Michigan State University, already a top Peace Corps producer, will offer a masters level program combining campus coursework in East Lansing with Peace Corps volunteerism abroad.

The new MSU Masters International program is based on existing masters of science programs in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Students in the MSU Masters International program will spend a year on campus before going overseas to serve with the Peace Corps. All of the Masters International students will be agriculture and environment volunteers, areas in which demand outreaches the supply of skilled volunteers.

After returning to the United States, students will spend another one to two semesters completing a research project before graduating. Degree options will include crop and soil sciences, agricultural economics, and community, agriculture, recreation, and resource studies all areas in which MSU already offers strong, internationally-focused graduate programs. Students also will have the options to add specializations in international development and environmental science and policy.

"This exciting new program builds on MSU's long history as one of the leading institutions in recruiting Peace Corps volunteers and as an institution committed to problem-solving engagement around the globe," said Jeffrey Riedinger, acting dean of international studies and programs. "This program will better equip Peace Corps volunteers from MSU to make a difference in working to address problems such as environmental degradation, hunger, infectious diseases, limited educational opportunities and poverty."

MSU joins Western Michigan University and Michigan Technological University as the third Michigan school to incorporate a Masters international program into its curriculum. This year 71 volunteers are serving from MSU, making the university the eighth highest producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

Masters International, one of the Peace Corps domestic programs, enables individuals to pursue graduate degrees while serving in the Peace Corps. The program has established partnerships with more than 50 universities nationwide.

Potentially interested students wishing to pursue the M.I. degree at MSU should contact Professor Eric Crawford in Agricultural Economics at crawfor5@msu.edu.

For more general information about Masters International, please visit the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.

For more information on MSU Peace Corps participation, please visit: http://newsroom.msu.edu/site/indexer/2504/content.htm.