With the second largest Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers in the country, the Josef Korbel School provides financial assistance for all Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) accepted into one of our six 90-credit-hour Master of Arts degree.
Upon acceptance to the Josef Korbel School, RPCVs who have successfully completed their Peace Corps service have two options for admission:
1. RPCVs offered admission to the Josef Korbel School are automatically accepted into the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs). This program allows RPCVs to complete any of our six Master’s of Arts degree programs in five quarters due to the 18-credit-hour waiver, the language requirement waiver, and the internship requirement waiver. The remaining 72 credit hours can be completed within five quarters of full-time study. Part-time study is also available.
2. RPCVs can opt to complete 90 credit hours to be eligible for the merit-based funding program. The language requirement is waived, but students are required to complete an internship if required by their respective degree program.
RPCV applicants are encouraged to select either the Fellows program or the traditional 90-credit-hour program prior to applying to the School. A final decision is required prior to admission. Click here for a comparison of the two options.
Field Practicum requirement
In ongoing support of the Peace Corps third goal, "to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans," all Paul D. Coverdell Fellows are required to complete 75 hours of field practicum (paid or unpaid) within the United States or U.S. territories such as Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help meet the needs of underserved U.S. communities.
A listing of potential field practicum sites can be found below, however, fellows
are also welcome to research additional sites that may be more applicable to their
career aspirations. The Office of Career and Professional Development is available to assist in providing tools and resources for you to identify and
select a site for the practicum upon matriculation. There is a minimum requirement
of 75 hours and fellows can complete these hours at their own pace, whether it be
75 hours over the summer, or three to four hours a week for four quarters, etc. Fellows
are allowed to accept paid internship.
Note: Students pursuing dual and joint degree programs are not eligible for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program and do not receive the 18-credit-hour reduction, language proficiency waiver or internship requirement waiver.
Program resources
- Course descriptions
- Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers fact sheet
- Practicum information
- University of Denver's Peace Corps Community website
- U.S. Peace Corps Website - Paul D. Coverdell Fellows information
- Regional emphases
- Office of Student Affairs portfolio page, home of the MA handbook and other important documents
- Admissions FAQs
- Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Colorado
Fellows student/alumni news and blogs
- University of Denver ranks in the top 5 for its Peace Corps Paul D. Coverdell Fellows
and Master's International programs
- Mike Smith is a second-year student in the International Human Rights program and
an RPCV. Read Mike's blog to learn more about his experience at the Josef Korbel School.
- David Resetar is a first-year student in the International Development program and
an RPCV. Read David's blog to learn more about his experience at the Josef Korbel School.
- Sara Burback is a first-year student in the International Human Rights program and
an RPCV. Read Sara's blog to learn more about her experience at the Josef Korbel School.
- Amanda Sandau is a first-year student in the International Administration program
and an RPCV. Read Amanda's blog to learn more about her experience at the Josef Korbel School.
- Piper Frode is a first-year student in the International Administration program and
an RPCV. Read Piper's blog to learn more about her experience at the Josef Korbel School.
- Jesse Hunter is recent graduate from the International Development program and an
RPCV. Read the full interview to learn more about Jesse's experience as a student at the
Josef Korbel School.
- Lauren Gamache is a recent graduate from the Global Finance, Trade and Economic Integration program and an RCPV. Read the full interview to learn more about Lauren's experience as a student at the Josef Korbel School student Lauren Gamache.
Peace Corps Fellows Program vs. Traditional 90-credit MA degree
- RPCVs are automatically accepted into the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs). This program allows RPCVs to complete any of our six Master’s of Arts degree programs in five quarters due to the 18-credit-hour waiver, the language requirement waiver, and the internship requirement waiver.
- RPCVs can opt to complete 90 credit hours to be eligible for the merit-based funding program. The language requirement is waived, but students are required to complete an internship if required by their respective degree program.
RPCV applicants are encouraged to select either the Fellows program or the traditional 90-credit-hour program prior to applying to the School. A final decision is required prior to admission. Please see below for a comparison of the two options.
|
|
Peace Corps Fellows Program |
Traditional MA degree |
|
Credits |
72 credits required for the degree |
90 credits required for the degree |
|
Quarters to complete |
5 quarters of 15 hours each |
6 quarters of 15 hours each |
|
Internship required |
No internship required |
Internship is required |
|
Language proficiency |
Waived for Fellows |
Waived for RPCV |
|
Field Practicum required |
75 hours of field practicum required |
No field practicum required |
|
Eligible for merit-based scholarship program? |
No, Fellows are not eligible for the merit-based scholarship program |
Yes, RPCV who pursue the 90-credit-hour degree are eligible for the merit-based scholarship program |
