Fast-Track Master of Arts in Communication
Looking to get a head start on your career? UConn undergraduate students can earn a Master of Arts (MA) in Communication in just one extra year after earning their bachelor’s (BA) degree.
Program Overview
The Fast-Track Master of Arts (MA) in Communication exposes students to advanced topics as undergraduates and allows them to earn both BA and MA degrees in as little as five years. Students accepted to the fast-track program can use up to 12 credits of graduate-level coursework taken as an undergraduate toward the MA in Communication.
This joint degree program isn’t just ideal for communication majors—it’s a great opportunity for students in other fields, too! For example, a biology major interested in health communication can declare a communication minor and add a master’s degree with just one extra year of study.
Contact the department to discuss your options and learn how you can turn your undergraduate degree into an MA in Communication.
Degree Requirements
To earn their master’s degree, fast-track students are required to complete a total of 33 graduate-level credits, including:
- Nine credits of methods coursework.
- Six credits of theory coursework.
- 15 credits of elective coursework in communication.
- A capstone project (three credits).
Visit the UConn Graduate Catalog’s website for the most up-to-date degree requirements for the current academic year.
Students must take the following three core methods courses (9 credits total):
- COMM 5000: Fundamentals of Theory, Research, and Design
- COMM 5001: Introduction to Graduate Communication Research
- COMM 5002: Communication Research Methods
Students must also take two core theory courses (6 credits) and five elective courses (15 credits) in their selected specialty area.
Our program offers a variety of specialty areas that will prepare students for careers in many fields. 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:
- Health Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Marketing Communication
- Mass Communication
- New Communication Technology
- Nonverbal Communication
- Persuasion
- Political Communication
All fast-track students must 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. Fast-track 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.
Information about required courses and credits, timelines, final examination, thesis option, and more is available in the Department of Communication Graduate Student Handbook (UConn NetID login is required).
How to Apply
Deadline for fall admissions: April 15
Deadline for spring admissions: Nov. 15
UConn undergraduate students can apply to the fast-track program beginning in the fall semester of their third year. 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:
- Unofficial transcripts for all college-level coursework.
- A current resume.
- A personal statement (two-to-three pages double spaced) that explains:
- Why you are interested in pursuing the fast-track program.
- Why you are well-suited to complete the program.
- How the program will enable you to achieve your career goals.
We typically notify applicants of their admission decision within two weeks of the application deadline.
Students accepted into the fast-track program must also be accepted by the Graduate School during the final year of their undergraduate degree. We will provide guidance on the application process as part of your enrollment in the program.
Cost and Financial Aid
Graduate-level coursework completed by fast-track students while earning their bachelor’s degree (up to 12 credits) is included in the cost of undergraduate tuition. Fast-track students are responsible for the cost of the remaining 21 credits required for the MA in Communication.
Information about graduate tuition can be found on the UConn Office of the Bursar’s website.
Resources for Fast-Track Students
Job Placements and Outcomes
Our graduate alumni go on to work in academia, government, industry, and nonprofit sectors.
Communication Graduate Student Association
Develop your professional networks while working toward your goals with other graduate students.
Faculty
Your faculty advisor will help you select courses, complete program milestones, and create a capstone project.
Contact Us
For questions about the Fast-Track MA in Communication, please contact: