From the Ukraine to Durham, N.H.

Helping Returning Peace Corps gain a meaningful graduate education

Master in Community Development graduate Robert Ireland, '15G, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine before returning stateside and earning his degree from the Carsey School of Public Policy. Today, Bob works as the Development Director for the Lenox Library Association in Massachusetts.

In 2020, Bob joined Michael Swack, director of the Master in Community Development program, for a discussion about his experience in the Peace Corps and how a graduate degree from Carsey built upon that background. You can watch this interview below.

Michael Swack, Director of the Master in Community Development program at the Carsey School, interviews Carsey alum Robert “Bob” Ireland '15G to learn about transitioning from a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer to a graduate student at the Carsey School.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are eligible for up to $8,000 in tuition funding at the Carsey School of Public Policy through the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Award. Peace Corps Volunteers earn lifetime eligibility for the Coverdell Fellows program if they fall into one of the following categories:

  • Peace Corps Volunteers who complete the full two-year tour of Peace Corps service or are otherwise given “completion of service” (COS) status
  • Peace Corps Volunteers who are medically separated
  • Peace Corps Volunteers who are given "interrupted service" status because of circumstances beyond their control
  • Peace Corps Response or Global Health Services Partnership Volunteers who complete twelve months of service within a 24 month period
Schedule a Meeting or Phone Call

Have questions or want to discuss if the Master in Community Development program is right for you? Schedule a time for us to talk:
Robin Husslage, Program Manager

Have questions about admissions, tuition costs, or financial aid? 
Contact Sanjeev Sharma, Carsey Admissions & Academic Advisor