The Peace Corps Prep program prepare Wittenberg students for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service. To accomplish this, students build four core competencies through interrelated coursework, hands-on experience, and professional development support:
Training and experience in a specific work sector
Leveraging concrete knowledge and skills is central to on-the-ground international development work. Through this PC Prep program, you will begin to build a professional specialty, which should serve your career well whether or not you become a Peace Corps Volunteer.
For PC Prep, you need to complete at least 3 courses that align with a specific work sector (they can but do not need to come from your academic major or minor). You also must accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer or work experience in that same sector, preferably in a teaching or outreach capacity.
If you intend to apply to the Peace Corps, the best way to assure that you will be a strong candidate is to explore Peace Corps’ openings and identify the type of assignments in which you’d like to serve (www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/volunteer-openings), then review the positions’ required and desired qualifications and build them up accordingly. In the process, you should fulfill these PC Prep experiential requirements!
There are six sectors (www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/what-volunteers-do/) in which Peace Corps Volunteers serve - detailed below. Choose one sector to focus on then complete at least 3 courses + 50 hours of related experience in that sector.
Note: Actual Peace Corps assignments are based on local needs, and thus may or may not align seamlessly with your qualifications. Flexibility is central to the Peace Corps experience!
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#1 EDUCATION
Teach lessons that last a lifetime. Education is the Peace Corp’s largest program area. Volunteers play an important role in creating links among schools, parents, and communities by working in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools as math, science, conversational English, and resource teachers or as early grade reading and literacy teacher trainers. Volunteers also develop libraries and technology resource centers.
If you choose Education, take 3 courses from one of the following areas:
- Elementary, Secondary or Special Education
- English or Linguistics
- Math
- Computer Science
- Any Physical or Biological Science
Recommended courses:
- BIOL 110. Survey of Biology
- BIOL170. Concepts of Biology: Biological Information, Reproduction, and Evolution
- BIOL 180. Concepts of Biology: Energy and Resources in Biology
- CHEM 121B. Models of Chemical Systems I
- CHEM 162B. Models of Chemical Systems II
- CHEM 201. Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- COMP 150. Computer Programming
- COMP 171. Discrete Mathematics
- COMP 250. Computer Programming II
- COMP 255. Principles of Computer Organization
- COMP 265. Principles of Programming Languages
- EDUC 103. Sociological Perspectives in education
- EDUC 104. Philosophical Perspectives in education
- EDUC 105. Educational Psychology
- EDUC 120. Intro to Students with Special Needs
- EDUC 203.Early Childhood Education
- EDUC 213. Adolescent Development and Education
- EDUC 253. Phonics Instruction and Literacy Foundations
- MATH 118. Math for Elementary and Middle School teachers
- MATH 112. The Language of Mathematics
- MATH 119. Geometry with Computer Applications for Elementary and Middle School Teachers.
- MATH 120. Elementary Functions
- MATH 127. Introductory Statistics
- MATH 131. Essentials of Calculus
- MATH 215. Differential Equations
- MATH 221. Foundations of Geometry
- MATH 261. Linear Algebra
- SPAN 380. Methods for Teaching World Language
And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:
- Teaching in one of these or a similar form: in a classroom, with a community outreach organization, or in a formal tutoring capacity
- The subject of the teaching may be English as a Foreign/Second Language, special education, drama, or a STEM subject
Note: Students can complete their 50 hours at an organization of their choice, but the Hagen Center has partnerships with the following organizations: Adult Basic Education, Children’s Resource Center, Family and Schools Together, Head Start, Hayward Middle School, Warden Literacy Center.
#2 HEALTH
Serve on the front lines of global health. Health Volunteers work within their communities to promote important topics such as nutrition, maternal and child health, basic hygiene, and water sanitation. Volunteers also work in HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs to train youth as peer educators, develop appropriate education strategies, provide support to children orphaned by the pandemic, and create programs that provide emotional and financial support to families and communities affected by the disease.
