Department of Public Affairs, FGU

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Areas Of Specialization

Program Development Features
   The Department of Public Administration and International Affairs at Fo Guang University belongs to the Law and Political Science academic cluster in the classification of university disciplines. This academic cluster encompasses fields such as land administration, law, political science, diplomacy and international relations, public administration, and criminology. The undergraduate curriculum of the department integrates related disciplines including public administration, diplomacy and international relations, political science, and law, providing students with interdisciplinary training in the fields of law and politics. Through this integrated curriculum, students develop professional competencies in public governance and institutional analysis, thereby preparing them to become professionals in the field of public affairs.
   In addition, the department possesses distinctive regional characteristics and developmental positioning. It is the only university department in the Yilan region dedicated to the cultivation of public affairs professionals. The department has established the Public Opinion Research Center, the only center of its kind in the Yilan region, and also hosts the Yilan Think Tank, a platform for local policy research and discussion. The department also actively promotes talent development initiatives related to Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. These distinctive features not only reflect the department’s strong commitment to local development and social engagement, but also integrate local concern with global perspectives, thereby realizing its educational objective of cultivating professionals equipped with both public governance capabilities and international outlooks. Based on the above developmental orientation, the department’s key professional development features are outlined as follows.
1. Glocalization: Integrating Global Perspectives with Local Practice
   The department adopts “glocalization” as its core developmental concept, emphasizing the cultivation of students who are capable of thinking globally while acting locally. The curriculum covers both international affairs and public administration, enabling students to understand global trends while paying attention to local governance and social issues. Through this approach, students are trained to become professionals who can contribute to governance and public affairs at multiple levels.
2. Interdisciplinary and Practice-Oriented Curriculum Design
   The department’s curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary integration and practical orientation, combining cross-cultural communication with policy practice. Through seminars, field visits, and practical training opportunities, students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical capabilities. The department also actively collaborates with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities, enabling students to accumulate practical experience in real-world policy environments and cultivate their abilities in policy analysis, problem-solving, and public governance.
3. Diverse Career Development and Further Study Pathways
   Graduates of the department may pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including public service, international organizations, non-profit institutions, corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments, public relations consulting firms, think tanks, and media organizations. Career paths may involve work in policy research, local revitalization, sustainable development, and international cooperation. At the same time, the program provides a strong academic foundation for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in public policy, public administration, international relations, and related disciplines, thereby expanding their opportunities for higher-level academic and professional development.