2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    May 24, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

School of Professional Studies


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Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Martha E. MacCullough, EdD, Teacher Education

Professor Emeritus

Dianne K. Alexander, EdD, Teacher Education
Jeffrey S. Black, PhD, Counseling

Professor

A. Scott Watson, DMA, Music
Debbie L. Wolf, PhD, Program Chair, Music Education

Associate Professor

Kenneth R. Borrmann, MMus, Deparment Chair, Music
John A. Covone, MBA, Department Chair, Business and Technology

Assistant Professor

Rebecca Cella, MEd, Teacher Education
Barbara J. Cooper, MEd, Teacher Education
Elizabeth A. Evangelous, MEd, Teacher Education
Gregory J. Fanus, MA, Teacher Education
Phillip K. Feather, MEd, Business and Technology
Charlotte L. Gleason, MLS, Department Chair, Teacher Education
Christopher Lloyd, MS, Program Chair, Criminal Justice
Kate B. Mehmel, MS, Liberal Arts and Sciences
Brandon J. Petcaugh, MS, Business and Technology
Michael K. Zimmerman, Jr., MA, Liberal Arts and Sciences

Part-time Faculty

Janelle Curtis Beaman, MA, Business and Technology
Sun Min Lee, MMus, Music
O. Kenneth McClellan, MBA, Business and Technology

Adjunct Faculty

Jillian Bair, MS, Teacher Education
Rebecca L. Benjamin, MSEd, Teacher Education
Daniel P. Bennett, MMus, Music
Ruth Borrmann, MSEd, Teacher Education
Charles Candy, MEd, Teacher Education
Ryan Carson, MMus, Music
Nicholas Castillo, MBA, Business and Technology
Scott J. Cawood, MS, Business and Technology
Adam F. Dieffenbach, MMus, Music
Juliana Duprey, MA, Teacher Education
Peter Feeny, MS
John Frazier, MMus, Music
Joshua D. Good, MMus, Music
Nancy Halliday, PhD, Teacher Education
L. Rick Hilborn, MMus, Music
Lisa M. Houseworth, JD, Teacher Education
Timothy K. Hui, JD, Business and Technology
Christine J. James, BS, Business and Technology
Yunn K. Kang, MBA, Business and Technology
David C. Kramer, MMus, Music
Robert B. Kramer, DMin, Business and Technology
Daniel J. Loch, MDiv, Music
Jennifer Logan, MEd, Teacher Education
Robin L. Massie, MMus, Music
Sharon M. Noble, MA, Teacher Education
Hilary Orlando, MMus, Music
Daniel A. Padden, BS, Business and Technology
Deion N. Payton, BA, Music
William Priebe, MMus, Music
Danny W. Qian, MEd, Teacher Education
Cynthia L. Rasmussen, MMus, Music
Ephraim Schafli, MMus, Music
Diana L. Schmell, MS, Teacher Education
Judy E. Severns, MEd, Teacher Education
Shonn Shearlds, MBA, Business and Technology
Rebekah E. Stiles, DMA, Music
Graham Thorpe, MBA, Business and Technology
David Tideman, JD, Business and Technology
Thomas T. Turner, MA, Business and Technology
Laura Ward, MS, Teacher Education
Heidi Wolfskill, MM, Music

Affiliate Artists

Megan Carroll, Flute
Cheryl Cunningham, Harp
Scott Edmunds, Jazz Piano
Brendan Hartz, Trombone
Peter Lockman, Cello
Andrew O’Connor, Double Bass
Karen Schubert, French Horn
Allison Smith, Violin
Naomi Thompson, Percussion
Amanda Wadding, Flute
Emily Waltz, Trumpet
Gideon Whitehead, Guitar

The School

The School of Professional Studies at Cairn University exists to prepare highly qualified, biblically minded men and women of character in a wide range of professional fields. Through rigorous academic programs grounded in a biblical worldview, the School equips graduates to lead and serve in educational, business, clinical, and public service contexts.

The School is committed to developing professionals who demonstrate competence in their disciplines, integrity in character, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Faculty seek to cultivate intellectual growth, professional excellence, and spiritual maturity, preparing students to contribute meaningfully in their vocations and communities.

