Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
       Master of Health Science/Peace Corps Master's International Program

The MHS/MI program is designed for students who wish to combine rigorous academic coursework with a rewarding volunteer experience through the Peace Corps. The benefits of completing the MHS/MI program include an unparalleled educational experience at JHSPH; the opportunity to develop skills necessary for the global marketplace; job placement support after completion of the program through the Peace Corps; and advantages in federal employment.

Individuals interested in participating in the MHS/MI program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have the option of applying through either the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health (PFRH) or through the Department of International Health. Applicants interested in applying through International Health can find more information at http://www.peacecorps.dpcp.org/.

Students will begin their program by completing nine months of coursework at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, followed by a 2-3 month Peace Corps project orientation, and finally 24 months of volunteer service. Students will receive the MHS degree after the successful completion of 680 hours of Peace Corps Volunteer Service (this does not include the 2-3 month training period), and the completion of the MHS Essay, for a total of 96 academic units.

PFRH MHS Coursework
MHS program requirements include completion of four academic terms totaling 64 units; completion of a culminating master’s essay; and completion of master’s presentation. MHS/MI students would follow the program guidelines for the one-year MHS program.

MHS/PCMI Course Requirements

Peace Corps Project Orientation and Volunteer Service
After completing your initial coursework and receiving your Peace Corps placement, you will travel to your site and begin training. Once overseas, you are given an assignment according to the needs and requests of your host country. Participating faculty recognize that while overseas, your primary responsibility is the project and community to which you have been assigned. Students will receive 32 academic units for completing 680 hours of Peace Corps Service. For more information regarding your Peace Corps Volunteer Service or on applying to the Masters International Program, please contact:

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
VRS/DP/MI
1111 20th Street, NW Washington, DC 20526
Phone: 800.424.8580 ext. 1812 OR                         
202.692.1812
Fax: 202.692.1801
Email: mastersinternational@peacecorps.gov

Sample Timeline for MHS/MI Students
Fall 2008 - First Term - Begin MHS coursework at JHSPH (16 units)
Fall 2008 - Second Term - Continue MHS coursework at JHSPH (16 units)
Spring 2009 -Third Term - Continue MHS coursework at JHSPH (16 units)
Spring 2009 - Fourth Term - Complete MHS coursework at JHSPH (16 units)

Summer 2009 - Begin Volunteer project orientation
Fall 2009 - Begin Volunteer Service (32 units)
Fall 2011 - Completion of Peace Corps Volunteer Service and Awarding of MHS/MI degree

Application Process
Students interested in applying to the MHS/MI program within the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health should apply first to the MHS program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. After admission to the MHS program, but before matriculation, students apply to the Peace Corps, indicating that they are in the Hopkins MHS/MI program. Peace Corps acceptance, medical and legal clearance can take up to one year to complete, so it is best to get started early.

The application for the Peace Corps MI Program.

Please note that Peace Corps requires U.S. citizenship to serve as a Volunteer.

It should be noted that this is NOT a Peace Corps Fellows program. The Fellows Program is for returned Peace Corps Volunteers who then enter a graduate school program. Our JHU School of Nursing has a Fellows Program.

In addition, the Shriver Peaceworker Program at the University of Maryland is a Fellows Program with significant scholarship support. A student may combine study here at JHSPH with community service to participate in the Shriver Peaceworker Program. More information about the Shriver Peaceworker Program can be found at: www.shrivercenter.org

For more information on the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health’s MHS/MI program, please contact Lauren Ferretti, lferrett@jhsph.edu, 410-614-6676.