BINGHAMTON, NY -- Binghamton University’s Department of Public Administration is now participating in the Peace Corps Master's International (PCMI) program. The program allows individuals interested in serving in the Peace Corps to combine their overseas experience with graduate studies. The Department of Public Administration at Binghamton University is one of only two PCMI programs in public administration in New York State.

"The PCMI program provides an excellent opportunity for students to combine their Peace Corps experience with a professional degree, leveraging both experiences to prepare students to become leaders in public service," said David Campbell, chair and associate professor of public administration at Binghamton University.

Interested students first apply to the Department of Public Administration’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, and within their first year of study apply to the Peace Corps. Students admitted to the program will spend one year completing coursework at Binghamton University, followed by 27 months immersed in an overseas assignment. During their Peace Corps service, PCMI students complete a total of six credits at no cost to the student (four credits are covered by the Graduate School at Binghamton University and two credits of internship are waived). 

Susan Appe, assistant professor of public administration at Binghamton University, serves as the PCMI program coordinator for the Department of Public Administration and is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Macedonia 2001; Bolivia 2002-2004). In addition, Department of Public Administration faculty are currently conducting research or administering programs in several Peace Corps countries, including: China, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Armenia.

The Binghamton MPA program's definition of "community" is not limited to the Greater Binghamton area, but rather includes communities throughout the world. Currently, the department has in-house international programs, which include service learning and language immersion in Cusco, Peru, and the study of contemporary China in Shenzhen, China. The department is also currently developing programs for faculty and student exchanges in Colombia and Turkey.

"We are proud to say that the State University of New York is the only university system in the country that has a special relationship with the Peace Corps for the establishment of Peace Corps Master’s International programs," said Sally Crimmins Villela, assistant vice chancellor for global affairs at the State University of New York. "We would like to commend Binghamton on establishing an MI program in public administration. The benefits that Peace Corps service will bring to master’s graduates will be significant and tangible, as they will learn firsthand how to practice their profession in a developing region of the world, all while learning another language, culture and history. The Peace Corps will also gain from having such well-prepared volunteers representing them around the world, enhancing this critical dimension of our country’s public diplomacy efforts."

"The PCMI Program is an important development for the College of Community and Public Affairs," said Laura Bronstein, dean of the College of Community and Public Affairs. "It reaffirms our commitment to preparing students for public service careers globally, not only in the United States."

For more information, contact Susan Appe at sappe@binghamton.edu or 607-777-9182.