The Programs

Business and Technology

In America today, more business degrees are conferred upon college graduates than any other degrees. But succeeding in business is about more than getting a job, and the marketplace needs more than graduates with business degrees. Business is influential, and people in business shape the world we live in.

Students who are serious about their faith and want to be successful business leaders, managers, or entrepreneurs can bring those commitments together at Cairn.

Students in the Department of Business and Technology receive an education that prepares them professionally and personally through the development of business skills, ethics, integrity, and character. A biblical wordview is integrated in every subject, whether business communications, accounting, or organizational leadership.

On both the undergraduate and graduate levels, students are mentored by faculty with business and leadership experience. Faculty instill and encourage initiative, responsibility, creativity, and the application of wisdom in and out of the classroom. Practical business experience through internships, student groups, and employment strengthen the business education at Cairn. Graduates of the Department of Business and Technology serve in for-profit and nonprofit business careers.

Mission Statement

The Department of Business and Technology offers undergraduate and graduate programs that aspire to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world by integrating the business skills learning process with a biblical worldview to produce biblically minded, well-educated, and professionally competent men and women of character.

The mission statement is realized by pursuing the following major goals in all of the school’s programs:

  • Admitting students from diverse backgrounds with high leadership potential.
  • Engaging students with a powerful Christian developmental experience using a nurturing educational process.
  • Fostering a biblical world and life view grounded in ethical standards, a global outlook, deep functional knowledge, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
  • Developing programs that foster intellectual and spiritual maturity, leadership potential, and a global view of missions.
  • Sustaining an environment that attracts, develops, and retains the finest faculty in the world for this purpose.

Single-Degree Programs

  • Business Administration (AA)

This single-degree program leads to an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. A student in this program takes a total of 60 credits, including 21 foundational business credits. Fifty percent of the business requirements must be taken in residence.

  • Accounting (BS)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits in Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 51 credits of business requirements and 12 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the business requirements must be taken in residence.

  • Business (BS)

This program is available exclusively online. This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in business. A student in this program takes 60 credits of the University core, including 30 credits of Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 33 credits of business requirements and 27 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the business requirements must be taken in through Cairn University.

  • Business Administration (BS in Business Administration)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits in Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 42 credits of business requirements and 21 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the business requirements must be taken in residence. The student in this program can select from the following elective tracks: Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management, Marketing, and Nonprofit Management.

  • Business Analytics (BS)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in business analytics. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits of Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 51 credits of business requirements and 12 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the business requirements must be taken in residence.

  • Computer Science (BS)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits in Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 51 credits of computer and information systems requirements and 12 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the computer and information system requirements must be taken in residence.

  • Cybersecurity (BS)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits in Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 51 credits of cybersecurity, business, computer science, and information systems requirements and 12 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the computer and cybersecurity requirements must be taken in residence.

  • Finance (BS)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in finance. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits of Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 51 credits of finance requirements and 12 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the finance requirements must be taken in residence.

  • Information Systems (BS)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits in Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 51 credits of computer and information systems requirements and 12 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the computer and information system requirements must be taken in residence.

  • Marketing (BS)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits in Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 51 credits of marketing requirements and 12 credits of electives for a total of 127 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the marketing requirements must be taken in residence.

  • Sport Management (BS in Business Administration)

This single-degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. A student in this program takes 57 credits of the University core, including 30 credits in Bible and theology. In addition, the student takes 54 credits of business requirements and 9 credits of electives for a total of 120 credits required in this degree program. Fifty percent of the business requirements must be taken in residence.

Dual-Level Degree Programs

  • Accounting and Data Analytics - Accounting (BS/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. This program leads to a Master of Business Administration degree and Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. This 150-credit dual-level program focuses on preparing students with the skills necessary to successfully launch a career in accounting supplemented with increased data analytics acumen and skills set.

  • Business Administration (BS in Business Administration/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. This programs lead to a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. These programs require the full complement of University core courses and undergraduate program requirements, as well as 30 credits in graduate education.

  • Business Administration - Accounting (BS/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. This program leads to a Master of Business Administration degree and Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. This program requires the full complement of University core courses and undergraduate program requirements, as well as 30 credits in graduate education. This program provides the course requirements needed for the student to take the Certified Public Accountant examination.

  • Business Administration - Computer Science (BS/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. This program leads to a Master of Business Administration degree and Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. This programs requires the full complement of University core courses and undergraduate program requirements, as well as 30 credits in graduate education.

