies
– Black Studies
– Campaigns and Elections
– Catholic Studies
– Editing and Publishing
Fairfield provides physical gathering spaces for interdisciplinary research, instruction, and cross-pollination:
– Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Charles F. Dolan School of Business
– The Fredrickson Family Innovation Lab
– Innovation Annex
– Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing Simulation Center
* Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Programs available OTHER
– Educational Studies
– Graphic Design
– Greek and Latin
– Health Studies
– Humanitarian Action
– Irish Studies
– Islamic World Studies
– Italian Studies
– Judaic Studies
– Latinx, Latin American and Caribbean Studies
– Leadership Ethics
– Mathematical Statistics
– Peace and Justice Studies
– Public Administration
– Religion in America
– Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies
– Special Education
– U.S. Government
PRE-PROFESSIONAL
PROGRAMS
– Health Professional Program
– Pre-Law
– Secondary Education
+ Minor Degree Programs available
cura personalis
find your
Cura Personalis, the Latin phrase meaning ‘care for the whole person’ helps you reach your full intellectual and personal potential. The broad experiences you’ll have on campus build character and define your purpose.
STAGS, UNLEASHED — More than 100 student-led clubs and organizations will feed your brain, keep you moving, and fill your soul. From anime and cultural dance to innovators and rock climbing, our community is as inclusive as it is diverse.
Fairfield.edu/ clubs
CAMPUS CLASSICS — Whether it’s the ‘Pres Ball,’ Red Sea Madness kicking off basketball season, or transforming the campus into a Winter Wonderland before the holidays, our Stags look forward to several annual time-honored traditions.
Fairfield.edu/ traditions
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY —
The Jesuit mission of creating a supportive community dedicated to the well-being of others is embraced by Fairfield students. Immersion experiences, local volunteer work, retreats, and campus ministry participation help students find purpose through service.
Fairfield.edu/ campusministry
stags on the MOVE
Whether you’re a star student-athlete, a fan in the stands, or a beginner looking to stay fit and have fun, on game day everyone plays on the same team! Stag Spirit roars through Rafferty Stadium, Lessing Field, and the new Mahoney Arena.
96 Conference Regular Season Championships
74 Conference Tournament Championships
64 NCAA Tournament Appearances
food for THOUGHT
Fairfield offers a wide variety of food options while prioritizing sustainability initiatives, including vegan, glutenfree, and allergen-free choices daily.
Tully Dining Commons
Buffet-style dining with unique stations located on the second floor of the Barone Campus Center
The Levee
Located across from the Kelley Center and serving pizza, pasta, burgers, and grab-and-go items
The Stag Snack Bar
Grab-and-go sandwiches, wraps, sushi, and salad items located on the east side of Barone Campus Center
Food Truck Village
Our very popular food trucks, located a short distance from The Quad residence halls
Fairfield was the first college in the Northeast to partner with Grubhub and Starship Technologies for their innovative robot meal campus delivery service.
MORE OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
A BIT OF TRIVIA
live your best (RES) LIFE
Nearly 97 percent of firstyear students live on campus in traditional residence halls. Centrally located on The Quad, each res hall offers first-year students a short walk to class and an even quicker sprint to visit friends in neighboring buildings.
When you become an upperclassman, your options triple: choose to live in a suite-style residence hall, an apartment, or a wellappointed townhouse. Some seniors also apply to live off campus at rental properties along Fairfield Beach.
6.
BARNYARD MANOR
TOWNHOUSES
THE QUAD
THE VILLAGE
FIRST-YEAR LIVING & LEARNING
COMMUNITIES — First-years may apply to one of three Living and Learning Communities that bring together students with similar interests and academic pursuits – Health and Wellness, Leadership Through Service, or STEM. Build lifelong friendships through social, educational, and reflective activities in this environment.
SOPHOMORE RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES
— The Sophomore Ignatian Residential College program fosters the exploration of fundamental questions of identity, community, and purpose with a group of peers and mentors through a series of retreats, communal dinners, academic courses, and service projects. Through Leadership, Creative Life, or Service for Justice tracks, students are encouraged to reflect on the person they are and how they can become agents of change.
FEATURES
TRIPLE, AND QUAD ROOMS
CO-ED BY WING OR FLOOR
1. Traditional residence halls for firstyear and sophomore students include doubles, triples, quads, and suite-style accommodations.
2. Common areas in each residence hall offer ample comfortable space for studying and socializing.
3. Apartment-style living for upperclassmen includes spacious kitchens where students cook their meals and learn self-reliance. A limited meal plan option is also popular with these residents.
4. Barnyard Manor townhouses accommodate juniors and seniors and come equipped with single bedrooms, full bathrooms and kitchens, living, dining areas, private laundry facilities, and some furniture.
5. Fairfield’s beautiful rolling campus has many outdoor spots for students to congregate, relax, and study.
6. Some seniors apply to live offcampus at rental properties along the picturesque Connecticut shoreline.
6.
