Wilson Approves Master's Degree in Special Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  |  Feb. 20, 2017

Chambersburg, Pa. — Wilson College has added a master’s degree in special education designed for those who are already certified to teach in grades K-12. Classes for the Master of Special Education (M.S.E.), which can be completely primarily online, will begin in the spring II semester starting March 20.

The new master’s degree in special education was added as a result of strong local interest in a graduate program in the field, and the critical need for teachers with special education certification, as expressed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, according to Eric Michael, director of Wilson’s Master of Education program. He said there is a shortage of teachers certified in special education not only in Pennsylvania, but across the nation.

Students enrolling in Wilson’s program will be able to choose from three degree paths: a general M.S.E. without certification, an M.S.E. with Pre-K-8 special education certification and an M.S.E. with 7-12 special education certification.

“Wilson’s program is based on the premise that successful special education teachers need an in-depth knowledge of pedagogy, a mastery of current theory and an understanding of research-based practices and technology,” Michael said. “The main focus of our program is to hone teaching skills through research and classroom practices, thereby fostering teaching excellence and teacher leadership.

On completing the M.S.E., students will be qualified to teach special education in both public and private schools and will also be prepared to work in state, local and private organizations that provide behavioral health services to people with disabilities, including Manito, Abraxas Youth & Family Services, Skills of Central PA, Laurel Life and United Cerebral Palsy.

For many working public school teachers, tuition for the M.S.E. will be reimbursed by their school districts, Michael said, adding that Wilson does not add any additional fees that teachers would have to pay out of pocket.

The M.S.E. program consists of 10 courses. Students don’t have to adhere to a specific sequence of courses – they can jump in and out as their schedules permit.

Courses are offered online, face to face and in hybrid formats. If, for example, a local school district has a cohort of teachers interested in enrolling in the M.S.E. program, “we will bring an instructor to the individual district,” Michael said.

The M.S.E. is Wilson’s ninth graduate program. In addition to the Master of Education, the college has master’s programs in educational technology, nursing, management, fine arts, the humanities, accountancy and healthcare management.

Wilson is currently registering students for M.S.E. courses. Prospective students can get more information or register at www.wilson.edu/master-special-education or by calling 717-262-3109 or 262-2045.  

Wilson’s Board of Trustees approved the M.S.E. program at its Feb. 18 meeting. The general and Pre-K-8 certifications have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and approval of the 7-12 certification is expected soon, according to officials in Wilson education department. Pennsylvania certification is valid in 46 states with which interstate agreements exist.

MEDIA CONTACT:           
Eric Michael, Director of the M.Ed. Program
Phone: 717-262-3109
Email: eric.michael@wilson.edu

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Founded in 1869, Wilson College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college offering bachelor’s degrees in 34 majors and master’s degrees in education, educational technology, special education, the humanities, accountancy, management, nursing, fine arts and healthcare management for sustainability. Wilson is committed to providing an affordable education that offers value to its students beyond graduation.

Located in Chambersburg, Pa., the college has a fall 2016 enrollment of 1,098, which includes students from 18 states and 16 countries. Visit www.wilson.edu for more information.