Anyone know of a cheap RA English master's program w/ transfer credits?

I know from the title of this post what I am looking for is probably a unicorn that does not exist, but I am toying with the idea of going to get more education in my field. I have a master's degree from Western New Mexico Univ, so this would be my second master's. I know folks on here have reservations about 2nd and 3rd master's degrees.

Anyways, my degree has served me well so far. I am now teaching English full-time at a local CC. Since my master's is an interdisciplinary studies, with concentrations in English and History, some days I feel like a bit of an imposter, even though I know am well-qualified for my position, and I feel I am effective in my teaching. At the end of the day, I think I would like to gain a bit more knowledge, and experience in my field. Also, I worry about the day that SACS or another accrediting agency will only allow one to teach in the field that there master's degree is in, and not the 18-hour rule that exists today. (Anyone see the 18-hour rule going away soon?)

For those that consider a second master's a waste of time/money. I'm right there with you. I'm not sure I 100% want to go back to get another one. But I am also not sure I want to embark on grueling PhD work, either, although I did look into the English PhD at Old Dominion.

Does anyone on the degree forums here have any suggestions, or has anyone felt like this before? If the second degree isn't absolutely necessary for my job now, should I even really bother with embarking on another degree? Even if it would largely be for enrichment? Ideas?

 

Not a waste

A second masters a waste of money? No way. Anything that qualifies you to teach in another area is not a waste, if you're willing to teach in that area.

 

Here are a few. I haven't checked costs.

https://www.bgsu.edu/distance-learning/browse-programs/graduate/ma-english-et1.html

https://nau.edu/cal/english/degrees-programs/graduate/ma-general-english/

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/english/grad_degrees/MA_in_Literature.php

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/english/grad_degrees/MA_in_Literature.php

Department of English

 

Northwestern Louisiana State

https://www.nsula.edu/ensu/

 

I graduated from NAU's distance learning MA English and included grad certs in Professional Writing and TESOL this past spring. I landed a job as a writing instructor at the local university's writing center, and teach a couple of classes at a CC as of this August. NAU did allow me to use the cert credits for the MA credit hours, too. In addition, I transferred in 6 hours. I was happy with the program and professors/instructors.

 

I wouldn't take on a second degree just to guard against a potential change in policy. I'd go for a degree in a third area instead. AMU, for example, has some traditional arts and sciences degrees (poli sci, psych, criminal justice and humanities).

 

I'm obviously biased, but I don't think that having 2 Master's degrees is a bad thing. However, in your situation, getting a second degree in English would not only be redundant as far as a teaching credential, but would also negate one of the best things about the WNMU MAIS, which is the cost.

I personally don't think the 18-hour rule is going anywhere as far as accreditors go, and if it did, I think it would be new hires only. I don't see SACS or anyone else saying "Sorry, up or out".

 

I appreciate all the suggestions folks. After looking into the school's mentioned, ECU seems to be one of the cheaper (maybe cheapest) options, especially if you live in NC, as I do. Arizona's program looked great, as well.

I am considering taking some classes, somewhere, but when/if I do I want it to be because I want to, will enjoy it, and can afford it. Right now, I'm just not quite there.

My thinking is along the lines of @Bruce and @TonyM that the degree may be somewhat redundant and take away from the bargain I got from WNMU's master's program. I don't want to just pursue another master's to avoid a upcoming policy change. That is fearing a worst case scenario that does not exist, at least at the moment. When and if policies change, hopefully I could know about it at least a year in advance and prepare to double down on a degree in a core area.

Thanks for helping me sort through this thought process and offering up some suggestions. I appreciate it greatly!

 

California Community Colleges have required a full masters degree for several years.
Minimum Qualifications

 

That is interesting to know. Even with the changes in California, it looks like there is still at least some leeway in hiring in some departments. Here in rural NC, I can imagine it may take some years before accrediting agencies get to be that choosy. But, as everything becomes more competitive, I would not be surprised if we aren't far behind. I think it would be really awful to enjoy teaching a subject, and be well-qualified through years of experience, and not be able to teach that class because of accrediting rigmarole. I really hope that day does not come.