A master's degree (from Latin magister) is usually a second-cycle academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice. A master's degree normally requires previous study at the bachelor's level, either as a separate degree or as part of an integrated course. Within the area studied, master's graduates are expected to possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied topics; high order skills in analysis, critical evaluation, or professional application; and the ability to solve complex problems and think rigorously and independently. (from Wikipedia)
In 1994 I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications. Although it has served me well over the years, my change in career choices has made it necessary to pursue another degree. In 2004 I decided to pursue a career teaching college level English overseas. In order to to do this in most countries, it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree and a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. Thus, in December 2014 I became a student at Bridge Education Group in pursuit of my TEFL certification. I completed the course in April 2005 with an endorsement in Business English. Armed with these two diplomas, I headed to China to begin teaching at Shanxi Datong University.
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After having taught here for a few years, I decided to further my education by working towards a master's degree. While looking into various schools and programs, I realized that it might behoove me to take some more courses in the field of education in order to better prepare myself for a higher degree in this area. As I began to delve further and further into my pursuit, I began to realize that I had forgotten everything I had ever studied in college, so instead of just taking a few courses, I decided to go back and do 4 solid years of college and get a second degree in education. While researching different colleges, I came across one, Ashworth College, that would allow me to take all my classes online at an affordable price. This way I could continue living in and teaching at Datong University.
The interesting thing about Ashworth College is the method they use to calculate your grades. While there are a couple classes that deviate somewhat from the prescribed format, most of the classes follow the same structure. Each class is divided into eight lessons. Each unit has 2-3 chapters of required reading. At the end of units 1-3 and 5-7 you take an open book test that consists of 20-40 questions. Units 4 and 8 require a 4-page paper based on the chapters in that lesson. Each paper is graded for content, grammar, and proper citations.
Although this system may not work for some, it is the ideal way for me to learn. I feel I am learning much more through my research and writing than I do just by memorizing answers for an exam. Click here to read some of my term papers. Perhaps you will enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them. (Or maybe you will be bored to tears.)
Another advantage of Ashworth College is its tuition. Each credit hour is $75. That works out to be about $9,000 for a bachelor’s degree. They also offer a master’s program. As I work my way through the program, I’ll keep you abreast of my accomplishments.
Completed Courses Year 1
Achieving Academic Excellence
English Composition I Introduction to Computers World Geography Cultural Anthropology |
Completed Courses Year 2
Personal Finance
Business English College Algebra World Civilizations II Introduction to Ecology |
Essentials of Sociology
Business Communication Social Impact of Technology Statistical Analysis I Ethics in Technology |
Completed Courses Year 3
Introduction to Education
Development Health, Safety, and Nutrition Guidance and Discipline Creative Expression |
Movement and Music
Literacy Literature Teaching Math and Science Art and Creative Development |
Completed Courses Year 4
Exceptional Students
Cultural Diversity
Curriculum Development
Human Resources Management
Entrepreneurship (Currently Studying)
Cultural Diversity
Curriculum Development
Human Resources Management
Entrepreneurship (Currently Studying)
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