Utility of MA Interdisciplinary Studies Degree

I was wondering how useful an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies wiuld be for the purpose of obtaining a college teaching position. For instance, would the above degree with concentrations in Creative Writing and Religion qualify one to teach Religious Studies and Creative Writing, or only one of these, or neither?

 

Maybe at a Community College.
Jack

 

So, to obtain a teaching position in either area, it would be better to concentrate exclusively in either area rather than combining the two?

 

<<Here in SACS territory you need (1) a Master's degree (in anything whatsoever, for example "Interdisciplinary Studies") and (2) eighteen postgraduate semester-hours in the exact field in which you wish to teach.

If your degree program allows you to take eighteen semester-hours in each of creative writing and religion, then it could be a winner.

Of course, you'll have to verify this with the schools where you might want to teach. It's their opinions that matter.>>


The ABHE (formerly AABC) has a similar standard for their schools.

Pug

 

Okay, here is a specific scenario: Let's say the degree is 36 semester hours, but all of the hours are earned non-traditionally--that is, by projects consisting of creative works with religious themes. Would this degree then qualify one to teach both creative writing and religious studies?

 

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) at Nova Southeastern University runs a similar program but it's called Master of Arts in Cross-Disciplinary Studies (MACS). According to the program's (MACS) webpage, you can actually do almost everything with this degree.

 

Michael,

Steve is correct. However, you won't know unless you apply to the school you for which wish to teach and let them respond. You haven't detailed your resume or other particulars that may help your position. It is important to note that adjuncts don't necessarily have to meet the same criteria as regular faculty, but don't count on that being the case. Another option would be to contact the accreditor within the region you want to work and get the guidelines. Individual institutions must meet these as a minimum, but waivers are possible.

 

Steve,

Mountain State Univ.'s MA in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Ike,

I'll have to look into the Nova Southeastern program; I didn't know it existed. What does it cost?

Thanks, everyone, for your responses thus far.

 

Michael,

Mountain State has adjunct and other faculty openings. Why not apply and see what their response is to your application.

I looked at the program you mention for myself so that I could utilize some extra credits I have lying around and to qualify to teach additional subjects. The problem I saw wasn't with the methodolgy of the classes but with the designation Mountain State uses for the classes: GIDS, as opposed to the Nova program that utilizes the course designation from the field of concentration.

This designation does not translate into a common language for other institutions. So my advice is to be prepared to explain the classes in respect to equivalent classes at the university or college for which you want to teach.

I still say apply for a position so that you have a basis from which to evaluate.

Good luck,

 

Kevin,

I see what you mean with regard to the "GIDS" designation; on the other hand, they allow you to title your degree, "MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentration(s) in ___________."

As for Nova Southeastern (I checked their site), I have two problems: (1) the tuition fee, and (2) I don't see that I could get the concentrations I want.

 

Michael,

have you looked at Fort Hays:

http://www.fhsu.edu/mls/conc/english.shtml

 

I recognize that this was an unasked question but . . .
Part of the utility of such a degree is that it might take a person one step closer to admission to a PhD program.
Jack

 

Kevin,

I have, but they don't offer anything in Religion. I don't want to get a degree exclusively in English.

Jack,

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. However, I haven't yet been able to find an affordable PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies. If you or anyone else knows of such a degree, I'd be pleased to learn about it.

 

Well my first thought is to answer "Union" but then I take note of the fact that you said "affordable."
The best I can do is to point you toward Edith Cowan University in Australia:
http://www.edu.edu.au
Go to their "Course and Career Finder" and plug in the term "Interdisciplinary." You'll see that they have an Interdisciplinary PhD program. As for affordable, well, you'll see that it's less than Union and a lot more than UNISA. You might try dropping a line to our old friend Tom Head. The last I heard he was enrolled in a PhD program at ECU and might be able to provide some info for a prospective PhD candidate.
Good luck,
Jack

 

Jack,

Yes, I did day "affordable" , and it would have to be totally DL.

I looked at the ECU website, and their program seems to require a traditional thesis--that is, by research. For a doctorate, as well as a master's, I am more interested in credit earned by projects and/or other non-traditional methods. I'm thinking there must be such programs out there.

Thanks very much for your help and the information.