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Loma Linda University Peace Corps Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Loma Linda University is pleased to partner with the United States Peace Corps to offer both the Masters International and Paul D. Coverdell Fellows program. This gives students an expanded opportunity to serve in places of need locally and worldwide.

1. What is the difference between Masters’ International and Coverdell Fellows?

When you serve. Masters’ International students complete their coursework prior to serving in the Peace Corps. Coverdell Fellows is for returned volunteers after completion of service.

2. After applying to both Peace Corps and LLU, can I still go to grad school at LLU without doing the PC, or can I do the PC without studying at LLU?

Barring medical conditions, being enrolled in the MI program makes it very likely you will be invited to the Peace Corps, and you could do either separately, though less than 30% of Peace Corps applicants are accepted (nearly all MI who are medically cleared are accepted).

3. What are the application deadlines for both LLU and the Peace Corps if I were to start next autumn?

Our application committee is active throughout the year and can give an applicant notice usually within a month of completed application submission. Apply as soon as you know you want to attend and submit no later than three months prior to desired enrollment date (though it is quite late for your planning). It’s a good idea to start your PC application shortly before enrolling or in your first quarter.

4. How long does the coursework take at the LLU campus before I go into Peace Corps service?

The time to completion depends on the major. For Global Health, if you were to enter in the fall and stay on the suggested track, you could finish the following December (and be ready for service for January – February).

5. What kind of financial support does Loma Linda provide Fellows Students?

1) The University provides fellows with 6 units of tuition waiver in exchange for 5 – 8 hours a week of local service in an area of designated need.

2) All master’s level students must complete a field practicum. Returned volunteers can use their service abroad to satisfy this requirement, a savings of time and money.

3) LLU students receive full, high quality, user-friendly, medical coverage. Dental coverage is offered at a very low cost.

4) Competitive scholarships are available for students (through the office of financial aid).

5) LLU does not charge out of state tuition to students; there will be no additional fees.

Please Note: There are many ways to save money while on campus: dorm living is offered at a substantially lower price, and there are many forms of part-time jobs offered that students can use to subsidize the cost of living AND gain valuable experience. We are in the process of adding more economic "incentives"; in the meantime, debt mitigation and other long-term benefits are there.

6. What are the application deadlines if I were to start next autumn?

Our application committee is active throughout the year and can give an applicant notice usually within a month of completed application submission. Apply as soon as you know you want to go and submit no later than three months prior to desired enrollment date (though it is quite late for your planning).

7. What will an MPH degree with a major in Public Health Practice do for my career?

The MPH degree is designed to help you build strengths in leadership, policy development, and management and give a solid foundation in public health research. It will increase your credibility in the field of public health and enable you to interface across disciplines and be proactive as well as more responsive to changing needs. It will give you hands-on experience at the grassroots level and enable you to develop effective community programs.

8. What are the benefits to being a part of these programs?

While a full-time student at Loma Linda, you do receive health coverage that makes it much easier in the medical clearance with Peace Corps. We have some scholarships and funding opportunities that you would seek separate from your aid package. Also, as a volunteer, Peace Corps helps place you in a suitable site for your MPH training, gives you training, a stipend, medical coverage, $7425 USD (before taxes) to readjust to life in the states (upon completion), and one year of non-competitive hiring status in the government (which makes it easier to be hired for government jobs). For more specific Peace Corps benefits, please refer to: http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.whyvol

9. I already have a graduate degree, will I still be required to take the GRE?

Only those who have been awarded terminal degrees (MD, PhD, et cetera) are eligible for GRE waiver. If your GRE or MCAT score has not expired, you can submit that and do not have to retake the test.

10. I have another graduate degree/have taken graduate courses. Will I be able to get credit for some of my graduate studies?

Up to 9 (nine) applicable graduate units can be transferred from another University. Please contact our Admissions office for more information. (909) 558-4800

11. Must I take the GRE? Will the MCAT or DAT be acceptable?

Any of the above examinations will be accepted.

12. Is there a minimum score I must achieve for the GRE, MCAT, or DAT?

There is no required score. The GRE is useful in determining whether or not you have sufficient language and quantitative skills for graduate study. In some cases, remedial coursework may be required or recommended. If your GPA is less than 3.0 your GRE, MCAT, or DAT score will provide additional information that will be taken into consideration by the Admissions Committee members.

13. How long does the MPH degree program take to complete?

Length of study varies between programs, the time of entry into the program, and quarterly course load. Most students will take approximately 2 years to complete their coursework. For example, our accredited MBA program can be completed in a year while other majors, such as global health and health education may take 5 – 6 quarters. Nutrition and double majors generally take two years to complete. See the next question for the maximum time.

14. Can I take a break without having to withdraw from the program?

University policy states that students have five years to complete the degree program. You can request a leave of absence when you are unable to register for two or more quarters. Absence for more than four continuous quarters without a leave of absence will require you apply to the program again. For Master’s International students, the five year timeline can be extended in recognition of the Peace Corps duration of service.

15. If I have already completed similar courses before coming to Loma Linda can these be applied to this degree?

Students can transfer nine quarter (or six semester) units of credit taken before acceptance into a Loma Linda University MPH degree program as long as they were taken at the graduate level from an accredited university. Students may also request advanced standing for selected courses. While there is no limit to the number of units, no MPH program may be less than 48 quarter units in length.

16. Can I take courses of interest to me from other Universities while I am enrolled at Loma Linda University and have these credited to my academic record?

