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Masters International Program (MIP) in Urban and Regional Planning

Since 2000, the department has offered highly motivated students the option to combine professional graduate planning education with service in the U.S. Peace Corps. The program is intended to match academic study of the technical aspects unique to professional planning with applied international experience in city planning, economic development, community organizing, land use, resource management, and other planning arenas. We are one of only a handful of planning programs across the country that offer this program.

This degree option provides students the opportunity to use 6 credits for a formal thesis or structured writing project and the ability to earn 4 credits for their service. Specific departmental policies on the Masters International Program in Urban and Regional Planning spell out credit requirements, suggested timing of Peace Corps service and the writing requirement.

Urban and Regional Planning is one of 6 departments across the UW-Madison campus that offer the MIP. Those interested in campus-wide initiatives can view the Masters International Program website or visit with the campus recruiter, Greg Pepping.

Since 1961, the United States Peace Corps has actively recruited and placed talented Americans to serve across the world. The UW-Madison has a long-standing reputation as the top producing institution in providing volunteers. While a recent addition to the variety of Peace Corps programs, the Masters International Program has proven effective in offering mutual benefits to both the graduate student and their host institutions (Peace Corps and the UW-Madison).

In attaining its three goals to (1) provide the technical expertise of professionals trained in grass-roots development, (2) share American ideals directly with the people of host countries, and (3) bring back a more global perspective to the citizens of the United States, the Peace Corps has over 180,000 returnees (RPCVs) that serve as its most strident supporters and ardent recruiters. Within the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, we have several RPCVs who would be most willing to help you determine if Peace Corps is right for you. Feel free to contact the following individuals to discuss their Peace Corps experience:

Faculty:

Students: