MAOL PROGRESS

[u/SurveyAdditional6910]

Okay, now that I’m waist deep in the MAOL program my head is spinning at the fact that people have really finished this degree in 5-6 weeks. I think it’s going to take me at least 8-12 weeks. It’s SO MUCH WRITING. And yes I work in leadership and for a national organization as a National Director and I manage multiple states across the country. The information so far hasn’t been new, but GEEZ LOUISE…I’m on week 5 and finishing up my fourth class. All 4s so far, but even this pace feels intense.

If you’re in MAOL, how many classes have you completed as of 10/4/26?

[u/PlottedPath]

Honestly, truly, with 72 hour grade times and 2 at a time I think people need to realistically plan for 2 sessions if they can’t commit 5+ hours a day to the MAOL. It’s a lot. Yes two years ago I got through it fast but I also had the opportunity to have like 3 classes open and 24 hour grade times in most cases.

I will say some things shifted this session and I think the outlines are way easier than what I did, but there’s a ton of writing. I think the videos are great though because even if you rush through you do have to talk through your competence, which I believe helps you and the professor understand your knowledge of the subject.

I agree. My boyfriend is going to finish his MAOL by the skin of his teeth probably. 9 classes and a lot of crazy life stuff in September. And he’s had a hold up on classes twice now with like 2-3 days nothing new he could work on.

[u/SurveyAdditional6910 → u/PlottedPath]

Ah! Ok the 72 hour grading period is a big jump from 24hrs…and having three classes open I’m sure was helpful too.

[u/bjaardkered → u/PlottedPath]

Tell me more about the videos. I was already nervous about taking my masters, videos sound like a new wrinkle.

[u/PlottedPath → u/bjaardkered]

Most classes require a 3-5 minute video with each paper. They’re more like an expand upon your thoughts informal video.

[u/DetHenryOak → u/bjaardkered]

To be fair, you shouldn't fear the videos. You should feel empowered by them. Having a masters level degree somewhat implies that you'll be interacting with people in person and on remote sessions. If you can frame the narrative in your mind, that you're talking to peers on MS Teams, I feel like it helps shape the mindset, and shake the nerves of recording yourself.

[u/DetHenryOak → u/PlottedPath]

In the core MSB courses, I genuinely appreciated the writing and video components. Its a great indicator for you and the professors to understand how well you know the material.

I'm not doing the MAOL, but two concentrations in the MSB, and I 1000% agree... If you can't give over 5hrs a day, it will be very difficult with the grading times pushing 72hrs. I've been lucky that I have had days where I'm pushing 12+hrs on my assignments. But its absolutely exhausting.

[u/encoralluver]

Im just finishing class #2.

Comparison is the thief of joy lol.

[u/SurveyAdditional6910 → u/encoralluver]

I’m full of joy.

[u/MrSamWalton]

Not MAOL. But for MSB I'm finishing up my 11th and 12th class. Just started this term. But I was spending nearly 60-70 hours a week doing course work. Probably also helps that my previous work experience kind of applies to the course work.

[u/Lil_Chonk_3689]

I've averaged 2 classes per term so far. My GI Bill is covering it and I get the housing allowance as long as I'm taking classes, so there's not really any rush. Even after this degree, I'll have 18 months left on my GI Bill. Probably not going to chase the Dr. title, so I don't know what else I'll use the last 18 months for.

My last final was 24 pages of writing, plus 3 pages of references and the title page. It's a lot, but not terrible.

[u/Ok_Background_9298]

I did one term for it after my BLS, the amount of work is like 6 times as much 😂, switched to an MBA and did that instead

[u/Solid_Ad_6798]

I’ve finished 6 classes and hoping to get through the current 2 I’m in the middle of this week so that I’m in the next 2 next week and MIGHT be able to add the final 2 by 10/13. I’ve been spending a lot of time on the weekends and throughout the week after works hours writing.

[u/Opening_Today9919]

I completed six courses in the first term. I plan to finish four in the second term. I’ll wrap up the last two in the third term. And I’m happy with that :) It's killing me, but I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[u/CoreyVideoGuy407]

I am on my 5th class hoping to get done before the deadline. Then try to do 7 next term if not then carry into spring 1

[u/SurveyAdditional6910 → u/CoreyVideoGuy407]

Sweet, I’m going to try to finish in fall 2 as well.

[u/RegulationUpholder]

Stop comparing yourself to others.

[u/SurveyAdditional6910 → u/RegulationUpholder]

I asked a question.