Thursday, April 07, 2005
(4:08 PM) | Adam Kotsko:
Proposed Educational Reform
In disciplines in the humanities, there should be more uniformity in the meaning of graduate degrees. I propose the following:- Master of Arts: Two years of study in a particular discipline, beyond the bachelor's, culminating in a thesis of moderate length. This should carry with it automatic certification to teach in that discipline in public schools, and it should be taken as indicative that one is qualified to teach at a community college or to teach freshman or sophomore level courses at a four-year institution.
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil): This would correspond to the level of attainment frequently designated as "ABD." That is, two years of study beyond the MA, culminating in comprehensive exams that indicate teaching and research competencies. This would qualify one to teach all undergraduate courses at a four-year institution.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): For this one, you have to write a book that's an actual contribution to your field. This would qualify its holder to train graduate students. For purposes of undergraduate education, it would probably not be necessary to hold the terminal degree.
