--- title: Do You Need a Degree to Join the Peace Corps? description: Find out what you need to apply to the Peace Corps and how an advanced degree can strengthen your candidacy and long-term impact. image: https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_275114594.jpeg --- [Skip Navigation](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/do-you-need-a-degree-to-join-the-peace-corps#main) [![University of San Diego](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/KROC/%5BKROC%5D%20Branding%20Assets/logo-usd.png)](https://www.sandiego.edu/) [Joan B. 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[Written By Kroc School](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/author/kroc-school) ![](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_275114594.jpeg) Do You Need a Degree to Join the Peace Corps? 5:38 Serving with the Peace Corps is a chance to learn with communities, build trust across cultures, live out your values and [be a changemaker](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/why-i-chose-kroc-school-to-become-a-changemaker-student-stories). If you’re wondering whether you need a degree or what truly makes a strong candidate, read on for a clear breakdown. ## In This Article, We Will… - [Define the Peace Corps](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/do-you-need-a-degree-to-join-the-peace-corps#what) - [Review the eligibility requirements to join the Peace Corps](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/do-you-need-a-degree-to-join-the-peace-corps#Requirements) - [Go over the requirements for Peace Corps applications](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/do-you-need-a-degree-to-join-the-peace-corps#app) - [Share how advanced study can make you a competitive Peace Corps applicant](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/do-you-need-a-degree-to-join-the-peace-corps#how) - [Provide resources to learn more about the MA in Peace and Justice program](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/do-you-need-a-degree-to-join-the-peace-corps#deep) ## What is the Peace Corps? Established in 1961, the Peace Corps is a U.S. government service program with a [mission](https://www.peacecorps.gov/what-we-do/our-mission/) to promote [peace](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/what-is-peace-education), human connection, mutual cultural understanding and sustainable change through knowledge sharing around the world. Specifically, the program places volunteers with community partners in over [60 countries](https://www.peacecorps.gov/what-we-do/where-we-serve/) to serve on projects in six sectors: - Agriculture - Community economic development - Education - Environment - Health - Youth in development Examples of [service opportunities](https://www.peacecorps.gov/ways-to-serve/service-assignments/browse-opportunities/peace-corps-volunteer/) include teaching English, launching income-generating activities (such as beekeeping and soap making) and creating sustainable health programs to promote maternal and child health. Traditional **Peace Corps Volunteers** [serve for 27 months](https://www.peacecorps.gov/connect/blog/peace-corps-volunteer-or-peace-corps-responsewhich-is-right-for-me/#:~:text=Peace%20Corps%20Volunteer%20service%20is,extend%20for%20a%20second%20year.), but [shorter service options](https://www.peacecorps.gov/ways-to-serve/serve-with-us/) are also available. ## What Are the Peace Corps Requirements?  While most **Peace Corps Volunteer** positions require a four-year degree, some Volunteer opportunities accept applicants with five years of job experience or an associate’s degree plus relevant work experience. Review these additional [Peace Corps qualifications](https://www.peacecorps.gov/how-to-apply/preparing-to-apply/eligibility-and-core-expectations/?tab=1#tabs) to confirm if you’re eligible to serve: - U.S. citizen - At least 18 years old - Willing to **commit to two years of service and three months of training**, where you will begin to learn the host country’s language - Marriage certificate or attest to your committed partnership if you and your partner both applied and qualify for assignments in the same country (if applicable) - Notarized letter affirming you’ve arranged for your dependent(s) to be cared for while you are away on service (if applicable) ***Note:*** *The above eligibility criteria apply to the traditional Peace Corps Volunteer Program. If you are interested in a shorter period of service, confirm your eligibility for the* [*Peace Corps Response*](https://www.peacecorps.gov/ways-to-serve/serve-with-us/peace-corps-response/) *or* [*Virtual Service Pilot*](https://www.peacecorps.gov/ways-to-serve/serve-with-us/virtual-service-pilot/) *programs.* ### Peace Corps Application Requirements  If you meet the eligibility criteria above, here is what you will need to submit for your [Peace Corps Volunteer application](https://www.peacecorps.gov/how-to-apply/preparing-to-apply/before-you-apply-checklist/): - **Tailored resume** for the position of interest that is 1-3 pages long - **Motivation for Serving statement** that is approximately 500 words maximum and describes how you would overcome challenges associated with service - **Three references**, preferably from current or former employment supervisors, but may also include: - **Proof of foreign language skills**, such as college coursework (official or unofficial transcript) or proficiency exam results - **Relevant background information**, including: - **Peace Corps history documents** if you have participated in the program before If you are invited to serve, you must be [medically](https://www.peacecorps.gov/how-to-apply/application-and-invitation/medical-clearance/) and [legally cleared](https://www.peacecorps.gov/how-to-apply/application-and-invitation/legal-clearance/) to do so. ## How Can Graduate Study Strengthen Your Peace Corps Application? While a graduate degree is not required for the traditional Peace Corps Volunteer program, a [graduate peace studies degree](https://www.sandiego.edu/peace/academics/) can make you a competitive, more prepared candidate. Through a master’s program, you’ll gain: - **Credible expertise:** Coursework in program design, community organizing and conflict sensitivity will teach