Students can apply for transfer credit of up to nine quarter (or six semester) units of coursework completed while enrolled at Loma Linda University. The student will be asked to supply the course outline, listing a description, textbooks, learning objectives, and assignments. It is recommended that students receive approval before starting the desired courses.

17. Does Loma Linda operate on a quarter or semester system?

Loma Linda University operates on a quarter hour system. There are 10 weeks of class, one week set aside for examinations and a one to two week break between quarters. Courses are available summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters.

18. My overall GPA is less than a 3.0. Can I still get in?

Don’t be dissuaded, there are several things you can do:

1. The best way to counter balance the GPA issue is to show how capable and successful you have been outside of academia: Peace Corps service and projects definitely show that. Begin by collecting letters of support that reflect this part of you and submit a stellar DOS that is very detailed

2. Try to bulk up on your GREs. Our preferred "minimum" in each area is 500, better that as best as you can. In whatever format you take the GRE (paper or computer), practice by taking the test often. The test is not difficult in that the actual knowledge required is basic: it is the style of question that trips people up a little more. So get used to the style of question asked (even if you have to keep practicing the same test).

3. If you can, take the co-requisite courses beforehand and get good grades to demonstrate your academic ability and seriousness.

19. When would be a good time to visit LLU? Does LLU allocate part of their budget to host/reimburse potential grad students who want to check out the university? Do you have recommendations for how to visit, where to stay, and what to do while I'm there?

Sadly, we are not able to sponsor/reimburse student visits. The most we can do is treat you to lunch. That said, visiting is very worthwhile (many students do prior to coming), if you can, it is recommended. Please see the information about getting to Loma Linda. Otherwise, please know that you can interview via telephone (we have many international students who have to choose this option, so it is not a problem).

20. How integrated are Christian values into the coursework of the School of Public Health?

As a Christian health sciences institution, Loma Linda University seeks to integrate the Seventh-day Adventist approach to whole person care by focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. Our programs reflect the healing and teaching ministry of Jesus Christ: to make man whole. Through weekly chapel sessions and fellowship with students and faculty, Loma Linda University seeks to provide a solid foundation for students to grow both spiritually and academically. Our 4,000 students and more than 1,300 faculty, all representing more than 80 countries and 65 faith traditions, contribute to the distinctive values present on our campus.

Much of the outside world prefers to disconnect faith and "business." It is addressed less formally to everyone. Regarding faith and the Peace Corps: politics and religion are separate from the service and friendship mission of the Peace Corps. While you are not to impose those views on others, you are entitled to have them and share them individually as you would share about yourself when getting to know new friends, more of a private, personal way.

22. Could you tell me more about the 4-week Capstone experience?

The course you are referring to is Global Health 545, a core requirement for the Global Health major. Approximately 30 students take the course each summer; half go to the Philippines, the other half to Peru. The course aims to give students a chance to apply skills worked on in the classroom and used in our local community projects to time spent in the field. In the month, students get an overview of the health system from the national, regional, and local settings, visit NGOs and aid projects and work in the area, etc. The community projects vary from group to group (a usual group is about 4 students, so there is a lot of variance).

23. Where is Loma Linda University?

Loma Linda University is situated in the city of Loma Linda in San Bernardino County near Redlands, Riverside, and the city of San Bernardino approximately 75 miles east of Los Angeles at the intersection of the I-10 and I-215 freeways. Click here for a map of the area.

24. What is the closest airport?

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the closest airport to Loma Linda University. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to Loma Linda University from ONT. Here are directions from ONT to LLU. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) if the traffic is flowing freely. Here are directions from LAX to LLU.

25. How do I get to Loma Linda?

Loma Linda University is situated near to the I-10 freeway. Exit on Tippecanoe/Anderson Street. Loma Linda University is approximately one mile south of the freeway. Click here for a map of the area.

26. What accommodation is available?

Information on hotel accommodations in the Inland Empire can be found on our resources page.

27. Where are meals and food available?

Information on restaurants in the Inland Empire can be found on our resources page.

28. Do I need to have a car while on campus?

Suitable accommodation, restaurants, and food stores and services are available within walking distance of the University. For convenience, you may wish to have a car for the weekend and take advantage of the Southern California recreational opportunities.

29. What is the cost of completing the Loma Linda University MPH degree?

The current tuition fee is $681 USD per unit. This is subject to change.
For 56 unit degree programs the total tuition currently comes to approximately $42,359 (including $599 quarterly student fees for 7 quarters)
Other expenses include:
SOPHAS Application fee: $95
LLU Application fee: $25
Holding fee: $100 Non-refundable
Graduation fee: $100
Textbooks approximately $100 per course 20 courses = $2,000
GRE examination
TOEFL, transcript evaluation, and student visa expenses (international students)
Travel to Loma Linda
Accommodation and meals

30. Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available to US residents taking 4 or more units per quarter.

31. Are some of the scholarships that are available connected to RA or TA positions? What do I need to do to pursue getting financial aid?

Begin by filing a FAFSA form. From there, you can apply for individual scholarships. There are a few TA-ships, but generally, they are for those who have already taken a class. The RA is available, but dealt directly with the student dorms.

32. Does Loma Linda University have a sporting facility for student use?

The Drayson Center is open to Loma Linda University students free of charge. Please check their website and note that you can collect your membership card from the Membership Office between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

33. What recreational activities are available in Southern California?

For information on activities in Southern California, see the resources page.

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Loma Linda University Peace Corps Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Master’s International Specific Questions

Fellows USA Specific Questions

General Loma Linda Questions

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