Excelsior College's Master's Program ???

I am curious if anyone has enrolled, completed, or currently pursuing Excelsior's Master Arts in Liberal Studies?

I am considering a couple different other master programs at a couple other universities (Miss St U and Emporia St. U).

However, the Associate Dean of Liberal Arts (Director of Master of Liberal Studies) contacted me this past week about continuing my education into a graduate program.
They are in the process of developing a newer program track within the Liberal Studies, that ironicly enough coincides with my undergraduate major in Geography/Geology at Excelsior.

They were looking for an individual to pursue a masters degree in their new Global Climatology/Remote Sensing trek, which is slated to start this autumn 04.

Since I am the only one who is the closest to this major/concentration...I would be their "lab rat" to test the new program out.

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with Excelsior's Graduate Program?
If so, can you please provide me with feedback?

I am a little aprehensive about it, simply because it is a "brand new" program.

Cheers!
Jay

 

Since you'll be a lab rat in an experimental program, you'll get extra special attention. Go for it.

 

Regents grad

Congrats on the BA/BS. I think the Excelcior MALS has some promise, it could use some refinement if the school wants to get more enrollees. Perhaps some clearer concentrations like the Fort Hays state version or a means to merge "applied professional" transfer credit with the liberal arts to equal a degree. (kind of like TESC's MAPS degree, but with transfer credit accepted)

I sent them my transcripts from grad school just in case I go for the MALS as well. I have 12 hours in international relations and 3 hours in adult ed theory, besides the 33 hours of Education (some of it might count for Liberal arts). I very well may do that degree next to get some social studies/liberal arts credentials (if there is such a thing). I believe content is as (if not more) important as pedogogy.

I would go for the innovative track program, you will get more attention than most - probably an article in thier alumni magaziine at the least.

While you are taliking to them, ask about a potential Excelsior PhD or DA, or DLS. Many folks are interested.

 

Re: Proudly Venal

Good point - Jay could possibly negotiate free or significantly reduced tuition in exchange for a positive reference that Excelsior could use in publications.

Cheers,
Mark

 

I doubt that they would cut him any slack on the tuition, but if the program is a success, then they would certainly raise the tuition rates for future students. That happened in my graduate program.

I have found that being in a new, experimental program, when it is first implemented, is better because:
1. They want the program to succeed and, subsequently:
2. They lavish extra-special attention on the students (which is great!!!).

There is always an "air of excitement" in a new program and it is contagious.

If it's a new program and if they are soliciting you and if you need the degree, then go for it. It might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.