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.听
Why the MS in Special Education, Instruction from 91吃瓜?
Biblical Integration
All instruction is grounded in the timeless Truth of God鈥檚 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 (鈥淐PL鈥�) 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:听
- 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 91吃瓜 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鈥檚 doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the听Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements:
- 础辫辫濒颈肠补迟颈辞苍:听Submit the听Application for Admission听along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code听蹿补颈迟丑尘补迟迟别谤蝉,听and we will waive the fee.听
- 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: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to 91吃瓜.听
The Statement of Purpose and transcript requests can be submitted via the student portal once you submit the application.听
91吃瓜 strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by Cairn faculty and not TAs.
The tuition rate for the 2026-2027 academic year for full-time status (6 credits per semester) is听 $580/credit. Additional details on fees and part-time status are available on this page.听
Christian school educators and employees may be eligible for the听$400/credit听discounted rate upon verification of employment. 91吃瓜 also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with 91吃瓜.听
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from听this page.听
91吃瓜 is regionally accredited by听听(惭厂颁贬贰).
Cairn Online has been approved to听participate in the听听(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鈥�
Christian school educators are eligible for up to 45% off select graduate programs. for details.听
Our program is intentionally grounded in God鈥檚 Word. Courses are thoughtfully designed by Cairn faculty to promote deep learning and active engagement through instructor-led instruction, research-driven activities, active learning, and meaningful interactions with peers and faculty.听At Cairn, the students鈥� education and experience is designed to shape听Christian character, cultivate wisdom, and prepare them to think, live, and serve biblically in an ever-changing world.
All courses, except the research courses, are structured in seven units and delivered in accelerated 7-week terms.
Each unit contains 5鈥�7 modular activities, including:
- Assigned readings and reading reflections
- Instructional videos from Cairn faculty
- Active learning activities
- Weekly application projects
- A component of the ongoing course research project
Faculty also schedule a few optional Zoom sessions throughout the term to connect with students and address questions.
Faculty are actively involved throughout the week鈥攇uiding learning activities, leading asynchronous discussions, grading work, and delivering personalized feedback. Online students also receive priority technical support and have access to valuable resources from the Masland Library and the Writing Lab.
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听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 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.听
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.