The School of Public Health recently announced a masters international program and the Fellows–USA program with the Peace Corps.

Recent advances in science, technology and communication have created a rapidly shrinking planet—a global village. The United States Peace Corps is a key player in this global village, and it has identified a shortage of prepared public health professionals to respond to the needs of countries requesting Peace Corps volunteers. To address this need, Loma Linda University School of Public Health is partnering with the United States Peace Corps to increase the qualified applicant pool.

The school prepares graduates who are technically competent and skilled in planning, implementing and evaluating sustainable programs using an experimental model of learning compatible with Peace Corps goals.

In addition, the school welcomes returned Peace Corps volunteers into its Fellows–USA program, offering experienced people a graduate education in public health and the opportunity to participate in a community-based teaching assistantship.

“These programs are affording wide visibility for our School of Public Health, and we are pleased to be working with the United States Peace Corps,” shares Barbara Anderson, Dr.P.H., chair, department of health promotion and education, School of Public Health.

The masters international program is a pre-Peace Corps program in the five majors: environmental health, global health, health education, maternal and child health, and the dual degree maternal child health–health education. Those interested in this option must complete all coursework and then enter the Peace Corps to fulfill the field practicum. Full academic credit and a tuition scholarship for the field practicum are provided by the School of Public Health.

The Fellows–USA program is for returned Peace Corps volunteers. It is available in any of the above five majors. Those who have served in the Peace Corps will be given advanced standing for the M.P.H. field practicum, they will be invited to serve as teaching assistants in their respective departments, and they will receive a partial tuition benefit from the School of Public Health.

In December 2004, the School of Public Health and the regional office of the United States Peace Corps coordinated a fundraising event. A dinner and silent auction were held to establish scholarship money for the new Fellows–USA program.