Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - Concentration in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership
Who offers this program?
The Masters Program is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at George Mason University (GMU), Fairfax, VA
Can I complete the program long-distance? How much of the program can be completed online?
You do not have to be a Virginia resident to complete this program. You must attend the traveling AZA courses (NCLC 500 courses) offered periodically around the country, you can take online GMU courses in Public Administration and Education, and you may be able to transfer a limited number of eligible credit hours from an accredited university into the program.
What is the cost?
Students will be charged $250 per credit for Academic Year 2009-2010 for all NCLC courses offered through the AZA at Wheeling, WV. Students will be charged $300 per credit for all other NCLC, MAIS and PUAD courses. NOTE: Courses offered at Wheeling are increasing in cost (from $137/credit to $250/credit); however, courses offered online are decreasing in cost (from the current rate of $459/credit to $300/credit).
Beginning in Fall 2010, student will be charged $300 per credit for all NCLC, MAIS and PUAD courses that are part of the ZAL program (whether at Wheeling, elsewhere, or online). The $300 per credit rate will apply through Spring 2012.
The overall tuition for this Master’s degree program ($10,800, i.e., 36 credits x $300/credit) is priced well below Mason’s in state (currently $406/credit + 13% for contract courses) and out-of-state (currently $995/credit) graduate tuition fees.
Consult with your organization's HR department to determine whether they can help pay for some or all of the course fees, and remember to apply for the AZA scholarships.
Is there any structured order and schedule in which I must complete the program, or can I work at my own pace?
Specific tracks within the program have specific course requirements. You can work at your own pace, though you should consult with the ZAL Director about your curriculum plan and you should take advantage of the AZA course rotation when at all possible. There is a six-year time limit in which to complete the degree.
Can I transfer in previously earned graduate credits?
If the credits were earned within the past six years, are applicable to your degree plan and are from an accredited institution, then yes, those credits may be considered for transfer.
What about AZA Professional Development courses taken previously?
If the courses were taken for graduate credit within the past six years, those credits may be transferred to your degree. If the courses were not originally taken for graduate credit, the courses are not applicable to the degree.
Will this degree help me get a job? Or help me advance in my current position?
This degree was designed in response to the AZA Professional Development Committee training surveys, therefore this degree is addressing the needs of the greater Zoo and Aquarium Community. Because it is a new degree, with few graduates, we have few employment statistics.
What if I have more questions about the program?
Visit George Mason's web site or contact German Perilla at George Mason University or the AZA Professional Development Department.