Master's International / Peace Corps Program

Sample Projects | Financial Rewards | Application
Sample Schedule | Program Requirements | Contact Info

The Master’s International / Peace Corps program is a co-coordinated program in which students simultaneously apply to Tulane and the Peace Corps. The program is designed for students to apply skills learned in an academic setting toward solving important health problems in developing countries. Students earn a master of science in public health (MSPH) or a master of public health (MPH) under the guidance of internationally respected professors, many of whom are returned Peace Corps volunteers themselves, and serve two years in the Peace Corps.

Sample Projects

• Implementation of HIV testing
• Teaching health education in schools 
• Nutrition
• Disease surveillance
• Rural/urban youth development
• Family planning and counseling
• Maternal and child health
• Irrigation and sanitation
• Community gardens
• Collaboration with other NGOs

Financial rewards

• Readjustment allowance of more than $6,000 after 27 months of training and service
• MI applicants are eligible for merit-based Dean's Grants worth $5000
• Monthly stipend during Peace Corps service
• Deferment of some student loans and partial cancellation of some Perkins loans

Application Process
Students simultaneously apply to Tulane and the Peace Corps. Please note that the Peace Corps application process is rather lengthy and should be started early.

Minimum Application Requirements

U.S. Peace Corps
U.S. Citizenship
Over 18 years of age
Meet medical and legal requirements  

Tulane University
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
Undergraduate degree
Combined GRE score of 1000

Sample of Student's Schedule and Peace Corps Placement

First summer, fall, and spring
Study in New Orleans to complete academic requirements for a master’s degree.
Prior to completion of the academic program, the Peace Corps will assign the student under its rules.

Second summer
Student is placed overseas, applying the public health skills they learned on campus to benefit their host country and community.

Near end of service
Student mails project summary to academic advisor to be certified for graduation and will graduate with the next graduation class.

Note
Requests to the Peace Corps are grouped into four seasons. The majority of health post requests are in the summer placement between July and September. Many students prefer to start academic coursework during the previous summer so they will be finished in May. Others, however, have chosen to divide their coursework into three semesters.

Program Requirements

• 42 hours of academic coursework
• Completion of one of the Culminating Experience options
• Successful completion of Peace Corps service
• In extenuating circumstances, if Peace Corps service cannot be successfully completed, the student must have (at minimum) completed 200 hours of a faculty approved practicum and 15 months of in-country service in order for a degree to be granted.  If these requirements have not been met, students must return to campus and complete the credit hour requirements as outlined by their department in the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.  Additionally, students must complete any remaining practicum and/or culminating experience requirements.  Click here for full requirements.
  

Contact Information

Master’s International/Peace Corps Program
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Admissions, Student Affairs & Career Services
1440 Canal St. Suite 2460-SL29
New Orleans, LA 70112
toll free: 800.676.5389 - direct line: 504.988.6737 - fax: 504.988.0907

Email: PEACECORPS-L@tulane.edu

Master's International Program Coordinator
Steve Bennett
Email: sbennett@tulane.edu

Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
1440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70112
Office of Admissions | Phone 504.988.5388 | Fax 504.988.0907
Dean's Office | Phone 504.988.5397 | Fax 504.988.5718


School Home | Admissions | Student Life | Phone Directory