Master of Liberal Arts vs Master of Arts in Liberal Studies?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by bennylinus, Nov 1, 2010.

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  1. bennylinus

    bennylinus New Member

    Which one has more utility and looks better on a resume? From my understanding, there isn't much different between the two degrees.

    Discuss.
     
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

  3. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I would agree and say they are the same. An MA just looks less "odd" on a resume.
     
  4. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    The say the same thing. Someone MIGHT think of an Master's of Liberal Arts as being possibly related to Art, but that isn't especicially likely. Where the degree was obtained would be VASTLY more important.
     
  5. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    I think they are pretty different - a Master of Liberal Arts it's a "type" of degree and could have different fields and/or concentrations. A MA in Liberal Arts means the field/concentration is "Liberal Arts".
     
  6. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    It's like a Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Fine Arts. Not the same thing (the first could be in different fields, like Film, Animation, etc... while the latter would be only in Fine Arts)
     
  7. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    I would prefer the M.A. nomenclature.

    For example, you could legitimately list the MA in LS as "Master of Arts, University of Random."

    The MLS Degree is going to be "Master of Liberal Studies, University of Chance."

    The MA is a more familiar "format," so I would prefer it.

    I don't think it makes much difference in the programs, though.
     
  8. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

    Doesn't the MA designation imply that the program has a thesis or capstone component?
     
  9. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    No. Plenty of MA programs have neither of these elements.
     
  10. bennylinus

    bennylinus New Member

    Thanks for the opinions, guys.

    Anyone else have an opinion on this?
     
  11. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I think MA vs. MLA is a pretty irrelevant distinction. Whatever difference it may make will be overcome by the difference in program content, school reputation, and professional goals that lead you to choose one over the other. I really wouldn't worry much about this, and would make the decision on other criteria.

    Put another way, as someone who's hired people, if your resume were in front of me this would have no impact on my decision whether to request an interview.

    -=Steve=-
     
  12. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Last week, just days after hanging up my diploma, a friend dropped by along with one of his friends whom I had never met before. He looked at my diploma...

    Friend of a Friend: "Wow!!!! What kind of arts do you do?"
     
  13. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Then there is the fact that you can have as your signature something more immediately recognizable.

    Maniac Craniac, MA
    Maniac Craniac, MLA
     
  14. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    or

    Maniac Craniac, APA.

    Maniac Craniac, Chicago Manual of Style
     
  15. bennylinus

    bennylinus New Member

    Hopefully you guys were joking about the whole putting "M.A" or "M.L.A." after one's name. That is just pretentious and most people laugh at those who do this.

    Anyway, so an M.L.A. degree from a top 100 national school (according to US News anyway) would be better than a M.A.L.S. from a regional top tier school or tier 2 national school? True, I'd rather have the M.L.A. from Stanford, Harvard, Penn State or the University of Chicago(all of which offer the degree as a Master of Liberal Arts instead of the M.A. of Liberal Studies distinction).

    The two schools I'm looking at are both top 100 nationally. One offers the M.L.A., the other an M.A. of Liberal Studies. The M.L.A. degree doesn't have a concentration component, but one could technically choose a concentration in an area if the courses were available any given semester. The M.A.L.S. program has different concentration areas.

    Is it pretty much a wash between these two schools? Both have the rigor and name recognition. One school is easier than the other to choose a concentration area. Both schools cost nearly the same.

    What say you?
     
  16. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Don't forget the graduate degree in microwave technology that was awarded to me by cookderosa:

    Maniac Craniac, MBA
    (Master of Baking Alternatives)
     
  17. bennylinus

    bennylinus New Member

    Hopefully you guys were joking about the whole putting "M.A" or "M.L.A." after one's name. That is just pretentious and most people laugh at those who do this.

    Anyway, so an M.L.A. degree from a top 100 national school (according to US News anyway) would be better than a M.A.L.S. from a regional top tier school or tier 2 national school? True, I'd rather have the M.L.A. from Stanford, Harvard, Penn State or the University of Chicago(all of which offer the degree as a Master of Liberal Arts instead of the M.A. of Liberal Studies distinction).

    The two schools I'm looking at are both top 100 nationally. One offers the M.L.A., the other an M.A. of Liberal Studies. The M.L.A. degree doesn't have a concentration component, but one could technically choose a concentration in an area if the courses were available any given semester. The M.A.L.S. program has different concentration areas.

    Is it pretty much a wash between these two schools? Both have the rigor and name recognition. One school is easier than the other to choose a concentration area. Both schools cost nearly the same.

    What say you?
     
  18. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    In my book, you bet.

    If you're interested in one of the MALS concentration areas, I'd go with that. Otherwise, look for some sort of tiebreaker, like who has a stronger alumni network, or a better football team, or whatever floats your boat.

    -=Steve=-
     

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