Why you should consider this program

The Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS) is committed to hosting Returning Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) because their real world, international experience will be a tremendous asset in the classroom, on our campus, and within our community.

The Master of Arts (MA) degree in Global Sustainability offers students a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the environment, as well as the social and economic dimensions of sustainability. The M.A. in Global Sustainability offers three concentrations: Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, Sustainability Policy and Sustainable Business. All concentrations are offered in online, on-campus format, and blended formats to meet the needs of student schedules. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Global Sustainability offers five (5) academic concentrations, available in a traditional on-campus format, blended hybrid formats or fully online: Entrepreneurship, Food Sustainability and Security, Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Transportation, and Water Sustainability. Our interdisciplinary approach to curriculum and the diversity of the disciplines represented by our faculty, paired with a global internship program, prepares students to address complex regional, national, and global challenges with the ability to innovate in diverse cultural, geographic, and demographic contexts.

Our program is an excellent fit for RPCVs. The partnership will allow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to complete a graduate degree in one of nine (8) concentrations in the field of sustainability. Students within our program connect regularly with our community partners and have a strong record of success in the workplace upon completion of the degree. All Coverdell Fellows are required to be on campus students to be eligible for the Fellows program.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows

	Tuition/fees for Complete Program	Value of Coverdell Fellowship	Net cost *
In state	$ 15,531	$ 5,000	$ 10,531
Out of state	$ 31,578	$ 10,000	$ 21,578

* 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

$5,000/$10,000 Scholarship (First award $2500/$5000 Spring, Second award $2500/$5000 Fall)

Fellowships awarded per year (average)

1 to 3

Other benefits or opportunities

Fellows are eligible to apply for any available graduate assistantships and scholarships offered at USF.

Annual cost of living (estimated)

$ 19,924

Application fee waived?

No

Internship

As a part of our master’s degree program, fellows will fulfill their 6-credit capstone internship requirement either nationally, regionally, or locally.

Jobs for program alumni

On average, 75-85% of our graduates who are seeking jobs obtain positions in the sustainability field within 12 months of graduation. Examples of recent alumni careers include: Senior Project Specialist (Santec), Sustainability Officer (HCC), Environmental Health and Safety Manager (Formulated Solutions), Recycling and Sustainability Manager (Leon County, FL), Environment Project Manager (HDR).

Other details

Program length

1 to 2 years

Application requirements

Students interested in the Coverdell program must first be accepted into the program;  Interviews for Coverdell Fellows occur in Fall to determine winners for Spring awards.   All Coverdell applicants should have a primary source of funding other than the Coverdell, as it is a very competitive program. For more info on our Coverdell Program please see: https://www.usf.edu/pcgs/student-resources/peace-corps/index.aspx

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Coverdell Fellows are required to complete the master’s degree on campus, due to program requirements.

Program begins

Mid-August (Fall semester); early January (Spring semester)

Non-traditional options

All core classes are offered on-campus and online; a variety of concentration classes are offered online; a variety of Summer classes are offered online; on-campus classes are held weekdays in the evenings.

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started

2017

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Contact

Randall Pape, M.B.A., Assistant Director of Academic Services, Patel College of Global Sustainability