  • Business Administration - Cybersecurity (BS/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. This program leads to a Master of Business Administration degree and Bachelor of Science degree in cybersecurity. This programs requires the full complement of University core courses and undergraduate program requirements, as well as 30 credits in graduate education.

  • Business Administration - Marketing (BS/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. This program leads to a Master of Business Administration degree and Bachelor of Science degree in marketing. This program requires the full complement of University core courses and undergraduate program requirements, as well as 30 credits in graduate education.

  • Business Administration - Sport Management (BS in Business Administration/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level bachelor’s/master’s degree programs. This program leads to a Master of Business Administration degree and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. This program requires the full complement of University core courses and undergraduate program requirements, as well as 36 credits in graduate education.

  • Data Analytics - Accounting (BS/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Master of Business Administration degree in Data Analytics program. This 150-credit dual-level program focuses on preparing students with the skills necessary to successfully launch a career in accounting supplemented with increased data analytics acumen and skills set.

  • Data Analytics - Computer Science (BS/MBA)

Each academic year, the Department of Business and Technology accepts a limited number of students into the dual-level Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Master of Business Administration degree in Data Analytics program. This 150-credit dual-level program focuses on preparing students with the skills necessary to successfully launch a career in computer science supplemented with increased data analytics acumen and skills set.

Minors

  • Accounting Minor

A minor in accounting requires a minimum of 18 credits of accounting courses and may be added to any of the existing undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs in the University.

  • Business Minor

A minor in business requires 9 credits of prescribed business and accounting courses plus 9 additional elective credits of business/accounting courses. This minor may be added to any of the existing undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs in the University.

  • Computer Science Minor

A minor in computer science requires 6 credits of prescribed computer science courses plus 3 additional elective credits of business/accounting courses and 9 additional credits of computer science courses. This minor may be added to any of the existing undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs in the University.

  • Cybersecurity Minor

A minor in cybersecurity requires 12 credits of prescribed cybersecurity courses plus 6 additional elective credits of cybersecurity/computer science courses. This minor may be added to any of the existing undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs in the University.

  • Marketing Minor

A minor in marketing requires 9 credits of prescribed business courses plus 9 additional elective credits of business and marketing courses. This minor may be added to any of the existing undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs in the University.

  • Sport Management Minor

A minor in sport management requires 12 credits of prescribed courses and 6 additional credits chosen from a list of specific courses. This minor may be added to any of the existing undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs in the University.

Related Program Information

Internships and Career Opportunities

Cairn University is located in a major metropolitan area and has access to numerous organizations that provide valuable internship experiences. Cairn students have completed internships with Bloomberg Financial, Tait Weller, Campbell Soup Company, Vanguard, Hertz, Enterprise, Lincoln Financial, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia KIXX, QVC, and State Farm, as well as various hospitals, churches, mission agencies, banks, and small businesses. Cairn students are consistently rated among the best interns by their direct supervisors.

A great variety of global career options are available in church and nonprofit administration with mission agencies, publishing houses, bookstores, schools, camps, counseling centers, and television and radio stations. These organizations need dedicated Christians with professional business and leadership skills.

Careers in the secular business world are many and varied, including international opportunities. Business administration can help prepare a student to become an entrepreneur, executive, manager, accountant, business analyst, manufacturing supervisor, store manager, human resources manager, operations manager, salesperson, marketer, or fundraiser, among others.

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice (AA)

An Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for future careers in a variety of law-related support positions or for pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This program addresses the processes of law enforcement, the legal system, and the penal/correctional system. It pointedly addresses issues of diversity, ethics, and biblical anthropology as they relate to the complexities of criminal justice.

Criminal Justice (BA)

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for future careers in a variety of law-related positions. This program allows the student to pursue university level studies in the field of criminal justice. This program addresses the processes of law enforcement, the legal system, and the penal/correctional system, and allows the student to select courses from related fields to deepen their studies in a particular area of interest. It also pointedly addresses issues of diversity, ethics, and biblical anthropology as they relate to the complexities of criminal justice.

The University also offers a minor in Criminal Justice which can be added to bachelor’s degree program.

Music

The Department of Music exists to educate and prepare students to be musicians of excellence and integrity who glorify God by serving in the church, society, and the world.

