AMU/APU Master's in History

How well-respected is a master's degree from AMU/APU? I already have two master's degrees in education, but would like to add a master's in history to get adjunct college teaching work after I retire from the NYC school system.

 

It's a good program. I don't have a degree from there, but I've taken several classes and would recommend it. Unfortunately, and I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but I don't know that I would go for another MA just to adjunct. I'm a full-time history prof with my community college, and we have so many PhD's applying for adjuncting gigs, I don't know if a simply MA would cut it. I know that sounds bizarre, considering I don't have a PhD, but I was able to teach in two fields which was what the college needed. On the positive side, if you get at least 18 credits you're eligible. You don't need the whole masters because you already have one.

What do you currently teach? If it's history, and you are going to still be in NYC schools for a bit, maybe they'll help pay for the classes and let you teach AP or Dual Enrollment. That's how I started, and it got my foot in the door.

-Matt

 

Thanks for the advice! Yes, I teach history at the high school level but NYC is cheap and won't pay for any course work. I'm thinking now that a graduate certificate would be enough to get me to the 18 credits I'd need to teach history, and maybe a few more political science graduate courses to qualify me for that subject as well. I'm hoping that 25 years of classroom experience will make up for the lack of a doctorate when applying for adjunct positions. We'll see.

 

Here's another program to consider from the University of Memphis: eCampus :: MA in History :: University of Memphis

A lot of good course offerings that are reasonably priced (about $2k a pop). The master's program is only 11 courses long - a class shorter than most. Also, you can transfer in up to 12 hrs. I've been eying this program to get some more experience and knowledge in history - the subject I hope to teach on day, as well. Just thought I would mention it. Cheers!

 

Thanks! I'll check into it!

 

I'm about to finish an MA in US History at AMU

I started there in 07 when there weren't too many choices. It's a nice program and usually has good professors. The work load is consistent from class to class and all of my professors have had similar expectations. Generally, there's the usual forums that you see in online programs and usually three papers (small, medium and larger). The small one is usually a research proposal. Then there's a book review or response paper. Finally, there's the usual final paper. They've always let me do the paper I wanted, so it's been fun. I've gotten to follow a topic from course to course.

The important thing for me is that AMU respects adult issues with work and family. They've granted course extensions when I've asked. They also let me extend the program deadline after I left and came back.

Overall, I'd recommend AMU's history program as a practical way for an adult learner to get a history master's degree.