MAs for college credits

[Dr. Frank]

Funny I should see this topic right now. A few days ago I was perusing the catalog of the college where I teach art and art history and saw that a karate class was listed but was not on the current schedule. I called the dean of the PE Dept. and she said that since the class was for credit, and was transferable, the instructor needed to have at least a Masters Degree in addition to martial arts credentials to teach it. So I offered my services.

Just today my instructor called. He is opening a new dojo and asked if I could teach 2 afternoon classes per week. I am already teaching 2 classes at the other location so it looks like all of a sudden I am becoming a serious karate instructor.

I will get paid for teaching at the college. Nothing was said about me being paid for teaching at the new dojo. Frankly, I enjoy it, need the exercise I get from doing it, and feel like I am "furthering the art."

Maybe some gas money would be nice...

I know many colleges offer MA classes for credit, anyone know of any degree programs at accredited schools?

[sensei8]

I called the dean of the PE Dept. and she said that since the class was for credit, and was transferable, the instructor needed to have at least a Masters Degree in addition to martial arts credentials to teach it.

Wow! Very interesting. I was totally unaware of that, but, it makes perfect sense to me. I've always wondered how colleges truly viewed our martial arts credentials, and, if our martial arts credentials were equal to any type of college degree based on the amount of time it takes to get to, for example, Godan.

[Lupin1]

The Dean of the College teaches the karate class at my alma mater. Too bad he didn't start until after I graduated... Before that we had a self-defense class, but they never had enough people sign up for it, so it was always cancelled (which is ok-- it would probably end up just being Tae Bo or something, since none of the faculty knew karate back then).

[pegasi]

When I went to LSU they had a Karate Club that taught Shotokan Karate, and the university had a MA class for 3credits that a bunch of us from the club signed up to take for the phys ed credit for our degrees. The intstructor turned out to be a TKD instructor, and none of us from the Karate Club were beginners - orange and above, including a black belt, so the TKD instructor took us through a mid level TKD form and some similar instruction for the course, since we all had an MA background and were all in active training in another style, and just had to learn the differences between the Shotokan and TKD techniques and forms. Made for a very interesting semester.

[mr_obvious]

I just happened to look through my local community college catalog.... Looks like they offer classes (for credit) once a week, at two different campuses and different instructors. Might check it out. Since the class would only be about $90 for an entire semester.

[jaedeshi]

A student of mine found this a couple of years ago. Maybe someday I'll do it.

https://www.bridgeport.edu/pages/3868.asp

"The University of Bridgeport is proud to be the first American institution of higher learning to offer a B.A. in Martial Arts Studies. While martial arts study at the university level has long been a part of academic life in Asia, UB's program is unique in that it combines a wide range of liberal arts courses with martial arts practica. The program, offered through the University's International College, explores four aspects of the martial arts;

• Historical background and philosophical roots of the martial arts

• Languages and cultures of the societies in which the martial arts originated and developed

• In-depth study of at least one of the martial arts

• Psychosocial dimensions of the martial arts and their impact upon personality and society

It has long been argued that through study of the martial arts people develop a measurable sense of accomplishment and a mastery of mind over body, contributing to greater self-esteem. Through the teacher-student relationship the martial-arts student embarks on a voyage of self discovery and learns the importance of respect and regard for others."