Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tundra_Creature]

Although though its' still a few years away for me, I'm one of those people who likes to plan ahead.

Currently, I'm doing my Bachelors in Elementary Education. Eventually, I would love to teach at an international school overseas or perhaps (in the further future) work in the field of education that does not include teaching. Like pedagogical counselling or curriculem development.

Of course, I quickly came to realize that these days, most employers would ideally want you to have a masters or higher. I was sort of hoping that I could get away with not having to get my masters, but seeing as most people these days actually have one, I figure I would probably be at a disadvantage. I figure if an employer were to choose between me and the 'other person', they'd want the one with the higher degree. I know there are always exceptions, but I figure better be prepared.

Anyway, getting to the point. I was checking out some universities where their Masters in Education allow either a course option or thesis option (unless you're doing something in the Psychology of Education or something). I was wondering what exactly is the difference was between the two? All I can see so far is that one costs a lot more and requires you to do a paper.

In all honesty, the idea of of a thesis paper makes me shudder a bit (one of the reasons I didn't really want to get my masters). I've always preferred sort of 'hands on' projects. I don't mind doing research and such. It's just more of the 100 pages of trying to put my ideas together coherently that frightens me. Of course, if I have to do so, I will. Just wondering if having the 'course program' would be something I'd enjoy more.

[paulandsilas]

I worked on a thesis for two semesters, and while it was nearly finished, my professor was anal and wanted perfection. Even the other professors said things about how they wondered why I asked him to be my adviser. In the end, I chose another option: take an exam and write two papers in lieu. I used two chapters from my thesis as the two papers. I only took this route because I left for Korea and have no way to really defend unless we do it via telephone or computer.

Depending on what type of thesis you have to write, mine was a literature thesis, I am not sure what to suggest to you. The idea of writing one seems daunting, but the worst part for me was revision. I completed my chapters fairly quickly but then got ripped a new one every time my professor read them. Mind you, he graduated from U Penn, and his standards were extremely high. A lot of people suggest that you begin your thesis a semester before you enroll in thesis hours. Otherwise, you may end up like me or other people and take two semesters to write it or rather end up doing the other option.

A friend of mine took three semesters to write her thesis, but she was really burned out whenever she began writing hers. She experienced writer's block for most of the process, and it didn't help that she was afraid of her major professor. She finished her thesis though.

Your best bet is to cultivate a working/professional relationship with a potential major professor your first semester of grad school. There are many benefits from this. My adviser turned out to be my mentor. To be perfectly honest, writing a thesis and my other option turned out to be the same amount of work. A thesis is more sophisticated than two short papers, and you present a problem initially and in your subsequent chapters draw a line of inquiry from that initial problem. For example, mine started out as a commentary on the novel Tristram Shandy and sexuality, primarily onanism, in the 18th century. Each chapter cannot really stand alone as they have to connect. This seems easy on the surface, but in actuality, it is difficult. Either way you go, I wish the best of luck. Having an M.A. is definitely a plus.

[Man on Street]

[paulandsilas]

haha...Yeah, it was pretty boring. The book wasn't as boring. It was quite funny. Onanism=masturbation in that century, so I wrote about that...lol.

[neilsputnik]

I did an MA thesis in Political Science, ended up getting a journal article publication out of it and am now applying for PhDs in the States. I would definitely recommend the thesis option. If not for the research journey, then for the chance to (hopefully) say something moderately authoritative on a subject you are deeply interested in. Everyone has doubts when they first start but the key, as someone mentioned prior, is having a good supervisor you feel comfortable with, as well as a strong will to finish (it gets lonely writing it up).

In terms of job opportunities I am not entirely convinced that a thesis or papers makes much of difference. If you want to do some research type work in the future then the thesis is logical. Most jobs are actually more about technical applications of skills than about raw analytical brain power. But if you could link your thesis topic to your future work area, that would be a good idea.

Best of luck.

[peppermint]

doing a thesis is often necessary, or at least helpful if you want to go on to earn a PhD down the road.

[Mr. Pink]

[Tundra_Creature]

You guys have been a lot of help!

Mr. Pink - I don't really intend to go get my Masters right after my B.Ed. I would like to go and actually get my hands dirty (figuratively speaking). Don't get me wrong; I enjoy school and love to learn, but it's taxing on the wallet and I wouldn't mind actually teaching. I'm very much into the hands on rather than just the theory (which of course has it's important uses as well).

I'm very lucky that I get a number of stages in my current program (unfortunately all full this year, but next year I'll start), so I'll get some hands on experience before actually going out and working in the field permanently.

I don't really expect to be having kids right out of graduation, so I don't really mind having a teenier pay scale. If I can live off of what I do now, I can live off of teacher's pay. Actually, one of the universities I was checking out makes it mandatory that you have two years of teaching experience before applying to their program, so that's a plus.

Peppermint- I can't really see myself getting a PhD other for the reason of being called 'Dr. Tundra Creature', but it's still important information for me to have.

PaulandSilas andNeilsputnik- Same with all the other tips for Thesis paper writing; I'll need it since I still have problems pushing 12 page papers to prove my point. Of course, I imagine that will come with time.

[Mr. Pink]

My paper has to be 60-80 pages without bibliography, endnotes or footnotes. I am betting I'll be around 80 pages or so as I am taking an extra year in doing my research.

[oldfatfarang]

Completing a thesis can be a very demanding - but incredibly satisfying task - especially if you are researching a new area in your field.

Personally, I don't think you've earned a masters degree until you've researched and written a thesis - but then again, I'm old fashioned.
Other posters are correct - completing a masters thesis will help you if you decide to undertake a Ph. D in the future (you never know).

Your supervisor is very important - as is your topic. Chose both wisely.

Good luck.

[paulandsilas]

Yes, those who mentioned the PhD option down the road are pretty much right. If you intend on pursuing to that level, a thesis is the best option. I must admit that the research portion of my thesis was the most fun part.

In general, most of my colleagues wrote theses that ranged from 40-150 pages. Some of the lengthier ones were folklore theses. We have a folklore option at my university. I'm pretty sure that if you still have questions when you get to that stage in your academic career that you can post to anyone who's been there, done that, and they can help you through.

One of the toughest professors I had admitted that she cried a lot when she wrote her thesis and dissertation. Just know that the hard work is worth it.

[Tundra_Creature]

Aw man. I love folkore. I took quite a few back in college. If I have free electives left for my Bachelor's, I'd love to take more.

... How DOES one choose a supervisor anyway?

[Mr. Pink]

[mc_jc]

I had to do a Thesis as there were no Capstone option for my degree program, an MPA.
But if you could, see if you could take a Capstone exam instead.

[Tundra_Creature]

... Sorry, now I'm gonna really sound stupid.

What's a Capstone exam?