Elementary/Early Childhood Education (PK–4) + MS in Education Dual-Level Program
Prepare to structure developmentally appropriate learning experiences in an inclusive, supportive environment that fosters the integrated development of the whole person—mind, heart and soul.
Why Elementary/Early Childhood Education + MS in Education?
The PK–4 program curriculum is designed to develop critical and creative thinking, reflection on practice, and the disposition to engage children actively in their own learning. The curriculum includes three integrated components: a body of general studies to develop a depth in background knowledge; education courses to align learning theory, curricular design and subject-specific methodology practices; and performance-based school placements for applied, contextual practice. Certification includes PA State PK–4 Instructional I as well as Association of Christian Schools International K–8; certification in Special Education PK–12 and/or TESOL PK–12 may be added on to the PK–4 program. By completing this program in conjunction with the MS in Education, you will receive more in-depth training and be better prepared to be an effective educator in your classroom.
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.
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.
Elementary/Early Childhood + MS in Education at Cairn
Academic Opportunity
Complete classroom observations from the first semester. Explore education theory and methods courses in the freshman and sophomore years rather than later in the program.
Experienced Faculty
Learn from professors with extensive backgrounds in classroom teaching and student teacher supervision.
Career Preparation
5th and 6th grade certification may be added.
Personalized Education
Choose either a BS in Education (154 credits) or a BS in Bible (157 credits) for your bachelor's degree. Prepare an Instructional Design Project on specific pedagogical principles.
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 personal academic interest.
more Details
Get an inside look at our Elementary/Early Childhood Education (PK–4) + MS in Education 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: 154
Curriculum Highlights:
- ECH 425 Assessing/Managing Behavior
- EDU 791 Instructional Design Project
- ECH 722 Dev/Diag Reading
- EDU 712 Curr Theory, Design, Assess
Preschool teacher
Elementary school teacher
Teacher’s assistant
Special education teacher
Learning support teacher
ESL specialist
Connect With Us
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
Dianne Alexander
Program Advisor, Elementary Education; Professor, School of Education
Dr. Dianne Alexander teaches teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in educational assessment, child and human development, and language arts & mathematics methods. She has over 20 years of experience in teaching at all grade levels in Christian, public, and private schools.
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
Amanda Barry
From real-world classroom experiences—starting your first semester of freshman year—to the professors who pour so much of themselves into you spiritually, socially, and academically, Cairn’s Early Ed. program offers so much for future educators.
