Why Not Offer a Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) with Flexible Credit Transfer Options

[huiwh1998]

I've been wondering...why don't UMPI/ other schools offer a Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) program that allows students to transfer up to 75% of their graduate credits from other programs? It could be structured so that students complete the degree with just a few additional courses. Not only would this provide a flexible option for those with diverse academic backgrounds, but it seems like universities could generate more revenue by attracting a broader range of students. Since they gained a huge success in their BLS program, why not MLS too? Thoughts?

[ss20ts]

UMPI develops degree programs based on surveys they conduct locally and regionally to see what employers there are looking for. By the time you get to grad school, you should have really narrowed down what you want to focus on. There are schools that have master's degrees that are a bit generic. Amberton has a MA Professional Development and I completed a bunch of business courses in different areas for it.

[Jonathan Whatley]

I've been wondering...why don't UMPI/ other schools offer a Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) program that allows students to transfer up to 75% of their graduate credits from other programs? It could be structured so that students complete the degree with just a few additional courses. Not only would this provide a flexible option for those with diverse academic backgrounds, but it seems like universities could generate more revenue by attracting a broader range of students. Since they gained a huge success in their BLS program, why not MLS too? Thoughts?

Academic convention is very strong that a master’s should require no less than 50% credit “in residence” (which means non-transfer, it doesn’t mean in physical residence). Some accreditation agencies require it explicitly, others expect it implicitly. Columbia Southern allowing up to two thirds transfer to a master’s degree (one third in residence) is a precedent-setting surprise that occurred literally last year.

If you’ll accept less than 50% or a little less transfer, there are suddenly many options. Options similar to an MLS including ss20ts’s Amberton MAPD, the Purdue Global MPS, Jacksonville State U MAIS, Colorado State U Global MSIPS, Liberty MAIS or MAIR, Bellevue MPS, TESU MALS or MSTS, etc.

[NotJoeBiden]

Jacksonville State University offers their MA in Integrated Studies which is like that. It allows transfer of 18 out of 30 credits.

---

I've been wondering...why don't UMPI/ other schools offer a Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) program that allows students to transfer up to 75% of their graduate credits from other programs? It could be structured so that students complete the degree with just a few additional courses. Not only would this provide a flexible option for those with diverse academic backgrounds, but it seems like universities could generate more revenue by attracting a broader range of students. Since they gained a huge success in their BLS program, why not MLS too? Thoughts?

Academic convention is very strong that a master’s should require no less than 50% credit “in residence” (which means non-transfer, it doesn’t mean in physical residence). Some accreditation agencies require it explicitly, others expect it implicitly. Columbia Southern allowing up to two thirds transfer to a master’s degree (one third in residence) is a precedent-setting surprise that occurred literally last year.

If you’ll accept less than 50% or a little less transfer, there are suddenly many options. Options similar to an MLS including ss20ts’s Amberton MAPD, the Purdue Global MPS, Jacksonville State U MAIS, Colorado State U Global MSIPS, Liberty MAIS or MAIR, Bellevue MPS, TESU MALS or MSTS, etc.

I have yet to see anyone be able to get 2/3 of courses transferred in. They are extremely strict.

[davewill]

Professional grad programs (vs research ones) are seen as cash cows. If they allow you to transfer in most of it, they don't make money. I think it's really as simple as that.

[bjcheung77]

Masters of Liberal Studies is similar to HES Extension Studies with a concentration or minor. TESU has an example MALS that allows 5 different concentrations or minors to select from, one is even an Individualized Option where you select classes to make your own, by taking classes that interest you. These type of degrees are all too general in nature, when you're at the Masters level, traditionally, you should be taking on subject matter you already have interest in and further advancing in that subject by doing more reading, researching, writing on the topic...

[SteveFoerster]

Professional grad programs (vs research ones) are seen as cash cows. If they allow you to transfer in most of it, they don't make money. I think it's really as simple as that.

Honestly, I think it's more that accreditors won't let them. Otherwise someone would do it, figuring that selling two courses is better than selling none.

[huiwh1998]

Professional grad programs (vs research ones) are seen as cash cows. If they allow you to transfer in most of it, they don't make money. I think it's really as simple as that.

They can make a wavier fee that same as TESU, no big deal...