Communication Majors: Here’s your FastTrack to a Masters Degree

Students pursuing a UConn undergraduate B.A. degree in Communication can apply to use up to 12 credits of graduate-level coursework taken as an undergraduate towards an M.A. degree in Communication.  By joining the COMM FastTrack program, undergraduate Communication majors can enroll in graduate Communication courses and complete the requirements for both degrees over a period of five total years. This program is intended for undergraduates pursuing a B.A. in Communication; students must meet all requirements for the B.A. degree.  The M.A. program requires students to complete two graduate-level methodology courses (COMM 5001 and 5002) as well as two graduate-level core theory courses (from among COMM 5100, 5200, 5230, 5300, 5660, or 6850.) An additional 21 credits of graduate-level coursework must be completed, at least 18 of which must be COMM courses. To complete the M.A. degree, students must successfully complete at least one of the exit options; most FastTrack students will complete the Master’s Project (COMM 5979) as an exit option. Beyond required graduate-level courses, each FastTrack student’s plan of study and sequencing of courses will differ; support from a student’s assigned FastTrack advisor will assist in the selection and sequencing of courses.  As an example, here is a potential student plan to complete the M.A. requirements during the fourth and fifth years.

• Year 4 Fall: Two Graduate Courses (including one core theory course)
• Year 4 Spring: Two Graduate Courses (including one core theory course)
• Year 4 Summer: One Graduate Course
• Year 5 Fall: Three Graduate Courses (including COMM 5001)
• Year 5 Spring: Two Graduate Courses (including COMM 5002) and COMM 5979, Master’s Project

And for current juniors (Year 3 students) who want to start now, here is a potential student plan to complete the M.A. requirements during the third, fourth, and fifth years:

Academic Qualifications:

For admission to the FastTrack program in Communication, students should be in Year 3 or later of the B.A. in Communication, and have a 3.00 cumulative grade-point-average or better at the time of application.  Students should have completed COMM 2000Q and at least two 2000-level core courses by the time of application. To apply, students must submit the following via email to CommFastTrack@uconn.edu:

• Unofficial transcripts for all college-level studies regardless of if a degree was awarded.
• A current resume.
• A 2 to 3 page double-spaced personal statement that explains a) your interest in the program, b) why you are pursuing the program specifically, and c) how this program can help you reach your career goals. Remember, the more specificity you can provide in your statement about why you want to join this program, the better we’ll be able to consider your application and set you up to succeed.

We seek highly motivated students who are committed to the discipline and the pursuit of a graduate degree.  Please note that to count graduate courses toward the M.A. in communication, FastTrack students approaching their undergraduate graduation must still apply to – and be accepted by – the graduate school.  FastTrack students will be provided guidance on this process as part of their enrollment in the program. The Graduate School requires students to maintain at least a B (3.00) cumulative grade point average in the 33 credits used for the M.A. degree.

Costs:

Students can complete up to 12 credits of required graduate-level coursework as an undergraduate as part of their undergraduate education costs.  Students are subsequently responsible for the cost of at least 21 credits of graduate education.

Advising:

During the undergraduate portion of their work, admitted FastTrack students will be paired with an advisor from the graduate faculty in Communication.  Once a FastTrack student has completed the undergraduate degree and been accepted to the graduate school, the student may elect to continue working with the faculty advisor or select a new advisor from the graduate faculty.  The advisor provides guidance in course selection and preparation for the M.A. Project or alternative exit options.

Application Process:

To apply, send unofficial transcripts for all college-level studies, a current resume, and a 2 to 3 page personal statement to CommFastTrack@uconn.edu.

Deadline: Applications received by end of day on April 19th, 2024 will be given full consideration for starting the FastTrack in Fall, 2024.  Notification of decision will be sent to applicants as soon as possible after this deadline.

Questions? Contact either Kirstie Farrar, Director of Graduate Studies, or Stephen Stifano, Director of Undergraduate Studies.