Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q. What are the different specializations in the MCP program?
A. Economic Development, Environmental Planning, International Development, Physical Planning, and Urban Design.
Q. Who would be my advisor if I joined the Master's International (MI) or the Fellows/USA program?
A. Professor Looye is the advisor for all MI and Fellows/USA students.
Q. Are the classes geared towards teaching students about theoretical aspects of planning or do they focus on the application of planning theory in the real world?
A. Our program has a nice balance of theory (for your entire career) and practice (to prepare you for your first job, in large part).
Q. What are the chances of getting financial aid in the form of assistantships or scholarships?
A. The SOP only has 10 graduate assistantships, which go to the best applicants. These cover 100% tuition and have a work stipend to go with them. Other students receive partial tuition, generally, and we have most of our students placed in planning agencies (broadly understood - government, private, and NGOs) for the same pay as graduate assistantships. Loans are handled through UC's central administration and it is best for you to contact them directly for more information.
Q. Will a high GRE score or anything else increase my chances of getting non-loan financial aid?
A. Yes, although we have a small applicant pool and can accept students who don't shine in every way (GPA, GRE, letters, experience, essays), the "best" money goes to those who do look most outstanding.
Q. Is it required that hard copies of the letters of recommendation be sent with the application? Is it acceptable for them to be sent electronically or faxed?
A. If the letters of application are e-mailed or faxed directly by the recommender, we can accept electronic or faxed letters.
Q. Should I send my resume as part of my application? Where should I send the digital copy?
A. Yes. Send a paper copy to Connie Dean with your application, as well as a digital copy to Professor Looye.
Q. What are the main differences between the MI and Fellows/USA programs?
A. Students in the MI program complete their Peace Corps service between their 2 academic years, and they must specialize in International Development. Fellows/USA students have already completed a Peace Corps assignment, and they may specialize in any of the five specialization areas.

Master's International Program Questions

Q. Does your department already have agreements set up with certain countries for the MI program, or will the Peace Corps office place me in a country the same as they will for all other volunteer applicants?
A. It's just like every Peace Corps assignment.
Q. What is the typical thesis completion time after students return from their service?
A. Our returned Master's International students have all completed their theses on schedule, during their second year on campus. They also have had the added benefit of two years to define their thesis topics and conduct research while serving in the Peace Corps.
Q. Is it easy to take the required classes while completing your Peace Corps assignment?
A. We sandwich the Peace Corps in between two years of study (as a substitute for the summer internship), so you would just take a normal course load each academic year.
Q. Is it common for MI students to not complete their master's after they complete their Peace Corps assignment?
A. Our Master's International students successfully complete their Peace Corps service and master's degrees upon returning to campus in about the same proportion as regular MCP students.
Q. If I do not complete my full Peace Corps assignment can I still finish my MCP?
A. If you opt for an "early termination" (ET), you can still complete your MCP degree without earning the MI certificate. If the Peace Corps determines that you have successfully completed your term of service, you may complete the MCP and receive an MI certificate.
Q. Do MI students also select a specialization?
A. All MI students enroll in the international development specialization. However, the program's three open electives could be devoted to additional methods courses, courses from other specializations, or courses from other departments.
Q. Is the application to the MI program a separate process from the graduate program (i.e., separate essays, recommendations, and application, etc.) or do all materials need to be sent to the graduate school with no distinct Fellows application?
A. There is only one application for both the MCP program and the MI program. Indicate MI program on the application form and send Dr. Looye a digital copy of your resume. Additionally, if your general essays do not address why you want to pursue the Fellos/USA program, please send an essay explaining your reasons to Dr. Looye.
Q. Is there a deadline for the MI program application?
A. The deadline for the MI program application is the same as that for the School of Planning application. The due date can be found on the planning website. Generally, we begin to distribute financial aid on March 1, so you should have everything submitted by that time to be considered.

Master's Fellows/USA Program Questions

Q. How does the Fellows/USA program differ from the regular MCP?
A. The main difference between the Fellows Program and the regular MCP program is that almost all students in the Fellows program receive some financial aid (tuition and/or graduate assistantship) in exchange for working as an intern with a community organization involved with under served groups. In addition, each student in the program is required to take a special Peace Corps seminar class that meets several times a quarter.
Q. What types of internships do Fellows/USA students get?
A. Currently we have students working in the following agencies: Santa Maria Community Services, Price Hill Will, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, The Neihoff Urban Design Studio, the Legal Aid Society, United Way, and SmartMoney Community Services. Many of these organizations have websites that you can access to find more information.
Q. What is the Peace Corps seminar like?
A. The primary purpose of this course is to explore ways in which overseas Peace Corps service relates to domestic work with underserved communities. Through lectures, open discussions, and writing exercises, students will explore issues of community development work as a professional planner, including reflection on how to use the knowledge and skills developed during overseas service to improve people's lives in the US and vice versa.
Q. What specializations do most returned volunteers study?
A. RPCVs specialize in all areas, depending on their background and interests.
Q. Is the application to the Fellows program a separate process from the graduate program (i.e., separate essays, recommendations, and application, etc.) or do all materials need to be sent to the graduate school with no distinct Fellows application?
A. There is only one application for both the MCP program and the Fellows/USA program. Indicate Fellows/USA on the application form, include your description of service (DOS), and send Dr. Looye a digital copy of your resume. Additionally, if your essays do not address why you want to pursue the Fellows/USA program, please submit a short essay explaining your reasons to Dr. Looye.
Q. Is there a deadline for the Fellows/USA application?
A. The deadline for the Fellows/USA application is the same as that for the School of Planning application. The due date can be found on the planning website. Generally, we begin to distribute financial aid on March 1, so you should have everything submitted by that time to be considered.
Q. I did not complete my full term as a volunteer and opted for an early termination (ET). Does this affect my eligibility for the Fellows Program?
A. Your eligibility for the Fellows/USA program depends on "satisfactory completion" of the Peace Corps. You would need to send our office a copy of your DOS (Description of Service). We would then check with the Peace Corps as to your eligibility. No matter the situation with the Fellows/USA program, you are welcome to apply to the Master of Community Planning program.
Q. Do you accept students for the Fellows/USA program for the winter term or do you only accept students for the fall?
A. We do accept students for the winter term; however, there is less financial aid available at that time.