M.S. Fast Track (4+1)
The Fast Track Program in Applied and Resource Economics (ARE) integrates undergraduate and graduate curriculum offerings and allows motivated students to complete their BS and MS degrees in just 5 years. It provides students with accelerated training in microeconomics, econometrics, statistical analysis, courses related to the student’s area of specialization, and the research process. Experiential learning in other disciplines is emphasized thus making the degree “applied economics".
The 120 credits students take for their BS will include 6 graduate credits that are then applied to the MS requirements of 30 credits. Once students earn their BS, they must take 24 more MS credits. Up to 6 graduate credits are earned during the summer between the 4th and 5th year, working to develop an applied project with a faculty advisor, and the remaining 18 are earned during the fall and spring semesters of the fifth year.
Once a qualified student expresses strong interest, they will be advised to take a 1-credit seminar course designed to introduce undergraduates to the more rigorous expectations of a graduate program, while building the network necessary for a cohesive and supportive cohort through their 5th year.
Advantages of choosing Fast Track:
Tuition cost savings: You will get an MS degree in just one additional year after completing your BS degree, which will save you one year in terms of time and tuition costs.
Increased earning potential upon graduation: The MS degree will allow you to apply for a wider range of economics jobs paying much higher salaries that are well beyond entry level positions as would be typical for a BS.
Expedited career growth: The additional year can easily make up for several years of on-the-job experience, providing for a faster and more fulfilling career path in the area of a student’s interest.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for F-1 students: This is a STEM-designated program that allows international students to apply for up to 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements?
To be eligible to apply, students should:
- have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- have taken MATH 1071Q (Calculus for Business and Economics) or a similar calculus course; STAT 1000Q or 1100Q or similar statistics courses; ARE 3333
- be in good standing to be able to graduate with all required courses as an ARE BS Major (ENRE or ESDM) by the end of their 4th year.
Once a qualified student expresses strong interest, they will be advised to take a 1-credit seminar course designed to introduce undergraduates to the more rigorous expectations of a graduate program, while building the network necessary for a cohesive and supportive cohort through their 5th year.
When should you apply?
Students completing one of the two undergraduate majors offered by the ARE Department (ESDM and ENRE) should apply in their sophomore through the first semester of their junior year. Please let your faculty advisor know about your intention ASAP as this will affect the sequence of courses recommended for your sophomore year.
How to Apply:
Submit required materials to the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics main office (ARE@uconn.edu) before the end of your sophomore year and no later than December 31st of your junior year.
Required materials (see provided template):
- unofficial transcript
- personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation sent directly from 3 faculty members, including their academic advisors.
After acceptance by the Department, students must then apply to the Graduate School.