William Jessup University Offers New Master's Degree Program

Curriculum Prepares Practitioners for Master’s in Arts and Teaching

ROCKLIN, CA., - William Jessup University, the Sacramento region’s only residential four-year private university is now offering a new Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT); the first upper level degree program rolled out by the growing university.

"We are excited to receive recognition from external accreditors,” said Jessup’s President, Dr. John Jackson.  “The university is making fast progress toward serving the higher education needs of our region and beyond where we will continue to accelerate our commitment to deliver high quality, affordable and excellent faith-based higher education.”

The unique program allows candidates to earn either a Single Subject or Multiple Subject California Preliminary Teaching Credential and a Master of Arts Degree. 

“For more than a year, reviewers and accreditors put Jessup to the test requiring institutional evidence of the university’s readiness to educate and serve advanced students on our campuses,” said Provost, Dr. Dennis Jameson.  “Our accreditation demonstrates the task was accomplished with flying colors, which is significant as we move forward.”

Those entering the new program will be challenged to explore the best educational research and become part of a solution designed to prepare teachers to make a difference in young people’s lives and impact the future of teaching.

Distinctive characteristics of the program include preparing students to be scholar-practitioner teachers; developing character in them and others; to grow in collaboration skills through a cohort model all while having the opportunity to integrate faith and learning.

“While enrolled, candidates will gain practical experience in the field and essential research skills to develop into what we call a scholar-practitioner,” said Nathan Herzog, the program’s associate provost.  “For example, to provide the scholar practice, students will work on research papers, literature reviews, research methods, statistics and their thesis. As practitioners, students will observe, assist, student teach and work with partnership schools from our surrounding districts.”

Jessup’s education department believes all teachers must emulate and encourage good character because of the direct impact they have on a student’s life. Character development is central to the program.

The cohort model encourages collaboration, connection, and commitment among those enrolled in the program and with professionals already in the field. The cohort model effectively creates and maintains an effective learning environment for teachers.

For more information on William Jessup University, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.

About William Jessup University

Founded in 1939 by William Jessup, the University moved to Rocklin, California, in August 2004. WJU is the first and only WASC accredited private four-year university to have its main campus located in the greater Sacramento area, offering degrees in many different disciplines, including Biology, Business Administration, Family & Children’s Ministry, English, History, Intercultural Studies, Creative Arts, Education, Math, Music, Pastoral Ministry, Psychology, Public Policy and Youth Ministry. WJU also offers a School of Professional Studies (SPS) at its campuses in Rocklin and San Jose. Program concentrations include Business Administration, Christian Leadership, Counseling Psychology, Organizational Leadership and a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Credential Program. For more information, please visit www.jessup.edu or call (916) 577-2200.