The University of Maine Graduate School and School of Policy and International Affairs

About this program

The University of Maine’s School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA) offers an ideal next step to a commitment of global service. With its MA in Global Policy and concentrations in Environmental Policy, Climate Policy, Trade & Commerce, and Security & Foreign Policy, SPIA builds on the core values of the Peace Corps such as cross-cultural engagement, problem-solving in complex settings, and a deep commitment to public service. RPCVs bring field experience, cultural understanding, and adaptability that align perfectly with SPIA’s mission to prepare future leaders in international affairs. SPIA’s interdisciplinary curriculum gives RPCVs the tools to contextualize their fieldwork, deepen their policy knowledge, and translate their ‘on the ground’ experience into significant global careers. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and real-world application. Small class sizes, personalized faculty mentorship, and a strong commitment to international service create a supportive environment where RPCVs can further their education while staying true to their values. By enrolling in SPIA, you can amplify your Peace Corps experience, gain the academic foundation to influence global policy, and join a network of professionals dedicated to making a difference. This partnership offers not just a degree, but a continuation of the mission RPCVs began abroad.

• Year partnership began: 2026
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 1

Application requirements

SPIA requires college transcripts with above a 3.0, but considers a 3.5 to be highly competitive. 3 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a 65 USD application fee which should all be submitted via the UMaine Graduate School online application.

Admissions process

SPIA is a fully in person program and the classes happen mostly during the school day.

Degrees awarded

Master of Arts in Global Policy

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: $13,500

Cost savings details

Coverdell Fellows will receive a 100% tuition waiver for the 30 credits of the program, plus all fees covered for the 2 years.

Internship

Fellows will work closely with SPIA’s director and their faculty mentors to identify internships that align with both their academic focus and the Peace Corps mission of serving underserved communities. SPIA maintains partnerships with local, state, and national organizations to help connect Fellows with meaningful, service-oriented roles. Each Fellow is expected to take an active role in the process, researching opportunities, preparing application materials, and participating in interviews with support and guidance from the SPIA director at every step. This collaborative approach ensures that internships are both relevant and impactful, allowing Fellows to build on their Peace Corps experience in a domestic context. Students have secured internships at AARP, MITC, Maine Economic Development, The Senators Philanthropy Outreach, with local Non-Profits, town agencies and the Maine State government. We ask our students what they want to do and then we pursue internships in that realm!

Other opportunities

At any point Coverdell Fellows can choose to apply for any on campus Graduate Assistantships which come with full tuition, 50% health insurance, and a monthly stipend in return for 20 hours a week of work. If a student is granted this opportunity they can choose to forgo the Coverdell Scholarship for another RPCV.

Jobs for alumni

-Strategic Partnerships Officer at the UN World Food Programme

- Project Manager at World Vision

-Policy Director at Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)

-Boren Scholarship Recipients in Brazil, Jordan, Belarus, Latvia and Tanzania

-Environmental Specialist for PA DMVA

-Program Associate for the Europe & Eurasia Department at the Center for

International Private Enterprise

-Communications and Policy Lead at Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition

-Founder of CharismaWorks in Greece

-Foreign Service Officer

-Positions with Government Security Agencies

-Positions in Higher Education Institutes like the University of Maine

-Fully funded PhD Programs

-Director of Government Relations at Maine Primary Care Association

-HR Project Assistant

-Program Associate, International Republican Institute & National Democratic Institute

-Workforce Development Specialist, Eastern Maine Development Corporation

-Strategic Partnerships Officer at United Nations

-Senior Program Associate, Social Protection Program at Innovations for Poverty 3 Action

-Founder and Executive Director, Kindred Planet Productions

-Manager of Corporate Partnerships, Harrisburg Senators

We could go on with the diversity of opportunity that presents itself to SPIA graduates. Bottomline, alumni are in a variety of positions all over the world. Job placement in the general area of their interest is near 100%.

Nontraditional options