Norwich Univ. MA in Military History
So I'm here at lunchtime, looking at a SWC google ad for Norwich University, and it strikes me that an education track like that might be very interesting. About 3/4 of what I read for pleasure is military history, with the last 1/4 being gun rags and foreign Affairs.
Anyone here have any background with that MA path (online)? I used to be down on online, distance education, but after I watched my wife attend an online discussion session for one of her classes, it just might work.
On-line discussions for class
I've used them as supplements for masters and upper division undergraduate classes. My feeling is that they add a dimension that you don't get in the classroom but they do not substitute for the classroom. That said, on-line discussions are far better than the old correspondence course approach.
I do believe that an on-line masters program could be very effective and certainly much more convenient for one who does not live close to the program.
Surely, there are folk who chime in to this discussion board who have taught at American Military University or other on-line programs who can contribute better insights than me.
Pleased with online MA @ AMU
Even with military tuition assistance, Norwich was too expensive for me so I went with American Military University. While I initially had some misgivings about online degrees (my undergraduate and law degrees were in a traditional setting), I have to say that it is really a good way to get a degree.
AMU has a number of professors that not only have the academic credentials, but also have some real world experience to back up what they're teaching. For example, I once took a course in the use of airpower in small wars from Wray Johnson. He wrote the book titled Airpower in Small Wars and served with special ops in the Air Force. Many of the other professors also have quality military experience. You can check out the classes and professors at www.amu.apus.edu.
My classes have mostly involved written assignments. For example, my current class requires short weekly assignments and a 15-20 page final paper. As long as you work well in an unstructured environment, it should be fine.
I have no idea what a degree from AMU would mean when looking for employment (although it is regionally accredited), but I didn't enroll for that reason anyway. However, I'd be curious to hear what others think of the quality of AMU's National Security Studies program.
Offer to teach for them...
If they get too obnoxious, you could always offer to teach for them - for a good salary, of course. Or, ask if they will give you a full ride fellowship.:)
I've looked long and hard at AMU
I think the AMU set-up would work extremely well to suit my needs, and I like the diversity of programs offered.
Every quarter or so I get energized to stop by the website again and see what's going on. I was initially turned off around 5 years ago when I was very serious about pursuing a Sec Management degree, but got little help from any admissions folks on working grants and the GI Bill efficiently so I didn't pay out of pocket.
I didn't perservere to get the answers beyond a few emails with an obviously inexperienced young lady who wasn't hearing what I was saying, and obviously talked past my questions so she wouldn't have to actually do any work. AMU wasn't particulalrly interested in my matriculation at that time, and that incident left me sufficiently jaded. I admit that I'm a lazy bugger when it comes to education. I want someone to show me where to sign on the dotted line, give mealistof books I need to buy, and give me a rough outline of course discussion topics, then let me go at it. Starting back up in the education cycle shouldn't be like a second job.
Online Masters Programs--Pros and Cons
Having been a Professor of Land Warfare, Military Science, Military History, and Intelligence for American Military University from 2000-2002, I'm probably biased in favor of online education. I'm also doing online education as an instructor for the Marine Corps University College of Continuing Education for Command and Staff College Distance Education Program.
I've reviewed Norwich's program from their materials and it looks very good. AMU is pretty good too...and I'd compare both to see what is best for you. Regardless which way you go, there's a few pointers for you as an online student.
#1. Online education isn't for everyone. You have to be a motivated self-starter kind of person who doesn't mind a lot of independent study, research, and writing. If you need the social interaction of resident study, online matriculation may not be for you.
#2. Beware the diploma mill attitude--in yourself and in your professors. There are those who just want to put the check in the assignment block and that's it. Sure, you can get that...you can do that. And some of the professors will let you get away with that...and some more will barely give you any feedback whatsoever. Personally, I can't stand it--either as a student or a professor. The best thing about online matriculation is that you can--CAN--get more professor student interaction and discussion than you'd ever get in a resident program of study. I know...I've done both. If you are student that likes engagement and your professor isn't giving that to you, demand it.
#3. On the flip side, just because you can get a lot of interaction with the professor, this doesn't mean you can be stupid with your/his/her time. Make sure the time you get is productive time...don't waste it on silly things. Use those opportunties to discuss assignments and current events as a chance to really learn as well as make a good impression on your prof.
#4. Understand the disadvantages of not having ready/easy access to other students in the program. This means you might not have the interaction you need to prep for assignments/tests with your classmates. Even more importantly, you won't know what classes/professors to take...or to avoid.