Peace Corps Prep

Are you interested in making a positive impact in the world through service?

Click to watch our video information session here. Learn how IU’s Global Service & Peace Corps Prep Certificate can strengthen your competitiveness for global service positions and for applying to the Peace Corps.

Indiana University ranks high in the number of graduates to the Peace Corps.

How will the certificate benefit me?

When you complete the Global Service and Peace Corps Prep certificate, you will:

  • Combine undergraduate academic coursework with experiential learning opportunities that emphasize community engagement and public service addressing local and global issues.
  • Create career materials that showcase your civic engagement and global education.
  • Receive a certificate of completion from the Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., signed by the Peace Corps national director, when you graduate.
  • Prepare to apply to the Peace Corps or other global service organizations.

To join the Peace Corps Prep Program:

To join the Peace Corps Prep Program:

  1. Attend an information session (held every semester) or schedule an advising session with the coordinator.
  2. During the information session or an advising meeting, we will explain the program’s requirements, provide information about IU’s Certificate in Global Service and Peace Corps Preparation, and direct you to resources that emphasize service-learning and community engagement. We will also connect you with the IU Peace Corps Recruiter Vicki Runion.
  3. You will need to apply to be formally accepted into the Program.
  4. After, you will need to meet annually with the Program coordinator. If you are pursuing an undergraduate certificate, you will also meet with the academic advisor Liz McHugh.

Contact the Peace Corps Prep Program

Deadlines to apply

There are two application deadlines for the program:

  • November 1
  • April 1

Certificate requirements

Students earning the Global Service and Peace Corps Prep certificate are required to complete at least 21 credit hours; the requirements and total credit hours depend on what academic year you began your studies at Indiana University. All students must also complete a credit-bearing internship experience related to their chosen work sector.

See full details in the College of Arts and Sciences academic bulletin

Students who have matriculated to IU prior to 2020 should consult the 2019-2020 College of Arts and Sciences Academic Bulletin.

Students who have matriculated to IU prior to 2017 should consult the 2016-2017 College of Arts and Sciences Academic Bulletin.

We strongly encourage you to apply for the program in your sophomore year, however, you may pursue the program in your junior or senior year after consulting with the program coordinator. Students interested in applying to the Peace Corps after graduation may be eligible to complete the preparation program’s exit checklist, even without enrolling in the undergraduate certificate.

You must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all certificate coursework.

  1. One Upper-Level Course in Intercultural and International Competence (3 credit hours).
  2. Two elective courses in Intercultural and International Competence (6 credit hours).
  3. World language coursework at the 200 level and above
  4. A credit-bearing internship, which must be related to one of the designated Peace Corps work sectors.
  5. At least two courses (6 credit hours) that relate to the certificate’s goals/Peace Corps work sectors in any academic unit. Consult with the certificate coordinator when selecting these courses. One of the two courses must be at the 300–400 level.
  6. INTL-I 401 Global Service Capstone (1 credit hour)

Students who wish to be prepared for careers in global service and be competitive for the Peace Corps application process should enhance their skills by having experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Additional courses in agriculture, education, business, environmental and health sciences
  • Advanced foreign language courses
  • Service-oriented short-term study abroad program
  • Long-term study abroad program
  • Participation in applying for nationally competitive fellowships and awards
  • Co-curricular community service
  • International, government, or nonprofit internships
  • Student leadership experiences
  • For students who wish to be competitive during the Peace Corps application process: substantial (100 hours or more) experience in community development and service

Resources

Explore the following resources to find out about service and learning opportunities in Bloomington and at IU:

Find out more

Learn more about the Peace Corps

Apply to the Peace Corps