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waroo

When combined with a CELTA and some experience, are unrelated masters degrees (such as International Relations) ever considered useful in obtaining university EFL work? If so, where? I've not taught in a univeristy setting but would like to without having to complete another graduate degree. I assume that an unrelated MA degree is pretty useless.

My apologies if this topic has been discussed ad naseam. Thanks in advance for any input.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Mine was actually essential in landing my university job. The school is a science university, and they advertised specifically for someone with EFL experience but with a master's degree in science. The uni doesn't even have a liberal arts program or department. Our English teachers are part of one of the science departments.

Granted, my case is pretty unique.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

In my experience in Europe and North America, most universities want MA TESL/TEFL , applied linguistics, or at least some closely related brance of education...

tedkarma · Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 11:38 pm Post subject:

I would support Glenski's notion. Almost nothing is unrelated - as EFL students are not often just English students.

My MBA helped with many Business English jobs - and I belonged to the International Business and Business Administration departments at the college I taught at in Taiwan.

Some schools look specifically for an MATESOL or related, but others are actually looking for your other experience and knowledge as well (but do get a TEFL Cert or something to show you know how to do the basics of TEFL).

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Depends on the place. Some degrees in Japan are totally unrelated to what teachers are teaching (or the department they are in) and it causes headaches for people who teach the the follow up classes.

MELEE · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 9:46 pm Post subject:

There are also parts of the world where an MA is not a requirement for getting a university English teaching position. A BA, a CELTA, and some experience could get you a university job in many Latin American countries.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

In Korea, it will not matter if you have an M.A. in TESOL or Education unless you are at one of the top universities in Korea.