Sorry to hear of the bad MG experiences. I completed my MG certification in 2009. And yes Master Gardener programs are like all the other volunteer organizations that are out there. They can "get you really busy". My standard answer now is not that I am retired, I quit working for pay!!
Remember that the Master Gardener programs are under the authority of each state's Ag Extension Systems which are tied to the state's Agriculture Universities. In Texas it is Texas A&M. And yes the use of chemicals is in the curriculum. However, most of the seasoned MG will tell you only use chemicals according to the labeling and only in extreme circumstances.
The only chemicals I will use now is Osmocote for fertilizing certain plants and Fire Ant Bait when I have lost the battle with organic methods.
@Cheryl I can't remember would you be in Harris or Montgomery County? Both of those have good organizations.
