The Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University participates in three Master’s level graduate programs involving community development.
The Peace Corps Fellows/USA program is designed for returned Peace Corps Volunteers who wish to prepare themselves for community development related jobs in the United States and abroad. By arrangement with the Peace Corps since 1994, Illinois State University offers selected Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) the opportunity to pursue Master’s Degrees in Applied Economics, Political Science, or Sociology, each with a sequence in Applied Community and/or Economic Development.
Participants generally complete about a year of coursework, with a graduate assistantship and full tuition waiver, followed by an 11-month paid internship. Participating RPCVs assist the Peace Corps with its third goal--"bring the world home"--by building upon their international experiences through service in domestic communities. During internships, Peace Corps Fellows provide hands-on consulting work with non-profit organizations, government agencies, or communities that are assessing and pursuing development. For further information see Illinois State University ’s Peace Corps Fellows/USA Program.
The Peace Corps Master's International program prepares students to do overseas community development work in the Peace Corps.
The Peace Corps Master’s International program at Illinois State University combines graduate school with Peace Corps service. Students earn a Master’s Degree in either Applied Economics, Political Science, or Sociology, each with a sequence in Applied Community and/or Economic Development. Students generally begin Peace Corps service after two to three semesters of on-campus study, with a graduate assistantship and full tuition waiver. Master’s International students earn internship credit for their Peace Corps service.
According to the Peace Corps, only about 25% of all applicants are admitted for Peace Corps service. However, over 90% of Master’s International students have been admitted because these students fill "scarce skill" needs that Peace Corps has targeted in its recruitment.
Master’s International students entering the Peace Corps will complete approximately 12 weeks of pre-service training. Upon successful completion of training, students will become Peace Corps Volunteers and begin a two-year tour of service in their country of assignment. All aspects of Peace Corps placements are determined solely by the Peace Corps. For further information see Illinois State University’s Peace Corps Master’s International Program.
The Applied Community and Economic Development Fellows program enables those with at least one year of full-time experience in community development or social services to build their credentials as community development specialists. The program at Illinois State University helps rural and urban communities with their vital community and economic development needs. It also enhances the skills of students who hope to be part of a new generation of development specialists.
ACED Fellows, who must have at least one year of previous full-time community development or social service experience, are enrolled in a Master's degree program that heavily emphasizes community and economic development. To graduate, Fellows generally complete about one year of full-time interdisciplinary coursework, with a graduate assistantship and full tuition waiver, and a second year of paid, hands-on professional practice. For further information see Illinois State University's Applied Community and Economic Development Fellows Program found on the Stevenson Center webpage.