UIC SPH Launches Masters Program With Peace Corps

Beginning in January, The University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health will offer students the opportunity to combine their graduate studies with Peace Corps service in a new Master’s International program.

The combined Masters of Public Health/Peace Corps program is the only one of its kind in the Midwest region. Paul Brandt-Rauf, dean of the UIC SPH, says this is an important commitment for the school and a significant step forward to confronting global health challenges.

"Preparing students to work in global environments and contribute to global health solutions is a high priority at our school," Brandt-Rauf said. "The Peace Corps Master’s International program provides the perfect opportunity for our students to accomplish this by applying their skills to promote healthy populations and improve the quality of life in countries in need around the world."

The new program combines a 27-month Peace Corps assignment with MPH coursework. Each student will complete projects while overseas to earn five semester hours of field practicum credit.

During the Peace Corps assignment students receive all the benefits to which a regular volunteer is entitled, and program graduates will be awarded non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs within the first year after their return.

After completing their Peace Corps service, students will return to the classroom to conduct a project based on their overseas experience for one semester hour of credit, and finish the coursework established by the school.

The popularity and significance of Master’s International has resonated with other colleges at UIC, including the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, who’ve also joined the program. "The Peace Corps Master’s International program is an outstanding opportunity for our students to capitalize on traditional Peace Corps experiences, including cultural, technical, and international relations training, and to incorporate those experiences directly into their curriculum," said Michael Pagano, dean of the CUPPA. "Our students will bring their classroom instruction and topical studies to support the Peace Corps objectives, all of which result in enhancing the human condition."

Master’s International students must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age who have been accepted to UIC and the Peace Corps.

Brandt-Rauf says this kind of learning experience is priceless.

“They [students] will be armed with the education, world vision and skills they need to change the world,” he said.

Media Contact: Anne Brooks Ranallo aranallo@uic.edu.