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I don't know if this thread is still active, but I would like to add that Master's in Liberal Arts (MLA), from Harvard, Penn, or other schools may not carry the same weight as from the "real" day schools. However, the quality of education may not differ too much- in that they are taught by instructors from the day school. However, of course, prestige wouldn't be the same.
Further, I would like to ask all that criticize the MLA the following:
How would an MLA degree concentration in international relations differ from, say a Master's of Arts (traditional; MA) in international relations?
In my opinion, I don't think they would differ too much, since the study of such fields are in liberal arts, whether it is from the traditional sense or this, MLA.
I actually think that if an individual's undergraduate degree was in a liberal arts field, like English, history, economics... or etc., the key is that this individual is equipped with transferable skills. Hence, a master's in liberal arts should offer similar, but more research oriented- which denotes that this program would best match someone who is wanting to obtain a PhD, rather than directly go into the job market. (NOTE that PhD doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be a teacher or professor.)
Also, if you have majored in economics, and want to tie that in an international sense, you can show your interest to a prospective employer with an MLA in international relations.
As mentioned, this program is probably best suited for individuals wanting to pursue further degrees, i.e. PhD. On that note, MLAs can probably help bridge your undergraduate degree to your desired prospective PhD course field, assuming you want a PhD in something different from your undergraduate degree.
What can you do with a Masters of Liberal Arts (you create your own focus) from an Ivy League institution?
Would you assume better pay?
a better looking resume, that will give you a chance at not becoming a waiter or a bartender. but that's about it.
Liberal Arts degrees are in 90 cases out of 100 are absolutely worthless to the economy. nobody gives a sh*t about your creative writing skills or how many philosophers have you read. you are wasting insane amount of money by even bothering going to Ivy League school for a BS degree.
don't get me wrong, you will get more opportunities and more doors will open to you, but at what expense, you being in debt for the rest of your life? sounds like an insane idea.
dont go to big fancy school to be a specialist in Medieval Literature. do not become a news cover story of a pathetic loser who graduated with 150K debt and works as a barista at Starbucks for living. dont be that guy.
unless of course you are a trust fund baby and your rich parents will pay for your education, I guess then my point is null and void.
a better looking resume, that will give you a chance at not becoming a waiter or a bartender. but that's about it.
Liberal Arts degrees are in 90 cases out of 100 are absolutely worthless to the economy. nobody gives a sh*t about your creative writing skills or how many philosophers have you read. you are wasting insane amount of money by even bothering going to Ivy League school for a BS degree.
don't get me wrong, you will get more opportunities and more doors will open to you, but at what expense, you being in debt for the rest of your life? sounds like an insane idea.
dont go to big fancy school to be a specialist in Medieval Literature. do not become a news cover story of a pathetic loser who graduated with 150K debt and works as a barista at Starbucks for living. dont be that guy.
unless of course you are a trust fund baby and your rich parents will pay for your education, I guess then my point is null and void.
Actually, employers STRONGLY value good writing skills. I have a creative nonfiction degree and it has helped me immensely thus far.
let me rephrase that. the amount of jobs that require advanced creative writing skills are extremely limited and they do not pay as much.
its not that these jobs do not matter -- its just not the career I would advise to get into, especially with insane debt obtained from an Ivy League school. makes sense? I would also worry about long-term job security.
HeavenWood...I agree totally. Writing is a very important part of most high level jobs and require skill. pzrOrange....a little encouragement/optimism once in a while wouldn't hurt. Just know that everyone in the world can't be an economics/finance guy or even desires to be one. My motto is hard work will pay, not a degree. I'm a Philly guy and we know all about making things happen with little to none in resources. I know alot of liberal arts guys making six figures, myself being one of them, so go with your heart, have drive and work ethic and it'll reap heavy rewards.
let me rephrase that. the amount of jobs that require advanced creative writing skills are extremely limited and they do not pay as much.
its not that these jobs do not matter -- its just not the career I would advise to get into, especially with insane debt obtained from an Ivy League school. makes sense? I would also worry about long-term job security.
I'm not talking about fiction or poetry. Creative nonfiction specifically, which places a strong emphasis on straight journalism, allows its students to develop a strong, adaptable writing style that is perfect for a business setting. If you want to work in business, I wholeheartedly agree that it's better to get a business degree (though double-majoring in business/nonfiction would probably be an excellent route to take). I also agree you shouldn't go greatly into debt to get your Bachelors. But make no mistake about it--employers want/need people with strong writing skills.
I too am curious, not if MLA is worth the time, but whether if it can actually help in future prospects.
I think the original author was asking about the non-traditional liberal arts degrees that ivy-league institutions are offering nowadays. i.e. Harvard Extension School- Master of Liberal Arts in Extension study in a concentration in a liberal arts field.
I too am curious about this and how this is looked upon, if anyone has legitimate resources (not random opinions), please share them.
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