Master's International

What is the Master’s International?
Established in 1987, the Masters International program provides the opportunity for students to incorporate Peace Corps volunteer service with a master’s degree program. At the University at Albany School of Public Health, you can work toward an MPH (Master’s in Public Health) degree while participating in international public health-related service in the Peace Corps. You will gain global public health experience, attain second language fluency, and receive academic credit for your Peace Corps service. Overview of MI Peace Corps at UAlbany. For access to new Peace Corps Global Fact sheets click here.

Can I afford it?
As a Masters International student, you will be required to pay regular tuition while you are studying full-time at University at Albany. However, you may have up to 12 credit hours of internship waived for your Peace Corps service. This counts as your required 9 credit internship and translates into a savings of at least $3450 for in-state students ($5460 for out-of-state students).

All aspects of Peace Corps volunteer service are covered.
This includes transportation to and from the country, medical care, housing, living expenses, loan deferment/cancellation, annual leave, emergency medical and family leave, career counseling, one year of non-competitive eligibility for selection for federal employment, and a readjustment allowance of approximately $6,000 awarded upon completion of service.

MI Timeline (for pdf flow chart, click here)

1. Apply to University at Albany School of Public Health through SOPHAS and to the Peace Corps as a Master’s International student simultaneously.
2. Accepted to both? Congratulations! You are now an MI student.
3. Complete 1 year of intensive coursework starting in summer 2009.
4. Complete your 27-month Peace Corps Assignment.
5. Return to UAlbany and complete your final semester of courses
6. Graduate and receive your Master’s in Public Health

How do I apply?
Applying to the MI program requires that prospective students apply and be accepted to both the University at Albany and the Peace Corps.

Students are encouraged to apply to both programs simultaneously.

The applications for Peace Corps service are accepted throughout the year. The application process includes medical, legal, and suitability screening. The application can be found at www.peacecorps.gov/application

Prospective graduate students at University at Albany School of Public Health are required to apply through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). The application is online at http://www.sophas.org/. To learn more about our admission requirements, click here.

Contact Information:

For more information, please visit the Peace Corps Master’s International website at www.peacecorps.gov/masters
You can also contact our University Coordinator:
Carol Whittaker, MA, MPA, MA
Director, Center for Global Health
School of Public Health, GEC 100
One University Place
Rensselaer, NY 12144-3445

Phone (518) 402-0385
Fax (518) 402-0329

cwhittaker@albany.edu