You are invited to join a community of folks who are learning something new, for themselves, with the support of the community. Think book club, but everyone chooses their own book, yet still comes together to share about what they are reading.

How did the MSelf originate?

Well, I made it up! I’ve been interested in Scandinavia for a long time, so one day while walking the dog I decided to make a formal program of study, just by myself and for myself. I looked at the MA programs in Scandinavian Studies at a couple of US universities and created my own year-long program. Language, history, literature, cuisine, the adult education system . . . I “took” four “classes” in the fall and. four more in the spring and added on. an abroad program in Denmark and Sweden in the summer. I was the. student, professor, dean, everything. And it was an amazingly enriching experience.

Curious, I asked some friends and colleagues if they’d like to join me for a second year - 2026-2027. Several said yes. So we are starting an informal group of autodidacts who are all learning what they want to learn, based on a program they each create, and then we’ll get together once a month online to support each other. Simple as that.

Oh, and if the MSelf, with the approximate length and rigor of a Masters degree, is too much work giving everything else you have going on, then we have the SelfCert, which is of any scope you’d like to create it, since you are in charge. A month, six weeks, a semester … whatever fits your schedule. The point is to learn and to do it now in the future with an uplifting and supportive virtual committee.

If you’d like to join us, contact me. Open to all.