How Is The MLS (Masters of Liberal Studies) Percieved?

I finished the MS Ed in Online Teaching and Learning at Cal State Hayward and want to go on. I looked long and hard at Mizzou Columbia's EdS in Ed Technology, but decided against it.

In another thread someone posted some information on Ft. Hays State U's MLS with different concentrations. The price is reasonable (!!!!!!!!) and I'll probably start this winter.

My question is, before recently I've never even heard of the MLS. How is it percieved in general? Is this like the EdS, where no one has heard of it and you constantly have to explain what it is? Thanks!

 

Hi Jimwe,
I've thought about doing the Fort Hays program and, like you, have wondered about the perception of 'MLS' instead of MA (especially since MLS more commonly refers to Master of Library Science). My suggestion: on a resume or in conversation or for an interview simply state that you have or are working towards a Masters degree in English (or whatever concentration area you decide upon). Otherwise, yes, you may have to explain the odd degree nomenclature.
Good luck and maybe I'll see you there this winter!
-John

 

I've looked at Fort Hays before and their price is awesome. I am curious about why you are getting another masters. What do you plan to do with it? Also how did your first Masters in online teaching work out? Are you teaching online?

 

I would think an MLS would be a great degree for a teacher, especially if you already had a masters or Bachelors in education. You could therefore claim to be trained in the science and art of teaching and learning, as well as having a credential related to your subject matter. Right now, the politicians and teacher unions are arguing about what is more important, subject matter or pedagogy (or androgogy). If the legal/regulatory apparatus gets carried away, folks will eventually need PhD's or at least two masters just to teach K-12.

The MLS should be a fine degree for K-14 teaching, even some standard junor and senior courses. Colleges will probably always insist on a PhD or at least a specific MA/MS for advanced classes.

Once upon a time, educators drew up a DA for undergrad and CC teaching, too bad DL schools havn't tried to revisit the plan.

I've looked at going back to Excelsior to get thier MLS after my M Ed is done in April. Mostly to tie up some floating poly sci credit and improve my social studies subject matter competence.

Good luck

 

No, I'm teaching ESL in Korea and am coming back in 2004. I'm interested in a couple of their programs to get some more computer classes in. Might have to to to KS to do it, but at that price--you can't beat it.

 

You are absolutely correct, the MLS is one of those invented degrees of the 70s that never caught on. It's a dorky name, if you ask me. ("MAPS" is even worse, the same degree from TESC.) I notice that the Excelsior College website has stopped calling its degree MLS, but now refers to it as an MA in Liberal Studies. That sounds better. At Cal-State Dominguez Hills they call it an MA in Humanities, which to me sounds better still.

Beyond the name, of course, is the content. I happen to think a graduate- level liberal arts degree is a terrific concept, deserving of more currency in our over-technified society.

How the degree is generally perceived, I cannot say, but my guess is that it won't be very helpful, and you don't need it. And you'll always have to explain it. That doesn't mean don't do one, but it means don't do one unless you are turned on by the studying itself.

Peter's thoughts from Toronto

 

I wouldn't be so "down" on MLS

If you had to exdplain it, that gives you an opportunity to discuss how different and valuable such a degree is, separating you from the pack. You could desribe yourself as more flexible that one with an MA in english, sociology, etc.

Many schools make a distinction between professional and academic graduate degrees. Professional would include M Ed, MBA, Ed D, Ed S, DBA, etc.

Acedemic degrees would include MA, MS (to a lesser extent in most cases), and PhD.

This distinction is much more prominent that that of the MA and MLS.

Having one of each would be a benefit for K-14 teaching, and possible alternate forms of college teaching, such as distance learning, external campuses, etc.

I've noticed that most CC job announcements call for an MA in the subject, or a related subject. I would think a candidate with a M Ed plus a MLS would be as good or even better than a guy with only a MA.

Just rambling - I love the idea of a broad, fleixble liberal arts grad program.