Goals

Implicit in the mission of the Department of Music are specific goals relevant to music majors, other University students, faculty, the Christian church, constituency, and the community. The four primary goals are:

  1. To educate and prepare music students to integrate musical and artistic excellence, professional skills, personal integrity, and biblical truth.
  2. To awaken students to the performing arts as an expressive gift of God’s creation, and engage them in participation, understanding, and enjoyment.
  3. To support the faculty’s ongoing artistic growth, scholarly research, and educational aspirations.
  4. To serve the student body, the University as a whole, and the local and global community as a resource for worship, education, and musical enrichment.

Accreditation

Cairn University achieved accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) in 1979. The program had achieved associate membership in NASM in 1972. The curriculum requirements that follow are designed to meet the NASM standards required for the Bachelor of Arts degree and the Bachelor of Music degree. (National Association of Schools of Music, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190; Telephone: 703-437-0700; Web Site: nasm.arts-accredit.org)

Music Programs

Three music programs are designed to provide a professional education for qualified students who are interested in careers as church musicians, school teachers, performers, or composers. These programs are Music Education, Performance, and Composition; and each leads to the Bachelor of Music degree. Students may also choose a double-degree program in Music Education, which leads to both the Bachelor of Music degree and the Bachelor of Science in Bible degree.

A fourth program, Worship and Music, leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree.

A fifth program, leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, encompasses a substantial study of music theory, history, and performance within the context of an expanded liberal arts curriculum. This program can also be combined with an MBA degree in a dual-level program.

Students in any undergraduate degree program at Cairn can add a Music minor by taking 18 credits of focused study in music.

Related Program Information

Music Facilities

A two-storied music building houses faculty studios, offices, classrooms, and rehearsal and practice rooms. A music technology lab includes synthesizers and computers with music education and composition software. The 150-seat Lewis Holmes Recital Hall located in the Ellwood A. Cook Biblical Learning Center is home to a Steinway Model B grand piano and serves as the primary recital hall. The William Chatlos Chapel, with its three-manual, custom-built, digital organ, Steinway Model D grand piano, and Baldwin concert grand piano, also serves as a recital/concert hall. Manor Hall serves as a large rehearsal hall. One pipe organ, one electronic organ, and a piano lab are housed in the music building.

In 2004, the University became one of the first evangelical colleges or universities in the United States to be designated an All-Steinway School. The designation All-Steinway indicates that approximately 90 percent of the University’s pianos are made by the world-renowned company Steinway and Sons.

Audition Requirements

Each program and applied area has requirements both for entrance and for satisfactory progress. An entrance audition is required of all applicants for the School of Music. General audition requirements are listed below. When entering, first-semester music students must enroll in one of the music programs.

Scholarships up to $4,000 per year may be awarded to music students who pass an audition, exhibit outstanding performance ability and potential, and enroll in one of the BA or BMus programs. The scholarship award will be applied annually toward Cairn tuition for full-time study for the number of semesters normally required to complete the program. To qualify, applicants must meet Cairn’s standard entrance requirements and audition before May 1. If scholarship funds remain after May 1, additional scholarships may be awarded.

