Peace Corps Fellows

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. —John F. Kennedy

Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Programs

Fast Facts

  • Michigan Tech began their partnership with the Peace Corps in 1995. There are currently eight Peace Corps Master’s International Programs on campus.
  • Accepted students will participate in one year of VISTA service at a location in the United States coordinated by either the Western Hardrock Watershed Team or Appalachian Coal Country Team.
  • Upon completion of the program students can earn a master's degree in either Biological Sciences, Environmental Policy, Forestry, Applied Ecology, Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, or Industrial Archaeology.

Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Programs

Michigan Tech offers six Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Graduate Programs associated with the OSM/VISTA program. The programs combine academic study with supervised, practical field experience and research.

After completing a program of on-campus academic work and a short VISTA pre-service orientation, OSM/VISTA students then serve one year of VISTA service. After completing their year of service, students return to Michigan Tech for one additional semester to complete their degree requirements.

Michigan Tech grants Peace Corps Fellows tuition status to students in the Coverdell Fellows Graduate Programs. In addition, tuition and fees are paid by Michigan Tech while students are serving in VISTA.

Learn more about the Appalachian Coal Country Team's projects.

Learn more about the Western Hardrock Watershed Team's projects.

For more information, contact a faculty member in any of our available programs:

Applied Ecology | Forest Ecology and Management | Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology | Forestry

Students can pursue any of these programs in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. Students interested in the Forestry program can pursue either a Master of Science or Master of Forestry degree.

Core courses required for the degree prior to OSM/VISTA service will be determined with the approval of the student's faculty advisor.  Students have the option of pursuing their degree through the Thesis Option, Report Option, or Coursework Option.

For more information about these programs please contact: Blair Orr, Rod Chimner, or Oliver Gailing.

Learn more about the Applied Ecology program.

Learn more about the Forest Ecology and Management program.

Learn more about the Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology program.

Learn more about the Forestry program.

Biological Sciences

Students interested in pursuing the Biological Sciences program can elect to complete their MS degree through either a Thesis Option or Report Option. The Thesis Option is intended for students who intend to conduct original scientific research in the course of their OSM/VISTA service.

For more information about the Biological Sciences program please contact: Nancy Auer, Casey Huckins, or Amy Marcarelli

Learn more about biological sciences at Michigan Tech.

Environmental and Energy Policy

Students interested in pursuing the Environmental and Energy Policy program can elect to complete their MS degree through either a Thesis Option or Report Option. The student's faculty advisor will determine core courses required prior to OSM/VISTA service.

For more information about the Environmental and Energy Policy program please contact: Barry Solomon, Hugh Gorman, Carol MacLennan, or Richelle Winkler

Learn more about the Environmental and Energy Policy MS program.

Industrial Archaeology

The Industrial Archaeology program requires a minimum of 38 credit hours. Students can choose to pursue the degree through either a Thesis Option or Report Option.

For more information about the Industrial Archaeology program please contact: Timothy Scarlett or Fredric L. Quivik

Learn more about industrial archaeology at Michigan Tech.