Wilson changes name of grad-degree program

CHAMBERSBURG - Wilson College has changed the name of its first master's degree program from a Master of Arts in Teaching to a Master of Education in teacher leadership to more accurately reflect its audience - certified elementary school teachers seeking a professional, advanced degree.

The name change was made nearly two years after the master's degree in teaching was announced by Wilson in May 2006.

"I think it will better convey what we're doing and therefore, eliminate confusion and hopefully, attract more students," said Dr. Betty L. Bitner, director of the master's program.

A Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is often offered by colleges to students who have bachelor's degrees but are not certified to teach. However, Wilson's program is for those who already are certified to teach. For certified teachers, a Master of Education is usually the advanced degree they pursue, Bitner said.

Wilson made the degree name change in time for its first master's degree class to receive the Master of Education (M.Ed.) when its members - there are currently seven - graduate in spring 2009. Eighteen students in total have been formally admitted into Wilson's master's degree program so far, according to Bitner.

The degree name change was approved in December by Wilson's faculty and its curriculum committee.

The new master's degree complements Wilson's highly successful Teacher Intern Program (TIP), which helps those with bachelor's degrees in nonteaching majors become certified teachers.

"Wilson College is one of the leading institutions for teacher education in the region," said Dr. Mary Hendrickson, Wilson vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. "The M.Ed. degree is designed for practicing elementary teachers who wish to raise their backgrounds and skills in their field to a high level of excellence."

Courses in the M.Ed. program are offered through the year at Wilson and off-campus sites, including during both summer terms.