University of Colorado DenverCollege of Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Colorado Denver

M.S. in Environmental Sciences Peace Corps Master's International Program

program overview

The Master's International Program is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Peace Corps and the University of Colorado Denver that provides students with the opportunity to earn a Master's degree in Environmental Sciences and at the same time gain a Peace Corps experience. The objective of the program is to have students who are interested in international environmental issues to gain first-hand overseas experiences and earn credit towards their degree.

To qualify for the Program, students must meet the admissions requirements for the University M.S. in Environmental Sciences degree program and the requirements established by the Peace Corps for Volunteer service. In some cases, enrolled students will be able to apply to the Peace Corps as a Program applicant during their first semester of graduate study. A diverse pool of applicants and participants to the Program will be encouraged.

Program Participants entering the Peace Corps will complete approximately 12 weeks of pre-service training. Upon successful completion of training, Program Participants will become Peace Corps Volunteers and begin a two-year tour of service in their country of assignment.
Before beginning their Peace Corps assignments, Program Participants will be expected to meet academic requirements of the Program. The Program will be designed to prepare them for Peace Corps service and volunteer activities generally.

Why Become a MI Student or Peace Corps Volunteer? (Excerpt from Peace Corps Website)

As a Master's International Student, you have an unparalleled opportunity to live and work overseas while completing a Master's Degree in your field of interest. You will earn more than your degree, returning with feelings of independence, confidence, and accomplishment. The benefits of the Master's International Program can be countless and comprehensive. The extent of benefits, both professional and personal, depend upon your experience and intent while completing your coursework and serving as a Volunteer.

Many of the partner schools offer research or teaching assistantships. Most offer credits earned while serving in the Peace Corps. The schools also offer dedicated faculty and staff, who serve as ongoing resources throughout your academic and overseas experiences, as well as later in your professional careers.

Some other benefits include:

  • language, cross-cultural, and technical training
  • transportation costs to and from the country of service
  • living and housing expenses during overseas service
  • medical and dental coverage
  • vacation time and allowance
  • cancellation or deferment of certain government education loans
  • readjustment allowance upon completion of service
  • career counseling and job search facilities available to former Peace Corps Volunteers

Environmental Science Master's candidates who participate in the MI program have an excellent opportunity to observe and study environmental issues in other countries. As part of their experience, students can focus on environmental issues that are of concern in the country and region where they perform their Peace Corps volunteer work. This will be an experience that will combine the scienctific education and training of the environmental sciences graduate student with the cultural and environmental exposure of the Peace Corps overseas assignment.

Sample Program of Study for M.I. Students

Students are encouraged to follow a specific path in meeting the requirements for the M.S. in Environmental Sciences degree. Experience has shown that this path will minimize the time required for the student to complete the program. Many of the deadlines described in this timeline are enforced by other university entities, and are not open to slippage.

First Semester

  • Take ENVS 6002 Environmental Sciences Seminar plus as many core courses as are available and/or that student has time to take.
  • In conjunction with ENVS 6002 complete a tentative " Program Plan " to get an idea of what courses you may be interested in taking and a time frame for completing the Program, plus it is never too early to begin investigating potential projects and faculty advisors.

Following semesters

  • Complete core courses and ENVS 5600 Applied Statistics for the Natural Sciences.
  • Choose a faculty advisor
  • Begin taking your chosen electives.

The Peace Corps volunteer assignment should be accomplished after all of the Core courses have been completed and all electives have been taken within the chosen degree option. MI students can enroll for up to 6 credit hours of Independent Study (students advisor must approve Independent Study) for their Peace Corps project.

Final semester

  • Complete elective courses and finish independent study write-up, completing all relevant forms for completing M.S./M.I. program.

For additional information on the program, contact John Wyckoff, MI Program Coordinator (303)556-2590 (john.wyckoff@cudenver.edu) and visit the Peace Corps’ MI Website at: Peace Corps Master's International.

 

September 6, 2006