University of Vermont - Department of Community Development and Applied Economics

About this program

Coverdell Fellows are eligible to receive nine tuition-free credits toward their degree through the Peace Corps Analysis course, in which they prepare a paper reflecting on their Peace Corps service and the UVM studies. Application fees will be waived. Coverdell applicants will also be considered for additional financial aid, including partial tuition scholarships, on an individual basis.

In addition, out-of-state applicants to our professional Master of Public Administration program (MPA) automatically receive a 33% tuition reduction. Reflecting the Peace Corps "Bring the Lessons Home" focus, Coverdell Fellows will commit to undertake 150 hours of community service over the course of their studies with local organizations of their choice.

The Community Development and Applied Economics (CDAE) department also houses UVM's on-campus Peace Corps Recruiter. This assistantship is available to applicants every other year and provides full two-years of funding for a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer to pursue their CDAE MS or MPA degree. Please click here for more information.

• Year partnership began: 2004
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): There is no limit on the number of Fellowships that can be offered.

Application requirements

Personal statement, 3 references, acceptable GPA. GRE scores for CDAE MS program only (no GREs required for MPA program), undergraduate transcripts; pre-requisites can be completed by end of first semester enrolled in degree.

Admissions process

Current and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers must specify their Peace Corps service in their resume. Please submit a resume with the application. Contact Julie Starr at [email protected] to request an application fee waiver.

Degrees awarded

Master's of Science in Community Development and Applied Economics, Master's of Public Administration

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: $13,744

Cost savings details

25% tuition waiver for both graduate programs. The out-of-state tuition listed is for the MPA program. The cost for the MS CDAE program for out-of-state students with a Coverdell Fellowship is $48,488. Please visit our Coverdell Website for more information.

Internship

Paul D. Coverdell Fellows undertake a minimum of 150 hours of community service in underserved communities here in the US. As part of this service experience, Fellows gain experience with, and ties to, a local organization, leveraging an opportunity to apply their Peace Corps skills to a broad range of development issues. The CDAE department is part of a well-developed network of local organizations, and possible service-learning opportunities run the gamut of student interest.

Other opportunities

Fellows are also eligible to apply for our Peace Corps Recruiter position every other year. This is a 2-year position for students in either the MPA or MS CDAE program. This is a paid position that comes with a full tuition scholarship for 20 hours/week of work as the Campus Peace Corps Recruiter. Additionally, Coverdell Fellows are considered for paid Teaching Assistant positions.

Jobs for alumni

• Executive Director, Vermont Housing Finance Agency
• CEO, United Way of Northwest Vermont
• Director, Consumer Assistance Program, VT Attorney General
• Assistant Director of Communications, VT Attorney General
• Communications Director, NY State Senator Andrew Gounardes
• Financial Director, Central Office Fiscal Operations, VT Agency of Human Services
• Program Manager, Population Media Center
• Deputy Project Manager, Democracy & Governance, Tetra Tech ARD
• Deputy Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children & Families, US Department of Health & Human Services
• Communications Director, VT Cancer Center
• Town Administrator, Town of Waitsfield
• Development Director, Food Shelf Program, Feeding Chittenden
• Social Media Strategist & Content Marketer, UVM Medical Center
• Director, Financial Services, VT Department of Economic Development
• Director of Planning & Development, City of St. Albans
• Assistant Dean, UVM College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
• Analyst, Goodworks Ventures
• Project Analyst, SSG Advisors
• Program Manager, Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
• Owner/Consultant, Small Systems Consulting
• Founder, Al Freshco
• Project Manager, ICF International
• Director, Center for Women & Enterprise Vermont
• Energy Analyst, NH Office of Energy and Planning
• Research Specialist, Center for Rural Studies, UVM
• Associate Professor, UVM
• Outreach Coordinator, Middlebury College Office of Sustainability Integration
• Land Treatment Planner, Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Deputy Director & Co-Founder, GreenWave
• Policy & Outreach Staffer, Office of US Senator Bernie Sanders

Nontraditional options

Part-time degree program

Our MPA is a professional degree program and is designed for working professionals. Core courses are offered in the late afternoons and evenings. Thesis is not required for this program.