Program Description
Program Description
The Program Tracks
Although we at OSU are expecting future collaborations withthe Peace Corps MI program, OSU College of Forestry currently has theMI program that results in the following degrees:
Master of Science (MS) degree in Forest Resources with the following suggested emphases (sometimes called options or concentrations):
I. Natural Resources Education and Extension.
II. Social Forestry. (Master of Forestry degree, M.F., also possible.)
III. Forest Economics. (Now called "Applied Economics"-- the resulting degree will similarly be called an MS in Applied Economics. Your major professor will be one of our forest economists.
IV. Silviculture.
Master of Science (MS) degree in Wood Science and Engineering, or an MS degree in Forest Products, with the following suggested emphases:
Master of Science (MS) degree in Forest Science with the following suggested emphases:
I. Forest Ecology.
II. Agroforestry.
III. Silviculture.
As you can see, what we offer as MI programs are diverse and broadlyencompassing forestry/natural resource management themes. More emphases within each of our three Departments are available to you; the PCMI coordinator can work with you to determine where the most appropriate fit is for you and those faculty who might serve as your academic major professor.
In conjunction with your graduate degree program, you'll be preparing for and ultimately in Peace Corps service within the "Forestry and the Environment" sector. We'll work to add into your set of courses those that will benefit you as someone who'll be working internationally, in the Peace Corps; we'll also create an environment in which you'll be exposed to returned Peace Corps volunteers who can help you prepare for your 27-month overseas experience.
The Typical Schedule
A year before you want to start grad school... "All the Ducks in a Row"
The first step of the application process for a Peace Corps Master's International program is to be in contact with the College of Forestry MI coordinator to discuss your interests: what program track (emphasis) you'd like to pursue. Like any M.S. degree, it begins with conversations with the professor most likely to serve as your major professor and academic advisor for your particular effort.
Next, apply to the Master's program at OSU. The university requirements can be reviewed here: http://oregonstate.edu/admissions/graduate/requirements.html.
As the aforementioned website notes, "Applicants who meet these requirements and apply for admission [with plenty of time prior to the fall they intend to begin] may be considered on an individual basis if supported for admission by their intended academic department."
The key to the application process is being accepted by the department that houses the particular degree program-- that would happen once the Graduate School accepts your application.
As you begin grad school...
An MI student will typically begin enroll in the fall quarter (begins late September), arrange for a full three quarters of coursework, and be prepared with the Peace Corps application process so that the Peace Corps assignment will begin soon after the first academic year. In this scenario, the student would be on campus for three full quarters (September - June), and complete 36 to 48 quarter hours of credit before going on assignment.
3 months into grad school...
Classes are going well; you and your major professor, along with the returned Peace Corps community at OSU and the MI coordinator, are helping you pursue coursework that enhances your training. You likely have found out from Peace Corps where in the world, regionally, you'll likely be placed as a volunteer.
6 months into grad school...
Classes are going well; you're feeling prepared and excited for your Peace Corps service and to pursue your graduate degreeproject or thesis work overseas. You likely know the country in which you'll be serving.
9 months after beginning grad school...
At this point you have three full quarters of coursework under your belt, and you've met and spoken with many returned Peace Corps volunteers about everything from the application process to the trials and tribulations of service. You are both a budding forestry professional, as well as a budding Peace Corps volunteer.
And now your Peace Corps and MI work begins as you head out to your host country and community. (But we're still with you.)
12 months after beginning grad school (3 months into Peace Corps service)...
You have finished your Peace Corps training period, and now you are placed into your host community. We'll stay in touch via cell phones, e-mail, Skype, etc., as often as you find it possible.
39 months after beginning grad school (27months into Peace Corps service)...
You are now "closing service", leaving your host country and returning to OSU for one quarter (or more if necessary or desired)-- this is when you wrap up your academic and program requirements.