University at Albany - Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy
Why you should consider this program
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University at Albany is excited to partner with the Peace Corps to offer the Coverdell Fellows program! The College’s mission is twofold: to prepare students to be productive participants in political and policy processes and to produce new knowledge in the areas of politics, policy, and management. Rockefeller’s academic and career preparation programs prepare students to address inequalities in public policy and to solve difficult administrative and policy problems in local, state, national and global communities. Since the College’s mission is fully in line with the Fellowship’s commitment to supporting impoverished and/or socially disadvantaged communities, Fellows will be able to use their experience to their utmost advantage to support their coursework and internships. Coverdell Fellows work with Rockefeller’s Office of Career Development to obtain meaningful internship placements relevant to careers in public administration, public policy and international affairs.
Rockefeller College is proud to be recognized by US News & World Report as one of the top schools in the country and offers unmatched tuition value among the nation’s top schools of public affairs - even for out-of-state students.
Benefits for Coverdell Fellows
| Tuition/fees for Complete Program | Value of Coverdell Fellowship | Net cost * | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In state | $ 26,116 | $ 6,604 | $ 19,512 |
| Out of state | $ 49,236 | $ 12,384 | $ 36,852 |
Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from
Financial support will be provided to Coverdell Fellows in the form of a tuition scholarship, which will reduce the cost of the degree by 25 percent. Applicants will also receive an application fee waiver.
Fellowships awarded per year (average)
1
Other benefits or opportunities
All RPCV applicants will also be considered for additional scholarships and assistantships for which they meet the eligibility criteria. Fellows will be given the opportunity to apply for tuition scholarships and paid internships for their second year.
Annual cost of living (estimated)
$ 12,500
Application fee waived?
YesInternship
Students are required to complete a total of 350 hours of internship service in the Master of Public Admistration (MPA) program and 400 hours of internship service in the Master of International Affairs (MIA) program. Because of the strong nonprofit network in the Capital Region, Fellows will have the opportunity to address many policy and direct service issues that have affected those most impacted by poverty and social injustice. Additionally, since Rockefeller College is located in the heart of the New York State Capital,
Fellows may intern within federal, state, and local government agencies where they can address a variety of policy issues related to housing, homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, immigration, etc.
The College also offers a number of courses online or via synchronous distance learning. Thus, Fellows could participate in an internship outside of the Capital Region. In recent years, our students have interned at several organizations, including:
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Albany Field Office
- Hunger Action Network of New York State
- NYS Office for New Americans
- NYS Department of Health
- NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
- Unity House of Troy
- American Red Cross
- NYS Senate
- Mayan Families
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Government Accountability Office
Jobs for program alumni
- International Service for Human Rights- Fellowship
- Asylum Officer & Immigration Officer- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Policy and Community Engagement Coordinator- NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Assistant Director of Operations and Development- Mayan Families
- Program Analyst- Bureau of International Security & Nonproliferation- U.S. Department of State
- Analyst- Government Accountability Office
- International Relief Program- Amnesty International
- Budget Analyst- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Healthcare Data Analyst- IPRO
- Child Protective Services Supervisor- NYS Office of Children & Family Services
Other details
Program length
2 years of full-time study
Application requirements
- Completed Degree Application
- Transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate work to date (unofficial copies can be submitted, but official will be required upon acceptance)
- Official GRE Scores***
*GMAT & LSAT scores are also acceptable
** GRE waiver requests will be considered from applicants who possess 5 or more years of relevant full-time professional work experience.
- 2 letters of recommendation
- 1 to 2 page statement of background and goals
- Resume
- Peace Corps Volunteer official “Description of Service” (DOS)
Admissions process
Prospective students will have the opportunity to indicate that they are/will be a qualified returned Peace Corps volunteer (RPCV) who wishes to be considered for the Coverdell Fellowship on their application to the College’s MIA or MPA program. Rockefeller College will also waive the application fee for RPCVs applying to the MIA and MPA programs. For questions about the application and to request an application fee waiver, please reach out to the College’s admissions office: [email protected].
Program begins
Mid-August
Non-traditional options
All required courses for the MPA and MIA programs have an evening and/or online class option.
Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started
2019