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Peace Corps Prep Program
(Outgoing Program)
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Agriculture, Business, Child Development, Cultural and Area Studies, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Health Science, Human Biology, International Relations, Internship, Language study in conjunction with other coursework, Leadership, Multicultural Studies, Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Public Administration, Public Health, Public Policy, Service Learning, Social Welfare, Sustainability, Urban Planning, Women's Studies
Minimum Class Standing:
Freshman
Minimum GPA:
Good Academic Standing
Program Open to Visiting Students:
Open to UAlbany students only
Additional Program Requirements:
UAlbany students only
Internship Opportunity:
Yes!
Volunteer Opportunity:
Yes!
Language Requirement:
Some prior study recommended
Program Advisor:
Richie, Annette
Program Description:
Peace Corps Prep
The Peace Corps Prep Certificate prepares you for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service. To accomplish this, you will build 4 core competencies through interrelated coursework (to a Peace Corps work sector and intercultural competency), hands-on experience, and professional development support.
As of March 2025, 99 UAlbany undergraduate students have completed their Peace Corps Prep Certificates! Many went on to serve around the world in the Peace Corps. Read about UAlbany's phenomenal success in year one (2019-2020), and watch a video on the benefits, requirements, and resources, including Frequently Asked Questions.
Application Steps
Start an application:
Explore the 6 Peace Corps work sectors and choose your best fit
Complete any remaining requirements during your undergraduate degree and track them in this application
Notify your Sector Coach and Peace Corps Prep Coordinator when you are done and ready to receive your Peace Corps Prep Certificate!
Pro Tip!
Participate in UAlbany’s Global Distinction transcript milestone and fulfill nearly all of your Peace Corps Prep requirements at once! Including,
Academic Training and Field Experience
Foreign Language Requirement
Intercultural Competency Requirement
PC Prep Sector Coaches
UAlbany’s Sector Coaches are all returned Peace Corps volunteers (RVPC) available to to guide students in course and volunteering options, Every Peace Corps Prep participant will have a Sector Coach and receive timely support.
Sector Coaches are as follows:
Agriculture, and Environment
Michael Elliott
Director, International Student and Scholar Services, Center for International Education and Global Strategy; Lecturer in the Educational Policy and Leadership department in the School of Education
Community Economic Development, and Youth in Development
Susan Appe
Associate Professor of Public Administration and Policy in the International Affairs department of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy
Education
Susan Gorga
Instructor in the Intensive English Language Program, Center for International Education and Global Strategy
Health
John Justino
Director, Center for Global Health; Clinical Associate Professor in Health Policy, Management, and Behavior department, in the College of Integrated Health Sciences
Peace Corps Prep Coordinator
Annette Richie
Director, Global Learning: Engagement and Excellence, Center for International Education and Global Strategy
If planning to graduate and hoping to serve in the Peace Corps within the next year, please contact the regional Peace Corps Recruiter ASAP.
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term
Year
App Deadline
Decision Date
Start Date
End Date
Academic Year
2025
05/01/2029
05/31/2029
08/26/2025
05/31/2029
NOTE: Choose this year (2025) only if starting on the Peace Corps Prep Certificate in fall 2025 or spring or summer 2026. If after that (academic year 2026: fall 2026, spring 2027...), please choose the 2026 year option instead. The start year runs mid-August-August (fall-summer) of each year. You have multiple years to participate in and to complete the program, depending on your anticipated graduation date. Students can also complete the Certificate in as little as a semester, if they meet all requirements. Undergraduate students, including transfer students, can sign up at any time in their undergraduate careers. Of course, the earlier that you begin the Peace Corps Prep program, the better we can advise you on your academics and experiences abroad.
