Hi All! As you all know, I've completed my first semester with WNMU. However, I was reading through the catalog this morning, and I came across the following blurb on p. 371. ************************* Earning a Second Master’s Degree A second master’s degree requires completion of at least 30 credit hours beyond the original master’s degree. An M.A. in Counseling can be awarded as a Second Masters degree by successfully completing 30 credits, IF the first Masters was an Interdisciplinary Masters from WNMU and 18 credits for one of the Disciplines was completed in Counseling. All credits for the M.A. in Counseling (totalling 48 at the end of the second Masters) must be completed in accordance with the seven year rule. ************************* I know there are other folks out there attempting the WNMU program. Has anyone been able to confirm if the MAIS program would be cut to 30 hours if one already has a masters? The catalog is very brief, though pretty clear. My interpretation would be that the MAIS program would be shortened to 30 hours, but I'm not going to depend on my interpretation. I did email my adviser about this, but given the holiday weekend, I'm sure it will be a few days before I get a response. However, if anyone else has the answer already, I'd love to hear it. Thanks -Matt
>> Matt, my memory might be foggy, but I thought that the regular grad program catalog and the online/virtual grad catalog were two different animals and thus maybe two different policies?
I didn't see any differentiation between the programs in the catalog, but I suppose it could be. When you are on the WNMU website under the "Online Degrees" section, their link to the catalog goes to the main catalog. I didn't see a separate catalog for their distance programs. I'm still waiting on a response from my adviser, but I think in re-reading the statement, I'm still going to have to take 36 credits. It says "at least" 30 credits, and obviously 36 is at least 30. Oh well. Another 2 courses isn't that big of a deal. When I hear a definite answer, I'll definitely share it here. -Matt
Update! Hi all, I just wanted to share my findings on this issue. I heard back from my advisor today about the 2nd masters degree. He offered a mix of positive and negative news. Here's the positive: Because I already hold a masters the WNMU degree will only require 30 credits. YAY! But here's the bad news. I had also requested a transfer of 6 credits from APU. Here's what he said about that: "The transfer credits cannot be accepted. Our Admissions Office concluded that the university who issued the credits does meet our accreditation standards for transfer." This makes me a little hesitant to continue coursework there. I REALLY like the classes, but if people are going to frown upon them, what's the point? Bummer... Well, at least APU is regionally accredited and their hours will count toward the 18 I need. -Matt
I would appeal - write a letter to the head of the department (or higher) describing: your courses and grades your background and reason for taking their MAIS why you took the APU courses and APU accreditation staus. I would copy APU. It may be that WNMU info on APU is outdated - they used to be DETC accredited only as I recall. Colleges often make exceptions according to John Bear. Good luck.
I thought about that too... but doesn't every transcript have information about the school's accreditation? -Matt
Hmmm... interesting. I've never seen an official transcript from APU, just an unofficial one. Perhaps this does warrant some checking into. I'll have to look into the appeals process. I can't say I've ever done anything remotely related to that, but if it'll save a buck, why not? -Matt
I have to modify my previous statement. I have two official transcripts in my files. The ERAU transcript does indeed say they are RA but it is printed on the back of the transcript - I never turned it over before. The NCU transcript is just a computer printed page stating NCU certifies that I got an "A" in a specific course. It does not specify accreditation status (they were RA when I took a course there).
I just sent a brief email to the director of admissions for WNMU asking for an explaination of why they wouldn't accept the transfer credits. Considering it's Friday afternoon, I'm not anticipating a response until next week, if I get one at all. When and if I hear back, I'll share the result. -Matt
Just thought I'd post an update for anyone that cares... I heard back from the WNMU admissions director. He pretty much told me the decision to accept transfer credits comes from our faculty advisor. I thought was interesting because he had told me the admissions department made the call. On the same day I had heard back from my advisor regarding the inability of my credits to transfer, I sent a note to APU. They responded as well and offered to try to talk to WNMU to get the credits to transfer. I have to say, I'm becoming more and more impressed with APU after this. -Matt
