Peace Corps Master's International MPA

The Peace Corp Master's International (PCMI) MPA program uniquely prepares students to knowledgably fulfill challenging Peace Corps field assignments in developing countries and to effectively address significant global issues, such as poverty alleviation, human rights, human security, social development, and environmental sustainability. While attaining the MPA degree and carrying out the Peace Corps mission, students gain valuable leadership experience for their future dynamic careers.

PCMI MPA Program Features

  • Available to Fall and Spring incoming students
  • Monterey Institute faculty advisor assigned to work closely with PCMI MPA students to create a graduate study and Peace Corps plan
  • PCMI MPA students enroll for two semesters on campus to complete core classes in policy, focused electives, and foreign language
  • PCMI MPA students then fulfill 27 months of Peace Corps service
  • Upon completion of service, PCMI MPA students complete one or two final semesters on Monterey Institute campus and complete capstone projects about their Peace Corps assignements

The PCMI MPA degree map and sample study plan provide more information about planning and preparing for the degree.

The Peace Corps Assignment

Volunteers work with local, national, or international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that deal with youth, social services, community asset-based development, or the environment. Typical projects include increasing an NGO's organizational capacity and sustainability; creating strategic and funding plans; raising public awareness of an NGO's mission; conducting community outreach; recruiting, training, and motivating NGO volunteers; developing mission statements, bylaws, and other documentation; working with boards of directors; mentoring and skill building of staff; and increasing the quality and effectiveness of an NGO's services. During their Peace Corps service, students maintain contact with a Monterey Institute faculty advisor as they conduct research and gather information for a Capstone Project related to their Peace Corps assignment.

The Capstone Project

The Capstone Project will be presented in the student’s final semester in order to meet Monterey Institute MPA degree requirements. Capstone project planning begins in the first semester of study and is overseen by a faculty advisor. Students will then conduct research for their Capstone while on assignment, insuring that the academic work is related to the successful completion of their Peace Corps mission. In most circumstances, depending on how many credits are received for using a second language and for additional studies for credit achieved outside the traditional semester, students will need to complete 24 credits in the last two semesters to receive the PCMI MPA degree.

Returning to the Monterey Institute

Regardless of the initial start date, Peace Corps returnees may complete their final semesters in either Fall or Spring. PCMI students may meet the degree program language requirements through the Peace Corps language training and daily usage of the language during Peace Corps service. Students replace the required language courses in the MPA program with electives in order to reach the 60 credit hours required for graduation. Students applying to the PCMI MPA program are still required to have at least two years of university-level language study before entering the program.

Scholarship

Returned PCMI MPA students are guaranteed a half-tuition scholarship for their final semester of study. The scholarship is dependent upon successful completion of the Peace Corps assignment. Students may also apply for merit scholarships and financial aid for their studies at the Monterey Institute prior to Peace Corps service.

Application Process

Students apply to the Monterey Institute and to the Peace Corps separately yet simultaneously and must be accepted by both institutions. Students may apply to the Monterey Institute online. The Monterey Institute offers rolling admissions, with entry in the Fall or Spring semester. Admission to the Monterey Institute MPA program requires a four-year US bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), with a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), including a minimum of two years of university-level language instruction. Also required are official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a résumé or curriculum vitae, and a $50 application fee. Applicants to the PCMI program should visit the Peace Corps website to verify application procedures. It is recommended that students begin the Peace Corps application process several months in advance as it usually takes more time than applying to the Monterey Institute.

For further information about the Peace Corps, visit www.peacecorps.gov.