Western New Mexico University - Online MA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Has anyone done this degree? My main objective for the new few years is to get 18 graduate credits outside of, though related, to my first master's degree. I'm not necessary interested in completing this particular degree, especially if there is a thesis at the end (I haven't found information on whether or not there is a thesis). The tuition looks good and I could get 18 credits in 2-3 subjects as a part of the program. I am just wondering if anyone has been in this program and, if so, can attest to what it's like?

 

Don't know about that particular program, but those I've talked to who attended WNMU have been happy with the experience.

 

I'm enrolled in the program right now. I completed 18 hours of English before I started my secondary concentration, so I have been able to use these 18 hours, along with my Liberty MA degree, to teach at night.

What concentration are you interested in pursuing? From what I can tell, experiences vary greatly, depending on your concentration.

 

Matt Brent has a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with dual concentration in History and Political Science from Western New Mexico University online. The end of the degree will be either a thesis or comprehensive exams, whichever you prefer.

 

I have the MAIS degree from Western New Mexico University, my concentrations are in English/Writing. The degree, to me, was interesting but not easy; I did the thesis. The last time I was on the Web page the degree was not offered with a thesis, only a comprehensive final. I am now teaching English at a local Community College. PM if you need further information.

 

Thanks!

I'm thinking about English, Writing, and Social Work (I'll have 9 other credits in SW from a conflict cert. I'm doing). I'd want a comprehensive exam, so it sounds great that they offer that. Those of you have are doing or have done this degree, does having three concentrations sound like too many? It seems like most of you have done or are doing two.

 

Sorry folks! I was away for a bit. As Ted stated, I have an MA from WNMU with my concentrations in History & Political Science. The program wasn't easy by any means, though it was nice that I could mix things up a bit. I did not do a thesis. I chose comps to end my degree. I WISH I had done the thesis. You can't beat the tuition, and the majority of the instructors are extremely good at what they do. I'd recommend it to anyone.

-Matt

 

I'm in my final semester of the WNMU MAIS degree, with my final class (historiography). I really hunkered down over the Summer and took 4 classes to take advantage of the 4 week terms. Being a New Mexico resident there was no issue with the "fewer than 6 hours" exemption for in-state tuition. The work load was absolutely insane, however! I am proud to report I not only passed all 4 courses, but I cleared an A in each. I opted for the 3 discipline track with history (18), writing (9), and psychology (9). I am working on my exits for each, and will graduate in December. I'm also taking the opportunity of being a New Mexico native and making the trip to Silver City for the commencement ceremony. The history dept. has recently changed (this term apparently) the way they handle the comprehensive exam. In the past there was a set of 4 essay questions with ~1.5 hours per question, with a proctor. They have changed that to a single 2500 word essay, with a month to complete, and no proctor. I, like mattbrent, would have loved to have done the thesis. I entertained the idea, but in the end I had to come to terms with my hectic career not being suited to the necessary work I would need to complete the thesis. This new take on the comp. exam is neat as it it's sort of a "micro-thesis". Feel free to PM me for any other details!

 

MAIS program is pretty good...

I completed the MAIS program in History and English and I am pretty pleased with the program, the teachers, and what I learned along the way. The program is very reasonably-priced and most of my teachers in my concentration areas seemed like they cared about the subject material and students they were teaching.

For those looking to get their 18 hours in 2-3 fields, I say the program is great. However, as a warning, as adjunct teaching becomes more competitive, interdisciplinary degrees will likely take a hit.

I am currently looking for adjunct work, both online and in the classroom and some places expressly want an MA, or more and more a Ph.D. in a particular field - so keep this in mind. While I believe that I am more well-rounded and better for combining my two interests together in a single degree - I believe I have a long, hard road ahead in my quest to find work with my degree. Nevertheless, I hope that my persistence will win the day.

Don't want to poop on anyone's dreams here:Flush:, but I'm just being practical. Keep this in my as your pursue your education pathway, because it is the reality of higher ed right now - others with attest to this I'm sure.

 

I would like to disregard all my gloom and doom of my previous post. Not long after I posted this message, I got a new position as a professional writing and reading tutor for a writing center at a local community college. Not a prestigious or glamorous job by any stretch of the imagination - but for me, I'm extremely excited because it is a foot-in-the-door in higher education - a field I have been wanting to break into since I embarked on my MAIS back in early 2011. I hope to obtain some adjunct work there, after gaining some further experience.

 

Just as an editorial comment, if a person has ANY thoughts that they might move past their Masters to a doctoral degree then it is advised that they choose the thesis option. It will be a better prep for the eventual dissertation but it will also look a bit better to the PhD admissions folks (the logic being that they'll have a bit more confidence that you know what you're getting into).

 

Kizmet is dead-on with this advice, for both reasons (preparation and admission). A doctoral dissertation is unlike anything you've ever done before, but a master's thesis gets you in the neighborhood.

 

True! And I'm kicking myself for not going that route!

-Matt