In Which Amy Knows Where She's Going... (Myspace Blog)

There are no Masters Degree programs specifically in the field of Critical Pedagogy and Social Justice.

I knew this, had resigned myself to it. I was not happy, but had accustomed myself to the idea that I would get my Masters Degree is some random thing, with as much emphasis on Critical Pedagogy as I possibly could manage at whatever school I will attend. Yet another 2 years of feeling like I had wasted time jumping through hoops. Then a quick jump into a Doctoral program in order to get what I want, which is a degree in Critical Pedagogy and Social Justice. Another 3 to 4 years... forever and ever away.

Until yesterday.

Browsing, yet again, looking at many different programs in many different places. I must have done something that I had not done before... because I found the St. Martins College Masters Program of Critical Pedagogy and Social Justice. Did you do a double-take? I did. Yes, I did read that right... A Master's Program in exactly what I want it to be in. A dream. A miracle.

And in Lancaster, Lancashire, United Kingdom.

I have mixed feelings... I am excited. I knew I wanted to do some study in the UK. I am scared. Will I be able to afford it? I am optimistic. I will still qualify for financial aid... and they will pay it if I am in the UK.

I am going to do it. It is not any more expensive than if I were to attend an out of state university here in the US. Plus, a Master's Degree takes 1 year in the UK. 1 very intense year, I'm sure... but 1 year none the less. Versus at least 2 here. The biggest difference is in the realm of expectations. Here a Master's Degree is bestowed based upon a Questioning Board. There you are required to write a dissertation. Good thing I like writing, especially in that field.

The big picture shows that, by the time my daughter graduates from high school, I will have a Master's Degree, in a field that I love. Then I can decide what I want to do about the Doctorate. I think I might be excited. And that would be an understatement.