If you choose Health, take three courses from one of the following areas:
- Nursing
- Nutrition or Dietetics
- Health Education
- Pre-med
- Biology
Recommended courses:
- AFDS 270. Lesotho Nutrition Initiative
- AFDS 370. HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa
- BIOL 170B Concepts of Biology: Biological Information, Reproduction, and Evolution
- BIOL 180B Concepts of Biology: Energy and Resources in Biology
- BIOL 210 Molecular Neurobiology
- BIOL 212 Cell Biology
- BIOL 214 Developmental Biology
- BIOL 215 Genetics
- BIOL 310 Molecular Biology
- BIOL 220 Neurobiology
- BIOL 221 Pharmacology
- BIOL 223 Human Pathophysiology
- BIOL 227 Microbiology
- BIOL 229 Science Behind Addiction
- BIOL 325 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIOL 326 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- CHEM 121 General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 General Chemistry II
- CHEM 201 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 271 Biochemistry I
- HFS 170 Introduction to Exercise Science
- HSS 250 Nutrition
- HSS 350 Gross Anatomy
- HSS 370 Exercise Physiology
- NURS 300: Foundations and Contemporary Issues for RNs
- NURS 301: Cultural Competency in Health Care
- NURS 340: Care of Mothers, Newborns, and the Family
- NURS 400: Health Assessment
- NURS 220: Foundations
And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:
- Volunteer or work experience in such areas as HIV/AIDS outreach, hospice, family planning counseling, emergency medical technician (EMT) or CPR teaching/certification, maternal health, and hands-on caregiving in a hospital, clinic, or lab technician setting
- Counseling or teaching in health subjects
- Working as a resident advisor in a dormitory, as a peer nutritionist, or as a sexually transmitted infections counselor
- Significant experience in mechanical repairs, construction, carpentry, masonry, plumbing, or hydrology (Peace Corps has a limited number of construction-oriented water and health sanitation extension positions.)
Note: Students can complete their 50 hours at an organization of their choice, but the Hagen Center has partnerships with the following organizations: American Cancer Society, Rocking Horse Community Health Center, Springfield Regional Medical Center
#3 ENVIRONMENT
Help forge a global movement to protect our planet. Volunteers lead grassroots efforts in their communities to protect the environment and strengthen understanding of environmental issues. They teach environmental awareness in elementary and secondary schools and to youth groups and community organizations, empowering communities to make their own decisions about how to protect and conserve the local environment. Volunteers also address environmental degradation by promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
If you choose Environment, take three courses from one of the following areas:
- Environmental Science or related field
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Park Administration
- Wildlife Biology
- Natural Resources or Wildlife Management
- Forestry
- Biology, Botany, or Ecology
- Geology
Recommended courses:
- BIOL 170B Concepts of Biology: Biological Information, Reproduction, and Evolution
- BIOL 180B Concepts of Biology: Energy and Resources in Biology
- BIOL 245 Introductory Wildlife Management
- BIOL 230 Woody Plants
- BIOL 232 Herpetology
- BIOL 233 Ornithology
- BIOL 235 Morphology of Vascular Plants
- BIOL 342 Stream Ecology
- BIOL 346 Ecology
- BIOL 130B. The Botanical World
- BIOL 123. How Animals Work
- BIOL 142N. Ecological Biology and Environmental Issues
- BIOL 241. Freshwater Ecology
- BIOL 245. Introductory Wildlife Management
- BIOL 247. Marine Ecology
- ESCI 100. Global Climate Change
- ESCI 101 Introduction to Environmental Science
- ESCI 291. Spatial Analysis
- GEOL 150. Physical Geology
- GEOL 160. Environmental Geology
- GEOL 170. Geology of the Critical Zone
- SEMESTER IN BAHAMAS
- SEMESTER AT MARINE CENTER AT DUKE UNIVERSITY
And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:
- Educating the public on environmental or conservation issues, or working on environmental campaigns
- Conducting biological surveys of plants or animals
- Gardening, farming, nursery management, organic or low-input vegetable production, or landscaping
- Providing technical assistance and training in natural resource management
- Working with a large-scale or family-run business involving vegetable gardening, farming, nursery work, tree planting or care, urban forestry, landscaping, livestock care and management, or fish cultivation and production
- Teaching or tutoring the public in environmental or agricultural issues/activities
- Working on the business management or marketing side of a commercial farm
Note: Students can complete their 50 hours at an organization of their choice, but the Hagen Center has partnerships with the following organizations: Clark County Solid Waste, Glen Helen Association, National Trails and Parks, Tecumseh Land Trust.
#4. AGRICULTURE
Lead grassroots efforts to fight hunger in a changing world. Agricultural Volunteers work with small-scale farmers and families to increase food security and production and adapt to climate change while promoting environmental conservation practices. They introduce farmers to techniques that prevent soil erosion, reduce the use of harmful pesticides, and replenish the soil. They work alongside farmers on integrated projects that often combine vegetable gardening, livestock management, agroforestry, and nutrition education.
