FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, May 6, 2013

Peace Corps Ranks the Top Master’s International and Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Graduate Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 7, 2013 – Peace Corps Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet is proud to recognize the 2013 top Master’s International and Paul D. Coverdell Fellows programs for currently serving and returned Peace Corps volunteers. For the eighth consecutive year, Michigan Technological University holds the top spot among Master’s International programs with 35 students currently serving as Peace Corps volunteers overseas. The University of Denver Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program ranks first for the second consecutive year with 56 returned Peace Corps volunteers enrolled as students.

“Hundreds of Peace Corps volunteers make a difference every year by combining meaningful service with graduate studies through the Peace Corps Master’s International and Coverdell Fellows programs,” Deputy Director Hessler-Radelet said. “Peace Corps service offers volunteers a global perspective and enhances leadership, language and technical skills beyond the classroom that position students for success in today’s competitive job market.”

The Peace Corps Master’s International program allows students to earn a graduate degree while serving overseas, and the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program provides returned Peace Corps volunteers with scholarships, academic credit and stipends toward an advanced degree after they complete their Peace Corps service.

The following are the top five Master’s International and Coverdell Fellows programs. To view the complete rankings, click here.

Top five Master’s International programs:
(The number in parenthesis represents the number of students enrolled in the program and serving overseas as of Sept. 30, 2012.)
1. Michigan Technological University (35)
2. Tulane University (29)
3. Monterey Institute of International Studies (26)                    
4. University of Denver (25)
5. University of South Florida (24)

Top five Coverdell Fellows programs:
(The number in parenthesis represents the number of students enrolled in the program as of Sept. 30, 2012.)
1. University of Denver (56)
2. University of Arizona (52)
3. Teachers College, Columbia University (45)
4. Johns Hopkins University (42)
5. Brandeis University (27)

After 27 months abroad working in a variety of volunteer positions throughout the world, Peace Corps volunteers with four-year degrees are uniquely qualified for the global marketplace. To view the 2013 top volunteer-producing colleges and universities, click here.

About Master’s International: Peace Corps partners with more than 80 colleges and universities nationwide to enable students to earn a graduate degree while serving in the Peace Corps. Students begin their studies on campus, serve overseas with the Peace Corps for two years, then return to school to finish graduate work. As part of Peace Corps service, the volunteer will work on projects related to his or her graduate studies. The Master’s International program began at Rutgers University–Camden in 1987, and since then, more than 1,000 Peace Corps volunteers have completed the program. For more information, visit www.peacecorps.gov/masters.      

About Coverdell Fellows: Peace Corps partners with more than 80 colleges and universities nationwide to offer returned volunteers an opportunity to earn their graduate or doctorate degree at a reduced cost. In return for financial benefits like reduced tuition, assistantships, and stipends, returned volunteers will put the skills they learned in the Peace Corps to work in professional internships in underserved American communities. Volunteers who have successfully completed their Peace Corps service have lifetime eligibility for the Coverdell Fellows program. Since it began in 1985 at Teachers College, Columbia University, more than 4,000 returned Peace Corps volunteers have completed the program. For more information, visit www.peacecorps.gov/fellows.   

About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 210,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 8,073 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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