All Applicants 
  1. Auditions should be scheduled through the Music Office at least three weeks in advance of the proposed audition date. Applications for audition may be submitted electronically from the University website, by mail, or by phone.
  2. Auditions should be completed before registration day of the incoming semester. 
  3. Applicants should bring one reference copy of all music to the audition. 
  4. Applicants will normally be notified of audition results and music scholarship within two weeks of the audition.  
  5. If the applicant is unable to attend one of the scheduled audition days, individual arrangements may be made through the Music Office. For those who cannot audition in person, a video recording may be submitted.
  6. All applicants will be given a music theory/musicianship diagnostic test. A piano proficiency test is not part of the audition for non-piano applicants.
Performance, Music Education, and Music (BA) Applicants
Piano/Organ
  1. Perform two contrasting works from the classical repertoire (memorization required). Suggested classical repertoire:
    - A two- or three-part invention or a prelude and fugue from The Well-Tempered Clavier by J.S. Bach
    - An allegro movement from a sonata by Mozart, Haydn, or Beethoven
    - A larger work from the romantic period
  2. Be prepared to play any major or minor scale (harmonic form) at a moderate tempo, four octaves; hands together.
  3. Demonstrate sightreading ability.
Voice
  1. Perform two contrasting works from the classical repertoire (memorization required). Suggested classical repertoire: Copland, Quilter, Britten, Caldara (24/26 Italian Songs & Arias), Schubert, Faure, Brahms, Handel, etc.
  2. Demonstrate sightreading ability.
Strings
  1. Perform the first movement of a standard concerto or solo piece of choice.
  2. Perform a contrasting movement from a standard concerto or solo piece by a different composer of choice.
  3. Be prepared to play three octaves of major scales up to four flats and four sharps.
  4. Demonstrate sightreading ability.
Woodwinds and Brass
  1. Perform the first movement of a standard concerto or solo piece of choice.
  2. Perform a contrasting movement from a standard concerto or solo piece by a different composer of choice.
  3. Be prepared to play three octaves of major scales (tongued and slurred) up to four flats and four sharps.
  4. Demonstrate sightreading ability.
Percussion
  1. Perform two prepared snare drum solos from:
    - the N.A.R.D. Rudiment Solo Book or equivalent.
    - Cirone’s, Portraits in Rhythm or equivalent.
  2. Perform a snare drum concert roll: pp<ff>pp over 16 beats.
  3. Perform a prepared mallet solo from the book Masterpieces for Marimba by MacMillan, Intermediate Mallets by Whaley, or equivalent.
  4. Perform a timpani solo (for example, a four-drum solo from The Solo Timpanist by Firth, or equivalent).
  5. Be prepared to play any two octave major or harmonic minor scale on the xylophone.
  6. Demonstrate sight-reading ability (snare drum/mallets).
Guitar
  1. Perform two contrasting works from the classical repertoire (Worship and Music guitar applicants may substitute two jazz/pop solos).
  2. Be prepared to play any two octave major or minor (harmonic form) scale.
  3. Demonstrate sightreading ability.
Composition Applicants

In addition to the above audition requirements, composition applicants enter the composition program in one of two ways:

  1. Submit a portfolio of original compositions prior to the audition.
  2. For students just beginning their compositional study, demonstrate, during the first two semesters of study, a working knowledge of theory and a strong interest in the creative process.
Worship and Music (BA) Applicants

Applicants should prepare a two pieces of contrasting types from the list below that they are comfortable with and displays their instrumental or vocal proficiency and their overall musicianship. It can be in any style and should be approximately three to five minutes in length.

  • A tune from a well-known artist or band; this can be a worship song
  • A standard or jazz tune (which may include blues and rhythm changes) with the applicant’s own improvisation
  • A composition from the classical instrumental/voice repertoire; this could be a movement of a sonata, concerto, or etude
  • A transcription of a well-known artist’s solo
Drum Set Auditions 

Play examples from the following list of grooves/techniques:

  • 4/4 Swing
  • 3/4 Swing
  • Rock
  • Funk
  • Shuffle
  • Bossa Nova
  • Samba
  • Trading fours and eights in 4/4 Swing, Shuffle, and Rock grooves
  • Brush technique


All accompanied pieces must be performed with an accompanist (no accompaniment tracks permitted). All applicants should provide their own accompanist, unless other arrangements are made with the School of Music. Applicants requesting an accompanist must mail one copy of all music with the audition application. Please note that acceptance by the School of Music does not constitute acceptance by the University, or vice versa. Applicants must be accepted by the University in addition to passing the audition.

General Music Program Requirements

Applied Music Requirements

An important part of each music program is regular, private study in a primary applied area. With the exception of students enrolled in the composition program, all students begin applied studies in the first semester, taking weekly lessons. For specific requirements, see the respective program descriptions. For a detailed description of Applied Music studies, see course descriptions.

Ensemble Requirements

All music majors are required to participate in an ensemble every semester they are enrolled full-time (with an exception for Music Education majors during their student teaching semester). Specific ensemble requirements for each program and applied area are delineated in the curriculum plan for each program. A listing and description of ensembles is found in the section of music course descriptions.

Recital Requirements

Music majors taking primary applied lessons for credit are required to participate in a general recital each semester. Additional recital requirements for upperclassmen are listed below.

