Why you should consider this program

NMSU is a comprehensive research land-grant university excelling in teaching, research and public service. NMSU is truly a reflection of the region’s vibrant communities - an exciting place to tackle challenges, find answers to important issues and prepare for the future. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized NMSU’s commitment to community impact. In 2015, the foundation selected NMSU to carry its Community Engagement Classification. NMSU is one of 361 colleges and universities nationwide and the only one in New Mexico to carry that designation. It acknowledges NMSU’'s partnerships around the community, across all disciplines, from work in rural communities to highly specialized scientific research. NMSU has established interdisciplinary research clusters that build on institutional strengths and respond to local, regional, and national needs in areas such as natural resource sustainability, information sciences and security, space and aerospace programs, biosciences, and border-related programs (such as health, education, and economic development).

Our Fellows program, establish in 2009, in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, has awarded degrees to a wide range of RPCVs, who have served across the globe. The NMSU Fellows are a supportive and diverse group that lend diversity to any graduate experience.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 14,500	$ 31,460	$ 0 + You receive additional benefits.
Out of state	$ 45,000	$ 35,000	$ 10,000

* 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 the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from

Out-of-state students, who receive a graduate assistantship, pay in-state tuition.

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 28,000

Application fee waived?

Yes

Internship

Internships are not specifically required in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, but graduate students work on research projects with faculty advisors. A variety of assistantships are provided, depending on the availability of funding. These may include research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or general assistantships. Prospective students must discuss the various funding mechanisms with the Peace Corps Fellows Faculty Coordinator for the college and possible faculty mentors.

Other details

Program length

Master’s – usually 2-3 years; Doctorate – usually 3-5 years

Application requirements

Both Master’s and Doctorate programs require GRE scores taken in the last 2 years.

Both programs require official transcripts.

Admissions process

When the person is applying to the NMSU Graduate School and the site asks how the person will be paying, indicate "Pay by check" and this lets the Graduate School know that the fee is being waived. The RPCV will upload a copy of their Close of Services (COS) statement - with the Graduate School application - indicating that the wavier is for a RPCV. In addition, the individual needs to contact the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Peace Corps Fellows Coordinator to obtain the Fellows Application form. Complete the Fellows application and return it to the Coordinator with the COS papers and a resume.

Program begins

Fall semester: mid-August, Spring semester: early January

Non-traditional options

• None

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Contact

Kevin Lombard, Professor of Plant Genetics and Director NMSU AES, Cropping Systems Research Innovation Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM