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ajarngarrett
Joined: 02 Feb 2005
Posts: 8
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 Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 11:50 pm Post subject: MA TESL??? |
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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!! |
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Irish
Joined: 13 Jan 2003
Posts: 371
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| Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 6:19 am Post subject: Depends on what you want |
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| First, what type of jobs will the MA TESL make me qualified for? |
In general, a master's makes you eligible for university positions. I've also seen ads for administrative type positions and teacher training that required a master's or called it strongly desirable. It's impossible to give a hard and fast rule as there are other variables involved such as the area of the world, full vs part-time, contacts, etc.
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| Why waste two plus years on a MA when I can work now??? |
I spent 18 months on an MA (went straight through with no holidays) even though I could've worked with my BA and experience because I was concerned about my future. I wanted to work in a university and I wanted to do it in areas of the world where an MA is the minimum. Besides, I found a program that gave me both theory and practical training in areas of ESL/EFL that interested me. Now I've got a job that's almost ideal -- a job I couldn't have gotten without my MA.
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| Second, what jobs if any will a MA TESL make me qualified for in the states? |
Community colleges and universities, though these are competitive. Immediately after finishing my MA, I got a job in an academic English program at my university. Lucky for me it was just filler until I left for my current job as there was no way I could've surivived on what I was getting there.
But there are things other than teaching. These jobs may not require an MA, but you can get into an MA program that not only teaches you how to do them but gives you experience in actually doing them.
Also, if you do your MA in the same area where you want to work after returning to the states, you should be able to make some valuable contacts.
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| 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. |
If that's what you want, why not go for an MA or MEd program that will lead to certification with a TESL specialization?
Can't help with the question of schools abroad but I'd suggest looking at schools that offer assistantships and/or scholarships that pay all or part of your tuition. Not everyone gets one, but you never know till you try. Then there are distance programs but not every country accepts them so be careful.
Two years is a long time and uni tuition is nothing to sniff at, but you've got to take the long view. What do you want to be doing in 5 years? 10 years? If you've already got what you want, good for you. If you want out of teaching entirely, it's silly to spring for an MA. But if you're staying in the game, you've got to think about what you want down the road. Have a look at websites like TESOL's to get a feel for the jobs on offer and what their requirements are so you can get an idea of what kind of paper you need for the kind of jobs you're interested in.
Doing an MA isn't easy but, believe it or not, it can be enjoyable. You might even learn something.
Good luck. |
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Kent F. Kruhoeffer
Joined: 22 Jan 2003
Posts: 2129
Location: 中国
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| Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 11:12 am Post subject: MA TESOL // The Master Index |
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Sawatdee Ajarn Garrett: (and hello Irish!)
You're right. 
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! 
Last edited by Kent F. Kruhoeffer on Fri Feb 11, 2005 11:30 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Gordon
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 11:29 am Post subject: |
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| 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. |
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Alitas
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 187
Location: Maine
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| Posted: Fri Feb 11, 2005 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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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/
Last edited by Alitas on Mon Feb 14, 2005 1:20 am; edited 1 time in total |
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ajarngarrett
Joined: 02 Feb 2005
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 10:45 pm Post subject: MA TESL vs MA Ed |
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| 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! |
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Yu
Joined: 06 Mar 2003
Posts: 1219
Location: Shanghai
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| Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:30 am Post subject: |
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| 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. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:46 am Post subject: |
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| Yu wrote: |
| 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. |
Its not an MA at Temple but an M.Ed (Masters of Education, they also offer a doctorate in Japan as well)
The website is http://www.tuj.ac.jp
Columbia University (NY) also has a branch campus in Tokyo.
FWIW I am a graduate of the Temple program (class of '94). Both degree programs are acceptable for getting jobs here but the purists will say that a PhD is 'better than a D of Ed though.
I have a list of accreditted recognised degrees by distance learning (not diploma mills) and these are recognised bricks and mortar universities in their home countries
http://www.teachinginjapan.com/continuinged.html
These Masters degrees are recognised around the world, including the US. |
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