  • Performance: junior year, piano and instrumental: 40-45 minutes of music in the student’s applied area; junior year, voice: 30-35 minutes of music in the student’s applied area; senior year, all: 55-60 minutes of music in the student’s applied area.
  • Composition: senior year, 35-40 minutes of original compositions and arrangements.
  • Music Education: senior year, 25-30 minutes of music in the student’s applied area.
  • Music (BA) and Worship and Music (BA): a public presentation of their senior project in one of the following formats: lecture/recital, lecture/demonstration, written project/oral presentation, or recital (40-45 minutes).
School of Music Seminars, Studio Classes, and Recital Attendance

Full-time music majors are required to attend a weekly Music Major Seminar, comprised of studio classes, guest artists and lecturers, master classes, program meetings, and recitals. The seminars provide discussions of pertinent professional subjects, while studio classes and recitals give opportunity for students to gain proficiency in performance.

Music majors are also required to attend a minimum number of concerts and recitals each semester.

Piano Proficiency Exam for Non-Keyboard Majors

All non-keyboard music majors in a BMus program must pass a piano proficiency exam in order to graduate. This exam must be taken by the end of the fifth semester of piano study and must be repeated each semester until the requirement is passed. Private or class piano study must continue uninterrupted until all elements of the exam have been passed. The exam consists of three parts:

  1. Part I: Technique
    1. Scales: All major and harmonic minor scales played hands together, with correct fingering, two octaves in eighth notes, minimum tempo: quarter note =72.
    2. Chords: All major and minor triads played hands together, three positions ascending and descending two octaves, in quarter notes, minimum tempo: quarter note =72.
  2. Part II: Repertoire
    1. A prepared piece from the following performed from memory:
      1)    Any two- or three-part Invention by J.S. Bach
      2)    Any first movement of a sonatina or sonata
      3)    Any other piece approved by the chair of Keyboard Studies
    2. A four-part hymn with at least two sharps or two flats played at singing tempo.       
  3. Part III: Prepared Selections/Sight Reading
    1. Prepared Selections
      1)    Perform a vocal accompaniment, chosen from five predetermined accompaniments.
      2)    Perform a lead sheet accompaniment.
      3)    Harmonize a simple melody.
      The above selections are provided by the Music Office two weeks prior to the proficiency hearing.
    2. Sight-read a simple hymn. 
Internships

Students in the Worship and Music program are required to serve as an intern in a local church after their sixth semester of study.

Student Teaching

Music Education students must meet student teaching requirements as outlined in the Department of Teacher Education Undergraduate Handbook and the Department of Teacher Education Student Teaching Handbook.

Teacher Education

The Department of Teacher Education at Cairn University exists to prepare highly qualified, biblically-minded educators, practitioners, and leaders who are well-equipped to serve in diverse educational settings locally and globally.

Teachers must be able to orchestrate experiences that lead to student learning in an environment that fosters the development of the whole person. Teachers must be knowledgeable in their subject areas and understand human development and learning. They must be able to put this knowledge to use in skillful lesson planning, decision-making, and interactive methodology. Teachers must be motivators, facilitators, counselors, curriculum planners, diagnosticians, evaluators, human relations experts, disciplinarians, record-keepers, effective thinkers and learners, and reflective professionals seeking ongoing improvement and excellence. It is important that teachers be role models: people of unquestionable moral character, enthusiastic about life and learning, and committed to the high values of the teaching profession. The Christian educator must be committed to a Christian worldview and should apply these principles in service. The Department of Teacher Education at Cairn University seeks top quality entrants for the teacher preparation programs.

The Department of Teacher Education has developed a set of undergraduate competencies that, when fulfilled, will produce a teacher marked by excellence. These competencies may be found in the Department of Teacher Education Undergraduate Handbook.

