This is a really thoughtful thread regarding the posted question of what is the reputation of the Dartmouth MALS program. Well the following comes from first hand experience - it is only my experience, so I don't speak for everyone.
I completed the program, received scholarship grants but no funding, I have never heard of anyone receiving funding for this program.
The reputation has vastly improved. Grad programs at Dartmouth (aside from Business and Engineering) are all a little marginalized. MALS has gained some credibility, especially from it's early days I've been told, but remains the 'soft' program or weak link in the grad school, depending on your point of view.
To say the MALS program is primarily a waste of time and money would be a criticism perhaps a bit harsh, but not without merit. If you want to relive your undergrad years on a beautiful campus in a beautiful, albeit, saccharin town then this is your vehicle. If time and money are no object this can be a good place to hide out for a while.
The MALS program is definitely what you make it, but there is a lack of community and shared purpose. Particularly the shared purpose part, it's hard to have colleagues who all are independent of each other in focus, ability and future plans. Many fellow students went on to PhD programs, others went to work PT for a book store, and others launched or relaunched careers. I guess it comes with the territory.
My advice is to be very focused and take as many non-MALS courses as possible. There were some great MALS courses, but unfortunately I found a majority of the MALS courses I took ranged from hokey to undiscilined to just plain old waste of time, kind of a 'hobby' or 'extra money' for the instructors. Courses I took outside of MALS, even audited, reminded me why Dartmouth is a top school.
One of the best resources of the program is actually being at Dartmouth - so I would advise to use it as often, in as many ways, as much as possible.
I did learn a lot, and I appreciated the academic atmosphere, and I guess it wasn't a BAD experience, they have a great health plan if you need it. Only I left with a serious case of buyers remorse, and unfortunately, not much to show for it other than more student debt. Would I do it again? Hard to say, it has become part of my journey.
