Job Discussion Forums

ajarngarrett · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

I'm sure this topic has probably been brought up before, but I'm just looking for some direct advice.

First, what type of jobs will the MA TESL make me qualified for? I've already been teaching abroad (Korea and Thailand) with my BA (in History) despite not even having any TEFL certs. Granted I haven't applied for any "reputable" Univeristy jobs. However, I'm thinking a MA TESL will be overkill. Why waste two plus years on a MA when I can work now??? I'm thinking I may just get a CELTA certificate and get on with it.

Second, what jobs if any will a MA TESL make me qualified for in the states? I may not want to work overseas forever. Will I be able to teach English at a Community College because even with a MA TESL I won't be a "certified" teacher for high schools, etc.

Third, if I do decide to get an MA TESL does anyone know any reputable schools abroad (outside of the US, UK, etc.). I was looking into the MA TESL at Assumption University in Thailand, but some of the links aren't working on ABAC's website.

The program I'm looking into in the states is MA in English with the TESL option. It's at least going to take two years and alot of study! Not too mention more student loans! Most importantly I will be stuck in the states for TWO years AT LEAST!!! Everybody knows I don't want to be in that boat.

Any advice will be appreciated!!

Irish · Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 371

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Sawatdee Ajarn Garrett: (and hello Irish!)

You're right. Wink

Although the Assumption University Graduate School website is up, the link to their ELT department is down at the moment. If you haven't already found it, you could also scroll down to the bottom of Part I on The Master Index for a few more MA TESOL options in Thailand, as well as several onsite CELTA programs:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=12862 (The Master Index Thailand)

Chokdee khrap! Mr. Green

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I don't know anything about graduate programs from universities in Thailand, but employers may not feel it carries the same weight as unis in Canada, US, UK, Oz or NZ. The school may be just as good in Thailand, but employers will wonder why you didn't go to a western university and may feel it is an inferior degree. Something to think about. There are many good reputable distance masters programs out there.

Alitas · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 187 Location: Maine

I just applied at Shenandoah University out of Winchester, Virginia. It is an Ms.Ed in TESOL, and it is a distance master's.

Check it out. http://www.su.edu/sas/tesol/

ajarngarrett · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

Hey guys thanks for your replies!! I'm still weighing my options. What do you think carries more weight a MA TESL or MA Ed. I'm leaning towards an MA English (TESL) because I prefer to work in Universities. However, in some ways I feel an MA Ed may allow more options. There are just so many "gray" areas in the TESL world it can be a bit confusing sometimes!

Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

In Japan, I think you can get a Ma TESOL through Temple University. I looked into this a few years ago, but I am not sure if it is still avaliable.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

sprightly · Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 136 Location: England

i started on a DL program with birmingham, in the uk. i was in canada.

many ma-tesols take 12 months, not 2 yrs. but not much for vacation.

mine has three options: do the first half by distance (takes one year min, and complete the second half + thesis onsite. (9months).
or do only the second half on campus, thesis by distance.
or all by distance--min 2.5 yrs, max 5.

this allows you to work while studying, and put things into practice.
i've enjoyed a lot of what i've learned, even if not all of it seems relevant. not much of a theory buff.

check your DL carefully. B'ham uni degrees make no distinction between their inhouse and distance programs, some do.

yes, you can go far in some places with a BA and experience, but it depends if that's as far as you want to go.
i want to work in canada, so i'm getting the degree.

Sheep-Goats · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 527

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Re: dead ELT links @ Assumption University

Since I'm in Bangkok, I called the Graduate School today just to make sure that the MA in ELT was still available. They assured me it was, and that they were in the process of updating their website. (fyi)

http://www.grad.au.edu/acad.php (Assumption University Bangkok / Graduate Programs)

ajarngarrett · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

Well, I've been trying ABAC's website about once a day now and the link for MA TESL still isn't working!! Knowing how Thailand works it will probably take a year to get going! GEEZ!!

If you guys know another link let me know! If you know of any other good DL programs that will help as well!

carnac · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 6:53 pm Post subject:

Agree with PaulH -"but the purists will say that a PhD is better than a D of Ed"
The difference between a DEd and a PhD is equivalent to the difference between a straight flush and a royal flush. For you poker players out there.
Really, IMHO, it's all a big academic joke. And nonsense. There is a certain snobbery that goes with the varieties of academic degrees. Where I am now, an MSTESOL is regarded more highly than a MATESL. Why? Because the word "SCIENCE" is in there? Silly stuff.
Not forgetting that with a PhD, the requisite is to clear the throat several times while speaking so you can sound like a real twit. Ahem, ahem. For those of you out there working on PhDs (like me), please don't lose touch with the classroom as I have seen so many do. Yes, publish and research and do all the great things, but don't forget why you're doing it.
The classic saying is: (for anyone who doesn't know it) A PhD is someone who learns more and more about less and less, until he/she knows everything about nothing. (The other saying is that PhD stands for "piled higher and deeper")
Regards -

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Ajarn Garrett:

Try this updated link:

http://www.grad.au.edu/prospective.php (Assumption University // Graduate School Website)

note: the MA ELL and MA ELT links are switched around.

This is Thailand. Laughing

One of these days they'll get it right!

PS: I had posted this link yesterday but then deleted it when I discoverd that their server had
crashed. It seems to be working OK now.

XXX · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 10:42 pm Post subject:

Go for the MA or M.Ed. It will put you in a good track for some of the better jobs. And if you choose to do the teaching in the US thing, there is a big time shortage in that certification. The schools around my area are raiding other districts for certified ESL teachers.