Korean Job Discussion Forums

kimchi_pizza · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject: Master's and Accreditations

I'm look'n into working on my Master's in the Fall so I've been doing a bit of reading into the types of M.A.s and which suits me best.

There's Master of Arts in Education (MAEd.). From what I read this is primarily focusing on the theoretical study of education, general focus of effective teaching and useful in and out of the classroom (adminstrative level).

Next, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). The focus of this degree is in a more specific teaching field such as Science, History and, I believe, TESOL fits into this category. It's also termed "truly a teaching degree" with the intent for the recipient to remain in the classroom. (This seems to be the one I should aim for.)

Then there's a Master of Education (M.Ed, Ed.M.). The intent of this Master's is for those pursuing a career outside of the classroom and in administrative levels. I guess it's not even good for those that want to teach at a university level as a professor.

I was wondering what others think or have found. If you have a Master's in an educational field, what type and how is it useful for you in your career?

Since I'll be doing this online I have to look at accreditations. Thanks to Cubanlord I think I found a reputable program that has good accreditations. The U.S. government cannot or won't deal with university/college accreditations BUT they do recognize only 6 accreditation organizations or centers. This is important since I want to carry my Master's in my suitcase with pride and plans for when I go back home.

KoreanAmbition · Joined: 03 Feb 2008

Just a comment regarding your point about teaching in a university.

If you really want to continue working in a university then a Masters will not be sufficient. You will have to do a PhD and then try to achieve tenure. If you don't, then you have to rely on sure luck to be coveted by the university enough that they will renew your contract every subsequent year.

I'm sure PRagic will attest to what I said above.

kimchi_pizza · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject:

Nah, I didn't mean to give the impression that my sole motivation is to only teach at a university level but more for the challenge, professional developement and to sharpen my dulled wits of teaching EFL for so many years. I see no shame in teaching elementary school children with such a degree but I just hope to be a more effective teacher.

Of course I am a man of ambition and the idea of earning a PhD and teaching in a university some time in the future brings a slight smile to my face and twinkle to my eye. It'll certainly make Ma and Pa proud.