FHSU vs Local program MLA/MLS?

Hey Guys ( sorry....just had too),
As you well know I'm thinking of jumping ship on a local B&M MLA program in History and climbing on board with FHSU with the Master of Liberal Studies with a concentration in History. The reasons are many, cost and time completion are cut in half by the availibility of classes (not a 20 something spring chicken anymore) but my hesitation lies within the loss of local (South Carolina) recognition from my current program.

I guess my Questions are as follows: Can anyone give some warm and fuzzy advice on the subject?

Does anyone have a success story with FHSU?

Will A Master of Liberal Studies perhaps gain me admission to a Ph.D program with UNSIA....possibly by the skin of my teeth?
Best,
Gavin