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Felix · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 34

One of these years I plan to get a masters in linguistics, TESOL, or TEFL and my question is: Does it look bad if you get one through a distance learning course? I'm looking for responses from people that got their MA through a distance learning course - would you do it that way again or not? and Why?

Thanks in advance, Felix

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

Capergirl · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2003 8:58 pm Post subject:

I plan to take my MA in TESOL through a distance course. The reason? I don't want (nor can I afford) to stop working long enough to do an in-class graduate degree. It is my understanding that distance MA's--when done through a reputable institution--are just as credible as on-site ones.

Reesy · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 31 Location: Japan

Something to think about. My employer (university in Japan) will not hire anyone who got their post graduate degree via distance learning. The argument is that these programs are not as "serious". They also prefer that employees have some kind of experience either as a TA or via a practicum component to their studies (if they did an MA in TESOL). I'm not here to defend this practice, I'm just telling you what the thinking is in my situation. I don't know how typical this feeling is elsewhere.

I can tell you that being on campus to do an MA, gives more opportunities to build experience and improve your CV, especially if you are relatively new to the field. As I mentioned, you can pick up TA work, teach in your university's intensive ESL program, and develop a lot more personal contacts. Close contact with profs and peers, also makes it easier to write papers that will be accepted to academic journals thereby beefing up your CV that way. All of these things will contribute to your getting the job you want after you graduate.

If at all possible, I would do the MA on campus. I finished my MA in Applied Language Studies in 12 months, so you don't have to take 2 years if you are willing to work hard.

Capergirl, I realize that this is impossible for many of us due to financial and personal circumstances. It also would be more difficult for you being in Nova Scotia. None of the unis out there offer a TESOL related MA do they? Anyway, good luck and choose your distance program carefully.

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

Bertrand · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 293

Reesy is right here as regards the opportunities that open themselves up when you are on campus on a full-time basis. I really do think it is better to work for 3 or 4 years, save up, and then go and do an MA in one academic year. As I say, if you ever want to work in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Middle East, etc., then you will have to have done ALL education full-time, on campus.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

A few points...Capergirl is quite right....most of us simply can't afford the time out to do a full-time MA. If I had waited until I'd saved enough to do a full-time course I'd probably have retired b4 taking it!! Many reputable universities eg. Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Tasmania (don't laugh...that's where I'm doing mine!) offer reputable distance courses. Do you think that these universities don't recognise their own graduates?? Perhaps some picky employers are biased against those holding distance degrees, but I think they are few and diminishing. Remember also...it doesn't state on your certificate that it is a distance degree - in the case of most job applications I don't think it's an issue. It might be raised at interview...but by then a host of other variables comes into play.

Sherri · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2003 2:33 am Post subject:

I agree, there are many very good long distance masters out there. Just choose carefully. I have a friend who did the U of Birmingham MA long distance and is now working for a university in Tokyo. Birmingham treats its grads, on campus and off the same way, they get the same diploma when they finish--there is no mention of the course being done long distance.

An important point to consider is what kind of person you are, can you work alone, can you set your own deadlines and stay motivated? Some people need the support of attending classes regularly and some people can work on their own. It is better not to start a long distance degree unless you have a great deal of motivation and self-discipline.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I agree with capergirl. I am also considering getting a Master's by Distance Learning and I'm looking at four schools in Australia. You have to take the same classes as if you were on campus. But, it's more fasible and flexible for me. I simply can't afford to take a year of and do my Master's. also, these schools give the same degree, there isn't anything on your degree or transcripts that say you did the course by DL.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Since we're on the subject. Has anyone heard anyting about these Universities? They are all in Australia and offer DL Master's in either Education or TESOL.
Charles Sturt
University of New England
University of South Queensland
University of Queensland

All of them offer coursework Master's, but I want to know if there are research projects required for the classes.

Thanks!