<p>So, I just graduated from UCLA and I'm considering going to Cal State Dominguez Hills, a school I've never heard of before, for MA (in a different major than the undergrad one). Do you think it's a horrible idea? Normally, people go to a better graduate school than their undergraduate school. But I'm considering Dominguez Hills because it's still accepting applications for this fall whereas other schools are not; and I want to quickly get a MA so I can teach and earn a living.</p>
<p>What’s the rush? Why can’t you wait until the next application cycle?</p>
<p>If your goal is to teach and you’re just going for a masters in education or a teaching credential then it doesn’t matter where you go. I wouldn’t worry unless prestige means everything.</p>
<p>Now, if you mean teach college then that’s a different story…</p>
<p>even if they’re still accepting applications, their program may already be full, you should call and see how many slots are still open.</p>
<p>Elder - don’t do it! This is a short-term gain, long-term loss kind of decision!</p>
<p>Assuming you want to teach college, a degree from a weak school will hurt you. College teaching jobs are scarce, and a weak school relegates you to community colleges which pay very poorly. If you then decide later to get the PhD your masters will hurt you, as it shows a lack of rigor and begs the question of why you did it.</p>
<p>It is far far better to suffer a year of waiting tables and get a good round of regular admission in than it is to take such a big hit merely for expedience.</p>
<p>i want to eventually get phD in art history or classics in the future at some good school. at the moment, i was think of getting MA in English to work as a research assistant or community college prof. i’ve heard, though, that BA in English will get u more job opportunities than a MA…and I’m also considering Communications which seems very similar to English (what’s the difference in terms of job prospects)…</p>
<p>yes, now i think on it, cal state dominguez hills is a good idea…but i suppose cal state long beach or fullerton is feasible in my situation?</p>
<p>Before you do anything re-read cosmicfish’s post, especially the part about weak schools and where they lead.</p>
<p>I must honsetly add that I would be surprised to find many CC jobs going to MAs in the humanities - there are just too many PhDs out there. I’m fairly sure Professor X has posted in this subject in the past.</p>
<p>If you’re willing to spend a year or so for an interim degree, get yourself an MEd and spend a few years teaching junior high/high school. As I recall you’ve got some decent preparation in the ancient languages so you’ll have a good start on a couple certifications there. Take a look at: [PRAXIS</a> II Latin Exam](<a href=“Praxis Test: The Definitive Guide (updated 2024) by Mometrix”>Praxis Test: The Definitive Guide (updated 2024) by Mometrix)</p>
<p>So… spend a few years teaching while taking classes to get yourself situated for a real run at Classics/Art History grad school. There are a number of very high quality summer language programs you should look into as well as specialty deals like papyrology, field schools, historic preservation projects, and so forth. If you play it well, you should be able to get some graduate credits and maybe even a couple publications (at least one papyrology program I know of was specifically oriented toward generating pubs.) in a reasonable time frame.</p>
<p>Be sure to stay in touch with the field through your current professors and the various professional societies - you’ll want to be sure you are building your qualifications in a realistic way - admissions criteria change from year to year. Remember too, what you find on the university websites should always be viewed as the bare minimum that won’t get your app. tossed on the first cut.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>thank you for your advices. i’m not sure yet if i really want to pursue a career in the academia. i want to at least be an assistant researcher, work at museum or work with publishing. so, i was think of getting a degree in English. the job prospects for this major is very broad and may fit me. but would it hurt my chances if i decided to go into the academia in the future if i got an english degree at a cal state university?</p>
<p>another thing that confuses me is how some people say that a BA is more marketable than MA for English. should i pursue the BA? </p>
<p>just a small question on ur comment concerning hummanities posts at community college: aren’t colleges in demand for english composition classes as everyone has to take one as part of their general education?</p>
<p>as for teaching at high schools, i’m a little reluctant about getting teaching credential. how long does it take anyway?</p>
<p>yes, colleges are in demand for english comp and general ed classes, but there are SO MANY people with Phds that community colleges almost never hire masters-only instructors anymore. you won’t be able to find work at a community college easily (if at all) with just a masters in english.</p>
<p>i have heard some people refrain from putting their grad degrees on their resumes, though, because employers assume if someone has a masters, they’ll have to pay them more. that’s a case by case scenario, though.</p>
<p>i have to agree with everyone else here to hold off on the english masters for this year rather than going to a CSU i’d never even heard of. not all CSUs are the same, just as not all UCs are the same, so something like long beach or fullerton may not be a terrible move, but i’ve never heard of CSU-DH, so i’d pass it up if i were you, whether you want to go into academia or not. a weak masters will also hurt you in the museum/publishing world, as people with degrees from more recognizable schools will have an advantage over you.</p>