Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Fat_Elvis]

I want to get my MA in Applied Linguistics, but I'm not sure whether to get an online one or go back home and get one the old-fashioned way. Does an online MA in Applied Linguistics lack academic credibility, and therefore restrict me from getting a job in better universities?

I have a nice job here I enjoy, so it seems like an online degree was designed for someone like me but I don't want to limit future opportunities. What do people think?

[suneater]

[Fat_Elvis]

I'm an Aussie, and I know of a good online course offered at Macquarie University. That's not really my question, I guess it's addressed more to those who already have an M.A. or work at a university. Is there any prejudice against those who get an online MA? I want it so I can work at university; I've only ever taught adults and I figure at a university I can do the same thing but with more holidays and money.

I really wanted to post this on the Middle East forum as after I get my MA that's where I'm thinking of going but I wasn't allowed to post there for some reason.

[PRagic]

I think that as long as you have the MA you should be fine, especially if you know someone at the university where you'll be applying.

In general, though, if it comes down to credentials in a resume shuffle, the bigger the name, the better.

[Thiuda]

I hold an MA in AppLing from UNE, which I completed online, and it's been worth every second and Won I spent on it. No potential employer has ever turned me down because of the fact that it was completed online, even though I state that my MA is a distance degree in my CV. On the contrary, its been instrumental in securing jobs at universities, colleges, as well as the Korean military. I would, however, advise you to complete the thesis option, as I have always been asked whether or not I had completed a thesis.

Based on personal experience, I would recommend UNE for an MA, rather than Macquarie. I did a PGC with Macquarie and found them to be less supportive than UNE. The standards at both universities were similar; high.

[zappadelta]

[Tukkong]

UNE - University of New England. They are well known for distance education as they were one of the first to do it.

[Fat_Elvis]

Thanks for the information.

Thiuda, I had a colleague doing her MAppLing at UNE when I worked in Singapore, and she seemed pretty happy with the whole thing too so I might look into that option. Thanks for the advice regarding the thesis too.

[laogaiguk]

UNE is a good program, but as of two years ago, their international department had their heads up their asses. It's probably been fixed, and this has nothing to do with the actual degree itself, which everyone I know of was happy with it. You just might have some trouble getting books and stuff if they haven't fixed the problem. It was 2 years ago though.

[Thiuda]

As I've stated before, I really enjoyed studying at UNE - so much so that I'm continuing my studies. In the two years that it took me to complete the MA, I had not one problem. I would recommend, however, not purchasing the textbooks from UNE, it's faster and a lot cheaper to get them from people who have already taken the courses that you want to take. When you get admitted to UNE, you'll be able to log onto a common area where people often trade or sell books, so it's not very difficult finding what you're looking for. At Macquarie the books are included in your tuition and sent to you directly with all of the course materials.

[Fresh Prince]

[Thiuda]

I agree with Fresh Prince; online degrees are quickly becoming the way for working professionals to continue their education. As long as the education provider is reputable, so is the degree granted. Also, one should keep in mind that academic credibility doesn't just come from the degree one holds - it's a combination of a person's education, professional experience, research and publications, as well as one's network of colleagues.

[laogaiguk]