Job Discussion Forums

M1K1 · Joined: 17 Oct 2012 Posts: 11

quick question:

would getting a master's degree really be worth it? Does it make a huge increase in pay and/or job opportunities? It's a lot of time/money to invest.

Thank you,

Mike

smithrn1983 · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 320 Location: Moscow

I would also like to know the answer to this question, as I've been contemplating the benefits of doing an MA for quite some time now.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

If you're referring to a TEFL-related MA, it depends on your goals and needs. For example, an MA is a good investment if you plan to teach EFL longterm, especially at the university level. Also, if the Middle East is your target region---for top salaries and bennies---you'll pretty much need that MA for the better jobs. At the same time, an MA is likely to serve you well if/when you return to your home country; you'll be in a better position to compete for jobs that prefer or require a grad degree. (Generally, MA holders in whatever fields tend to earn more than their BA-degreed counterparts.) But the biggie is that a BA just doesn't possess the same oomph it had years ago and is basically now equal to a high school diploma. (Check out www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/2012/0617/Bachelor-s-degree-Has-it-lost-its-edge-and-its-value )

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Mine has paid off, but I had definite goals which I knew for certain it would help me reach.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

If you are the type who doesn't have a clue yet about being in TEFL/TESL for a certain no. of years, then no, it's not "worth it". Once you decide to be a permanent fixture in the game, get it. Most people around the world seem to feel it offers better opportunities and/or pay.

There will be exceptions, of course. How do you feel at this moment about getting into TEFL/TESL, and what can you say about your background?

thatsforsure · Joined: 11 Sep 2012 Posts: 146

If you like Hong Kong, Korea, or, best of all, the blistering heat of the Middle East, then by all means get it. If you like adjunct community college positions in your home country that do not pay a living wage and offer no benefits, then go for it. If you have other ideas for your life -- any at all -- I'd highly suggest you pursue them.

tttompatz · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2012 8:37 am Post subject:

MATESOL or MA.Ed/M.Ed?

It really does depend on what you want to do and where you want to go in terms of career development.

If you want to teach EFL at the tertiary level then it is a step in the right direction.

If you want to work further in academic research then an MA in linguistics is probably more along the path you want to take.

If your goal is money then B.Ed/PGCE, M.Ed and look at working your way into the better international schools might be more along your desired path.

If you want to work in the private sector then a DELTA is probably a better choice as you move into management and director of studies type of positions.

.

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

ncaraway · Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 68

Deleted by author

LH123 · Joined: 13 Jun 2010 Posts: 61

In a word: yes.

It's not like after graduating with your masters good jobs and huge salaries will instantly start landing on your lap, but - as others have said - you have a lot more opportunities.

One caveat, though - I'm assuming you're talking about doing a distance/part-time masters while you work. If you were referring to doing a full-time masters somewhere while not working, well that might set you back some serious bucks...

M1K1 · Joined: 17 Oct 2012 Posts: 11

I understand that a lot of posters here are annoyed when a newbie doesn't follow up. I just wanted to say that, since my original post, I have decided to quit my job and enter a Master's degree program full-time next month.
I will continue to keep you guys updated, and will prolly keep asking newbie questions Smile

VietCanada · Joined: 30 Nov 2010 Posts: 590

IMHO a no brainer. Go for the masters. That is go for your MA in whatever.
If you do well and enjoy it then go for a PHD. This is the route to a career in education and study. Don't pigeon hole yourself into an EFL abroad career. Last I heard Uni profs (or any old teaching position in Canada for that matter) in home country make far more money and benefits then EFL teachers abroad. Hmmmm. $20 a contact hour or 45 to #150,000 a year with a serious pension and all the other benefits and protections? Tough choice.

You can always slum it for a year or so in EFL after the hard work is done.

Jessiemiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2012 Posts: 49 Location: Home

Ixchel · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2013 2:36 pm Post subject:

thatsforsure · Joined: 11 Sep 2012 Posts: 146

What area? Coastal? Seems to me that in most of middle America, you couldn't get near that at a community college. Just my guess.