Janet Deutsch, Peace Corps Fellow, Applied EconomicsJanet Deutsch served with the Peace Corps in the Kyrgyz Republic. As an English instructor, she focused on gender and development projects. Janet came to Illinois State as a Peace Corps Fellow to receive a master’s degree in Applied Economics. She worked as a graduate assistant on the Town of Normal’s Downtown Redevelopment Project. Her focus was on the planning and early implementation phase -- gathering ideas and concerns about the project. Janet is currently working with the U.S. Foreign Service in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) Fellows Program at Illinois State University

For those with development experience

Seeking a graduate program that will equip you with the skills and tools of development professionals, one that will allow you to meaningfully apply what you learn in the classroom? Look no further.

The ACED Fellows Program at Illinois State University enhances the skills of students who want to become the new generation of development specialists. Alumni of the ACED Fellows Program hold various positions in their chosen fields.

ACED Fellows must have at least one year of full-time experience in community development or social services or the equivalent (1,700 hours)—as either a paid professional or a volunteer—prior to starting classes. ACED Fellows may pursue master’s degrees with the following plans of study:

Fellows complete one calendar year of full-time coursework and 11 months of full-time, hands-on professional practice with communities or organizations needing their skills.