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Click on a link to learn more about our Master of Arts Program.
About Prescott College in General
Is PC accredited?
Prescott College is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS).
Who are the students in the Master of Arts Program?
Gender Distribution: 63% women, 37% men
Regional Distribution: 67% Arizona Residents, 33% Out-of-State and International Students
Average Age of Enrollment: 38
Range of Ages: 21-68
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About the Program
Do I need to move to Prescott?
No, while there is a commitment to attend colloquia, with good planning students are able to minimize travel expenses. Our students live all over the United States, and even internationally.
I have a family and/or career, will this program work?
This program allows students to continue with their family and professional responsibilities. Students report that they do their research and studying during the evenings and weekends. It does require discipline and time management skills, all of which can be learned.
I live in a rural town. Will this program work?
Yes, with the limited residency requirements this program allows students to live anywhere while completing their graduate degrees.
Am I too old?
Studies from geriatric homes report that regrets in life include never completing educational goals. Our programs are designed for students to achieve their goals no matter what age they are.
How does MAP work?
Students attend two weekend colloquia (workshops) per term to share ideas, connect with fellow graduate students, and work with advisors. In between colloquia, every three weeks, students mail a study packet to the advisor that includes recent work for review. The advisor reviews the materials, provides feedback and sends back to the student.
What are the benefits of this program?
Over and over we hear that students select this program because it is flexible, self-designed and it will fit into already full lives.
I want to change my career but do not have any undergraduate or professional experience in my area of interest. How do I do that?
It is to the student’s benefit to gain a strong background and understanding in their area of interest. Students are encouraged to take at least 3-5 undergraduate courses in the intended area of study. Volunteer work in the field of study is also highly recommended.
What are the residency requirements?
All graduate students must attend two three-day weekend colloquia per term (approximately every three months).
Can I enroll part-time?
Students who wish to enroll part-time may do so but must enroll for a minimum of six semester credits. Tuition for 6-8 semester credits is $2,880.
Where do I take my classes?
The model of learning in the graduate program is self-directed independent study. Students do not take classes.
Can I transfer in credit from other MA programs?
The Master of Arts Program at Prescott College does not transfer in credit from other colleges. Prior coursework taken to satisfy certification requirements may be applied to your program of study through a special process. If we do accept prior coursework, a student’s program may be shortened in length. The student still needs to complete a minimum of 40 semester credits at Prescott College to be granted a degree.
Can I receive credit for life experience?
Prescott College does not offer credit for life experience in its graduate program.
Can I incorporate my job into my degree? How?
Students regularly design their practica around their current jobs, often including a research component or deepening their understanding of a specific component of their work.
Can I do interdisciplinary study thought MAP?
By designing your own course of study, Prescott College Master of Arts program gives students the latitude to design interdisciplinary study plans resulting in a Master of Arts degree. Core faculty members are available to consult in the process of designing interdisciplinary programs. Contact the MAP Admissions Counselor to discuss the scope of your plan. The counselor can put you in contact with the appropriate core faculty member to help you propose a viable interdisciplinary study.
What kind of support will I have throughout my program?
Students develop a close working relationship with their graduate advisors. All study packets are submitted to the advisor as well as drafts of the qualifying paper, thesis plan, and final thesis. Students receive support from Prescott College faculty at the colloquia in all aspects of the program including theory, practicum, and thesis design, presentations and graduate level writing.
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Academic Process
What is the minimum time I have to attend to get a degree from Prescott College?
Students must complete a minimum of 40 semester credits to receive a Master of Arts degree from Prescott College. A student seeking Counseling Psychology certification must have 60 semester credits to graduate.
How long will my program take?
The majority of students take three terms (a year and a half) to complete their graduate work. However, some programs, like Counseling Psychology and Education, require a fourth term if the student’s goal is state certification. A fourth term is also required for students with limited academic preparation in their fields.
What is a colloquium?
Each term, graduate students attend two weekend colloquia at Prescott College. These weekends include extended conferences between students and their graduate advisors; presentations by students of their work-in-progress; discipline-specific workshops by faculty; brainstorming and networking sessions; panel discussions; and workshops that address the nuts and bolts of MAP.
How do I design my own program? How do I create a Study Plan?
The admissions committee expects a Proposed Study Plan that demonstrates your readiness to conceive and carry out independent graduate work in your field. A strong Proposed Study Plan describes:
- Eight to ten potential courses you would like to study
- A preliminary bibliography
- Ideas for suggested practicum
- Intended thesis topic
- Incorporation of the multicultural and environmental dimensions.
Many applicants look at other college catalogs to determine what courses constitute a degree in a certain field. You can design a program of study for yourself that is modeled on the best courses from different schools, workshops, and conferences. You don’t take courses at other schools; you create a program that meets your specific needs by borrowing concepts and ideas from other sources.
What constitutes a study packet? When are they due?
Study packets might include a critical response to the reading, an annotated bibliography, a literature review or comparative essay of a selection of texts or journal articles, a case study, an essay on a field-specific topic, a report on the progress of the practicum, or a chapter of the thesis, etc. Study packets are due approximately every three to four weeks during the term.
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Graduate Advisors
How do you match me with a graduate advisor in my field?
Students are matched with a graduate advisor based upon their field of interest which is detailed in their Proposed Study Plan.
What is my advisor's role in my program?
Your academic advisor is assigned to you by the Core Faculty member in your study area as part of your admissions process. Once you are accepted into the program, your advisor works with you to further refine your study plan. Your advisor is your main liaison to the Master's degree program. You will be sending your study packets to your advisor, networking with your advisor as you set up your practicum and your advisor is on your thesis committee. Whenever you have a question about your academic progress or the administrative process, ask you advisor first. If you have specific questions about academic advisors when you are in the application process, please talk to the Core Faculty member in your study area.
