The Rutgers-Camden MPA program offers Returning Peace Corp Volunteers (RPCV) Coverdell Fellowships.

Coverdell Fellowships are awarded annually on a competitive basis to RPCVs who wish to pursue the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Rutgers-Camden. 

Fellowships cover up to 100% of the tuition and fees of full-time students in the MPA or part-time students in the Executive MPA program. 

  • RPCV with New Jersey Residency, or who establish New Jersey residency are also eligible for part-time Fellowships, and summer tuition funding.
  • Full-time Fellowships cover tuition and fees over a maximum of four academic semesters.
  • All Coverdell Fellows must complete an Internship course consistent with the requirements of the Peace Corps.  Coverdell Fellows are also granted three (3) work experience credits for based on the DOS. 

Coverdell Fellows admitted to the MPA degree can specialize in either Community Development or Public and Nonprofit Management. This partnership with the Peace Corps includes a requirement for Coverdell Fellows to complete an internship in underserved American communities, allowing them to bring home and expand upon the skills they learned as volunteers.  A member of our faculty supports the internship program through a three-credit course format.  

Rutgers-Camden offers the resources of a world-class research university with the benefit of a smaller campus experience. Our faculty specialize in both international and domestic public policy to serve the interests of our students. 

To apply, please see the MPA admissions requirements.  Please note, the GRE requirement is waived as of January 2022.  In addition to the general application requirements, RPCVs should include:

  1. All standardized tests are waived for RPCVs.
  2. In the personal statement include your request to be considered for a Coverdell Fellowship. Upload a copy of your DOS in the same folder with your personal statement.
  3. Address your plans for relocation to campus in the personal statement – or in a separate letter to the admissions committee uploaded as a supplemental file. Include your plans for relocating to the Camden area if accepted.  Please note the semester you plan to start as a student. 
  4. If you plan to relocate to Pennsylvania, full-time students are eligible for Out-of-State residency for four academic semesters (the tuition and fees). Fellows must have residency in a contiguous state and attend class on the Camden campus.  Part-time students must be New Jersey residents to be eligible for Coverdell Fellowships.
  5. Application fees will be waived after your application has been completed. Please note the Peace Corps as the source of your interest in the program (recruit source). 
  6.  Please note: When you get to the list of programs, scroll to the section labeled “The Graduate School – Camden” and select the appropriate Semester on the right-hand side. Made sure you choose the Camden Campus MPA or EMPA program. 

Admissions are considered on a rolling basis, and funding decisions are prioritized on applicant qualifications.  The majority of Coverdell Fellows are admitted for the fall semester, and spring Fellowship awards are very limited. A personal interview may be requested in addition to the stated requirements.  The interview may be conducted in person or virtually.
Early funding decision deadlines* are:
    First-round spring admission: November 1st
    First-round fall admission:  March 15

COVERDELL FELLOWS – Required Internship

The Peace Corps requires the completion of an Internship. Coverdell Fellows must register for the Internship course no later than the fall semester of the second year of coursework.  RPCV must also file for Work Experience credit to be added to transcripts based on their service.  

To apply for the Coverdell work experience credits:
  1. Access the application here. The form is for use by Coverdell Fellows only.
  2. The Docusign form can be filed AFTER the student completes 12 credits (4 courses) of MPA graduate courses at Rutgers-Camden.
  3. Complete the form and attach your DOS and current resume.
  4. The form must be addressed to the MPA Graduate Program Director (angie.mcguire@rutgers.edu)

*Please note: We recommend that RPCV returning April-August apply for the following Spring semester and those returning in November/December apply for the following Fall semester. This provides the necessary time to relocate and find housing before starting school.

Coverdell Fellows are also awarded after early funding dates, but applications are competitive and early application is recommended. 

Questions may be directed to Dr. Angie McGuire in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at Rutgers-Camden.

Angie.McGuire@rutgers.edu

 

IPSD students returning from Peace Corp assignments

For former IPSD students, students must complete all requirements for the degree, including international placement and a 9-credit hour capstone within eight (8) years following initial enrollment in the MPA program.  Please contact Dr. McGuire for information on completion.