Why you should consider this program

The persistent poor health status indicators and negative health outcomes experienced by the populations of the mid-south suggest a continued need for public health professional training, research and academic/practice partnerships in community-based interventions. The UAB School of Public Health is committed to preparing its graduates to have the knowledge and skills to contribute to the reduction of the burden of illness and disability among the populations especially in the mid-south and to effect positive change in public health and health systems in order to achieve health outcome and health promotion goals for this region, the nation and the world. The Coverdell Fellows Program in the UAB School of Public Health targets highly motivated, talented students who have already demonstrated their commitment to serving disadvantaged communities, and who, because of their Peace Corps training and service, will bring unique knowledge and skills back home to share with the populations they will serve in their future careers.  Fellows successfully completing the Program will receive a Master of Public Health. As part of their studies and related thereto, the Fellows will complete a substantial internship, which will benefit a high-need American community.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 19,636	$ 8,000	$ 11,636
Out of state	$ 46,222	$ 34,586	$ 11,636

* 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

In-state tuition offered for out-of-state students, stipend for in-state students.

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

2

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 20,000

Application fee waived?

No

Internship

Internships are available in under-served areas of urban Birmingham, AL, the Black Belt region of Alabama, and potentially in Jamaica or the Dominican Republic.

Other details

Program length

2 years

Application requirements

Completion of Peace Corps service as evidenced in Description of Service*, completed SOPHAS application with all required documents

*All returned Peace Corps Volunteers must submit their Description of Service (DOS). Current Peace Corps Volunteers should submit a letter of support from their Country Director specifying that the applicant is in good standing until the DOS is available.

Admissions process

Complete the SOPHAS application, making sure to check ‘yes’ when asked if you are a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer eligible for the Coverdell Fellows program

Submit the supplemental application form on the Sparkman Center website here: https://www.uab.edu/sparkmancenter/peace-corps

Program begins

3 semester option- Fall late August, Spring early January, and Summer early June

Non-traditional options

• Online degree program

Our MPH is available both in traditional classroom settings or on-line.

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2016

---

Contact

Camryn Durham, Program Manager II for the UAB Sparkman Center for Global Health