Impact of studying a master program in ELT: graduates’ perception

Abstract

"This thesis aims to explore the impact the master’s program in teaching English (MEI) at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla has on its graduates. It principally aims to identify the impact the program has on their professional competitiveness, economic status and competence. This research also helps identify the strength and opportunities for improvement of the program. The methodology employed is a Case Study Mixed method analysis in order to accomplish the goals of this study on the impressions the graduates, from generations 2005 – 2017, had after completing the MEI program. After conducting a questionnaire and interviews, participants reported an economic increment in their salaries after completing and graduating from the program. Furthermore, participants’ level of research competence, ELT knowledge and language proficiency increased which led them to compete for jobs at higher levels of education. Finally, the research revealed Human Resources, curriculum, and international participation to be the strengths of the program while curriculum, professors, research mentoring among others were identify as areas that could continue to improve in order to maintain the quality of the program for stakeholders for years to come".