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 Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) under the guidance of internationally respected professors, many of whom are returned Peace Corps volunteers themselves, and serve two years in the Peace Corps.
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.
Steve Bennett, RPCV Kenya 2005-2007 MSPH Tropical Medicine, May 2009
Sample Projects
Implementation of HIV testing
Teaching health education in schools
Nutrition
Health Inspection
Disease surveillance
Rural/urban youth development
Family planning and counseling
Maternal and child health
Irrigation and sanitation
Community gardens
Collaboration with other NGOs
Sarah Hedges, International Health & Development, MI/PCV Mozambique
Financial rewards
Readjustment allowance of about $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
Brian Deskin, Environmental Health Sciences, MI/PCV Fiji
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 of over 1000
Aubrey Pirosko, International Health & Development, MI/PCV Cameroon
Sample of Student's Schedule and Peace Corps Placement
First three semesters (usually Fall, Spring, Summer) 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.
After completing coursework 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.
Contact Information
Christy Dimos, MSW, MPH Candidate
Master's International Program Coordinator
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
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
