CU-Boulder Peace Corps Recruiting Office

CU-Boulder offers new Peace Corps program for grad students

Master's International offers credits, tuition benefits to overseas students By Whitney Bryenbryen@coloradodaily.com Posted: 12/22/2010 07:25:51 PM MST

Boulder Daily Camera

The University of Colorado is one of 26 schools nationwide to adopt the Peace Corps' Master's International program, giving grad students an option to get their degree and serve at the same time.

Through the Master's International program, students in three CU graduate programs -- business development, education or environmental and natural resources -- will be able to supplement some of their coursework with service overseas.

The program was established in 1987 and is expected to be implemented at CU in the fall of 2011, thanks to students' heightened interested in the program.

Alea Richmond, CU's Peace Corps coordinator, said the program will give students the ability to graduate with their degrees and with two years of practical experience through their service.

"This way, students can incorporate both their graduate degree and the Peace Corps, putting their educational theories into practice," Richmond said.

There are now more then 85 schools nationally offering the Master's International, giving students either graduate credits or tuition reimbursement for time served, said Kelly McCormack, spokeswoman for the national organization.

Another program offered by CU -- the Fellows program -- allows students to serve in the Peace Corps and then get credit for their time when they return for graduate school. The Master's International will allow students to begin their graduate studies first and continue or complete their degree while serving, she said.

More then 1,000 volunteers have participated in the Master's International program since it began, McCormack said.