Coverdell Fellowship

The FSU College of Social Work is pleased to offer The Coverdell Fellowship in partnership with the U.S. Peace Corps. We seek inspired and inspiring applicants to join us in this unique opportunity for career advancement and personal development.

The fellowship supports Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. RPCVs may choose from the full-time MSW programs available at FSU on the Tallahassee main campus including the Traditional MSW Program (for students with any Bachelor's degree), Advanced Standing MSW Program (for students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree) and Joint Pathways Programs (MSW/MBA, MSW/JD, MSW/MPA, and MSW/MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice).

The MSW programs at FSU includes two concentrations:

• MSW Clinical Concentration prepares students for advanced, clinical social work practice with a diverse range of clients in numerous community settings. The curriculum prepares students interested in clinical licensure.
• MSW Social Leadership Concentration prepares students for advanced practice in organizational and community settings, policy, and/or administrative positions in government and non-governmental social service agencies that serve diverse individuals, groups, and communities.

Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, hosts two universities including Florida State University and Florida A&M University, a historically black college/university (HBCU). The community is a central location for Florida state and local government as well as many non-profit organizations.

A Master in Social Work degree builds upon the skills developed during Peace Corps service and brings these skills to the local community while also allowing RPCVs to work toward professional goals. The program integrates graduate level social work coursework with internship placements and service learning opportunities. The partnership between the FSU College of Social Work and the Peace Corps aims to help RPCVs manage the transition into professional roles and careers.

RPCVs who are awarded the Coverdell Fellowship will receive tuition waiver support (MSW tuition scholarship) to attend the FSU College of Social Work Master’s Program. 

Click here for admissions requirements and information. Additionally, to be considered for the Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship, please email a copy of your description of service to Jennifer Farinella at jfarinella@fsu.edu. The College of Social Work will need to receive a completed MSW program application (including letters of recommendation), and an emailed copy of your service verification by January 15, 2023 to be considered for a Fall 2023 award. 

Coverdell Fellowship Application Deadlines: 
Fall Term - January 15
Please note: Applicants must also have a fully submitted application (including all supplemental materials) to the MSW program by the above deadlines to be considered for Coverdell Fellowship opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to apply far in advance of the posted deadline dates as these are competitive awards.

If you have questions about your Coverdell Fellowship application, please e-mail Jennifer Farinella at jfarinella@fsu.edu or call 850-645-6932.

For more information on how to apply, contact:

Fran Gomory, MSW
MSW Program Director
fgomory@fsu.edu

To learn more about the our Peace Corps Partnership, click here.