Clark University - Department of Sustainability & Social Justice

About this program

Welcome to the Department of Sustainability and Social Justice (formerly IDCE)! We strive for a more just and sustainable world. We embrace the complexity of urgent social, political, and ecological problems and seek to approach these challenges through multidisciplinary teaching and learning, collaborative scholarship, and innovation.

We offer master’s degrees in Community Development & Planning, Environmental Science & Policy, International Development, Geographic Information Science, and Sustainable Food Systems.

The diversity of our degrees is matched by a student body rich in experience and identity. Our classes are deliberately small to foster a tight-knit community. We tackle complex problems and build community across differences in knowledge and approach. Students develop critical analytical skills, explore linkages between local and global perspectives, and develop effective means to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Our goal is to graduate students who are effective in their efforts to address major challenges – the sort of people employers seek. Our graduates put their skills to work for private, nonprofit, and government organizations. Come be a part of our community and make a difference around the world!

Year partnership began: 2010
Fellowships awarded per year (average): 4

Application requirements

Online application form
Official undergraduate transcripts (unofficial are acceptable for application review)
Resume or CV
Personal statement
Two letters of recommendation
Description of Service (if service is complete) or letter from Country Director (if currently serving)

Admissions process

While filling out the online application, respond "Yes" to the question ‘Do you have an affiliation with a Clark-recognized partnership organization (Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Fulbright, Beta Gamma Sigma, etc.?” In the 'Please Specify” box, select “Coverdell".

Degrees awarded

Master of Arts in Community Development & Planning, Master of Arts in International Development, Master of Science in Environmental Science & Policy, Master of Science in Geographic Information Science

Benefits and opportunities

	In-state	Out-of-state
Tuition and fees	$49,835	$49,835
Value of fellowship	$24,075	$24,075
Net cost	$25,760	$25,760

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $15,000

Cost savings details

50% tuition waver + $75 application fee waiver.

Internship

Coverdell Fellows are required to complete an internship (150 hours) supporting an underserved American community. Although Fellows are responsible for securing their internship, current Fellows and our office of Career Development and External Relationships can help locate opportunities. Internships related to the Fellow’s field of study may receive academic credit toward degree requirements. The internship requirement can be fulfilled in one semester or throughout a Fellow’s time at Clark. Recent Coverdell Fellows have had internships at USAID, the City of Worcester, and many local nonprofit organizations.

Other opportunities

Fellows participate in professional development workshops offered by our department’s office of Career Development and External Relations. Fellows help organize events to raise awareness about Peace Corps across campus and social events with Worcester’s RPCV community. Many Fellows serve as Course Assistants and/or provide guest lectures for undergraduate courses based on their Peace Corps experience. Fellows can participate in our Global Learning Collaboratives in Worcester, Bangladesh, Central Mexico, Ethiopia, Greece, Puerto Rico, and other sites across the Caribbean.