CED Partnership with the PEACE CORPS
Program DescriptionThe Master's International Program at the School of Community Economic Development, Southern New Hampshire University, combines interdisciplinary coursework with Peace Corps service. They equip participants with community economic development, management, planning, and problem-solving skills designed for professional practice in developing countries or with disenfranchised communities in the United States. These programs are available to SCED students before going to their Peace Corps assignment, or for returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs).
Master's International addresses the first goal of the Peace Corps - "to help the people of interested developing countries in meeting their need for trained men and women." Master's International students serve in over 70 different countries and participate in every aspect of life overseas.
Those interested in the MI program are eligible to apply to the Master of Science in International Community Economic Development (ICED) in either the Weekend or Summer Intensive Master Formats. Students nominated for Peace Corps service are given special consideration for admission and scholarship.
Fellows/USA advances the Peace Corps third goal - "to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans," by developing and maintaining educational partnerships that place RPCVs in internships in underserved U.S. communities. RPCVs use the knowledge and skills they developed during their overseas service to improve people's lives here at home.
RPCVs interested in the Fellows/USA program in conjunction with the School of CED are eligible to apply to all 5 degree programs at the School of CED. To take advantage of the Fellows/USA scholarship dollars, a RPCV must perform a project that focuses on marginalized communities in the United States. Students returning from Peace Corps service are given special consideration for admission and scholarship.
The School offers PCMI and RPCV students the following scholarship opportunities:
- $2,000 scholarship spread over 4 terms for the National and International Masters of Science programs. (MI and Fellows/USA) MI students also receive up to 4 academic credits for their Peace Corps service.
- $1,500 scholarship per year for two years ($3000 degree total) for the MA in CED Policy. (Fellows/USA only).
- $4000 scholarship per year for two years ($8,000 degree total) for the PhD in CED program (Fellows/USA only)
The National CED (NCED) program is designed for the North American practitioner. NCED students are working professionals who commute one weekend per month (Friday through Sunday) over four semesters, and work online the rest of the month. This allows them to continue working while going to school. The program offers the opportunity to carry out an applied project rather than the traditional master thesis. Students plan and implement a CED project linked to their area of interest or employment, which becomes their thesis.
The International CED (ICED) program is designed for individuals who wish to practice in the developing world. The ICED Masters is offered as a weekend program over 4 semesters or as a 13-month Summer Intensive Program (SIP) requiring that students spend two 7 week summer sessions in class in the United States; between summers they take courses on-line. MI students in SIP will use their Peace Corps assignment for their thesis project. The focus is on international practice. SCED uses a peer-based learning methodology, which encourages horizontal learning among participants from both developing and industrialized countries.
The NCED and ICED Masters with a Peace Corps option are designed to meet the need of several "types" of students.
- A person accepted for Peace Corps assignment seeking to enhance skills prior to field service;
- A returning Peace Corps Volunteer seeking to integrate their field experiences with a practice oriented program in CED;
- Professionals who have significant development experience and seek advanced credentials in CED prior to serving in the Peace Corps.
The MA in CED Policy is an Advanced Practitioner professional program designed to address needs of senior professionals with a policy focus and a shorter program of study than offered by the more academic PhD program. The emphasis is on analytical skills for senior managers.
The doctoral program attends to the disciplinary foundations of CED. It addressees the academic needs of a diverse group of scholars by preparing them for teaching, research, policy, and management careers in government, higher education and the nonprofit sector. Students in the program develop the skills to conduct research and help shape policy at the local, regional, national or international levels.
Apply to the Masters of Science in International Community Economic Development, (weekend format or summer intensive format) and to the Peace Corps Master’s International Program. The completed Peace Corps application should be sent to your nearest Regional Office. Notify SCED of your application to the Peace Corps, and notify the Peace Corps that you also applied to the MS.ICED. To inquire about Master’s International, contact PC at 1.800.424.8580 ext. 1812 or visit the Master's International site.
How to Apply to the Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program
Apply to the SCED program of your choice. Notify the PC of your intent to enter SCED. Send official documents to SCED admissions stating you have completed your PC obligations in “good standing”. To inquire about Fellows/USA programs contact Fellows/USA at 1-800-424-8580 ext. 1440 or visit Fellows USA site.
SCED Peace Corps Program Coordinators
MI Program Coordinator
Dr. Catherine Rielly
ICED Academic Chair
School of Community Economic Development
c.rielly@snhu.edu
Fellows/USA
Ms. Kathleen Kennedy
School of Community Economic Development
k.kennedy@snhu.edu