English or Religion?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Michael, Sep 27, 2010.

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  1. Michael

    Michael Member

    Strictly for employment purposes in teaching online or at colleges, which degree would have more utility -- a masters in English or a masters in Religion/Theology?
     
  2. cravenco

    cravenco New Member

    If you took it solely from this reply by Kizmet-and it seems as though he is top of things-, Religion/Theology would be your best bet, Michael.
     
  3. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    I strongly disagree. I think both fields are bad to pursue for teaching.

    Religion is super-saturated with seminary graduates serving as ministers who may want to teach a class or two. Additionally, there aren't as many religion courses offered in colleges outside of religious institutions. Moreover, religious institutions are likely going to require that religion faculty share the beliefs of the institution, so you are limited further there.
     
  4. cravenco

    cravenco New Member

    So what, in your opinion would be the best path for this gentleman? It seems, from all his posts that he has made up his mind on these two subject areas. Weighing both, what would be his best path to take in regard to a teaching career?
     
  5. james_lankford

    james_lankford New Member

    so is the OP saying he doesn't care if he teaches religion or english ?

    obviously if you want to teach ESL or literature then an english degree is better

    if he wanted to teach a class in ethics, philosophy or religion then maybe religion ?
     
  6. AV8R

    AV8R Active Member

    I'll definitely agree with this. I have a good friend who tried to get some adjunct work years ago after graduating with an M Div from Emory University . There were no takers.
     
  7. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    English, of those two.

    However, I don't think either will open up many doors.
     
  8. I'd say the masters in English would have more utility. You could teach anywhere from 6th grade to undergraduates. It is a huge net to cast even if it is a highly competitive subject. You're probably in for a lot of struggle either way.
     
  9. cravenco

    cravenco New Member

    Other than getting the degree in English what else can he do to standout with future educational employers?
     
  10. PatsGirl1

    PatsGirl1 New Member

    I agree, and I come from a background of studying English/Religion. They're not particularly lucrative and/or in-demand subjects.
     
  11. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    I teach English and there are just huge numbers of folks applying for every available position.
     
  12. cravenco

    cravenco New Member

    The ultimate outcome is really up to God, Michael. And by such you might need to consult Him for a better and more comprehensive answer. We are only human and giving our opinions and personal facts about the subject. Only He will, or allow other to open up the doors to educational ventures in English or Religion.

    Is there something he can do other than English or Religion to help him? I was thinking Humanities, such as what is taught at AMU.
     
  13. cravenco

    cravenco New Member

    I just thought about something else. Can he stay in contact with the College or University he wants to teach at throughout his degree program? Will he have a better chance at teaching there doing it that way?
     
  14. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator


    Write a best-selling novel (or something similar). Publishing, either in the popular press or the scholarly press is the best ticket to a job in a saturated market.
     
  15. cravenco

    cravenco New Member

    Sounds like a plan. Michael is this something you can see yourself doing in order to gain sight with educational employers?
     
  16. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I would say English but ultimately go with what you feel a passion towards. If you are teaching it, you need to like/love it.
     
  17. Michael

    Michael Member

    Yes. And actually I published a book of my original poetry some years ago.
     
  18. Michael

    Michael Member

    That's a good point. And I am passionate about those two subjects -- except I know I wouldn't like teaching composition and grammar, or certain literature.
     
  19. Michael

    Michael Member

    Thanks to everyone for your enlightening responses.

    Considering what you've said, maybe I should go back to thinking about what I mentioned in a previous thread -- getting a master's in school library media or school counseling.
     
  20. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    If you speak English and believe in God. Then neither one. lol:wink:
     

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