Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program
Turn your commitment into a career with a master's degree from Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy
Benefits for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs)
As part of our partnership with the Peace Corps, RPCVs selected for the Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows Program are guaranteed a tuition waiver of up to 50% for the Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) program.
In addition, all Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows complete a local community service internship for 10-12 hours per week that benefits the local community. These community service internships take place during the academic year and include a monthly stipend.
Master of Public Policy
With Duke’s Master of Public Policy (MPP), you’ll develop as an ethical and inclusive leader using evidence-based tools and rigorous policy analysis. Choose from seven policy-area concentrations including Environment and Energy, Health, and Technology. MPP graduates are analysts, managers, and leaders in various levels of business, government, and nonprofit organizations in the United States and around the world.
Master of International Development Policy
The Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) is a self-designed, interdisciplinary degree that equips mid-career professionals from around the world with the analytical tools and technical expertise necessary to become global leaders in sustainable development efforts. When you graduate, you’ll be in the company of alumni spanning more than 100 countries working with international development agencies, in the private sector, and in local, state, and national governments across the globe. The MIDP program collaborates with the Duke Center for International Development.
Webinar: The Coverdell Peace Corps Fellows Program at Duke: A Lifelong Benefit for RPCVs
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About the Sanford School of Public Policy
The Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University is a public policy school with a mission. We're focused on innovative policy solutions that create positive change. RPCVs graduate from our programs with crucial policy analysis skills that help them leverage their on-the-ground experience for broader social impact.
Many of our staff and faculty are RPCVs eager to share their experience and show you the many ways Sanford graduates are making a difference. If you've completed your service, we invite you to check out our master's programs and inquire about our scholarships for returning volunteers.
Coverdell Fellowship Eligibility
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers earn lifetime eligibility for the Paul D. 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 Volunteers or Advancing Health Professionals who complete 12 months of service within a 24-month period
Exception: The 12-month requirement was waived for all Peace Corps Response Volunteers evacuated in March 2020 due to COVID-19.
Two-year Volunteers who resign or are administratively separated are not eligible for Coverdell Fellows unless they had already earned eligibility through a previous Peace Corps tour.
"My Duke MIDP experience has made me a better member of a changemaking community, and I see the strength of that community as the basis of any impact we make."
Through the Coverdell Peace Corps Fellowship, Rachel interned with the local NGO Refugee Community Partnership, working on child-centered programming and data management. She also interned with the International Migration Organization’s Integration and Migrant Training Unit in Geneva.
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