The Peace Corps and West Virginia University are pleased to announce a partnership that will give selected students the opportunity to combine a graduate degree and Peace Corps service.
The new partnership is a part of the Peace Corps’ Master’s International program, which allows volunteers to combine Peace Corps service with a master’s degree program and receive credit for their Peace Corps service abroad. Participants must apply to Peace Corps and WVU separately.
“The Peace Corps welcomes West Virginia University to the Master’s International program,” said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. “With this new partnership, our volunteers – who will also be West Virginia University students – will be able to meet the worldwide demand for highly skilled professionals. This program will help create a new generation of leaders able to bring the Peace Corps experience back to their careers in the United States.”
“This is an important new addition to the international studies and service learning opportunities that West Virginia University offers to its students, and it will have a significant impact on the global preparedness of all those who participate,” said Michael Lastinger, associate provost of International Academic Affairs at WVU. “Now, West Virginia University has a formal degree program that will open up vast new opportunities for developing a new generation of highly skilled, responsible and altruistic global citizens.”
Participants in more than 60 Peace Corps Master’s International programs typically finish one year of graduate school in the U.S. before earning additional academic credit while serving as Peace Corps volunteers abroad. Upon their return, Master’s International participants complete any remaining academic degree requirements. Many of Master’s International partner schools also offer volunteers financial benefits such as scholarships and reduced tuition. Further information on Master’s International is available at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.
Established in 1867, WVU is West Virginia’s flagship institution of higher education, and it is the state’s only research, doctoral degree-granting, land-grant university. WVU ranks nationally for prestigious scholarships including 25 Rhodes Scholars, 21 Truman Scholars, 33 Goldwater Scholars, two British Marshall Scholars and two Morris K. Udall Scholars.
As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 77 host countries. Over 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 countries. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.
-WVU-
10/29/10
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