Announcing a new joint program with the Peace Corps for a Master of Arts in International Environmental Policy
The Graduate School of International Policy Studies and the United States Peace Corps collaborate to offer the Master’s International (PCMI) MAIEP program, combining an MAIEP degree and practical, applicable professional experience in developing and transitioning societies. The PCMI MAIEP trains students to tackle complex, global problems with practical policy solutions.
The pre-service training provided on campus in Monterey integrates linguistic and cultural competencies with solid skills in environmental policy and communication. Participants then embark on a Peace Corps assignment working in the areas of natural resource conservation or environmental education. In these assignments, students will carry out the Peace Corps mission while preparing for the assumption of leadership roles in a broad range of organizations upon completion of their service and MAIEP degree studies.
The PCMI MAIEP is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to become effective contributors to environmental education or resource conservation efforts during their Peace Corps service by developing the ability to:
- understand the Conservation Project Cycle
- conduct a Project Needs Assessment
- develop a Conservation Project Management Plan
- develop a Monitoring & Evaluation Plan
- use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to improve project management
- develop and manage environmental education projects and activities to a variety of audiences
- develop economic tools and strategies for sustainable livelihoods
These abilities and skills are developed through core coursework in policy analysis and communications, data analysis and research design, international economics, environmental and natural resource economics, international environmental law and organizations, global environmental politics, environmental science and policy, and additional electives. The program prepares students with the interdisciplinary skills needed to craft effective policy solutions and to work with community-based organizations on environmental challenges.
The PCMI MAIEP program is available to students beginning their study in either the Fall or Spring semester. A faculty advisor in the Graduate School of International Policy Studies will work closely with students to create a plan for graduate study and Peace Corps service. Students in the PCMI MAIEP program enroll for at least two semesters on campus and complete core policy classes, focused environmental electives, and second language study. Students then proceed to their 27 months of service in the Peace Corps. Upon completion of service, students return to the Monterey Institute for one or two final semesters, where they will complete their remaining requirements based on their assignment with the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps Assignment Volunteers work with local communities and organizations to protect the environment through various projects addressing needs such as alternative energy sources, water supply, forest conservation, wildlife protection, or park management. An assignment may include establishing a conservation plan for a local natural resource, or creating an educational curriculum to tackle an environmental challenge at the community level.
Students in the PCMI MAIEP program will focus in the areas of environmental education and awareness or natural resource conservation. The Monterey Institute will work with the student and the Peace Corps to ensure that the assignment supports the degree studies and the mission of the Peace Corps. During their service, students maintain contact with a Monterey Institute faculty advisor as they conduct research and gather information for a final project and professional portfolio related to their Peace Corps assignment.
Regardless of the initial start date, Peace Corps returnees may return to the Monterey Institute in either the Fall or Spring. A final project will be presented in the student’s last semester in order to meet Monterey Institute MAIEP degree requirements. Planning for the final project begins in the first semester of study and is overseen by a faculty advisor. Students will then conduct research while on assignment, insuring that the academic work is related to the successful completion of their Peace Corps mission.
In addition to the admission requirement, there is an Advanced Language degree requirement of 12 credits. Students in the Peace Corps Master’s International program may meet this requirement by taking language courses prior to departure to help better prepare them for the in-country assignment or by achieving at least third year level in all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) while in country. Students placed in a country where the language used is different from the language of study must document the use of language while on assignment. Students placed in an English-speaking country are still required to meet the Advanced Language requirement prior to graduation. PCMI IEP students are encouraged to work with GSLEL at the beginning of the degree program to ensure that requirements are met.
Returned PCMI MAIEP 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.
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 (link: http://policy.miis.edu/applynow/index.html). Admission to the Monterey Institute MAIEP 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 application fee. Applicants to the PCMI program should visit www.peacecorps.gov 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. For more information about the Monterey Institute’s PCMI MAIEP please contact:
Graduate School of International Policy
Monterey Institute of International Studies
460 Pierce Street
Monterey, CA 93940
831-647-4155
dean.gsips@miis.edu
PEACE CORPS MASTER'S INTERNATIONAL