Department of Public Affairs, FGU

Areas Of Specialization

The Department of Public Administration and International Affairs at Fo Guang University is academically classified within the field of Law and Political Science in the university academic discipline classification system. This field encompasses such areas as Land Administration, Law, Political Science, Diplomacy and International Relations, Public Administration, and Crime Prevention. The undergraduate curriculum of the Department integrates Public Administration, Diplomacy and International Relations, Political Science, Law, and other related disciplines, providing students with interdisciplinary training in law, politics, and public affairs. Through this curriculum, students develop professional competencies in public governance and the analysis of social and institutional systems, preparing them to become professionals in the field of public affairs.

 In addition, the Department has distinctive regional characteristics and a clearly defined development orientation. It is the only university department in the Yilan area dedicated to the cultivation of professionals in public affairs and has established the “Public Opinion Survey Research Center.” These distinctive features reflect the Department’s commitment to local development and social engagement while integrating local concerns with a global perspective. In doing so, the Department fulfills its educational mission of cultivating professionals equipped with competencies in public governance and an international outlook. Based on this development orientation, the Department’s key professional development features are as follows:

I. Glocalization: Integrating Global Perspectives with Local Practice

 The Department adopts “Glocalization” as a core concept of its development, emphasizing the cultivation of students’ ability to think globally and act locally. The curriculum integrates the two major areas of international affairs and public administration, enabling students to understand global trends while remaining attentive to local governance and social issues. Through this approach, the Department seeks to cultivate public affairs professionals capable of making meaningful contributions across different levels of governance.

II. Interdisciplinary and Practice-Oriented Curriculum Design

 The Department’s curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary integration and practical application by combining cross-cultural communication with hands-on policy practice. Through diverse teaching approaches, including seminars, field visits, and practical internships, students are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies. The Department also actively establishes partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local communities, enabling students to gain practical experience in real-world policy contexts and thereby develop competencies in policy analysis, problem-solving, and public governance.

III. Diverse Career and Advanced Study Pathways

 Graduates of the Department may pursue careers in the civil service, international organizations, non-profit organizations, corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments, public relations consulting firms, think tanks, media organizations, and other professional fields. Career opportunities include policy research, regional revitalization, sustainable development, international cooperation, and related areas. At the same time, the Department’s curriculum provides students with a solid academic foundation for pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, and related disciplines, thereby broadening their opportunities for advanced academic and professional development.