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University of Connecticut

Get a Jump Start on a Graduate Degree!

Join the Fast Track to the Master of Public Administration

For Urban and Community Studies (UCS) majors with interests in public policy, or public or non-profit management, the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is a logical next step. Usually it takes two years of graduate work to earn an MPA. But an agreement between UCS and MPA allow select UCS coursework to satisfy competencies for the MPA degree making it possible to complete the degree in a shorter amount of time.

The MPA curriculum emphasizes problem-oriented courses, field-based learning (internship), flexibility in allowing students to meet individual career needs and interests, and the opportunity for interdisciplinary study. The faculty of the program have interests and expertise in a broad range of policy areas. The approach is action-oriented, interdisciplinary, and solution focused. Graduates of the MPA program hold leadership positions at all levels in the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors.

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The "Fast-Track" opportunities are for motivated UConn students currently pursuing their undergraduate degree at UConn. UConn Fast-Track students complete MPA graduate courses while still an undergraduate. These graduate courses are applied to meet their undergraduate course requirements. There is a separate application required for the Fast-Track program. Students from all UConn campuses are welcome to apply. All MPA courses are offered at the Greater Hartford Campus in West Hartford.

There are many different ways that a Fast-Track program can be structured. The specific Fast-Track MPA courses are selected for each student on an individualized basis. The MPA program works with students to design the specific curriculum that best meets their interests, needs, and career goals.

Applying to the MPA Fast-Track Program

You must be a current UConn undergraduate student to apply. UCS majors are encouraged to apply during their Junior or Senior year. Students interested in applying to the Fast-Track program should submit the following:

Send or deliver the completed application to:

Acceptance into the Fast-Track does not automatically result in acceptance into the MPA program.

Students interested in further information about the Fast-Track program or the application procedure should contact Valerie Rogers at Valerie.rogers@uconn.edu or via phone at 860-570-9047.

For an example on how the Fast-Track program might work for you, please visit the Department of Public Policy′s undergraduate programs web page.