you principles and strategies you can apply to your service work. - **Experiential learning:** Research you’ll conduct and practicums you’ll complete for a graduate program will help you build confidence collaborating with stakeholders. Your hands-on learning experiences will also mirror the reporting and technical demands of service. - **Leadership skills:** Graduate programs offer facilitation, project management and partnership-building experiences that will help you drive sustainable initiatives in other countries and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. If you’re passionate about service, graduate study can equip you with foundational skills for long-term impact, both during and after your time in the Peace Corps. ## Deepen Your Impact with an MA in Peace and Justice For aspiring volunteers who want to pair service with academic rigor, the Kroc School’s [MA in Peace and Justice (MAPJ) program](https://www.sandiego.edu/peace/academics/ma-peace-and-justice/) is designed to develop many skills the Peace Corps values, such as community-driven change, ethical leadership and cross-cultural collaboration. You’ll learn from practitioner-faculty, take courses in conflict analysis, human rights, program design and evaluation as well as gain field-based experience that prepares you to co-create sustainable solutions with community partners. Graduates carry these skills into Peace Corps service and into [careers](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/explore-careers-in-peace-studies) across NGOs, government, education, and social impact organizations. If you’re ready to turn empathy into action, we invite you to join our community of changemakers today! [![Explore the Curriculum](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6041001/0b17f4e2-4c1b-41c2-be3a-d4ae648f6871.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6041001/0b17f4e2-4c1b-41c2-be3a-d4ae648f6871) [![Meet with Admissions](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6041001/d35fe94e-d082-4924-ade3-7ac9133a219d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6041001/d35fe94e-d082-4924-ade3-7ac9133a219d) [![Download the MAPJ guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6041001/61d96776-9b17-49a6-880a-00e36fca2c8a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6041001/61d96776-9b17-49a6-880a-00e36fca2c8a) ![Kroc School](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/USD-SPS-logo-reverse-3.png) About the Author [Kroc School](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/author/kroc-school) The Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies (Kroc School) at the University of San Diego is the global hub for peacebuilding and social innovation. Founded in 2007, the Kroc School equips the next generation of innovative changemakers to shape more peaceful and just societies. We offer master's degrees in peace and justice, social innovation, humanitarian action, conflict management and resolution, and a dual degree in peace and law — programs that have attracted diverse and dynamic students from more than 50 countries. In addition to our graduate programs, the Kroc School is home to the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (Kroc IPJ). Founded in 2001, the Institute supports positive change beyond the classroom. Through groundbreaking research, experiential learning, and forward-thinking programs, the Kroc School and Kroc IPJ are shaping a future in which peaceful co-existence is the new normal. ![](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/KROC/%5BKROC%5D%20Photos/rmi-hex.svg) ## Request More Information Please complete the form below to learn more about the Kroc School graduate programs. We will email you more information regarding each of our programs. If you would like to receive a program guide for a specific degree, please select a program. ![](https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/KROC/%5BKROC%5D%20Photos/rmi-hex.svg) ### Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies [Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice](https://www.sandiego.edu/maps/?id=357&mrkIid=78531)5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 [(619) 260-7919](tel:(619)%20260-7919)[krocschool@sandiego.edu](mailto:krocschool@sandiego.edu) [View Directory](https://www.sandiego.edu/directory/?alpha=&expert=&division_id=NaN&office_department_id=39&sub_department_id=NaN&sub_unit_id=NaN&user_type=&list_view_type=box-view&filter_type=&group_id=&show_image=&details_button=hide-details-button&row_limit=24&state=NaNamp;&usd_expert_keyword=&department_filter_type=0&filter_action=clicks) ## Helpful links - [Maps & Directions](https://www.sandiego.edu/maps/) - [Request Info](https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/undergraduate/connect/) - [Jobs at USD](https://www.sandiego.edu/jobs/) - [Make a Gift](https://www.sandiego.edu/giving/) - [Apply](https://www.sandiego.edu/admission-and-aid/) - [Degrees & Programs](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/) - [Colleges & Schools](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/college-and-schools.php) - [Offices & Departments](https://www.sandiego.edu/directory/) - [Education Partners](https://www.fst.edu/) - [Libraries](https://www.sandiego.edu/academics/libraries.php) [Web Privacy](https://www.sandiego.edu/its/about/policies/#accordion-panel3) [Accessibility](https://www.sandiego.edu/its/about/policies/#accordion-panel25) [Website Redesign](https://www.sandiego.edu/brand/web-and-mobile/redesign/) [Emergency](https://www.sandiego.edu/emergency/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kroc School", "url" : "https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/author/kroc-school" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-15T16:57:33.805Z", "datePublished" : "2026-02-17T18:23:16.000Z", "headline" : "Do You Need a Degree to Join the Peace Corps?", "image" : [ "https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/AdobeStock_275114594.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/peace/the-innovating-peace-blog/do-you-need-a-degree-to-join-the-peace-corps", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://krocstories.sandiego.edu/hubfs/2c%20Horizontal%20Logo%20(2).png" }, "name" : "University of San Diego" } } ```