English (BA) + MS in Education Dual-Level Program
Learn the proper pedagogy for teaching English for 7–12 grade alongside a personal study and critique of various forms of literary expression.
Why English (BA) + MSEd?
An English degree is a versatile undergraduate program that lays a solid foundation in literature, communication, grammar/mechanics, and the liberal arts. This dual-level program has the same career end goal of the Secondary English Education major (to be a certified teacher), but the dual-level program allows for more English and literature courses throughout its course of study. And at the end of five years, you’ll have two degrees: a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in education. The majority of public school teachers in 2017–18 (58%) held a postbaccalaureate degree, so being a first-year teacher with a master’s degree already in-hand will put you among the ranks.
How it Works
This dual-level program allows you to condense what would be six years of study (four-year bachelor’s + two-year master’s) into just five years by starting master-level courses as early as your junior year. You’ll be able to complete all requirements for both degrees in as few as five years without taking summer courses. By completing this program, you will be able to teach in both public and private schools, as this program prepares you to receive the Pennsylvania Instructional I Secondary English Education (7–12) certification and Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) English (7–12) certification.
You will also continue to receive your undergraduate scholarships and tuition aid for all five years of study, which will save you thousands of dollars.
English (BA) + MSEd at Cairn
Biblical Integration
Navigate diverse literary criticism with a biblical worldview.
Academic Opportunity
Prepare a final thesis paper or project on a topic of personal literary interest and an Instructional Design Project on specific pedagogical principles.
Experienced Faculty
Learn from professors who have varied literary interests and specialized concentrations.
Flexibility
Take graduate courses fully online, which provides schedule flexibility in the last two years of study.
Career Preparation
Add a certification in TESOL or special education.
Hands-On Education
Complete a Student Teaching assignments in multiple school settings related to your career goals (public or private, suburban or urban).
Honor Program
Join the Honors Program and dive deeper into a specific literary time period, writing style, or educational method.
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Get an inside look at our English Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
Required Credits: 175
Curriculum Highlights:
- ENG 321 Advanced Composition
- LAN 321 Linguistics
- LIT 251 Literary Criticism
- EDU 681 Teach Secondary English
- EDU 712 Curr Theory, Design, Assess
- EDU 713 Educational Research
- EDU 722 Developmental/Ed Psych
High School English Teacher (Public, Christian, Other Private, International)
Middle School English Teacher (Public, Christian, Other Private, International)
Instructional Coach
Curriculum Designer
Freelance Writer/Editor
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An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our Faculty
Charlotte Gleason
Chair, Humanities department
After graduating from Cairn University in 2000, Charlotte taught high school English in public schools both in Pennsylvania and New York. Her high school students inspired her to reconsider the place of adolescent literature in the classroom, and in 2006 she completed her thesis on how to integrate both the classics and YA literature in the classroom.
The birth of her first son led her to pursue higher education, and in 2007 she accepted a position as a part-time faculty member at Cairn University. During the last two decades, Charlotte has taught in a variety of classrooms and developed curriculum for private Christian schools and home school families, including her own. Recently, Charlotte transitioned to a full-time role at Cairn. She teaches a variety of literature, composition, and education courses and serves as the Chair of the Humanities Department in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Sheryl Vasso
Chair, MS in Education; Professor, School of Education
Dr. Vasso teaches on diverse topics in education, including models of teaching, educators and education in film, children’s literature, curriculum design, and assessment. She has taught at all levels from elementary to post-graduate, including teaching teachers on 5 different continents.
In addition to teaching at Cairn, she is founder and president of Words of Worth, Inc. In that ministry, she teaches and writes Bible studies on various topics and books of the Bible. She enjoys speaking for church and para-church organizations, national and international conferences, and for various schools providing professional in-services for educators.
What Our Students Have To Say
Eliezer (Caleb) Vargas
Cairn has given me the opportunity and resources to expand my abilities as a writer while also providing me with a strong biblical foundation and Christ-centered approach to learning. I have been blessed to have been cared for by my professors, alumni, and fellow students, and I know I am receiving a rewarding experience that will follow me into the professional world.
