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Grad School or Peace Corps... Why Not Do Both?

DEADLINE: Incoming Fall 2013 students must submit their application to Peace Corps by September 1, 2013.

Peace Corps and the University of Michigan School of Social Work

The University of Michigan School of Social Work in conjunction with the Peace Corps is pleased to announce the availability of a Master's International (MI) program. The UM-SSW Peace Corps MI program will allow students interested in working with children and youth to incorporate 27 months of Peace Corps service into their MSW program. Students in this program will participate in the Master's International program with the Peace Corps and earn a MSW degree from the University of Michigan in four years.

MSW program students will select the Children and Youth in Family and Society practice area and will be placed in a youth development assignment for their Peace Corps service. The MI program will further enhance learning and skills by giving students an opportunity to complete 27 months of significant international professional experience in a country overseas while addressing youth development.

In the past, youth development specialists have received Peace Corps assignments in these countries: Azerbaijan, Belize, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Eastern Caribbean islands, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru. PLEASE NOTE: This provides possible youth development sites, which are subject to change. Students should keep in mind that they are not allowed to select countries for their Peace Corps Master’s International experience.

Please see the Peace Corps Master's International flyer

Program Structure

Students in the MI program will first complete one year of coursework on campus. Afterward, they will serve overseas in the Peace Corps for 27 months. Students will then return to campus to complete their last year or semester of coursework.

Course Work

Students will receive 6 elective credits total for their participation in the Master’s International program. These credits will be earned by: 1) a preparation seminar taken the winter semester before leaving for Peace Corps, 2) successful completion of 27 months of Peace Corps service, and 3) a capstone seminar taken the fall semester following Peace Corps service. The Peace Corps Master's International curriculum schedules indicate the typical course credit and field placement credit hours per term.

Program Requirements

  • Students who intend to apply for the Master's International program must notify the school by sending an email to ssw.peacecorps@umich.edu
  • In order to join the Peace Corps, you must be over age 18 and a U.S. citizen
  • MSW applicants should apply to the U-M School of Social Work first and upon acceptance can apply to the Peace Corps
  • Peace Corps applications should be submitted by September 1st of the Fall Term when applicants begin course work, which is 9-12 months before the desired departure date. On the Peace Corps application, please indicate the earliest possible departure date is early May and the latest departure date is June.
  • Applicants must be accepted to both programs
  • Students must notify the Office of Student Services once they have been accepted to the Peace Corps by sending an email to ssw.msw.info@umich.edu
  • Student must enroll in either the 12-month advanced standing or 20- month Peace Corps Master’s International curriculum
  • Applicants must select the Children and Youth in Families and Society practice area and may select any practice method concentration: Community Organization, Interpersonal Practice, Management of Human Services, or Social Policy and Evaluation
  • Students in the program must enroll in a 1-credit preparation seminar (SW 648) the Winter Term before their departure for the Peace Corps and a 2-credit capstone seminar (SW 748) during the Fall Term upon their return from their Peace Corps service.

Application Process

Funding

  • Nonresident: $10,000 total award* (Advanced Standing/45 credit hour program students) $20,000 total award* (60 credit hour program students)
  • Resident: $5,000 total award* (Advanced Standing students) $10,000 total award* (60 credit hour program students)

* Financial aid awards for Peace Corps Master's International students will be disbursed in the term(s) after successful completion of Peace Corps service.

Applicants to the PC-MI program are eligible for a variety of competitive and need-based grants, scholarships and loans available to all MSW applicants. For more information on financial support from the School of Social Work, refer to Current Grants and Scholarships.

Peace Corps Benefits

  • Language, cross-cultural, and technical training
  • Travel costs to and from the country of service
  • Overseas living and housing expenses
  • Medical and dental coverage
  • Vacation time
  • Transition funds of just over $7,000 following service
  • Career and transition assistance

Contact Information

For more information about the UM- School of Social Work Peace Corps Master's International program contact the Office of Global Activities at 734-936-1964 or ssw.peacecorps@umich.edu.

Also, students may contact the on-campus Peace Corps Office at the University of Michigan located in the International Center at (734)647-2182 or peace.corps@umich.edu.