Georgia State University - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

About this program

The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, ranked 22nd in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools for Public Affairs, is a distinguished part of Georgia State University. Situated in the heart of downtown Atlanta, a major center for government and nonprofit organizations, the school offers its 2,100 students easy access to both distinguished mentors and unparalleled internship and graduate research opportunities.

Andrew Young School faculty’s research, teaching and external training programs are recognized globally for their influence on policy and management issues that affect local, regional and national governments, communities and nonprofits. Together, our students, alumni, and faculty work to advance economic opportunity, human rights, and social justice across the world.

*Average tuition and fees based on 2024-25 academic year rates for a full-time graduate student taking nine-hours/semester in fall and spring terms.

• Year partnership began: 2017
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 2

Application requirements

All application deadlines and requirements per program can be found on our website at https://aysps.gsu.edu/admissions/application-deadlines-requirements/.

• Online Application,
• Goals Statement (Special guidelines for MSW),
• Copies of Official Transcripts,
• Three Letters of Recommendation,
• Resume/CV (recommended for MPA/MPP, not required)

Admissions process

• Begin Your Application: Start by completing the online application for your chosen graduate program. Ensure you navigate to the ‘Andrew Young School Information’ tab within the application to access the Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship section.
• Submit Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter: Include a letter detailing your Peace Corps service experience.
  • Description of Service (DoS): Attach an official DoS document, duly signed by your Peace Corps Certifying Officer.
• Application Fee Waiver:
  • Within the online application, locate the 'Application Fee Waivers' tab. From the drop-down menu, select "Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Letter" and upload your DoS letter. This will initiate the fee waiver process.
• Deadline Compliance: It's crucial to submit your complete application, along with all required materials, by the specified priority deadline. This ensures your consideration for the Coverdell Fellowship.
• Application Review: After you submit your application, it will be evaluated alongside others in the priority deadline pool. You can expect to be notified of your admission and Coverdell Fellow status within two months after the priority deadline.

Degrees awarded

Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Economics, Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Social Work (MSW), M.I.S. Urban Studies

Benefits and opportunities

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: $23,500

Cost savings details

All tuition, except $37.50 per term, is waived, plus 8-hour-per-week research assistantship

Internship

When Coverdell Fellows begin their coursework, they will meet with a graduate advisor to plan their course of study. In that plan, they will be required to meet with the AYS Career Services to identify internship locations that support underserved American communities. Students will work with a career advisor to secure an internship during a semester that fits with their course of study and program goals. Students will enroll in an internship course for credit to count towards their graduate degree.

Other opportunities

Jobs for alumni

• Alzheimer’s Association
• American Cancer Society
• Annie E Casey Foundation
• Atlanta Beltline
• Atlanta City Council
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters
• Boys & Girls Club of America
• CARE
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Central Atlanta Progress, Inc.
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
• Consumer Technology Association
• Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
• Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia
• Friends of Refugees
• Georgia Department of Education
• Georgia Emergency Management Agency
• Georgia Law Center for the Homeless
• Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement
• Georgia Watch
• Habitat for Humanity International
• Kate’s Club
• Pew Charitable Trusts
• Public Broadcasting Atlanta
• RealCity Commercial Real Estate
• Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers
• Shepherd Center
• Southern Regional Education Board
• SouthFace Energy Institute
• Teach for America-Metro Atlanta
• The Carter Center
• U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. State Department
• World Bank
• YMCA of Metro Atlanta

Nontraditional options