If you choose Agriculture, take three courses from one of the following areas:
- [Agronomy]
- [Horticulture]
- [Botany]
- [Entomology]
- [Agricultural Science]
- [Agribusiness]
- [Agricultural Economics]
- [Business or economics]
- [Biology]
Recommended courses:
- BIO 123 How Animals Work
- BIO 130 Botanical World
- BIO 131 Woody Plants
- BIO 142 Ecological Biology and Environmental Issues
- BIO 149 Why Ecology Matters
- BIO 235 Morphology of Vascular Plants
- BIO 244 Conservation Biology
- BIO 342 Stream Ecology
- ESCI 100 Global Climate Change
- ESCI 101 Introduction to Environmental Science
- ESCI 290- Intro to GIS
- SOC 280 Animals and Society
- SOC 285 Food Justice
- SOC 290 Global Change
And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:
- Working with a large-scale or family-run business involving vegetable gardening, farming, nursery work, tree planting or care, urban forestry, landscaping, livestock care and management, or fish cultivation and production
- Teaching or tutoring the public in environmental or agricultural issues/activities
- Working on the business management or marketing side of a commercial farm
Note: Students can complete their 50 hours at an organization of their choice, but the Hagen Center has partnerships with the following organizations: Springfield Community Gardens, Agraria in Yellow Springs, and On the Rise Farm. In addition, Students will also have the ability to take Agriculture classes at one of Wittenberg's SOCHE partner schools (Clark State, Sinclair, and Wilmington)
#5 YOUTH IN DEVELOPMENT
Empower the next generation of changemakers. Volunteers work with youth in communities on projects that promote engagement and active citizenship, including gender awareness, employability, health and HIV/AIDS education, environmental awareness, sporting programs, and info technology.
If you choose Youth in Development, take three courses from one of the following areas:
- Social Work
- Counseling
- Community Development
- Developmental Psychology
- Human Development
- Family Studies
Recommended courses:
- AFDS 270. Lesotho Nutrition Initiative
- AFDS 270- Month Long Service-Learning Trip to Lesotho.
- COMM 224. Group Dynamics
- COMM 270S. Interpersonal Communication
- COMM 322. Interpersonal Conflict
- COMM 324. Family Communication
- COMM 361. Gender and Communication
- PSYC 212. Health Psychology
- PSYC 231. Child Development
- PSYC 232. Psychology of Adolescence
- PSYC 243. Community Psychology
- PSYC 253: Intro to Mental Health Practice
- PSYC 271C Psychology and Culture
- SOCI 210S. Sociology of Family
- SOCI 245C/S. Gender and Society
- SOCI 270S. Sociology of Minority Groups
- SOCI 314. Women and Crime
- SOCI 350S. Race and Ethnicity
And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:
- Teaching or counseling in at-risk youth programs
- Activities that involve planning, organizing, assessing community needs, counseling, and leadership, in areas such as education, youth development, health and HIV/AIDS, the environment, and/or business
Note: Students can complete their 50 hours at an organization of their choice, but the Hagen Center has partnerships with the following organizations: On the Rise, Project Jericho, Springfield Promise Neighborhood, Children’s Resource Center, Family & Schools Together, Oesternlin Services for Youth.
#6 COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Harness 21st-century tools to help communities lift themselves. Volunteers work with development banks, nongovernmental organizations, and municipalities to strengthen infrastructure and encourage economic opportunities in communities. They frequently teach in classroom settings and work with entrepreneurs and business owners to develop and market their products. Some Volunteers also teach basic computer skills and help communities take advantage of technologies such as e-commerce, distance learning, and more.
If you choose Community Economic Dev., take three courses from one of the following areas:
- Business or Public Administration
- Nonprofit Management
- Accounting, Banking or Finance
- Computer Science and related majors
- Graphic Design
- Mass Communications
- International Business
Recommended courses:
- ACCT 225. Financial Accounting
- ACCT 226. Managerial Accounting
- ACCT 325. Intermediate Accounting
- ACCT 327. Cost Accounting
- AFDS 270. Lesotho Nutrition Initiative
- AFDS 270. Lesotho Service-Learning
- ART 245A. Digital Imaging I
- ART 271. Graphic Design
- BUSN 101. Business Fundamentals
- BUSN 200S. Entrepreneurship
- BUSN 202S. Leading the Family Enterprise
- BUSN 250. International Business
- BUSN 270. Business Ethics and Leadership
- BUSN 320. Supply Chain Management
- BUSN 321. Strategic Logistics & Operations Management
- BUSN 330. Financial Management
- BUSN 335. Cases in Financial Management
- BUSN 340. Marketing Strategy & Planning
- COMM 190. Public Speaking
- COMM 290. Media Literacy
- ECON 220C. Economics of Developing Areas
- ECON 250. Urban and Regional Economics
- ECON 260C. East Asian Economies
- ENGL 243. Business Writing
- PHIL 306. Ethics of Economic Development
- POLI 259. International Political Economy
And build 50 hours of related field experience through an activity such as:
- Working with businesses, organizations, or cooperatives in accounting, finance, microfinance, management, project management, budgeting, or marketing
- Starting and running your own business or other entrepreneurial activity
- Training others in computer literacy, maintenance, and repair
- Website design or online marketing
- Founding or leading a community- or school-based organization
Note: Students can complete their 50 hours at an organization of their choice, but the Hagen Center has partnerships with the following organizations: Springfield Promise Neighborhood, Junior Achievement, Think Tank.
