PROGRAM OF THE WEEK - Texas Christian University M.L.A.

This is the second in an ongoing series of detailed posts about DL programs that we (moderators) have completed ourselves, have considered in the past, or just find interesting. Whether RA, NA, foreign, or unaccredited (but legitimate/legal ), anything that strikes our fancy is fair game. Feel free to comment, especially if you have experience/interest in the program or school.

Please note that this is simply to stimulate discussion/debate among members, and in no way constitutes any recommendation or approval from DegreeInfo.com or any of its owners, advertisers, administrators, or moderators.

School: Texas Christian University

Accreditation: Regionally Accredited (Southern Association)

Degree Title: Master of Liberal Arts (M.L.A.)

Residencies: None required (residential classes available)

Credit Hours: 30 semester hours (12 of the 30 hours have to be "Perspectives of Society" designated courses). No thesis required.

Admission Criteria: Regionally accredited undergraduate degree (minimum 2.75 GPA).

Program Cost: $20,550

Program Website: http://www.mla.tcu.edu/default.asp?cat=

Details: I absolutely *love* this program; there is no major, and you can take courses from a wide variety of liberal arts disciplines to comprise the required 30 semester hours. It also has a "fun" feel to it, with courses such as "The Supreme Court's Greatest Hits", "Parapsychology: Weighing the Evidence", and "The American Revolution; a Blessing or Curse?".

The only drawback I see is that this is expensive when compared to many other RA Master's programs, and the utility of a Liberal Arts graduate degree is suspect. However, if one needs a graduate degree in any subject, this looks like a fascinating option that will expand your mind and probably be a lot of fun.

 

I live down the street from TCU so honestly I could use the alumni "pull" the school has in my area. But the degree being self described as "non-career oriented" (indicative of L.A.) and the $20K+ price tag from a non-tier 1 school does give one pause. Still, looks like a fun program.

 

I remember a couple of years ago, the program website had a testimonial from a military officer who needed a graduate degree for promotion points, and did the M.L.A. For someone in that position (need for *a* graduate degree), and especially with tuition assistance, this might be a good fit.

 

I was thinking of Teachers, who often are required to earn a Masters degree. They get some tuition assistance and might like a fun liberal arts program.

 

Great point, I didn't even think of that.

I believe in Massachusetts, to qualify for the education incentive for teachers, the degree has to be in education or the teacher's area of teaching (English, History, etc.), but we always seem to do things a little differently anyway.

 

No, that is the case with my district here in Illinois as well. I recently contacted my district's HR department, asking what the requirements are and was told that they must be in education and/or in my content area. Bummer!

 

Looks like an interesting program!