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FAST Programs Information Session

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  1. Definition
  2. Example Programs
  3. Benefits of FAST Programs
  4. How Does It Work?
  5. FAST Program Admission Policies
  6. How Do You Apply to a FAST Program?
  7. FAST Program Retention Policies
  8. Timeline
  9. Program Off-Ramps
  10. What To Do Now?
  11. Resources

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FAST Programs Definition

  • What is a FAST Program?
    • Falcon Accelerated Success Track (FAST) Programs

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    • Joint (blended) Bachelor's and Master's degree
      • Also referred to as 4+1 programs
    • Why is it fast?
      • Double counting of up to 12 units between programs allowed
      • Minimum of 138 total units required (BS 120 + MS 18)

Rather than 150 total units (BS 120 + 30 MS)

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Example Programs

  • BS + MS in Biological Sciences
  • BA Global Studies + MA History
  • BS Business Administration + MS Marketing Analytics
  • BS + MS in Kinesiology
  • BS Data Science + MS Statistics
  • BS Recreation + MS Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism

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Benefits of FAST Programs

  • Provide an accelerated route to a graduate degree, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a shorter time and at lower cost
  • No “formal” application made through Cal State Apply; no application fee
  • Accepted to graduate program in junior year rather than Spring of senior year and so can plan for future more easily
  • Can provide a meaningful capstone experience where a senior project could be incorporated into a graduate thesis/project

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How Does It Work?

  • Essentially, fewer units (up to 12 less) are required for the undergraduate major (so only 120-12 = 108 units required)
  • Graduate degree requirements unchanged - typically 30 units
  • Start taking graduate courses in your senior year
  • Example roadmap

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FAST Program Admission Policies

  • Internal campus application with no fee
  • Bachelor’s students may apply after they have earned 60-90 units
  • Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA to apply to a FAST program
  • Applicants must have completed all lower division General Education and lower division major coursework prior to applying to the blended program
  • Programs may specify more stringent admission requirements

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How Do You Apply to a FAST Program?

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  • Attend information workshop or meet with FAST Program Advisor
  • Make request to your FAST Program Advisor to submit application on your behalf
  • Advisor checks your eligibility and submits application to University Registrar
  • Application routed for approval (yours, FAST Program Advisor, Undergrad Advisor if different, International Programs, Registrar)
  • Effective immediately like a change of concentration

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FAST Program Retention Policies

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  • While in undergraduate career:
    • Must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all upper-division and graduate-level work while in program
  • Students must have completed all university-wide undergraduate requirements (upper division GE, overlays, Code and University Writing Requirement) BEFORE transitioning into the FAST graduate degree objective status.
  • Students pay undergraduate tuition and fees until they move to graduate status

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FAST Program Retention Policies

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  • While in graduate career, regular graduate program policies apply
    • 3.0 GPA required
    • 5-year rule
    • Student applies for graduation for master’s degree as usual

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Timeline

  • AY 25-26 - Junior Year
    • Apply to FAST program
  • AY 26-27 - Senior Year
    • Start taking double-counted courses
    • Graduate with bachelor’s degree in Spring 27
    • Transition to graduate career at end of Spring 27
  • AY 27-28 - Graduate Year
    • Take graduate courses as graduate student
    • Graduate with master’s degree Spring 28

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Timeline

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FAST Scholar Responsibilities

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  • Meet with FAST Program Advisor each semester
  • Maintain 3.0 GPA in upper division and graduate courses
    • Use DAR to verify - Example DAR
  • Register for and complete double-counted courses on roadmap timeline
  • Apply for bachelor’s graduation after they have completed 90 program-applicable units
  • Complete graduate degree requirements as usual

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FAST Program Off-Ramps

  • Off-ramps = paths by which FAST Program Scholars may leave the FAST program and complete their bachelor’s degree alone
  • Why necessary?
    • You decide against earning a master’s degree
    • Student is unable to maintain necessary 3.0 GPA in upper division and double-counted courses
    • Student does not complete university undergraduate degree requirements (upper division GE, UWR) by 120 unit deadline
    • Student does not take double-counted courses as required
  • We want to ensure that you earn your bachelor’s degree even if you leave FAST program

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FAST Program Off-Ramps

  • How implemented?
    • You can file a request with Registrar to leave the FAST program
      • Same Change of Concentration/Major form already in place
      • Takes effect immediately
      • Guaranteed that you can use any double-counted courses you have already taken towards your bachelor’s degree
    • FAST Program Advisor will contact University Registrar if you are unable to meet retention requirements

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What to do now?

  • Look over FAST program website
    • Discuss FAST programs with FAST Program Advisors
    • Check the general eligibility requirements
      • 60-90 units, complete lower division major and GE courses, 2.5 GPA
    • Check the requirements for your intended FAST program
  • At beginning of Fall semester, if eligible, meet with your FAST Program Advisor and ask them to apply on your behalf
  • First application period begins first day of Fall semester 2025

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Resources

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