The mission of the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development (SGISD) is:
Empowering communities locally, nationally, and internationally to advance wellness, educational access, economic participation, and social opportunities for all their citizens by developing leaders, building knowledge, and demonstrating real-world innovations that embrace inclusion.
As such, we are closely aligned with the Peace Corps mission and philosophy of cross-cultural collaboration and local-level empowerment. We believe that inclusive policies and practices for marginalized groups not only fulfill a social justice objective, but also build peace within and between nations.
SGISD faculty and students are involved with research and training in Peace Corps host nations including Bangladesh, China, Jordan, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, South Africa, and Tanzania.
What kind of students are we looking for?
Successful students in our programs have demonstrated the following:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Multicultural awareness
- Empathy for and understanding of marginalized populations
- Understanding of ethical issues
- Commitment to social justice
Program details
Learn about our core courses and concentrations here.
Download a flyer about the Coverdell Fellowship and the MA in global inclusion and social development.
What do students do with a degree in global inclusion and social development?
The combination of their previous volunteer experience, their academic training, and internship opportunities make Coverdell Fellows well qualified to find employment quickly after the completion of their program. Here are examples of career paths for GISD MA graduates:
- Directing an urban food-justice nonprofit
- Consulting with global and regional nonprofits to increase their diversity and program reach
- Managing outreach and community relations for a nonprofit or institute
- Assisting refugees to integrate into a new community
- Running local advocacy campaigns for inclusive policies
Credits
36 credits are required for the GISD master’s, and Coverdell Fellows may apply 6 credits toward their concentration for their Peace Corps service. Fellows will need to create an individualized plan of study concentration that includes this experience as independent study. They will also need to create an academic component, such as a research paper, that ties their Peace Corps service experience in with their concentration.
How long does the program take?
A full-time student will complete the MA degree in 3 semesters (1.5 years). Part-time and low-residency options are also available.
Internship
Each Coverdell Fellow will work with a grassroots community-based organization (CBO) on a specific and mutually agreed-upon project. The Fellow’s advisor will work with Fellows and CBOs to identify appropriate internships, and to monitor and support the success of the placement. Fellows may also get assistance in locating an internship from UMass Boston Career Services, the Office of Community Partnerships, and the Office of Global Programs.
Through our research and training institute, the Institute for Community Inclusion, we have developed longstanding partnerships with many grassroots CBOs in Boston. Examples of programs to which trainees may affiliate are:
Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
Casa Esperanza
Eritrean Community Center Boston
Haitian-American Public Health Initiatives
Urban PRIDE
Final project
All GISD students complete a final project before applying for graduation. Each student works with an advisor to create a final project that shows a general mastery and command for studies in global inclusion, and highlights specific interests, experiences, and goals for post-graduate endeavors.
Support and advising
UMass Boston offers many resources to support students. Coverdell Fellows will have access to all of these, including the Graduate Writing Center, Financial Aid Services, and University Health Services.
The Coverdell Fellows coordinator is available via email and phone to answer questions and to schedule in-person meetings with Fellows.
During their orientation, Coverdell Fellows will be assigned a faculty advisor who will meet with them regularly and assist them with the requirements of their academic program. The student and advisor will develop a plan of study so that students can plan their course work and internship requirements well in advance.
All students in the GISD MA program receive copies of the GISD Master's Degree Student Handbook.
Online and on-campus options
We offer both online and on-campus study options. Our students often cite our school’s flexibility, and the chance to customize a program of study, as major incentives for enrolling in our programs.
Program costs
We recommend reviewing the Financial Aid website.
Cost of living in Boston
The UMass Boston Housing site has information about managing housing costs in Boston. Cost of living can vary greatly depending upon what area of Boston a student lives in and whether or not he or she lives with roommates.
Note that tuition at other Boston-area schools, such as Boston University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Tufts University, is approximately three times as much as UMass Boston’s.
Some SGISD courses are offered online, so students may choose to spend part of their time in the program living outside of Boston. Depending upon the student’s home city and living situation, this may result in a lower cost of living than full-time residency in Boston for the duration of their program.
We are happy to discuss various financial scenarios and how they may play out for a Coverdell Fellow who chooses to spend part of their time studying remotely.
How we help pay for your degree
- In-state tuition rates will be provided to all Fellows regardless of their state of residency.
- Students receive 6 credits for their Peace Corps service.
- We cover the UMass Boston application fee for all Coverdell applicants.
Coverdell Fellows and the Third Goal of Peace Corps
In addition to recruiting Coverdell Fellows, SGISD faculty and staff work with Peace Corps through a variety of activities. UMass Boston maintains relationships with recruiters in the Boston office of the Peace Corps, and Coverdell Fellows are available to talk to applicants about becoming Peace Corps Volunteers.
How to apply
Coverdell Fellows apply through the usual process, outlined on our Apply page, and submit all materials through the UMass Boston Office of Graduate Admissions. Please indicate on your application that you are a returned Peace Corps volunteer and wish to be considered for a Coverdell Fellowship. You may also describe your Peace Corps service and interest in the fellowship in your personal statement.
Finally, please submit a copy of your official Description of Service from the Peace Corps to the Coverdell Fellows coordinator, Kaitlyn Siner-Cappas, at sgisd@umb.edu. You may do this at any time up until the application deadline for the MA program (for fall--April 1; for spring--Nov. 1).
Kaitlyn is available to answer your questions about the fellowship and how it may fit in with your Peace Corps service and professional goals. She can also explain the process for getting your application fee covered.