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.

Peace Corps Master’s International Program at Illinois State University

For those going into the Peace Corps

Looking for a graduate program that will prepare you for effective Peace Corps service and help you launch your career in community/economic development? You’ve found it!

The Peace Corps Master’s International Program at Illinois State University combines graduate study with Peace Corps service. Students may pursue the following Master’s degrees with the following plans of study:

Students begin Peace Corps service after one calendar year of coursework. Master’s International students then earn up to 8 semester hours of professional practice credit for their Peace Corps service. Students entering the Peace Corps will complete approximately 12 weeks of pre-service training in country. 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 Peace Corps.

To qualify, prospective students must meet admissions criteria as well as the requirements established by Peace Corps. Applicants should simultaneously apply to both the Master’s International Program and the Peace Corps. Although admission to the Master’s International Program does not guarantee acceptance into Peace Corps, Peace Corps recognizes that these students have unique skills to meet the needs expressed by host countries. Learn more about the Peace Corps Master's International Program.