Can I contact my graduate advisor through e-mail?
The graduate advisor and student determine the mode of communication that works best for both of them.
What credentials do advisors need?
Graduate advisors must have a graduate degree, preferably a terminal degree.
Will you give me an advisor list?
Our graduate advisors live throughout the country. Please e-mail or write to the advisor in care of Prescott College and we will forward your correspondence to that person.
How much face-to-face contact time do I need with my advisor?
Students will meet for blocks of time with their advisors at the colloquia, approximately every three months.
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Degrees
What certificates and degrees does MAP offer?
Prescott College offers the Master of Arts degree and we recommend students for teacher certification. Degrees are offered in the five major areas listed below. Examples of specific concentrations are listed below each degree heading.
- Environmental Studies
Wildlife Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Botany, Geology, Environmental Education, Wildlife Management, Fisheries Biology, Marine Biology, Natural History, Desert Water Ecology, Agroecology, Raptor Conservation, Environmental Management, GIS, and many other areas.
- Counseling and Psychology
Marriage and Family, Grief and Bereavement, Guidance, School, Art Therapy, Wilderness Therapy, Creative Therapies, Dance Therapy, Forensic, Criminal, Expressive Arts, Psychodrama, Human Development, Career Counseling, Drug and Alcohol, Jungian Psychology, Transpersonal Psychology, Women’s Psychology, Psychology of Aging, Ecopsychology, Depth Psychology, and programs with an emphasis in: Gay and Lesbian Counseling, HIV Counseling, Adolescent Latinas, Inner City Youth, Domestic Violence, etc.
- Education
Secondary, Elementary, Bilingual, ESL, Special Education, Reading, Language Arts, Experiential Education, Expeditionary Learning, Multicultural Education, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Student Services, and many more.
- Humanities
Literature, Drama, Theater, Filmmaking, Video Production, Dance, Studio Art, Fine Art, photography, Art History, Art Education, Philosophy, Poetry, Fiction, Journalism, Photojournalism, Technical Writing, Environmental Writing, Eco-Literacy, Sustainable Community Development, Eco-Feminism, History, Historic Preservation, History of the Southwest, Organizational Development, Human Resource Development, Organizational Change, Humanistic Management, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communication, Technology, Technology in Education, Mythology, Spiritual Studies, Comparative Religions, Spirituality, Theology, Women’s Studies, Men’s Studies, Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution, Political Science, Rhetoric, African American Studies, Cosmology, Sociology, Gerontology, Archeology, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Language Preservation, Popular Culture, Studies in the Southwest, Spanish, French, Italian, English, Sculpture, Holistic Health, Wellness Education, Healthcare Administration, and on and on.
- Adventure Education
Wilderness Leadership, Experiential Education, Expeditionary Learning, Outdoor Education, Outdoor Program Administration, Therapeutic Use of the Wilderness, and Adventure Education with an emphasis in Youth at Risk among many other areas.
Do you offer teacher certification?
Students who are seeking certification can study Secondary, Elementary, Bilingual, ESL, and Special Education.
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Admissions Process
Who is the Admissions Counselor for MAP?
Kerstin Alicki is the Admissions Counselor (kalicki@prescott.edu).
What steps do I take in the application process?
1. Request:
Contact all colleges attended since high school and request official transcripts to be sent directly to the Prescott College admissions office. Ask two people to write letters of recommendation. Find people who can comment on your self direction and who know about your academic or professional background.
2. Gather data:
Read over the MAP view book and web site a few times. Talk to a financial aid counselor. Call the admissions counselor. Compare MAP to other programs. Research licenses, standards or certificates in your profession or area of study.
3. Think:
Mull over the possibilities. Define your goals. Picture your dreams. Imagine the result of having the Master's degree. Consult with the Core Faculty member in your study area about the academic content of your program.
4. Write:
Pull together your résumé. Write your personal statement. Write out your study plan and its bibliography.
5. Send:
Mail your application and $40 application fee or apply online. Transcripts and letters of recommendation may come directly from their sources or you may include them in your application packet if they are sealed and signed. Any writing samples or art slides that you want returned require a self-addressed stamped envelope. Please retain a copy of all work submitted. Often an electronic copy of your study plan and personal statement are requested by faculty members during the application process.
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Tuition and Financial Aid
How much is tuition?
Please see the MAP tuition page for current figures.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA becomes available January 1 for the following academic year. For example, the 2006-2007 FAFSA became available January 1, 2006 and should be completed by students who wish to receive financial aid during any terms beginning between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. The most efficient way to complete the FAFSA is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, using a U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN) as an electronic signature. If you do not already have a PIN, there is a link to request one from the FAFSA website. If you do not have Internet access or are unable to complete the online FAFSA, please contact the Financial Aid Office for a paper application. Prescott College’s Title IV School Code is 013659.
How much financial aid can I get?
Based on your financial need as determined by the FAFSA and your grade level, we will consider your eligibility for federal and institutional grants and loans. Other funding options exist. Contact our office for more details.
How long does the financial aid process take?
Please allow 4 to 6 weeks from filing your FAFSA to receiving your financial aid award offer. Be sure to respond to requests from the Financial Aid Office for additional information in a timely manner. Most correspondence is sent via email. If you do not wish to receive correspondence via email, please do not include an email address on your FAFSA. We do not prepare award offers until students are admitted to Prescott College.
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After Graduation
What are my chances of getting into a Ph.D. program with a Masters from PC?
Excellent. We are accredited and provide students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in Ph.D. programs. Some compare our model of education to Ph.D. programs with the requirements for self-direction and writing skills.
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