Job Discussion Forums

[SolitaryThrush]

I think I know the answer to this question, but anyway many of my colleagues in South Korea have done TESOL MAs online---through real schools, not degree mills---and I'm wondering if they "count," I mean if they can be used to gain a decent position in the US. I'm not talking about being a professor, I mean at a language school, a public school (with proper certification), or even a local community college. All of those would be obtainable with an "ordinary" Master's.

I'm considering going back to school to get a Master's, and I recognize the value of getting it in person and having face time with professors and classmates every day. But the economy being what it is I might have to work full time, so that's why I'm asking about online degrees.

I'm sure this has been covered here or elsewhere; if so, could you please just throw me a few links to the conversations? Thanks.

[jdl]

Safer to get a Masters that requires some residency if you want to work in NA. If you do decide on going 100% online be sure to check accreditation with your state education agency.

Many instructors working esl overseas seek the online degree for convenience and economy although the degrees from the more reputable schools are costly as well and usually require a residency.

If you have the time and can scare up the money do the 'real thing'

[spiral78]

I think jdl's not entirely correct, but I have to say that I don't know about the US market specifically.

However, I have a distance MA TESL/TEFL from the University of Birmingham, England, which was entirely respected when I applied for university positions in Canada. In fact, several of my work colleagues also held distance masters from other reputable British institutions, and they were certainly not looked down upon.

A distance MA can be research-based, meaning that you apply theory to practice and analyse (usually in writing for your distance tutors) how things worked - or didn't - and why.

Research-based MAs in our field are generally well-regarded, though again I can't speak for the US specifically. However, I've worked at a university in Canada and two very reputable unis in Europe, and in all situations my MA was a key in getting the job.

Yes, there are advantages in doing an on-site MA, in that you have face-to-face contact with professors and other students - but it's generally accepted that you don't have the other advantage, of applying theory as you go to real teaching/learning contexts.

I think you should ask around at some US universities to find whether a distance (not on-line) MA from a reputable uni wouldn't be acceptable. They are in many places, for sure.

[ETG]

Well, the fact is that many Canadian and American universities and community colleges offer online graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines. Therefore it stands to reason that they would accept online degrees from accredited universities. Educational institutions also recognize the reality of today's economy - that people need to work and the only way to obtain advanced degrees may be through distance programs. Also people who work and study concurrently demonstrate the seriousness of their intentions to become better at whatever profession they are pursuing.

[fraup]

When I worked for the U. of Md. University College, it was a sad fact that although UMUC granted online degrees, it didn't like to HIRE anyone with such a degree to teach, even its own grads.

A lot of people who get online degrees are not interested in teaching, but more in practical applications in their current non-academic position (or the next one up the ladder). Maybe elementary teachers need an online M.A. or Ph.D. to move up to asst. principal or principal positions, but if you want a college teaching position, check with the college(s) first. And forget about universities.

[Chancellor]

[Chancellor]

[ETG]

Even if the diploma does not say "online" your CV will indicate that it is, i.e. work history of teaching in Japan at the same time as acquiring a British degreee is a bit hard to explain.

It is sad that unis might offer online programs but not hire.

As you say, Chancellor, the practicum may be an issue for some people. Acceditation of the uni is very impt. as well. Doing lots of checking ahead can help.

E.

[Sadebugo]

I have an MATEFL from the University of Reading (distance study) and the US government accepted it as valid. Having said that, if you can afford the money and time, I would get the degree on-site.

Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

[jdl]

Soooo.... Solitary Thrush. What will you do?

[NYCESOL11211]

The New School's online TESOL graduate degree is pretty well respected here in NYC. But most of the people I've met from New School are weirdos.

[spiral78]

I only know Jeremy Harmer...weirdo??

[SolitaryThrush]

Still weighing my options. My fiance will also be pursuing a Master's. She's Japanese, and if we move to Japan for her schooling I would do a distance MA. If we move to the US for both our schooling, I would do it on-site.

I would prefer to do it on-site, if for no other reason than for access to books and journals. Yes, some if not all programs make these available online, but when I was doing undergrad work research involved following a chain of works cited in order to find material. Writing about Korea, for example, took me well outside the bounds of the out-of-touch tripe that passes for research in the big journals.

Anyway, there are some UK programs that look good in my preliminary research. What US programs are out there that aren't from diploma mills? What distance programs also have on-site programs? The University of Phoenix has Teaching English as a Second Language, but that wouldn't be applicable to my case. Any other recommendations for US universities. That's not a deal-breaker, but I'm curious.

[Chancellor]

[SolitaryThrush]

Thanks for the tip about UMass . . . I've been looking around but haven't found any information about it, though.

Anyway, are there other online MAs in TESOL through American universities that aren't degree mills?