Comments | applyingtograd: Language question

lottery in applyingtograd

Language question

Jan 13, 2010 00:47

Hello, applyingtograd! I'm a Communications major with an emphasis in teaching prep, which means that my B.A. would allow me to teach both communications and English programs in high schools. But since I'm in California and the budget crisis shows no sign of going away soon, I've decided that I want to get a M.A. in English and then get my credential ( Read more... )

m.a., foreign language, english

Comments 17

englishmajor_s January 13 2010, 09:00:23 UTC

Well taking language courses at a top university known for its strengths in a specific language would be the best route if you're looking to grab their attention. But essentially any college-level language course is the same. If you are applying next year, I'd definitely consider studying abroad too for a month or two. Apple Languages is a good program (or so I hear).

lottery January 13 2010, 09:03:36 UTC

Sounds good to me! This will also give me a chance to raise my community college GPA just a liiittle bit more :)

IDK if studying abroad is gonna work for me though. They were one of the first things to go at my university, which was a safety since we couldn't afford anything else. Money sucks, but I think most of the CA grad schools would understand that :(

aviation_ January 13 2010, 17:22:41 UTC

You don't need to abroad directly through your school. In fact, I would strongly advice against doing that. There are thousands of programs you do, you just need to have the courses approved by your school for transferring before you go.

lyricon January 13 2010, 15:09:06 UTC

I'm not an English major, so it may be totally different in my field, but the grad schools I applied to for an MA as well as the Ph.D. schools don't seem to care where I learned my languages, as long as I can test in reading comprehension upon enrollment. I'm actually self-taught, and no one has commented negatively on that at all. So I would venture a guess that going to your community college to save money wouldn't be a problem.

_hellenophile_ January 13 2010, 15:14:04 UTC

I'm a bit confused by your post ( ... )

hkitsune January 13 2010, 16:50:13 UTC

I agree with this.

lottery January 13 2010, 22:06:04 UTC

Thank you both for the suggestion! I found that UCSC has a program like this, where you devote two summers and one academic year and come out with both an M.A. in education and a credential! This will save me from two years' cost of schooling (as I would have to do with an M.A. in English/credential) and also potentially make me eligible for an administration position after a while! Thanks so much :)

_hellenophile_ January 14 2010, 01:09:18 UTC

This looks like a much better option. Good luck!

Thread 5

brittdreams January 13 2010, 17:23:44 UTC

You should get a MA that allows you to get the teaching credential simultaneously, otherwise you're just wasting a bunch of money. I'd also look at K-12 funding and decide *now* whether you want to work in California or another state after graduation. If the answer is you want to work elsewhere, get your credential there, rather than in CA.

lottery January 13 2010, 22:09:59 UTC

Thanks again for the suggestion! I think I've found a program that could work, and UCSC is a bit of a drive, but close enough that I just might be able to convince my parents to let me stay around and save even more money that way :)

I kinda do have to stay in CA, though; even if everyone's jumping ship (and I don't blame them!), this is where I grew up and where my family is, so :/

brittdreams January 13 2010, 23:07:05 UTC

Just make sure it will be feasible to actually get a teaching job when you finish. Given the massive layoffs in school districts, it may be tough to find a job when you have no experience and you're competing against those with 3-5 years of teaching experience.

lottery January 14 2010, 00:21:10 UTC

I think I'm safe because English teachers will always be in demand over here. English and math get the most attention because of our state tests; it's always a little trickier for people with other subjects here because they're not directly related to state tests.

I have networking with both the teachers at my former high school and a friend's parent who works at a local high school, so I think that's pretty good, but you're right: I should also explore other avenues! Thanks for the advice :)

Thread 6

circumfession January 14 2010, 08:01:22 UTC

You might want to look into UC Irvine as well. It has a summer MA program, especially geared at high school teachers. However, this program--like most--will make you pay tuition. Others have already addressed this, but make sure that the (somewhat risky) potential earnings are worth the expense and time ( ... )