Job Discussion Forums

[sarahg]

1) For anyone who has done a distance MA, how much time did you spend on coursework, and did you complete it full or part-time? Could you have done it while working part time? I'm definitely applying to the French assistantship program, and since you only work 12 hour weeks (of teaching, possibly some extra time of preparation and planning) it seems like a good time to work on an MA. I do want to keep some free time for exploring, language study, and possibly tutoring on the side, though.

2) What are the major advantages of doing the MA on-campus versus online? Is it a mistake to do the degree online if someone could relocate and complete it on campus? This is assuming the online program is affiliated with a real, brick-and-mortar university, and there might not even be any indication on the degree that the courses were taken online (though I'm sure an employer could tell from your employment history).

3) Anyone know anything about the UMass Boston online program? I'm especially wondering how competitive it is, what qualifications someone needs to get admitted, how time consuming the classes were, and if you're satisfied with the program. Also, any other American online programs besides this one and the New School program? I'm more interested in Applied Linguistics with an emphasis on language acquisition or TESOL than a MATESOL, but either is fine.

4) If I were to return to the US to work eventually, either K-12, community programs, or university/community college ESL programs, would it matter whether my degree was from an American university? What about if I apply for an American PhD? I've noticed that there is more selection in schools offering online degrees abroad, and some can be completed in 1 year (US schools are typically 2) and are cheaper than doing an American degree, like the Uni of New England in Australia.

[adrianmark]

I did it whilst teaching 50 lessons a week, working 6 days a week and raising 2 kids under the age of 10.

Very time consuming, spent most of the last 3 years in the library every Sunday.

If anyone tells you they couldn't do it because they didn't have enough time then they are just bone idle.

You're gonna need total committment and desire to see this through. If you haven't got this then don't even bother.

[sarahg]

I'd rather not spend every weekend in the library if I don't have to

I know it's probably possible to complete while very busy, I just wanted to know if it's ideal to try when you have a job.

Anyone know the answers to my other questions? Especially whether having a non-US degree would affect my employability in the US?