University of Massachusetts Boston - School for Global Inclusion and Social Development

About this program

The mission of the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development (SGISD) is: Empowering communities locally, nationally, and internationally to advance wellness, educational access, economic participation, and social opportunities for all their citizens by developing leaders, building knowledge, and demonstrating real-world innovations that embrace inclusion. As such, we are closely aligned with the Peace Corps mission and philosophy of cross-cultural collaboration and local-level empowerment. We believe that inclusive policies and practices for marginalized groups not only fulfill a social justice objective, but also build peace within and between nations.

Students in our MA program in global inclusion and social development examine reasons that various populations get excluded from education, health care, and economic parity, and seek solutions to those issues. Our graduates go on to work toward justice and inclusion in a variety of settings, including research organizations and nonprofits/NGOs.

• Year partnership began: 2015
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 3

Application requirements

GRE/MAT scores, academic transcript, personal statement, letters of reference

Admissions process

Coverdell Fellows apply through the regular SGISD application process. Click here to apply.

When they apply, students should indicate in their personal statement that they are interested in the Coverdell Fellowship. They should also submit a copy of their official Peace Corps Description of Service via email to the fellows coordinator, Kaitlyn Siner-Cappas, at [email protected].

Ms. Siner-Cappas also can let candidates know the specific process for getting their application fee covered

Degrees awarded

Master in Global Inclusion and Social Development

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: $36,000

Cost savings details

Our Coverdell Fellows enjoy substantial savings from being given in-state status, even if they are an out-of-state resident, and getting 6 credits waived for their Peace Corps service. Overall, UMass Boston's tuition and fees add up to much less than those of other universities in the Boston area.

Internship

Our MA students choose an internship related to their area of focus in the field of global inclusion and social development. We have a 150-hour requirement for this internship, to be completed over the course of the student’s entire time at UMass Boston. A typical schedule might be 10 hours per week over 15 weeks. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Students must find their own internship, and are given strong support to do so by our program and through the university’s office of career services.

Other opportunities

Our Fellows have access to the wide range of community organizations with which UMass Boston has connections. This makes it simple to locate an internship opportunity related to students' specific area of interest. There is also an active Returned Peace Corps Volunteers association in Boston.

Jobs for alumni

Our MA and PhD programs in global inclusion and social development admitted our first students in 2014, so we don't yet have data on their jobs after completion. Their degree qualifies them to work in a range of careers in the government, education, and nonprofit spheres.

Nontraditional options

Low-residency/distance learning, Online degree program, Part-time degree program

In all of our programs, students have the option to complete courses online or in-person, and to study part-time or full-time. MA students in global inclusion and social development also have flexibility in taking a mixture of online and in-person courses. Part-time versus full-time status affects program costs. Please contact us to discuss how to customize our programs to fit your needs at [email protected].