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Peace Corps' Master's International Program
The
Peace Corps Master's International Program (MIP) is now offered through
the University of California, Davis. The program consists of 46 to 58
units of academic study, depending upon on the program pursued, approximately
12 weeks of pre-service training, and a two-year tour of service in the
country of assignment as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Focus and Length of Curriculum
Depending upon the graduate program selected, two to four quarters
of coursework are taken before the two-year service period begins, after
which the student will return to the 
university for one quarter. It
is expected that a returning student will participate actively in a
seminar or formal course with the aim of bringing his/her experiences
to the broader student body. Any remaining graduation requirements will
be completed during this quarter.
Curriculum details:
- Horticulture and Agronomy
- Plant Biology
- Soils and Biogeochemistry (formerly Soil Science)
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine
- International Agricultural Development
Graduate Groups
The MIP can be pursued in the following graduate programs at the University of California, Davis.
- Horticulture and Agronomy Graduate Group
- Plant Biology Graduate Group
- Soils and Biogeochemistry (formerly Soil Science) Graduate Group
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine Graduate Group
- International Agricultural Development Graduate Group
Funding
The
following forms of financial aid can be applied for and will be assigned
on a competitive basis. Applications for all financial assistantships
are made at the time of application to the program or through graduate
groups in which the student is enrolled. During the two years of Peace
Corps volunteer service, a student will be permitted to be on planned
educational leave from the university. This program allows a student to
maintain registered status by paying only $50/quarter. The university
strives to ensure the availability of funds to cover the fees and living
expenses of a student for one quarter upon return from Peace Corps service.
This support is provided through research and teaching assistantships
that tap into a student's recently acquired experience. Discussions are
under way for the establishment of a grant program to support students
in the MIP in all graduate groups.
Fellowships, Research Assistantships,and Teaching Assistantships
Application Procedures
Applicants must follow the standard procedure of applying to one of the graduate programs that offers the option of MIP. Details of the application procedure can be found at Office of Admissions. The applicant must indicate on the application the request to be part of the MIP. Admission into the program is carried out according to the standard process and is contingent upon the specified graduate program's approval. A graduate adviser and major professor will be designated to guide the student and help design a graduate program that most suits his/her needs and objectives.
As soon as the location for the service is announced by Peace Corps, the student will consult with his/her major professor to identify and clarify the demands of the project report on the upcoming experience.
If
for some reason, while carrying out a graduate program, a student is deemed
ineligible for Peace Corps service, the student would be expected to complete
the program according to the conventional curriculum for a standard master's
degree. This also applies to students who do not complete the required
period of Peace Corps service. In which case, it would be expected that
the student return to the university to complete all requirements necessary
for a master's degree, albeit not in the MIP.
For more information contact
Paul L. Marcotte
Director
CA&ES International Programs
plmarcotte@ucdavis.edu
