pcMaster's International Program

"A Program that Combines Peace Corps Service with Graduate Studies"

 

PURPOSE
Master's International (MI) program blends advanced training in natural resources with experience in the Peace Corps to prepare resource professionals with foreign language skills, cultural awareness and an international perspective for growing international resource protection and management opportunities. The program prepares graduates to better understand principles and practices of sustainable development in the tropics. As such, students are well prepared for Peace Corps assignments in various resource fields.

COURSE OF STUDY


Depending on their background, qualified candidates for the MI program will attend graduate school for at least one year prior to serving 27 months in the Peace Corps. If applicants apply to the Peace Corps at least six months prior to beginning their coursework on campus, the host country and assignment should be known three to six months before departure.


Required Coursework includes the following:


Non-Thesis Option
HEED 789 Adult Learner (3 cr.)
NRES 523 International Resource Management (3 cr.)
NRES 760 Grant and Proposal Development (1 cr.)
NRES 795 Graduate Seminars (min. 2 cr.)
NRES 796 Independent Study (1-3 cr.)

Thesis Option
All of the above listed courses and these two additional courses:
NRES 797 Research Methods, Design and Analysis (3 cr.)
NRES 799 Thesis

The degree earned will be a Master of Science in Natural Resources requiring a minimum of 30 credits with an area of specialty in forestry/natural resources/wildlife management or environmental education. Fifteen of these credits need to be at the 700 level and a maximum of six credits can be granted for Peace Corps service. Elective courses will be approved by the advisory committee. A thesis will be the final requirement for candidates choosing the thesis option, while the non-thesis route may specify one or more projects such as a management plan, diary, seminar, publication or other measurable evaluation tool demonstrating the candidate's professional growth during their Peace Corps experience.


HOW TO APPLY


Candidates for the Master's International program must meet dual requirements of the Peace Corps and the UWSP CNR graduate program. Applications are submitted to both these institutions at least six months prior to the starting semester. The forms and interview with a Peace Corps recruiter need to emphasize the intent of the candidate to pursue the MI program at UWSP.

Check out the Master's International Brochure here.

Read current and previous MIP student biographies here.

For more information, please contact:

Bobbi Kubish, Master's International Program Coordinator, Room 174 College of Natural Resources, Tel #: (715) 346-3831, Email: bkubish@uwsp.edu