Job Discussion Forums

MugwumpJ · Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 4

I'm in the process of getting an MA in TESOL (in the US), and have the option of completing a master's thesis or not...My advisor has suggested that if I want to teach in Europe or Asia, then I will have much more success in landing a job if I complete the thesis...My question is this: can anyone verify this?...Will a thesis truly help me get better positions in Europe?...In fact, are there any benefits to taking the thesis option?...

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

Get a job teaching what? Elementary school? University? Conversation classes?

In Japan, a master's degree in a teaching related field will put off many eikaiwa (conversation school) managers because they will be afraid the teacher will try to change things and use a different teaching format than they have already established.

In universities, the MA degree alone is not enough to get a job. Publications and contacts are also needed.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Hi Glenski. What you say might be true in Japan, but not generally. A relevant TEFL MA/MEd is usually sufficient to get you into a university position, certainly at the language instructor or assistant lecturer level, without any fireworks attached. Regarding the thesis I'd say some places might be a bit picky about that, but they will usually be more interested in other aspects (teaching experience, for example). If it crops up at interview you can put a spin on your other assignments. Most universities just want to see the piece of paper which says you have your Masters.

Sherri · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 3:58 am Post subject:

How can you get a master's without a thesis? I am doing an MA in TESL/TEFL now and the thesis is required. If you don't do it, you get a postgraduate diploma not an MA.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Sherri, many Masters programs are done by coursework entirely. You do more courses in place of a thesis. In NA a thesis is more common it seems. Most of the Masters programs I've looked at do not have a thesis option (Australia and the UK).

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Not all Master's degrees require a thesis, though a distinction between MA and MA (Honours) might be made as a consequence. This might be interpreted by some as a 'loophole', but I for one was happy to do a Master's that didn't involve a thesis. However, if I want to go on and do a PhD at any time in the future, I will have to do a thesis first. I guess that's the catch.

Sherri · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 4:26 am Post subject:

I am doing the course at the University of Birmingham and they call it a dissertation not a thesis, but I suppose it is the same thing. Around 20,000 words on a research question. I did an MA at the University of London and it was the same thing. I didn't realize that you could do a master's without this. I would advise to do the thesis. You have a chance to research something in depth that you are really interested in and you will never have to wonder "is my degree good enough"?

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Swings and roundabouts come to mind....

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

So how does a thesis make it more of a degree? If I do a thesis than I take less courses, it's the same amount of work and time.

Scott in HK · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 148

I have to agree with gordon...I chose to do mine just be coursework...it is 8 units or six and a thesis...if you do the thesis you must do a course in research methods....

In my opinion, with a thesis I just wouldn't get to learn enough about my area. I would prefer to learn more about reading and literacy rather than concentrating my studies on one specific topic in my field.

I have no thoughts about my degree being less...writing a 20000 word thesis or 4-6 3000-4000 word papers is all the same to me.

And if I wanted a PHd then I would have to go back and complete the thesis...

More than likely I would just take another M'Ed or MA rather than doing a PHd

Sherri · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:13 am Post subject:

Hey, sorry I didn't mean to say that an MA without a thesis or dissertation is not as good as one with. What I meant to do was reply to the original poster--since he was worried that an MA without a thesis might not be as useful in landing a job in Europe. If that is his reason for doing the MA, then it might make more sense for him to do the thesis. That's what I get for trying to post with 2 small kids in the room.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Sure Sherri, blame your children. Wink

I say the same thing.

Sherri · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2004 6:44 am Post subject:

Yes, but will the markers of my dissertation buy it!

Scott in HK · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 148

actually, to work in Europe...it would be better to ask if he had a EU passport as that is a tad more important than if you wrote a thesis or not...unless you are looking at Eastern Europe

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

There is yet another option: portfolios. My MA required a portfolio--no choice between a thesis, exams, extra courses, etc.

Compiling a portfolio is a grueling process, but the end product is quite impressive.

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