News
Master of Education 4+1 Program at Roberts Aims to Address the Current Teacher Shortage
New offering provides an accelerated pathway to teacher certification
The Rochester community, as well as the entire country, is facing a significant teacher shortage. In response, Roberts Wesleyan College’s School of Education and Social Work has created a new, streamlined offering for initial teacher certification for traditional undergraduate students majoring in a field other than education. The Master of Education 4+1, designed by the Department of Teacher Education, will help fill critical gaps in staffing by providing an accelerated pathway to obtain both initial certification and a graduate degree simultaneously.
Students electing to enter the teaching profession through the 4+1 program will be afforded a head start on earning their Master of Education, certifying them to teach in just one year after obtaining a bachelor’s degree, saving both time and money. After being accepted into the 4+1 program, students will start their graduate coursework during their last year as an undergraduate student, allowing them to complete their undergraduate and master’s degrees in a total of five years.
The coursework consists of enrollment in two graduate courses during each of the final two undergraduate semesters. Following the completion of their undergraduate degree, students will enter the graduate program and complete all other remaining coursework and program requirements necessary to receive certification in one of the following areas:
- Early Childhood and Special Education (Birth-Grade 2)
- Childhood and Special Education (Grades 1-6)
- Adolescence and Special Education (Grades 7-12)
“We are very excited to offer our students this accelerated path to certification and a graduate degree,” said Dr. Adam Huck, assistant professor of education and director of initial certification graduate programs. “Not only will this give students a head start, but it also recognizes their efforts and achievement. Our district partners actively seek Roberts Wesleyan College graduates because our graduates are extremely successful in supporting students’ academic and emotional needs. We look forward to this program continuing to prepare and educate future teachers.”
Initial admission to the program is considered conditional, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students must have a 3.0 grade point average upon completing their undergraduate degree to be fully accepted into the Master of Education program. To learn more about the program and other offerings through the Department of Teacher Education, click here.