What is the Master’s International Program?
The Master’s International integrates graduate study at the School of International Service (SIS) and Peace Corps service into a single program. Participants are able to pursue a degree in one of the 8 graduate programs offered at SIS while in the Peace Corps.
How Does the Program Work?
MI students begin their first year of graduate coursework at SIS. After receiving a Peace Corps placement, students travel to their respective sites and begin training. While in service, MI students draw on their graduate experience while focused on Peace Corps service and earn 6 credits towards their master’s degree requirements during their 27-month service. After completing Peace Corps, MI students return to SIS to finish their graduate course work.
What are the Benefits of the MI Program?
There are programmatic, financial, and professional benefits of the MI program.
Programmatic:
In addition to the individual benefits of both the Peace Corps and the SIS graduate degree programs, MI students are able to fully realize the goal of combining theory and practice through the program. Additionally, MI students have the benefit of close mentorship by SIS faculty and staff through their academic and overseas experiences.
Financial:
In addition to the financial benefits of Peace Corps service, MI participants will receive 6 credits tuition waiver towards their master’s degree requirements while performing their Peace Corps service.
Professional:
MI graduates complete the program deeply prepared for a successful career in the international arena, having acquired the theoretical and skill based training of a rigorous master’s degree program in international affairs coupled with two years of substantive international experience.
Am I Eligible for the Program?
The MI program is open to all students who have been admitted to a master’s degree program in SIS and who are also admitted to the Peace Corps. Peace Corps volunteers must be Americans aged 18 or older, and SIS master’s applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university to be eligible to apply.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants interested in participating in the Master’s International program have to apply to both and be accepted by both SIS and the Peace Corps. We strongly encourage you to apply to SIS and the Peace Corps simultaneously. Applicants who apply to SIS for the fall semester (January 15 deadline) will receive their SIS admission decision by April. Spring applicants (October 1 deadline) will receive their decision from SIS in late November.
Applicants will know if their application is being considered by the Peace Corps within 2 weeks. The entire duration from application to placement for Peace Corps service usually takes 9 – 12 months. If accepted to both institutions it is the applicant’s responsibility to notify their Peace Corps recruiter of their acceptance to SIS and request deferral from the Peace Corps. Ideally, MI participants will complete a year of graduate study at SIS before beginning their Peace Corps service which lasts approximately 27 months. MI participants will receive 6 credits tuition waiver while performing their Peace Corps service. Students then return to SIS to complete their course works and other degree requirements.
