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 2003, in the College of Health and Social Services, 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	$ 22,800	$ 17,464	$ 5,336
Out of state	$ 22,800	$ 17,464	$ 5,336

* 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

These costs are for the two-year MPH and MSW programs. The cost savings come from a graduate assistantship that Coverdell Fellows are guaranteed, working for 10 hours per week. Out-of-state students, who receive a graduate assistantship, pay in-state tuition.

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

5

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 18,000

Application fee waived?

Yes

Internship

Internships are required of both the MPH and MSW programs. A MSW internship is 950 hours over a two year period, working with two different agencies/programs. The MPH internship is 160 hours over one semester working with one agency/program. Sites may include a non-profit organization, school, or government program working with different communities on diverse health or social issues.

Jobs for program alumni

Development officer with an international non-profit organization, training and outreach coordinator for a state government program, assistant director for prevention and outreach at a university, health systems manager for a state government program, program officer for a Communications program working with family planning, epidemiologist for a state health program, family therapist with a non-profit organization.

Other details

Program length

MPH and MSW - 2 years; dual MSW/MPH - 3 years

Application requirements

Both programs require the submission of 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 Description of Service (DOS) statement - with the Graduate School application - indicating that the wavier is for a RPCV. In addition, the individual needs to contact the Fellows Coordinator to obtain the Fellows Application form. Complete the Fellows application and return it to the Coordinator with the DOS document and a resume.

Program begins

Mid-August

Non-traditional options

• None

Fellows must be full-time students, on the main campus, in Las Cruces, NM.

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2003

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Contact

Christine Spurny, MPH, Peace Corps Fellows Coordinator and Program Specialist, Sr., Crimson Research