Job Discussion Forums

soheeb16 · Joined: 17 Jun 2013 Posts: 57 Location: New York, NY

Hey everyone, long time.

If anyone remembers my period of activity when I became interested in ESL, since then, I have completed almost year of English teaching and almost a year of my TESOL MA.

Initially, I chose the route of a non-thesis program. Recently, I have been thinking of switching to the thesis program because I am worried that employers would view a non-thesis program as inferior. Of course, I understand that it will vary from employer to employer, but generally speaking, how much would this matter to the average University?

My question relates more to direct-hires than contractors, as I would expect they would be more concerned with the quality of the qualifications.

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

My MA in Teaching (MAT) didn't include a thesis component and so far, hasn't hindered me from getting jobs. It did, however, entail a semester-long ESOL practicum, which employers do like.

Anyway, this is a non-issue; employers aren't scrutinizing applicants' academic transcripts for program content. Their main expectation is that the degree be relevant to TESOL and that it was completed (on site) at an accredited university. Besides, if a thesis was a required component, it would be stated as such in the job posting.

soheeb16 · Joined: 17 Jun 2013 Posts: 57 Location: New York, NY

Thanks as always, nomad soul,

I do understand that it wouldn't be required. I was just wondering if it looked better. But it seems from your reply that it would be a non-issue. That is good to know. I unfortunately am not in a program with a practicum, but just classes and an optional thesis in place of 2 classes.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I doubt if any would either notice or ask. None of my employers were the least bit interested in that detail. (I did the thesis)

VS

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

A thesis is generally for a Masters of Science. I had to do one for my MS. The thesis might matter pertaining to a specific job. The making or breaking of your MA for KSA purposes will be if its online or "distance" learning, and its subject matter.

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

I did a thesis for my MA App Lings/TESOL. Both in my interview and while on the job here I've found it useful to mention because of the subject matter: it was an 8 month study on helping teachers develop reflective learning techniques to improve their teaching skills. I've found that this helps my supervisors and principal take me seriously in terms of contributing to my own and other teachers' professional development.

So, if you choose your subject carefully, a thesis could be more beneficial than none.

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

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

My MA also had the thesis... although there was another option for those who wanted to avoid the writing/research. This is at AUC, so it all was very directed towards Arabic speakers.

In the US, as usual, we have rather merged the MA/MS meanings, just as we use school/college/university pretty much interchangeably.

VS

mashkif · Joined: 17 Aug 2010 Posts: 178

Chuma · Joined: 21 May 2013 Posts: 72

rtm · Joined: 13 Apr 2007 Posts: 1003 Location: US

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

I did an MS in TESOL with a practicum, but no thesis. Nobody ever asked about thesis, but a Kuwaiti recruiter asked why I had a MS and not an MA.

soheeb16 · Joined: 17 Jun 2013 Posts: 57 Location: New York, NY

Thanks for all the replies. No, I don't think it would benefit me much as PhD is not really on my mind. I will stick with the non-thesis program.

ttxor1 · Joined: 04 Jan 2014 Posts: 119

i thought they were asking about the thesis. i was excited that someone else might be interested to read what my life revolved around for the previous six months. a job offer email might say that you must "submit attested / original academic and work experience certificates in hard copy upon your arrival"

they confirmed that they meant the certificate/diploma/piece of paper handed to you at the graduation ceremony... don't give a hoot about the final paper/thesis, keep it to yourself thanks!

Sirens of Cyprus · Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 255

A thesis is for an MS? Huh? Maybe in some stupid college of education.

A thesis is to get your foot in the door of publication, which is required for the better jobs around the world. Better to do the thesis and get started early. Tough to get into the academic mindset again after you do a few years of duty in some prep school somewhere, working beside the CELTA backpackers.

I advise against making your thesis / non-thesis decision taking anything having to do with Saudi Arabia into account.