Urban and Regional Planning: Peace Corps Master's International Program

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FSU-Peace Corps Master's International Program
In Urban Planning (Founded Fall 1992)

The rate of urbanization in today's world is much more rapid in developing than developed areas. The Master's International Program at FSU is designed to ensure a steady stream of volunteers for the planning of these rapidly growing urban areas. Courses cover the legal and institutional context in which planners operate, as well as specific strategies such as regional economic development, microenterprise development, housing and infrastructure, and capacity-building particularly among non-governmental organizations.

DURP Professors Dr. Doan & Dr. Connerly accept an achievement award from John Eaves, Atlanta Regional Manager of the Peace Corps and Sylvia Alejandre, Peace Corps University Programs Coordinator

Students develop skills in the preparation of development plans, in the design, management and implementation of development projects, and in participatory planning and research. Students are also encouraged to take courses in one or more of the other specializations in the department, namely housing and community development, transportation, comprehensive planning and land use, environmental planning, and health planning.

MIP students will take the full sequence of core courses required for the MSP degree with a specialization in Planning for Developing Areas. However in recognition of the extensive training received during Peace Corps training in local language and cultural aspects of the host country, MIP students will be permitted to complete 42 credit hours in stead of the standard 48 credit hours. During their first year of courses MIP students must take URP 5610 Introduction to Planning for Developing Areas and URP 5616 Project Planning in Developing Areas to prepare them for Peace Corps service.

After finishing their first year of course work, MIP students are placed as Peace Corps Volunteers in a developing countries position to work with local planners and administrators on problems of urban development, or to help non-governmental organizations fill the gap between government services and local needs. Upon completion of their two year Peace Corps service MIP students will return to Tallahassee to complete their degree requirements with at minimum one more semester of courses. At this time, if students wish to change their specializations, they are free to do so, though this may require a slightly longer stay in Tallahassee. Click here to read a profile about two of our 2001 MIP alums.

Students in the MIP may choose to do a master's paper for their capstone requirement based in part on their experiences in Peace Corps. Students who wish to pursue this option should discuss this carefully with their advisor prior to departing for their Peace Corps service. However, if students prefer they are may complete a studio project under the supervision of departmental faculty to complete their capstone requirement once they return to Tallahassee.

Benefits:

Peace Corps training provides a six credit reduction in total required for graduation
Peace Corps service fulfills the departmental internship requirement
Peace Corps offers the international experience needed to obtain employment in a developing country.
Peace Corps service provides US Government non-competitive eligibility for returning volunteers.

To find out more about the program, contact: Petra Doan, Associate Professor, Coordinator, Peace Corps MI Program, e-mail: pdoan@garnet.acns.fsu.edu , Tel (850) 644-8521, Fax (850) 645-4841, or the department office.

You can find more information about the Peace Corps Master's International Program at their web site .