Special Education, Instruction (MS) | Online
The Master’s in Special Education degree prepares educators with a deep understanding of the issues related to teaching and learning conditions for children with mild to moderate disabilities.
Why the MS in Special Education, Instruction Degree?
The MS in Special Education equips professionals with expert knowledge and best practices to competently engage students with special needs in enriched and meaningful skill development and growth in all areas of life. Professionals with special education certification are in high demand in both inclusive and more restrictive classrooms.
Why the MS in Special Education, Instruction from Cairn University?
Biblical Integration
All instruction is grounded in the timeless Truth of God’s Word.
100% Online
Complete your degree while you work or care for your family.
Experienced Faculty
Courses are taught by faculty who are committed to your professional and spiritual growth.
Career Preparation
Students graduate with more than professional credentials.
Affordable Education
Educators working in Christian schools receive up to 45% tuition discount.
Credit for Prior Learning
Up to six credits for prior learning (“CPL”) can be awarded for extensive background in areas addressed by specific courses.
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Get an inside look at our MS in Special Education, Instruction Program
Upon completion of this program, a student receives a Master of Science in Special Education degree.
Individuals can choose to add a PA Special Education PK-12 certification.
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The curriculum is designed to develop the following competencies in students. The goal is that the graduate is able to:
- Describe and identify the special education system in the United States.
- Summarize, identify, and implement processes and services for individuals with disabilities.
- Design, implement, and modify instruction for individuals with disabilities that is based on their cognition, development, academic and functional performance, and Individual Education Program and aligned with state academic standards.
- Design and implement data collection systems and tools to assess, monitor progress, adjust and plan instruction, and refer and place individuals with disabilities in special education based on their unique abilities and needs.
- Identify, design, and implement evidence-based instructional models and specially designed instruction in math, literacy, content areas, social, behavioral, communication, language, and secondary transition domains in inclusive and more restrictive environments.
- Identify and apply biblical, professional, and ethical practice and law.
- Synthesize, evaluate, and conduct educational research and apply technology integration to enhance instruction and learning.
- Apply a personal special education philosophy based on an integrated biblical worldview.
Curriculum Highlights:
- SPE 761 Inclusionary Practices
- SPE 714 Diagnosis and Evaluation of the Exceptional Learner
- SPE 721 ABA for Autism and Other Disabilities I
- SPE 723 Interventions for Autism and Other Disabilities
- SPE 762 Developmental and Diagnostic Reading Interventions
- SPE 763 Teaching Children with Higher Incidence Disabilities
- SPE 764 Teaching Children with Lower Incidence Disabilities
Required Credits: 36
Program Add-on Option: PA Special Education PK-12 Certification
Individuals can choose to add a PA Special Education PK-12 certification.
- Students. who already possess an initial certification, will complete a total of 43 credits: two practicums [SPE 791 (1 cr) and SPE 792 (2 cr)], student teaching [SPE 789 (4 cr)], and and TSL 611 (3 cr).
- Students pursuing initial certification, students will complete a total of 47 credits, which replaces SPE 789 (4 cr) with SPE 787 (8 cr) for student teaching.
Students are also eligible to apply to ACSI for a special education certificate if all ACSI requirements are met. Students should consult with their advisor for more information.
A Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on instruction equips you with advanced skills in designing individualized learning plans, adapting curricula, and supporting diverse learners, opening doors to roles beyond traditional teaching. These careers span K-12 education, higher education, administration, advocacy, and consulting. Common careers include:
- Special Education Teacher: Lead instruction for students with disabilities in inclusive or self-contained classrooms.
- Special Education Administrator/Director: Oversee special education programs at district or school levels, ensuring compliance and quality.
- Instructional Coordinator/Curriculum Specialist: Design and implement specialized curricula for special needs students.
- Educational Consultant: Advise schools, districts, or families on best practices for special education instruction.
- Behavior Analyst/Interventionist: Develop and implement behavior support plans based on instructional data.
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 Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements:
- Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters, and we will waive the fee.
- Personal Testimony: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
- Statement of Purpose: This program is a significant time commitment. In 500 words, explain how you have evaluated your readiness to manage competing responsibilities and priorities while pursuing this degree, as well as how obtaining this degree aligns with your long-term goals.
