English or Religion?

I am strongly considering Baker University's MLA. I could take literature courses and religion courses there. To get 18 hours in each, I would have to take one extra course, so 13 courses or 39 sem.hrs., with one course being a required liberal arts interdisciplinary course.

It's a tough decision, as I realize I might incur a $10000-plus debt and not be able to get a job.

 

The Education option might be your 3rd choice.

 

In School Library/Media, or School Counseling, yes. I talked to a couple of recently retired school counselors, and they told me that one of the reasons they retired was that their job duties had changed so much in the last few years -- much less time and attention on actual counseling, and much increased time on testing. That's not something I would like.

 

Really? So I wonder who is taking their place? Surely not the teachers.

 

One program I thought was interesting but pretty expensive was Duquesne's:

MS in Leadership, Concentration in Liberal Studies - School of Leadership

I think this is an interesting hybrid of practicality (leadership training) with liberal arts. Plus Duquesne is a good school with a solid reputation.

 

I would go for the English for the teaching opportunities . As far as permanent academic positions go, neither field has many masters level positions open as tenured faculty. However, there is still a great deal of demand for adjuncts to teach Composition I and II or their equivalents in colleges across the country. The life of a professional adjunct is a tough one. If you don't mind teaching high school, how about a B.S.E. in Education with concentration in English. You could always pick up a pure English degree, in the form of a masters, later on.

 

I already have secondary school certification in English, among other things. But I have absolutely no desire to teach English in a public school.

 

Of course, I don't want to disparage the study of religion. I, myself, am somewhat of an amateur theologian. I wrote a lot of articles in conservative Lutheran publications back in the 90's. Maybe someday I will get a degree at some kind of unaccredited instutution to "validate" my years of private study in religion.

 

I wish there were more teaching possibilities in religion, but there's not much out there, and I can't relocate at this time.

 

Hi,
I actually teach English and theology online. (MA in English; MA MDiv, ThM in theology). Overall, I have found more available positions in English than in theology.

 

I'd really love to teach both English and religion. The MLA from Baker U. would allow me to combine the two areas, but I'm not sure if that would give more job possibilities than a 36 credit hour masters in English.

 

Whoa! Three Msaters Degrees! :eek5:

 

I see by your sig that you have finally decide to go with English rather than religion/theology, right?

 

Actually, nope! I applied, but have not heard anything back yet. But through contemplation, and prayer of course, along with talking to one of my old professors via e-mail, I have decided fully to pursue a Doctorate in Biblical Studies, focusing on the Holy Bible. I just have not started to look for DL, RA programs yet.

 

So you think you will go with a US, RA school rather than considering foreign schools in South Africa, Australia, UK?

Are you primarily intending to pursue a doctorate to get a job doing something you like and feel led to do?

 

Baptist Bible College & Seminary in Pennsylvania offers a short residency PhD in Biblical Studies.

 

Hey Ted, I looked here but I am divorced, and as such cannot attend.

 

Yes. I want to teach biblical studies and concepts. I may have to take some additional courses because my masters is in Humanities not biblical studies.

 

Michael,
Actually long-term I am going with theology. I am working on a PhD in the UK at the moment in practical theology. Teaching English online allows me to pay for the tuition over here

 

Best of both worlds I see.