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lion101
Joined: 29 Mar 2016
Posts: 32
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 Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 7:15 am Post subject: ma or phd in linguistics |
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| Would a ma or phd in linguistics be sufficient for the "good" jobs or does it have to be in applied linguistics. I ask this because a lot of the job postings say applied linguistics but most of the graduate programs I see in the U.S. are in Linguistics. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 7:57 am Post subject: |
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| lion101 wrote: |
| Would a ma or phd in linguistics be sufficient for the "good" jobs or does it have to be in applied linguistics. I ask this because a lot of the job postings say applied linguistics but most of the graduate programs I see in the U.S. are in Linguistics. |
MA TESOL degree programs are common in the US. It's also the degree major stated most often in Saudi job postings.
See a related thread, Does a phd help; however, a TEFL-related MA, CELTA/equivalent cert + solid relevant experience are sufficient for the better direct-hire jobs.
You continue to overthink the qualifications needed to teach English in KSA. Plus, given that you barely finished your BA and so far, have zero teaching experience, it makes no sense to pursue a doctoral program based solely on what you think you might earn 8 years from now as opposed to a genuine academic interest and commitment in the field. |
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lion101
Joined: 29 Mar 2016
Posts: 32
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:08 am Post subject: |
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| In all honestly I feel like I do have an academic interest in linguistics. I wouldn't love studying tefl in a graduate program but would love linguistics. I can speak 3 languages and am actually studying another one right now. I feel like I found the program I want in linguistics. There are some very good programs that offer ma plus phd in linguistics around the states. My question is would a ma or phd in linguistics and not applied linguistics count the same way as applied linguistics in the universities in the gulf? |
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lion101
Joined: 29 Mar 2016
Posts: 32
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:18 am Post subject: |
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| also the reason I have decided on linguistics is because of my academic interest and also because it seems like a more flexible degree. I just want to know if linguistics and not applied is considered equal for employment in the gulf. I am not pursuing it solely for esl because I also know arabic and might want to pursue translation. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:21 am Post subject: |
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| Instead of focusing just on the major, look at the actual description of each course within your target program to see if the content fits what employers are looking for. Similarly, compare the course content of the linguistics programs you're interested in with coursework from several applied linguistics programs. |
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lion101
Joined: 29 Mar 2016
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:37 am Post subject: |
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| I have done that and they seem very similar. The only difference is that applied linguistics seems like it is slightly more specific to second language learning where linguistics seems more general. Overall they seem like they are very similar. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 8:52 am Post subject: |
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| lion101 wrote: |
| Applied linguistics seems like it is slightly more specific to second language learning where linguistics seems more general. |
An MA in Linguistics is likely not an issue for TEFL positions in the region as long as you choose your elective courses wisely and pair your degree with either a CELTA or SIT TESOL. Also, complete your coursework on campus and not via online learning. |
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sicklyman
Joined: 02 Feb 2013
Posts: 930
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:00 am Post subject: |
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| lion101 wrote: |
| slightly more specific to second language learning |
slightly is the optimal word.
For Saudi though, it's completely irrelevant except to get you the job. If you truly have an academic interest in linguistics, you are pursuing the wrong career path to consider Saudi in any way.
And, speaking three languages, which a significant number of people in the world do, has little to do with being a skilled linguist. If you like mathematics, you'll be set. |
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dragonpiwo
Joined: 04 Mar 2013
Posts: 1650
Location: Berlin
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:41 am Post subject: erm |
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Do the one that's quickest and cheapest and then get a job with an oil company as the money is way better in most cases. You don't need to fill your head with useless information and ideas that are not agreed upon.
Do something with instructional technology and you'll be able to walk into a lot of places. |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:20 pm Post subject: |
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This is clearly not a genuine OP anyway. The idea of jumping from a new BA immediately to an MA and then to a PhD is unrealistic enough to emit serious troll-stench, frankly.
It makes no sense financially or as a career progression or in any other way.
Give us a break  |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 1:22 pm Post subject: |
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lion101 wrote:
slightly more specific to second language learning
slightly is the optimal word. |
Actually, in my teaching environment, we would consider a candidate with an applied linguistics degree, but not a pure linguistics degree (without teaching qualifications). Knowing a lot about the language is no indication that one can teach it effectively. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| The idea of jumping from a new BA immediately to an MA and then to a PhD is unrealistic enough to emit serious troll-stench, frankly. |
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lion101
Joined: 29 Mar 2016
Posts: 32
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 6:08 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for all the responses. I'm sure this thread will be helpful to others so I am glad I posted it  . It seems like applied linguistics or a tefl related degree is the better route to go if one wants to pursue a career in tefl at a higher level rather than pure linguistics. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2016 6:29 pm Post subject: |
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| lion101 wrote: |
| It seems like applied linguistics or a tefl related degree is the better route to go if one wants to pursue a career in tefl at a higher level. |
This is a no brainer given that these degree majors are commonly listed in TEFL ads. This is why it's important to check job postings (in any profession) to see what the education requirement is when considering which degree program to pursue. Easy breezy. |
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sicklyman
Joined: 02 Feb 2013
Posts: 930
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| Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 8:48 am Post subject: |
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| spiral78 wrote: |
| Quote: |
lion101 wrote:
slightly more specific to second language learning
slightly is the optimal word. |
Actually, in my teaching environment, we would consider a candidate with an applied linguistics degree, but not a pure linguistics degree (without teaching qualifications). Knowing a lot about the language is no indication that one can teach it effectively. |
sorry if I wasn't clear. I wasn't comparing the relative merits of App. Lings over pure Lings. Instead I was saying that even if you do have an MA in the former, it will only be at most "slightly" applicable to what you end up doing in a job posting in Saudi. |
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