Advising and Funding
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Advising
Dr. Craig Waddell coordinates the PCMI in RTC. Dr. Waddell teaches courses in Global Poverty, World Cultures, Risk Communication, and Rhetoric. In addition to his PhD in Communication and Rhetoric, Dr. Waddell has a Master’s Degree in Education and was certified to teach high school English. He has many years’ experience as an advisor to students and to student organizations, and his administrative experience includes three years as director of the department’s undergraduate program in Scientific and Technical Communication.
Contact Dr. Waddell to learn more about the program.
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Progress through the Degree
During their first nine months in the program (September through May), students are on campus completing coursework and meeting with other PCMI students and with Returned Peace Corps volunteers. During the spring semester, before they begin their Peace Corps service, PCMI students enroll in FW5770 Rural Community Development and Planning Analysis, which is specifically designed to prepare Peace Corps volunteers for international work in developing regions. Students then prepare for departure with the Peace Corps in June or July. While on assignment in the Peace Corps, PCMI students must keep in regular contact with their advisors via mail, email, and/or phone.
For each semester of Peace Corps service, students will be enrolled in a one-credit course created for this purpose. Tuition for students in the field will be paid by Michigan Tech, and no additional fees will be charged. Academic requirements during the service period are flexible and will be based on appropriate activities for the service site, though all students are expected to document their experience in their assignment area.
On their return from Peace Corps service, students will submit and orally present their report. In some cases, a videoconference presentation may be arranged. Students wishing to obtain Michigan certification in secondary English teaching may remain on campus for an additional semester to complete any course requirements imposed by the state.
A total of at least 34 credit hours is required to compete the program. Students will earn one credit hour of thesis credits for each semester of Peace Corps service and will complete three additional hours of thesis credits upon return.
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Funding Opportunities
Generally, PCMI students are self-supporting. However, depending on availability of positions and students’ backgrounds, teaching and research-assistant positions in the Department of Humanities may be available. Some students may also be eligible for federal work-study funding.
As noted above, for each semester of Peace Corps service, students will be enrolled in a one-credit course created for this purpose. Tuition for students in the field will be paid by Michigan Tech, and no additional fees will be charged. This credit makes PCMI participants full-time students, which qualifies students for loan deferral and requires students to remain in contact with their academic advisor.