By Peyton Webb
Triangle contributing writer
Wingate University’s Thayer School of Education is reintroducing its 4+1 program, allowing education majors to earn a master’s degree in elementary education just one year after completing their undergraduate studies.
The program, which had been paused due to low student interest, will return next semester with strong faculty support and a renewed focus on increasing graduate enrollment.
“I initiated it, but the entire School of Education faculty was in favor,” said Dr. Tarra Ellis, interim dean of the Thayer School of Education. “Enough faculty members have now heard from students who have expressed an interest in it.”
Students begin graduate coursework during their final undergraduate year, taking one course each semester. After earning their bachelor’s degree, they continue full-time for one year, completing their master’s by the following spring.
A major change to the program is a proposal to make it a dual-degree track, eliminating the previous issue for students to pay both undergraduate and graduate tuition rates during their senior year.
“A big reason there was a decreased interest in the program was the requirement to pay two tuitions your senior year,” Ellis said. “We are currently submitting a proposal for it to become a dual-degree program.”
Although North Carolina no longer offers a pay increase for teachers with master’s degrees, faculty members emphasize the long-term advantages.
“We have to be very proactive and intentional about communicating the other benefits of having a master’s degree,” said Dr. Brie Leggat Johnson, an assistant education professor. “The benefits vary across the different education specialties.”
The program aims to relaunch next semester with at least six students. Interested education major students can visit the Thayer School of Education Office in Hayes 308 or contact Dr. Johnson via their official school email.
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