New masters program combines engineering and volunteer work

New masters program combines engineering and volunteer work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the civil engineering field is slated to grow faster than the average for all other industries over the next eight years. As a result, many campus-based and online schools are creating masters programs that can prepare students to succeed in this lucrative field.

However, some of these courses of study are designed to lead degree seekers into nontraditional careers, such as positions in the international volunteering sector.

For instance, the University of Minnesota recently partnered with the Peace Corps to create a civil engineering masters program, The Minnesota Daily reports.

After they have completed two semesters of study on the school's campus, enrollees will be assigned to work in a foreign country for 27 months. Each student's destination will be determined by their particular skill set.

The program is open to individuals who have completed a campus-based or online bachelors program in math, science or engineering. Applicants will need to gain acceptance to both the university and the Peace Corps in order to enroll in the program.

By Stefanie Hughes