For Urban and Community Studies (UCS) majors with interests in public policy, public management, or nonprofit management, the School of Public Policy’s (SPP) Fast-Track Program is a logical next step. The Fast-Track program allows undergraduate students to take graduate level coursework that will satisfy competencies for a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree. Usually, it takes two years of full-time graduate work to earn an MPA or MPP; however, an agreement between SPP and the Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community and Urban Studies (GSCU) to allow some coursework in the UCS major to satisfy competencies for the MPA or MPP degree makes it possible to complete the degree in a shorter amount of time.
The Fast-Track program is open to students currently enrolled at all UConn campuses. Courses are offered in Storrs, Hartford, and Stamford. There is no additional cost to your undergraduate tuition. In many cases, if planned properly, students can obtain their Masters in just one additional year after their bachelors.
The Fast-Track and MPA program provides students with a dynamic and integrated approach to the field of public management. The use of practical experiences and internships combined with theory, analysis, and case studies in the classroom make the MPA program job-relevant and intellectually challenging.
The Fast-Track and MPP program provides top caliber instruction in policy analysis and program evaluation. The focus is on providing students with the rigorous analytic and quantitative skills needed to assess policies and to evaluate programs. The program is centered on analysis of real-world problems and the policies and programs that address them.
The SPP offers internships in both the public and nonprofit sectors. After completing 18 credits (including required coursework) and applying to the MPA or MPP program, Fast-Track students are eligible for the Internship and Professional Practice (IPP) program in their graduate school year.
Applying to the Fast-Track to MPA or MPP Program
Current UConn undergraduate students at any campus and in any major with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is eligible to apply to the Fast-Track program. Applications are available through the Graduate School’s Online Application under "UConn Accelerated UG to Grad". This application does not require an application fee or test scores.
In order to apply please submit the following materials:
- Personal Statement. A 2-3 page double-spaced personal statement explaining your interest in your intended program, why you are pursuing said program, and how this program can help you reach your career goals.
- Resume. This helps us understand your academic, volunteer and work experiences.
- Unofficial Transcripts. In addition to the UConn transcripts, if you transferred into UConn you need to include those unofficial transcripts from other universities.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Acceptance into the Fast-Track program does not automatically result in acceptance into the MPA or MPP program.
Students interested in the Fast-Track program or who want further information regarding the application process should contact SPP Director of Student and Academic Affairs Catherine Guarino at catherine.guarino@uconn.edu.
What to learn more about the Fast-Track Program? Consider attending an Information session.