Coverdell Fellows Program

Coverdell Fellows Program

The University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa is a globally focused research-intensive institution dedicated to student success. USF is recognized as a top 25 public research university by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with more than $400 million in research expenditures. The University's mission is to deliver competitive academic and professional programs, to generate knowledge, foster intellectual development, and ensure student success in a global environment. 

The USF 2022-27 Strategic Plan calls for the university to graduate highly skilled global citizens while pursuing high impact research and innovation that contributes to sustainable development and positive societal change. USF has a strong and established relationship with the Peace Corps. USF is a "Top College" for graduating Peace Corps volunteers, (ranking 16th among all universities in the United States whose graduates are volunteering for the Peace Corps), and 5th among all U.S. graduate students studying in the Masters International Peace Corps program. The University of South Florida is now officially a Coverdell Fellows Partner University. 

The Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS) is committed to hosting Returning Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) because their real world, international experience will be a tremendous asset in the classroom, on our campus, and within our community. 

The Master of Arts (MA) degree in Global Sustainability offers students a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the environment, as well as the social and economic dimensions of sustainability. The M.A. in Global Sustainability offers four concentrations: Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, Sustainable Tourism, Sustainability Policy and Sustainable Business. All concentrations are offered in online, on-campus format, and blended formats to meet the needs of student schedules. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Global Sustainability offers five (5) academic concentrations, available in a traditional on-campus format, blended hybrid formats or fully online: Entrepreneurship, Food Sustainability and Security, Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Transportation, and Water Sustainability. Our interdisciplinary approach to curriculum and the diversity of the disciplines represented by our faculty, paired with a global internship program, prepares students to address complex regional, national, and global challenges with the ability to innovate in diverse cultural, geographic, and demographic contexts. 

Our program is an excellent fit for RPCVs. The partnership will allow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to complete a graduate degree in one of nine (9) concentrations in the field of sustainability. Students within our program connect regularly with our community partners and have a strong record of success in the workplace upon completion of the degree. All Coverdell Fellows are required to be on campus students to be eligible for the Fellows program.

Questions & Answers for Coverdell Applicants:

Q: Can I complete my capstone internship overseas?
A:  No.  Coverdell Fellows are required to complete their capstone internship with an underserved  American community (https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/university-programs/coverdell-fellows/).

Q:  Can I take the Global Sustainability master’s program online as a Coverdell Fellow?
A:  The program requires Coverdell Fellows to take the MA or MS program on the USF Tampa campus, but you may take any selection of courses that are offered in-class or online as needed. 

Q:  When are Coverdell Fellows appointed?
A:  Coverdell Fellow interviews and appointments are announced by the Dean in Fall semester for the following Spring/Fall term.

Q:  Does every student who applies and is eligible receive a Coverdell Appointment?
A:  No. The Coverdell Fellow application and appointment process is competitive;

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CONTACT INFORMATION

For Admissions Related Inquiries:

Randall Pape
Assistant Director of Academic Services
rpape@usf.edu