Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program

The Phyllis J. Washington College of Education Counseling Department is proud to be a part of the Coverdell Fellows partnership agreement between the Peace Corps and the University of Montana. The Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program is a graduate fellowship program that offers financial assistance to returned Peace Corps Volunteers. The program allows for returning Peace Corps Volunteers to continue serving places in need, while also get a reduced cost for graduate school.

Application Deadline:

• Priority Deadline: January 15th; Rolling Admission: Early May

Degrees Awarded:

• Master's of Arts

Why you should consider this program:

The University of Montana is proud to offer a master's degree in Counselor Education with the ability to specialize in one of two areas (1) clinical mental health counseling or (2) school counseling. The UM program is nationally accredited under The Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The department recently moved into a brand new office and clinical space where students will enjoy state-of-the-art resources and an overall exceptional learning environment on a campus overlooking the Rocky Mountains.

Benefits for Coverdell Fellows:

*Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing—see the first point below for more details.

Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from:

The values and costs are median estimates based on two potential opportunities: 1) Eligibility for a merit award that would allow the fellow a tuition rate that is 150% of in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students, or a 25% reduction in in-state tuition for Montana resident students. 2) Eligibility for the PC Campus Representative position: 20 hrs/week hourly pay, $12.28/hr. (estimate 34 weeks, aligned with academic calendar).

Fellowships awarded per year (average):

• 1-3

Annual cost of living (estimated):

• $11,542

Application fee waived?

• No

Internship:

For all students in the program, the internship requirements for the program consist of 600-hours in a related setting (i.e., school or clinical). Although a focus of the department in general, the internship hours and related supervision and coursework are worth 6 credits. Coverdell Fellows will be required to select an internship location that specifically serves a disadvantaged population in the community. Although the faculty assist students in identifying internship options, Missoula and the surrounding area is home to approximately 1,200 non-profits and organizations. 

Jobs for program alumni:

After graduation or seeking additional training, our students have found positions primarily in counseling settings locally and in other states. However, students have also gone on to pursue careers in a wide variety of additional professions including: teaching (K-12 and higher education), student support services, medicine, business and entrepreneurship!

Program length:

• 2-3 years

Application requirements:

Undergraduate official (sealed) transcript(s) - if applicable, Master's level transcript(s); Optional GRE scores (please include scores if you believe they are helpful in demonstrating your academic ability); An in-person or Zoom interview; Three professional letters of recommendation; a personal statement addressing the reasons for wishing to be admitted into this program; Optional documentation of completion of pre-requisites (see department website for most up to date specifics): a course in Developmental Psychology, or Child/Adolescent Development, abnormal psychology, and a basic statistics course. *Prerequisites are not required but may be recommended based on transcript reviews with an applicant’s faculty advisor once admitted.

Admissions process:

Those interested in becoming Coverdell Fellows must first be accepted into the counseling program in the first round of interviews while noting their interest in the Fellowship program on their application. Upon acceptance into the program, applicants will be contacted regarding Fellowship consideration. Fellows will be ranked by the following criteria (1) alignment with professional goals and program mission; (2) related field experience; (3) teaching and program development experience; (4) evidence of professionalism and collaboration. Based on the ranking of all Fellowship applicants, resource support options (e.g., TA position) will be offered as available. 

Program begins:

• Late August

Non-traditional options:

• Option to pursue degree part time while receiving the Coverdell Fellowship
• Part-time student status is an option, however, Fellows interested in holding the TA or PC Campus Strategic Recruiter position must be enrolled as full-time students.

Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started:

• 2016

Resources:

• Coverdell Fellows Program
• Eligibility for Coverdell Fellows