Get a jump start on a graduate degree!
Join the Fast Track to the MPA

For Urban and Community Studies (UCS) majors at Tri-Campus 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 agreements between UCS, MPA and the Graduate School allow select UCS coursework to satisfy competencies for the MPA degree making it possible to complete the degree in just one calendar year following the bachelors degree.  Courses are offered in Storrs, West Hartford, and Waterbury.

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. Students assist communities and organizations in their quest to improve economic, environmental, and social conditions. 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 program hold leadership positions at all levels in the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors.

UCS undergraduates thinking about pursuing an MPA can get a "jump start" on their graduate education by taking advantage of this fast track opportunity! To be considered you need to be admitted into the fast-track program. For further details about the MPA please contact Valerie Rogers at Valerie.Rogers@ UConn.edu or via phone at 860-486-9044. Admission into the fast-track program does not automatically result in admission to the MPA Program.

Possible fast track scenarios for UCS students

The examples below are meant to be illustrative not exhaustive.  There are many possible degree plan scenarios. The specific fast track courses should be designed to meet the goals of the student, and to meet UCS and MPA requirements.   Students wishing to participate should contact UCS faculty member Mark Robbins at Mark.Robbins@uconn.edu or (860) 486-1452.

 

Example 1.

UCS internship (6 credits)
ECON 253 Public Finance
POLS 3xx Financial Management for Public and Non-Profit Organizations
POLS 3xx State and Local Fiscal Problems
ECON 259 Urban and Regional Economics

18 credits toward MPA Ðmeets MPA public finance concentration and internship requirements, 33 credits remaining including core courses, elective and capstone

Example 2.

UCS internship (6 credits)
4 MPA core courses (Storrs)

18 credits toward MPA Ðmeets MPA core and internship requirements, 33 credits remaining including concentration and remaining core courses, elective and capstone

Example 3.

UCS internship (6 credits)
ECON 253 Public finance
POLS 3xx Social Policy
ECON 259 Urban and Regional Economics
GEOG 246 Introduction to GIS

18 credits towards MPA - meets MPA concentration and internship, 33 credits remaining including core courses, elective and capstone