FastTrack Master’s Degree in Communication

What is the FastTrack Program?

The FastTrack program enables students at the University of Connecticut to earn a graduate degree (M.A.) in Communication in one year after earning their undergraduate degree. Students accepted into the FastTrack program can enroll in graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degree and count up to 12 of these credits toward a graduate degree in Communication. By joining the FastTrack program, students can earn a Bachelor’s degree and an M.A. in Communication in a total of five years. 

What are the requirements of the FastTrack Program? 

The FastTrack program involves completing a total of 33 graduate-level credits: up to 12 as part of your Bachelor’s Degree plan of study, and the rest in your “+1” year as an M.A. Student. Those 33 graduate-level credits include 9 credits of methods coursework, 6 credits of theory coursework, 15 credits of electives in Communication, and a 3-credit capstone project.  

Methods Courses

All FastTrack students take the following three methods courses (9 credits):

  • COMM 5000 Fundamentals of Theory, Research, and Design 
  • COMM 5001 Introduction to Graduate Communication Research 
  • COMM 5002 Communication Research Methods 

Theory and Elective Courses

FastTrack students also take two core theory courses (6 credits) and five elective courses (15 credits) in their selected specialty area. The FastTrack program offers a variety of specialty areas that will prepare students for careers in many fields. FastTrack students can pursue the specialty area most aligned with their personal and professional needs, goals, and interests.  Much like our undergraduate program, we also cover a wide variety of topics in our graduate course catalog.  

  • Potential Specialty Areas: Marketing Communication; Persuasion; Mass Communication; New Communication Technology; Interpersonal Communication; Nonverbal Communication; Health Communication; Political Communication.
  • Potential Graduate Course Options:  Seminar in Marketing Communication; Organizational Communication; Persuasion Theory and Research; Crisis and Risk Communication; Mass Communication Theory; Children and Mass Media; Communication Technology and Society; Computer-Mediated Communication; Social Media Use and Effects; Interpersonal Communication; Group Communication Research; Nonverbal Communication; Health Communication. 

    The Master’s Capstone Project

    All FastTrack students also complete a final Capstone project. The Capstone allows students to fuse their coursework, skills, and career aspirations into a project aimed at a professional audience. Students can use the Capstone project to conduct original research, develop content or programming, or refine ideas and practices for the professional sector. FastTrack students work with their major advisor to develop the Capstone project in their “+1” year of graduate school and present the project to the Department of Communication in the spring prior to graduation. The Capstone project allows students to dive into the kinds of work they aspire to do in their careers. 

    Who will help me complete the FastTrack Program? 

    While you’ll learn a variety of subject matter from our large graduate faculty, each FastTrack student will have their own FastTrack faculty advisor. Your faculty advisor will help you select courses, complete program paperwork, and create your Capstone project.

    What is the cost of the FastTrack Program? 

    Graduate-level coursework completed by FastTrack students while earning their Bachelor’s (up to 12 credits) is included in the cost of undergraduate tuition. FastTrack students are responsible for the cost of the remaining 21 credits required for the graduate degree (M.A.). Information about graduate tuition can be found on the UConn Graduate School website. By limiting the cost of the M.A. degree to one full-time year of coursework, students are able to save on time and tuition dollars.

    How do I apply to the FastTrack Program? 

    Students at the University of Connecticut can apply to the FastTrack program starting fall semester of their third year of their undergraduate degree. Eligible applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have taken COMM 2000Q Research Methods in Communication, and two additional 2000-level communication courses.

    To apply, please send the following materials to CommFastTrack@uconn.edu by 11:59pm on Monday, December 2nd:

    • Unofficial transcripts for all college-level coursework
    • A current resume
    • A personal statement that explains (1) why you are interested in pursuing the FastTrack program, (2) why you are well-suited to complete the program, and (3) how the program will enable you to achieve your career goals. The personal statement should be 2-to-3 pages double spaced, and written in a way that helps our admissions committee understand how the program is a good fit for you.

    We typically notify applicants of their admission decision within two weeks of the application deadline.

    Please note: Students accepted into the FastTrack program must also apply to—and be accepted by—the graduate school during the final year of their undergraduate degree. We will provide FastTrack students with guidance on the graduate school application process as part of their enrollment in the program. The Graduate School also requires students to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their graduate coursework.

    What if I have questions about the FastTrack Program?

    We are happy to answer your questions about the FastTrack program! You can contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Kirstie Farrar, at kirstie.farrar@uconn.edu or the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Steve Stifano, at stephen.stifano@uconn.edu with any questions that you have.