Job Discussion Forums

[karinb]

Hi,

I was wondering how important the prestige of the graduate school one attended is to employers. My guess that is that it would matter more at home, then abroad, but I am not certain about that. By prestigious I mainly mean easy name recognition and reputation of having a good program for TESOL.

[Justin Trullinger]

In language schools abroad, you may find that many school owners cannot actually spell "MA in TESOL." To them, it won't matter.

I assume, though, that if you're thinking of doing one, it's with loftier goals. Universities, international schools, and some other higher profile outfits like an MA- but in my limited experience, an MA is an MA is an MA.

The only caution I would put on that is that some countries, and some organisations don't give the same consideration to a distance qualification. So if you're considering distance learning, do some good investigation into the places you're thinking of going to be sure it won't be a handicap. Also, while I get the idea from your post that you're thinking of doing your MA "back home," it's good to remember that some places, countries, and schools express preferences for English teaching qualifications done in universities in English speaking countries. Sometimes it seems cheaper to study in the country you may teach in, but there may be some pitfalls to avoid. (I'm hoping to do an MA in Intercultural Education here, as that's something I hope to do more work with in the future. I wouldn't bother to do an MA TESOL here, because from an Ecuadorian university, it wouldn't mean much.)

Best regards,

Justin

[tedkarma]

No, it doesn't matter.

And with a MA/M.Ed. you won't have to bother with language schools - a very smart move. Go straight to colleges and universities and much more paid time off, fewer hours, shorter work weeks, etc.

Concern yourself with reputable rather than prestigious. Do be careful of online and distance programs.

[Chris_Crossley]

[tedkarma]

It's not like anyone is going to ask you reasons. Some distance programs are just disqualified - period. No questions asked.

Your reasons are wonderfully valid.

Hopefully, your degree will be considered so as well.

Reputable programs are quite decent - but there is a fair amount of skepticism out there.

I suspect though, that over time online and distance programs will gain more credibility. But they will probably still have to struggle against the haze of dodgy-ness from so many fake degree and "experience-based" programs. In that case - name recognition of your university is probably more important than anything else.

I support you and the issue 100% - the world will grow up to the Internet - it might just take a while!

[Justin Trullinger]

Chris, You're doing yours through the Open University, UK, no? It's one I've looked at myself, and is probably one of the best, best known, and most widely recognised distance learning program in the world. I know a lot of people who have done various studies "there." It's also providing the model for other "open" universities the world over. No question at all about what kind of program it is. I'd be most interested in hearing how you like it.

I've been told, though, that their are countries and positions that won't accept a distance degree. I find this small minded and limiting, but it still is reality. I imagine you've already thought about this, and simply decided to take a miss on anyplace like that...most understandable, given your situation.

I'm not on a MA program yet, but have looked into several, and hope to do one eventually. It looks to me like, whether it's distance or on-site, full or part-time, most of the work involved is going to take place at home in my study. So I can't imagine why the prejudice against a distance degree. Any body have any ideas?


Best,
Justin

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

I have just one little 'fyi' tidbit to add to this thread today:


Open University UK is one of only twelve foreign universities to receive

full accreditation from the USA's Middle States Commission on Higher Education,

one of the few accrediting bodies these days which can claim worldwide recognition.










Thailand teaching and travel resources available here :::: The Master Index Thailand ::::

[Chris_Crossley]

[Gordon]

I agree with Chris. I just finished my masters of applied linguistics from USQ by distance. You do have to do your homework, like Ted said, to make sure your degree is from a reputable and accredited university. In fact, I am planning to present on this particular topic this October in Japan on this same topic: how to choose and be successful with an online degree.

Taiwan is the ONLY country to not accept distance degrees. So to say there is wide spread discrimination against them, is totally false. Sure some individual employers might be prejudiced, but then they might not like your hair colour either.

[tedkarma]

[Gordon]

Ted, I am pretty sure Saudi accepts distance degrees.

The ministry of education in UAE does not accept distance degrees, BUT they only hire for high schools and elementary schools, not universities where 95% of people here are looking at working. The ministry of higher education in the uae accepts distance degrees which sets the standards for university hiring.

Other countries in the Gulf accept distance degrees.

[Chris_Crossley]

[denise]

The more academically-oriented programs and directors abroad might recognize the names of authors/professors in the field, but probably not the schools. Abroad, it probably doesn't matter (with the exception of the whole distance MA issue, about which I know nothing...)

Within your home country (the US?), it can make a difference. At least, I hope that it does when I return and try looking for a job!

Another thing to consider for jobs back home--universities that have MATESOL programs might tend to staff their own ESL classes with their own graduates. Such was the case at my university.

d

[tedkarma]

[saint57]