- Transcripts: Submit official academic transcript(s) for all conferred degrees.
The Statement of Purpose and transcript requests can be submitted via the student portal once you submit the application.
The tuition rates are posted on this page.
Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn Online has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which regionally oversees postsecondary online education.
Connect With Us
Featured Faculty
Barbara Cooper
Chair, Special Education; Assistant Professor, School of Education
Barbara Cooper teaches classes in Special Education. She began her teaching career as a missionary, training people from around the globe. From there she taught in public and private school settings teaching in elementary levels and special education. She also has been an adjunct professor at Biblical Theological Seminary for seven years, teaching international students English and American culture. She is married to Derek, and they have three children.
Juliana Duprey
Faculty, School of Education
Mrs. Duprey taught in Autism Support for 7 years in the School District of Philadelphia and also has experience with ESL tutoring and working with children in early childhood programs. At Cairn she teaches education courses such as Foundations of Special Education and Diagnosis and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners. She has been married to her husband, Marques, for seven years, and they have two boys. She grew up in Philadelphia but now lives in the Abington area where she and her family are excited to be part of a church plant in Brewerytown.
What Our Students Have To Say
David Falcon
Being involved with the Special Education program has provided me the opportunity to form many meaningful and impactful relationships with peers and mentor teachers who have opened their classrooms to me. There couldn't be enough said about Professor Cooper, who always made herself available for guidance, mentorship, and prayer. Special Education is always viewed through a biblical lens, which allows everyone to be viewed as God's unique and perfectly designed creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christian school educators are eligible for up to 45% off select graduate programs. Connect with an enrollment advisor for details.
Cairn Online courses based on Cairn’s 100+ years tradition of excellence in biblical education. Our on faculty has carefully designed them taking into consideration what works best for the online learner. The modular design and asynchronous delivery enable you to complete your studies while you pursue your career, ministry and spend time with your family.
Courses typically contain seven units and are delivered in 7-week terms*. Each unit contains 5-7 modular activities. Each learning activity includes instructional videos accompanied by reflections, quizzes, discussion forums and other assessments. Courses also utilize adaptive learning technologies such as Cerego for long-term retention of concepts and VoiceThread for enhanced collaboration.
The asynchronous delivery provides flexibility around your daily busy schedule. In most courses, interactive activities are typically due by Wednesday while the rest of the unit’s work is due by Sunday night. The MBA, M.A. in Music and Criminal Justice programs use the 7RD2 process and require the completion of certain activities daily to optimize learning.
Our own Cairn faculty intentionally participate in the course throughout the week to provide you with an incarnational experience.
*Few capstone courses are intentionally offered in 14 weeks to optimize student learning.
All courses are developed by one or more course developers and taught by our own faculty. The instructors are also intentionally involved in the course throughout the week by providing direction in the course activities, participating in the forum discussions, grading the student work and providing substantive feedback. Most courses also offer optional office hours weekly via Zoom or similar video conferencing tools.
The course transfer depends on where you are transferring from, and what program you are transferring to. If you are coming to Cairn Online from another institution, it is very likely you will have some credits that will transfer. Because there are so many options, we encourage you to talk to an enrollment counselor. If you are transferring out, Cairn is a regionally accredited school and some credits should transfer with relative ease. Each college sets their own transfer criteria, so be sure to check their policies for specifics.
Cairn Online offers a variety of options for prior learning and experience. You can receive up to 6 credits for prior learning for graduate programs. At the discretion of the program advisor, three to six credits for prior learning (CPL) can be awarded for students with extensive background in areas addressed by specific courses. Additionally, advance standing may be granted for Bible or theology credits earned at an accredited Bible college, Christian liberal arts college or university, or seminary. Credits will be granted on a course by course basis.
Cairn is approved to offer financial aid because of its regional accreditation. There are many options available and typically students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. Many students receive scholarships and grants that make earning their degree even more affordable. Cairn offers a variety of scholarships and discounts in addition to options for loans and grants. Please refer to this page for details.
Advanced standing may be granted for Bible/Theology credits earned at an accredited Bible college, Christian liberal arts college or university, or seminary. Credits will be granted on a course-by-course basis.