BOONE–Appalachian State University is the newest partner in the Peace Corp’s Master’s International program.  Appalachian joins N.C. State University and N.C. A&T University in training graduate students to serve as volunteers in scarce-skills areas.

Master’s International, one of the Peace Corps’ domestic programs, enables individuals to pursue graduate degrees while serving in the Peace Corps.

Appalachian will offer master of arts programs through its College of Arts and Sciences and Reich College of Education. Degree options will include elementary, mathematics and English education.

Students in the Master’s International program will spend a year on campus before going overseas to serve with the Peace Corps.

Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. After completing their commitment, students finish their graduate coursework or begin their careers. All of the Master’s International students will be volunteers in areas in which demand far exceeds the supply of skilled volunteers.

“Appalachian is excited about becoming a master’s international university partner,” said Edelma Huntley, dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Appalachian.

“Among the goals of Appalachian’s graduate school are graduate student participation in international programs and the incorporation of meaningful internships or service learning into the appropriate programs.  The Master’s International program will help us to achieve these goals, as well as to train teachers who have international experience and a global perspective,” she said.

The Peace Corps has established Master’s International partnerships with more than 45 universities nationwide. For more information about the program, visit the Peace Corps Web site at www.peacecorps.gov/masters.