Perhaps the cheapest online, RA Masters program for out-of-state residents

Interdisciplinary Masters Degree Online - Western New Mexico University.

Judging from the webpage, they appear to welcome out-of state students. Courses in the program cost $149.34 per semester hour for non-residents of New Mexico. Even upcoming courses are listed.

Considering 18 graduate hours can be earned in two areas, this degree could represent a good opportunity for those desiring qualification in additional subject areas.

 

The information presented about the Interdisciplinary Masters Degree (Online) states "Non-resident students can take up to 6 hours and pay in-state tuition."

 

Is that per semester or overall?

 

If WNMU follows the same policies as many other colleges/universities in New Mexico, I'm inclined to think "per semester".

 

Judging by the large jump in tuition once an out-of-state student hits seven credits, it looks like "per semester" is the case.

 

If that's the case, that's a great bargain.

IMO, you really shouldn't take more than 6 graduate credits per semester anyway, unless you're a full-time student. I did 9 graduate credits per semester a few times to meet an inflexible deadline while employed full-time, and I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

 

If the limit is 6 credit hours per semester, then the tuition is reasonable and the degree very affordable.

 

Requires two concentrations. History and Political Science are among them! Cool!

 

Obviously, that want the really smart people! I like the history/english combo pack.

 

Good find! Thanks for sharing.

 

Psychology and Criminal Justice looks like a perfect match also.

 

I would choose education and psychology. By the way, what is the entrance requirements? GRE, GMAT, etc. I didn't notice it on the website but then again I just quickly browsed it.

 

"Applicants who have a GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 for the last 64/36 credit hours of undergraduate/graduate work will be admitted on provisional status. A student may take up to 9 credit hours while on provisional status and must take the GRE and earn a score of at least 720. Upon completion of 9 hours of graduate work with a grade of B or better in each course and submission of GRE scores, the student must request review of her/his admission status to the Director of the Graduate Division." (http://www.wnmu.edu)

 

I emailed the Director of the Virtual Campus with a similiar questions and here was her response:

"Admissions requirements are the same for all our graduate programs. The GRE is only required if your grade point is less than 3.0. The degree conferred is a Master's of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies."

Hope that helps.


Ray

 

No GRE needed for GPA >= 3.00 - good news indeed.

 

"The type and method of exit examination or thesis will be determined by each discipline."

So if the program calls for two disciplines, does that mean two exams or two thesis papers?

 

I'm just guessing, but I'd say it's fairly likely that one would either take comprehensive exams in two disciplines (e.g., History and Political Science) or one master's thesis that crosses two disciplines (e.g., Law Enforcement Issues in Nineteenth Century New Mexico Territory). But you'd have to ask the program administrator.

 

This looks like an outstanding program, similar in model to the broad area liberal arts concentrations at TESC. (I did my TESC B.A. in Humanities, splitting my major between communications, music, and theology.)

But one thing does not seem clear at all, from either the web site or the catalogue pages: What is the degree title?

In other words, they offer several Master of Arts degrees, but never refer to this program as anything more than the "Interdisciplinary Masters Degree." Do they, in fact, award this as a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, or are they mickey-mousing the title on, say, an "M.I.S." or "I.M.D." type of level? It would be a shame to enroll in this program expecting an M.A. and ending up with something else...