BARNYARD MANOR
TOWNHOUSES
THE QUAD
THE VILLAGE
building
CONNECTIONS
Fairfield University’s large alumni network is composed of more than 45K demographically, geographically, and occupationally diverse backgrounds. Commencement Day is not the end of your journey in Stag Country; Fairfield offers its alumni resources for life, including career assistance, Stags4Hire through Handshake, and — for current students — an alumni job shadow program.
MAJOR: Marketing and Management
MINOR: Entrepreneurship
“The personal support and connections that I’ve formed at the Dolan School of Business have jump-started my career! Between networking events, participating in the Women’s Network, Marketing Club, Dolan Student Advisory Board, and being a peer partner, I got involved with the greater Fairfield community. The immersion trip to Silicon Valley during spring break gave me a greater perspective into the entrepreneurial mindset.
AINSLEY CORRIVEAU ’25
MAJOR: Politics on the Pre-Law Developmental Track
MINOR: Business Law & Applied Ethics and Health Studies
The people and the access to resources are what make Fairfield special. I wake up with a sense of confidence that my professors and the administration have instilled in me, and that confidence allows me to be successful. When I leave campus for a holiday break, I return having the same warm feeling as when I first toured here. Fairfield captured my heart from the minute I stepped foot on this campus!”
AUTUMN AREL ’24
MAJOR: Nursing
MINOR: Public Health
“Fairfield has presented opportunities for me to explore different paths. In addition to an extremely strong nursing program, I participated in a nationally competitive externship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and explored my passion for policy through roles in our student government during a trip with administrators to lobby on Capitol Hill. My public health minor and participation in community-engaged learning in Bridgeport have shaped the role I envision for myself throughout my career.
MAJOR: Mechanical Engineering
MINOR: Math and Physics
At my Jesuit high school, the term ‘magis’ was engrained into every aspect of how we learned and put our knowledge to use. At Fairfield, I’ve continued to push myself similarly through thoughtprovoking classes and involvement in res life, basketball, esports, and the National Society of Black Engineers. I am spreading my wings, exploring my passions, and taking advantage of opportunities to transform into the man I want to become.”
ZACHARY
ALEXANDER WHITE ’25
stags
THE AGE OF INNOVATION
Each year, more than 300 Fairfield undergraduates participate in innovative and collaborative research projects under the guidance of faculty experts — more than half of which are presented at national scholarly meetings and/or published in professional journals.
Our students travel to Hawaii to study vulnerable coral reefs and find ways to protect them. They conduct life-saving cancer cell research in our campus labs. They study human-AI interactions, analyze animal behavior, and participate in important mental health research, all while building their résumés and making valuable contributions to their fields of study.
SUCCESS
Fairfield University’s Arts & Sciences Guarantee is a distinctive fellowship offered to all College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate students. Designed to offer students access to important hands-on industry experience, it provides funding of up to $2,500 to undergrads who obtain an approved unpaid internship, research, or fieldwork experience while studying at Fairfield.
alter your
Through Global Fairfield, immerse yourself in field learning, service projects, or internships to complement any major while expanding your purpose in the world. From Aix-en-Provence, France to Townsville, Australia, Global Fairfield affords you the chance to travel to new places, meet new people, and gain a broader understanding of the world around you.
fuel your
One valuable way to build your skillset through practical application of knowledge is by participating in internships. In addition to gaining hands-on experience in a chosen field, you increase your qualifications, list relevant work history on your résumé, and expand your professional network — giving you a competitive edge.
Fairfield students have secured internships at many prominent organizations such as:
Abbott Laboratories
Americares Foundation
ASML
Avangrid
Bayer
Bigelow Tea
Boston Children’s Hospital
Boston Consulting Group
Caroline House
CBS
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
Datto, Inc.
Deloitte
Deutsche Bank
Disney | ABC Television Group
Epsilon
EY
FactSet Research Systems
Fenway Sports Management
Fidelity Investments
Gartner
Goldman Sachs
Goodwill
Hearst
Henkel
IBM
Instrumentation Laboratory
Johnson & Johnson
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
KPMG
Levi Strauss & Co.
Lillian August
Lockheed Martin
Mack Media Group
Madison Square Garden Company
Major League Baseball
Make-A-Wish
Massachusetts General Hospital
MasterCard
Medtronic
Merrill Lynch
Moffly Media
Morgan Stanley
MSNBC, NBC Universal
NASA
New York Library for the Performing Arts
New York State Psychiatric Center
Northwell Health
NYU Langone Medical Center
PepsiCo
PerkinElmer
Pfizer Inc.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Quadrant Biosciences
Raytheon Company
RBC Bearings
Save the Children
Simply Smiles Inc.
Sony Music Entertainment
Stamford Public Schools
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
STANLEY Engineered Fastening
Suiphar Pharmaceuticals S.A.
Synchrony Financial
The Walt Disney Company
Tiffany & Co.
Travelers
UBS
Vineyard Vines
Willis Towers Watson
Yale New Haven Hospital
ignited by
As a Jesuit Catholic institution, we welcome individuals of all beliefs and traditions who share our passion for scholarship, inquiry, truth, freedom, and the diversity their membership brings to our community.
