Apply to Cairn’s Graduate Programs

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Admissions Requirements

Please select your program of interest below.

All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Statement of Faith and Community Life Covenant.

School of Divinity

Master of Arts (Religion)

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit an Academic/Professional Reference and a Pastoral Reference.

Master of Divinity

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)
  3. Academic Essay: Choose an author, theologian, well-known ministry leader, or Christian philosopher and discuss how his/her views have shaped your thinking on a biblical text or theme that has significant meaning for you. What are its implications for pastoral ministry? (1000-1200 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit an Academic/Professional Reference and a Pastoral Reference.

Interview

Interview with program faculty. Contact your admissions counselor to schedule an interview.

Master of Theology

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)
  3. Thesis Proposal: Introduce and discuss a thesis topic. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit a Pastoral Reference.

Interview and Additional Requirements

Interview with program faculty. Contact your admissions counselor to schedule an interview.

Demonstrate proficiency in Hebrew and Greek exegesis.

School of Business

Master of Business Administration

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit two Academic/Professional References and a professional résumé.

Interview

An interview is not required but may be requested as part of the admissions process.

MS in Organizational Leadership

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit two Academic/Professional References.

MS in Nonprofit Leadership

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit two Academic/Professional References and a professional résumé.

Department of Counseling & Psychology

Master of Arts (Counseling)

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. What do you believe you will learn about yourself, God, and others while studying at Cairn? Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)
  3. Biblical Integration: Understanding the relationship between psychology and a Biblical view of people and their problems is a major focus in the Cairn University counseling program. Summarize your present understanding of this concept. (750-1000 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit an Academic/Professional Reference and a Pastoral Reference.

Interview

Attend a Group Interview. Contact you admissions counselor for available dates.

MS in Counseling

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. What do you believe you will learn about yourself, God, and others while studying at Cairn? Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (500 words)
  3. Cultural Awareness: Describe how interacting with diverse cultures will impact you as a Christian counselor. Explain what it means to communicate respectfully as a counselor when encountering varying beliefs, behaviors and backgrounds that differ from your own. (500 words)

Academic Writing Sample

Submit an academic writing sample of no less than 700 words. For those applicants who have been out of school for more than 5 years, an optional position paper on a topic related to Christian counseling will be assigned.

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit an Academic Reference* and a Pastoral Reference.

*If date of completion of last degree is more than five years prior to submission of the application, the applicant can submit a Professional Reference.

Interview

Attend a Group Interview. Contact you admissions counselor for available dates.

School of Education

MS in Education

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit two Academic/Professional References.

MS in Educational Leadership & Administration

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

Additional Documentation

If pursuing Principal Certification concurrently with the MSELA, please submit the following additional documents:

  • a copy of valid state or ASCI teaching certificate
  • documentation of 5 years of professional experience in education, including school name(s); name and contact information for supervisor(s); length of employment; and nature of duties.
  • a chief school administrator’s verification of three years of teaching experience

References and Assessments

Submit two Academic/Professional References.

Submit an Administrative Assessment Form and Self Assessment Form.

Master of Arts (ABA)

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit two Academic/Professional References.

MS in Special Education (Instruction)

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts & Certification

  • Submit a copy of your teaching certification/certificate issued by the state, government, or ACSI. Other types of teaching certificates may be submitted but are subject to University evaluation.
  • Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
    Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit two Academic/Professional References.

Special Education Certification

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts & Certification

  • Submit a copy of your teaching certification/certificate issued by the state, government, or ACSI. Other types of teaching certificates may be submitted but are subject to University evaluation.
  • Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
    Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit two Academic/Professional References.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may contact their admissions counselor about alternative means of demonstrating academic ability.
Download the Transcript Request Form

References

Submit two Academic/Professional References.

Post-Baccalaureate/Continuing Education Students
A post-baccalaureate student has already earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and is returning to college to complete additional undergraduate coursework. Students interested in studying TESOL (ESL) or receiving Act 48 credit at Cairn University must formally apply to the University and fulfill the admission criteria identified below.  Questions related to these programs can be directed to the Admissions counselor, Luke Gibson, at 215.702.4244 or via email at lgibson@cairn.edu.

Application

Submit the Non-Matriculating Application for Admission online.

Transcript and Test Scores

Request final, official transcript(s) from each college/university attended. Submit a schedule and description of additional courses to be completed before entrance to Cairn.
If you have completed less than 15 college credits, you must also submit official secondary school transcripts and SAT, ACT, or CLT* scores.
Download the Transcript Request Form | Use Cairn code #2661 for SAT and #3658 for ACT.
*CLT scores only accepted for non-Education majors. Email test scores to admissions@cairn.edu.

LDi Fellowship

Application

Submit the Graduate Application for Admission (either online or print), along with a $25 non-refundable application fee.

Essays

Submit the following essays:

  1. Spiritual Statement: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
  2. Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250-500 words)

Transcripts

Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, university, or seminary, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Download the Transcript Request Form

School of Social Work

Master of Social Work

Additional admission requirements for the Master of Social Work program are forthcoming. Please complete the Graduate Application for Admission, and your graduate counselor will be in touch regarding next steps.

Admissions Deadlines
Cairn University operates on a rolling admissions basis for applicants who are U.S. citizens. Newly accepted students are able to start taking courses beginning the next available term.

International Students
In addition to the standard admissions process, international students must be familiar with and fulfill requirements for International Graduate Students


As a prospective student, Cairn University’s annual security report is available to you upon request. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the school. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the school and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus. This report is available online at cairn.edu/annual-safety-report. You may also request a paper copy from the Office of Safety & Security or Student Life.

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