Job Discussion Forums

Ragmgar · Joined: 14 Mar 2011 Posts: 17

Hello everyone, I have finished my MA in TESOL recently and plan on working on getting postgraduate experience by continuing to work abroad. I will likely have the option to work towards a EdD through a job, and it would only cost $6000 or so as they subsidize it. It will take three years and my ultimate goal is to get enough experience/credentials to work for a community college in the states, does anyone have any input, suggestions or warnings? Thanks!

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

Two of my master's degrees (including my MA in Teaching) were employer subsidized via tuition reimbursement, so if you have a similar opportunity and want to pursue further education, then go for it.

However, it doesn't appear your portion, $6000, is the issue, nor do you mention your specific concerns. Whatever university program you choose, keep in mind you'll have to write a personal statement on why you want to pursue an EdD (i.e., your specific interest/area of focus, career goals, what that particular EdD major/focus would add to your professional development, how you plan to apply your studies, etc.). That self-reflection should answer some of the questions you may have about pursuing doctoral studies.

BTW, a few of my instructors in my MAT degree program were EdD holders. It's a good option if you're considering work in higher ed in the US. But definitely check out the following to see if an EdD is the best option for your long-term career goals:

Ph.D vs. Ed.D: Which terminal degree is right for you?

Ed.D. Vs. Ph.D. Degree in Higher Education

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Ragmgar · Joined: 14 Mar 2011 Posts: 17

Honestly my plan would be to teach ESL courses at the university level and possibly work in a teacher training program for ESL in the states. I've found that a lot of schools require at least a doctorate to do any work outside of an Adjunct so that is one big motivator. I would likely pursue my EdD in Higher Education and Adult learning, and since I need postgraduate experience working with adults I thought that 3-4 years working for a school abroad and getting the doctorate would be useful. The school is Walden, I've heard mixed reviews but again it would be extremely cheap through this program so that is what has me thinking about it.

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

An EdD from Walden U or any other for-profit university will not help you get a full-time job in higher education in the US. Also, a doctorate also won't help you get a full-time position teaching ESL at a college/university in the US (e.g., in an intensive English program). For such jobs, you generally need a related MA (TESOL/Applied Linguistics) and experience teaching university students abroad and/or in US (preferably both). Specialties in areas such as assessment or educational technology are helpful.

To teach in a teacher education program at a university, you'll generally need to have a PhD or EdD (from an accredited, non-profit institution). For this type of job, I'd stay away from any online program. For teaching in a program that prepares K-12 teachers, you'll also usually need state teacher licensure and experience teaching in public schools.

You may want to browse full-time ESL job postings, such as those on HigherEdJobs.

Ragmgar · Joined: 14 Mar 2011 Posts: 17

Well I do have the Masters degree in TESOL and university teaching experience from China, and I will be focusing on gaining a few more years experience teaching adults while abroad no matter what. I wasn't aware of the stigma from for profit universities, and I guess I naively thought that an EdD would just allow me to fill the doctoral requirements to teach for a four year universities IEP. Definitely something to think about, I just finished the Masters degree, maybe I should just focus on the experience and maybe go out and live life a little! Smile

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

I haven't ever heard of "doctoral requirements to teach for a four year [university's] IEP." Sometimes, they'll state that a doctoral degree is 'preferred' for an IEP position, but I think you'll get better results by having more relevant experience, rather than by having a doctorate. And, ads for most IEP positions won't even say that a doctorate is preferred.

So, yes, I'd say go out, live a bit, and get some experience first.

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

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

OhBudPowellWhereArtThou · Joined: 02 Jun 2015 Posts: 1168 Location: Since 2003

This is my opinion, and it is based solely upon what I have read and observed during my time in and out of school while I wasn't in China:

Almost no college education outside of Science, Tecnology, Engineering and Math (STEM) degree will increase your odds of getting the job of your choice within your expertise.

TESOL? Take a look at what's happening in the world. The English speaking northern hemisphere are trying very hard to stem the tide of immigration. That may be a heads-up for you to re-think your career path. (This probably excludes African countries whose official language is English).

In the colleges and universities with which I