Nearly two-thirds of Peace Corps Volunteers serve in Education or Health. Coursework and meaningful experience in one of these areas - especially teaching English as a second/foreign language - produce some of the strongest candidates.
Foreign language skills
Working across cultures often entails verbal and nonverbal languages distinct from your own. Building foreign language skills is thus a second key component of the PC Prep curriculum.
Where would you like to serve? PC Prep minimum course requirements align with those needed by applicants to the Peace Corps itself, which vary by linguistic region.
- Latin America: Individuals wanting to serve in Spanish-speaking countries must apply with strong intermediate proficiency. This typically means completing two 200-level courses.
- West Africa: Individuals wanting to serve in French-speaking African countries should be proficient in French (or, in some cases, any Romance Language), usually through one 200-level course.
- Everywhere else: The Peace Corps has no explicit language requirements for individuals applying to serve in most other countries. However, you will still likely learn and utilize another language during service, so it is only helpful to have taken at least one foreign language class.
Note: If you are a strong native speaker and hope to serve in a country that speaks your same language, you can skip this requirement!
Intercultural competence
Engaging thoughtfully and fluidly across cultures begins with one’s own self-awareness. With this learning objective, you will deepen your cultural agility through a mix of three introspective courses in which you learn about others while reflecting upon your own self in relation to others. The goal is for you to build your capacity to shift perspective and behavior around relevant cultural differences.
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You’ll take at least 1 of these core courses:
- AFDS 201. Intro duction to African Diaspora
- SOCI 110. Cultural Anthropology
- PHIL 204. Philosophy of Women’s Lives
- EAST 100. Introduction to East Asia: Community and Change
And choose 2 additional electives from the above list:
- AFDS 270. Lesotho Nutrition Initiative
- AFDS 270. Lesotho Service-Learning Trip
- AFDS 201. Introduction to the African Diaspora
- EAST 100. Introduction to East Asia: Continuity and Change
- ENGL 190. African Novels
- ENGL 130. Caribbean Literature
- HIST 170. Genocide in Post-colonial Africa
- HIST 172. Africa Since 1500
- HIST 175. History of South Africa
- HIST 176. Lesotho and the Shadow of Apartheid
- HIST 205. Kingdoms and Cultures in the Horn of Africa
- HIST 212. History of Early Islam.
- HIST 370. HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa
- PHIL 204. Philosophy of Women's Lives
- RELI 112. Introduction to Buddhism
- RELI 134. Chinese and Japanese Religious Traditions
- SOCI 277. Islam and Islamic Societies
- SOCI 290. Global Change
- SOCI 110. Cultural Anthropology
- SOCI 271. Anime and Japanese Youth Culture
- SOCI 315. Cultural Travel Writing
- SPAN 351. Latin American Culture
- THDN 210. Dance Ethnology
Is there another course in the catalog that you feel meets this requirement? Please discuss it with your PC Prep Coordinator.
Prolonged intercultural experiences - such as studying or volunteering abroad, supporting new immigrants or refugees acculturate to the United States, or volunteering in diverse schools - would also strengthen your Peace Corps candidacy significantly.
Elective Alternatives:
- Studying or volunteering abroad may count if the student is in a country that has at some point hosted Peace Corps Volunteers (see the list of current and past countries here: www.peacecorps.gov/countries).
- Experiences that last a full semester may substitute for two electives
- Other intercultural experiences, such as helping new immigrants/refugees acculturate to the U.S. or volunteering in diverse schools, may also count. Feel encouraged to highlight relevant opportunities here. If they also align with one of Peace Corps’ six sectors, these experiences may simultaneously count for that hands-on experiential requirement.
- Each distinct intercultural experience lasting at least forty hours may substitute for one elective.
For example:
- Participating in Wittenberg University’s month-long service-learning trip to Lesotho can be substituted for the electives.
- Participating in Wittenberg University’s semester in Costa Rica can also be used to fulfill one of these requirements.
Professional and leadership development
Peace Corps service and similar international development work opportunities are highly professional and selective. PC Prep requires three specific activities that will strengthen your candidacy for the Peace Corps (or any other professional endeavor):
- Have your resume critiqued by Wittenberg's Office of Career and Professional Development.
- Attend a workshop or class on interview skills with Wittenberg's Office of Career and Professional Development.
- Develop at least one significant leadership experience and be prepared to discuss it thoughtfully. For example, organizing a campus event, leading a work or volunteer project, or serving on the executive board of a student organization.