Guided by the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, our dedicated faculty will challenge you to think critically, solve complex problems, contribute to society in meaningful ways, and reach your fullest potential while nurturing your well-being. You’ll hone your academic prowess, build ethical leadership skills, and commit to serving others — the hallmarks of a transformative Jesuit education — and you will leave campus equipped to make a lasting impact on the world.
As you embark on the next chapter of your life, you’ll carry the values of Fairfield with you, ready to discover your place in the world and forever a part of the Stag family.
In the words of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, we are committed to educating individuals to: “Go forth, and set the world on fire.”
start with a TOUR Admission
IMPORTANT ADMISSION
Early Action application NOV. 1
Early Decision I application NOV. 15
Early Decision II application JAN. 15
Regular Decision application JAN. 15
Student reply date MAY 1
WHICH APPLICATION PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Early Decision I/II (ED) — A binding program that demonstrates your interest in Fairfield University. If Fairfield is your top school, Early Decision could be a good option for you.
Early Action (EA) — Attracts the largest pool of applicants and is a non-binding program. It is designed for the student who wants to learn of their admission decision early in the process (late December).
Regular Decision (RD) — Makes sense for the student who needs extra time with their application. For example, these students may be waiting for their first semester grades to become available in order for them to be considered by the Admission Committee.
INTERVIEWS
An interview is one of the best ways for an applicant to stand out during the admission process. While optional, they are a great way to demonstrate your interest and help us get to know you better as an applicant. Interviews are conducted by a member of the Admission team and can take place virtually or in person.
HOLISTIC
ADMISSION PROCESS —
What does it mean when we say we take a holistic approach to the admission process? It means we consider all of the factors that make our students who they are, not just their test scores or academic record. Some of the factors we consider in our review include:
– Extracurricular Activities
– Community Service
– Teacher Recommendations
– Application Essay
Financial Aid
More than 90% of the entering class received a merit scholarship, need-based financial aid, or a combination of the both.
RANGE OF MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
$17,500- $28,500
COSTS 2024–25
CSS PROFILE AND FAFSA
AID DEADLINES
Early Action/ Early Decision I
Regular Decision/ Early Decision Il
DEC. 1
JAN. 15
1300-1410
MIDDLE 50% SATS*
MIDDLE 50% ACT COMPOSITE SCORE* 27-31
AVERAGE WEIGHTED GPA From a strong college preparatory program that includes some Honors, Advanced Placement, and/or International Baccalaureate courses A / AADMIT RATE 33%
*Admission to Fairfield is test-optional
Standardized Test-Optional Policy — Fairfield has been a test optional University for more than a decade and does not require students to submit standardized tests as part of the application process. It is the student’s choice to put forth the best representation of their academic career.
VISITS
The Office of Admission offers a variety of visit opportunities throughout the year for prospective students and their families to learn more about Fairfield University. Our in-person visits are the best way to get a feel for campus life and to learn indepth about our academic offerings. Virtual offerings allow for a high-level view of the Fairfield experience.
Experience Fairfield University and set up a campus visit at fairfield.edu/visit or call (203) 254-4100.
Admission
WHICH APPLICATION PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Early Decision I/II (ED) — A binding program that demonstrates your interest in Fairfield University. If Fairfield is your top school, Early Decision could be a good option for you.
Early Action (EA) — Attracts the largest pool of applicants and is a non-binding program. It is designed for the student who wants to learn of their admission decision early in the process (late December).
Regular Decision (RD) — Makes sense for the student who needs extra time with their application. For example, these students may be waiting for their first semester grades to become available in order for them to be considered by the Admission Committee.
INTERVIEWS
An interview is one of the best ways for an applicant to stand out during the admission process. While optional, they are a great way to demonstrate your interest and help us get to know you better as an applicant. Interviews are conducted by a member of the Admission team and can take place virtually or in person.
HOLISTIC
ADMISSION PROCESS —
What does it mean when we say we take a holistic approach to the admission process? It means we consider all of the factors that make our students who they are, not just their test scores or academic record. Some of the factors we consider in our review include:
– Extracurricular Activities
– Community Service
– Teacher Recommendations
– Application Essay
Financial Aid
More than 90% of the entering class received a merit scholarship, need-based financial aid, or a combination of the both.
RANGE OF MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
$17,500- $28,500
COSTS 2024–25
CSS PROFILE AND FAFSA
AID DEADLINES
Early Action/ Early Decision I
Regular Decision/ Early Decision Il
DEC. 1
JAN. 15
1300-1410
MIDDLE 50% SATS*
MIDDLE 50% ACT COMPOSITE SCORE* 27-31
AVERAGE WEIGHTED GPA From a strong college preparatory program that includes some Honors, Advanced Placement, and/or International Baccalaureate courses A / AADMIT RATE 33%
*Admission to Fairfield is test-optional
Standardized Test-Optional Policy — Fairfield has been a test optional University for more than a decade and does not require students to submit standardized tests as part of the application process. It is the student’s choice to put forth the best representation of their academic career.
