English (BA) + MS in Education Dual-Level Program

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.

Why English (BA) + MSEd at Cairn?

• Navigate diverse literary criticism with a biblical worldview.
• Add a certification in TESOL or special education.
• Join the Honors Program and dive deeper into a specific literary time period, writing style, or educational method.
• Learn from professors who have varied literary interests and specialized concentrations.
• Take graduate courses fully online, which provides schedule flexibility in the last two years of study.
• Prepare a final thesis paper or project on a topic of personal literary interest and an Instructional Design Project on specific pedagogical principles.
• Complete a Student Teaching assignments in multiple school settings related to your career goals (public or private, suburban or urban).

Career Paths

• 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