Job Discussion Forums

[eihpos]

I am seriously thinking of starting an online MA with a UK university (have an offer and trying to decide whether to accept) and am curious about other people's experiences throughout and after. I would like to have the qualification but have become apprehensive about the costs, commitment and workload on top of a full time job.

Was it doable while working full time or very stressful, and did it help in any way after in either securing better employment or otherwise? (I know online degrees are not accepted in the Middle East, but elsewhere)

Any stories or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[nomad soul]

Successful completion of a degree program online while working full time requires solid organization, research, and time management skills in addition to focus and commitment. Personally, it has never been a challenge for me; my previous work mimicked the skills and work ethic needed for online learning. (My legal background entailed writing, research, analyzing court documents, and revising contract language as well as communications via time-sensitive emails and instant messaging.)

If you're self-disciplined and well organized, you should be able manage your studies just fine, especially if you take one course at a time. But if you're unsure, I suggest completing a couple of MOOCs as hands-on practice to see if you can hack an online learning platform. (See MOOCs for professional development & more.)

That said, what are your career goals in terms of TESOL -- what do you expect to do professionally in the next 5+ years and where? That's your starting point. You may find that an MA TESOL isn't what you need.

Check out What do you look for in a BA or MA degree program.

[RedLightning]

Just recently completed an online MA (spring 17)

I took only one class during each of the first two semesters and did not find my stress levels added to at all- the same held true (more or less) when I began taking two classes/semester. However, I found it extraordinarily difficult to keep up with everything when I became a full time student (while working full time as well).

I returned stateside a couple of months back and landed a job at a nearby university.

If of interest, I've found online classes comparable to the traditional sort.

[eihpos]

Thanks for the replies. I reason I am considering it is because I want to continue teaching at university level (mainly) abroad, though the Middle East doesn't interest me really, hence doing the online option. I would like to avoid doing it at all if I could, to be honest, but I don't see how this will be possible, given the competition out there from those with MA degrees and PhD's in linguistics or TESOL.

I see many posts for jobs asking for MA TESOL on 'related' I actually have an MA in English lit, but I don't think that this is what they consider related! Or is it? Does any one have any idea how closely related they mean? Or does it depend on how many applicants they have?

[nomad soul]

[eihpos]

Thanks. I will try with my MA in lit and see what happens. At the moment I am thinking of better jobs in China, but in the future, perhaps Turkey, Kazakhstan or Korea. I am not sure yet, but my home country is unlikely to be an option whatever extra qualifications I do. I would really like to know if an MA TESOL will make any difference to having just an MA in English before actually doing it!

[nomad soul]

[Kowloon]

I did an MEd Applied Linguistics a few years back.

Glad I did it, helped me get the job I have now, and I learned a lot (mainly about myself and what I'm capable of). However, for me personally I wouldn't do online again. Currently working on a PGDE at HKU oncampus and I love the real life interaction, feel like I am getting a higher standard of education, and am more motivated which is reflected in my grades.

[sammysez]

Most employers including universities will no longer accept online degrees. Please take note of that.