Goals

  1. Planning and Preparation. The student will demonstrate competence in developing learning goals, assessments, and instructional plans grounded in a biblical worldview that engage students in meaningful learning and evidence knowledge of learning theory, content, pedagogy, PA academic standards, technology integration, and planned differentiation.
  2. Classroom Environment. The student will demonstrate competence in establishing and maintaining an inclusive learning community based on biblical principles that foster respect and responsibility, instill a strong sense of safety and worth, and uphold clear expectations for instruction and conduct, while providing differentiated resources, accommodations, and support to maximize each learner’s achievement and growth.
  3. Instructional Delivery. The student will demonstrate competence in promoting active student engagement during lesson delivery through effective communication, questioning, and discussion techniques; differentiated instructional and assessment strategies; information technology, critical thinking, and worldview integration; and timely, informative feedback based on progress toward mastery.
  4. Professionalism and Character.  The student will demonstrate competency in applying knowledge of University, school, and classroom policies and procedures; in exhibiting integrity, biblically-minded conduct, and professional relationships; in keeping informed through personal study, educational research, and professional development opportunities; and in consistently reflecting to improve current practice.

Elementary/Early Childhood Education (PK-4)

Program leads to the PK-4 Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for public school teaching and the Standard Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Elementary certificate required by many Christian schools worldwide. Students have the option of taking Elementary/Early Childhood Education (PK-4) as a single-degree (BS in Education) or double-degree (BS in Bible/BS in Education) program. Students also have the option of adding certification in grades 5-6 or grades 4-8 through add-on testing.

Secondary Education: English, Mathematics, and Social Studies (7-12)

Programs lead to the 7-12 Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for public school teaching and the Standard 7-12 ACSI certificate for Christian school teaching. Students have the option of taking secondary education as a single-degree (BS in Education) or double-degree (BS in Bible/BS in Education) program.

Health and Physical Education (PK-12)

Program leads to the PK-12 Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for public school teaching and the Standard K-12 ACSI certificate for Christian school teaching. Students have the option of taking Health and Physical Education PK-12 as a single-degree (BS in Education) or double-degree (BS in Bible/BS in Education) program.

Music Education (PK-12)

Program leads to the PK-12 Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for public school teaching and the Standard K-12 ACSI certificate for music education. Students have the option of taking Music Education as a single-degree (BMus) or double-degree (BS in Bible/BMus) program (under the joint administration of the Department of Music and the Department of Teacher Education).

Special Education (PK-12)

Program leads to the PK-12 Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for public school teaching in special education and the Standard K-12 ACSI certificate for special education. Students have the option of taking Special Education PK-12 as a single-degree (BS in Education) program or adding Special Education PK-12 certification to a PK-4, secondary education 7-12, or PK-12 certification program in the Department of Teacher Education.

Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement

An endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is also available. A minimum of 12 credits of focused study in ASD is required. Completion of the requirements lead to the add-on ASD endorsement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Dual-Level BS in Education/MS in Education

Students who qualify may enter the dual-level program and earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a reduced amount of time (normally five years and one summer). Five of the above certification programs are available in this format: Elementary/Early Childhood Education (PK-4); Health and Physical Education PK-12; and Secondary Education: English, Mathematics, or Social Studies. Students may add certification in ESL or Special Education PK-12. All of these programs lead to two degrees, the MS in Education and the BS in Education. 

Dual-Level BS in Education/MS in Special Education (Instruction)

Students who qualify may enter this dual-level programs and earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a reduced amount of time (normally five years and one summer). Five of the above certification programs are available in this format: Elementary/Early Childhood Education (PK-4); Health and Physical Education PK-12; and Secondary Education: English, Mathematics, or Social Studies. Students earn PK-12 Special Education certification and may add certification in ESL. All of these programs lead to two degrees, the BS in Education and the MS in Special Education.

Cross-cultural Education Minor

A minor in cross-cultural education is also available. A minimum of 18 credits of focused study in cross-cultural education is required and may be added to any of the existing undergraduate degree programs in the University.

Education Minor

A minor in education is also available. A minimum of 18 credits of focused study in education is required and may be added to any of the existing (non-education) undergraduate degree programs in the University.

Special Education Minor

A minor in special education is also available to all majors other than education. A minimum of 18 credits of focused study in special education is required and may be added to any of the existing (non-education) undergraduate degree programs in the University.

Urban Education Minor

A minor in urban education is also available. A minimum of 18 credits of focused study in urban education is required and may be added to any of the existing undergraduate degree programs in the University.

Related Program Information

Requirements

Requirements for admission to and completion of a Teacher Education program are found in detail in the Department of Teacher Education Undergraduate Handbook and the Department of Teacher Education Student Teaching Handbook. Briefly, these include the following:

Admission to a Teacher Education Program

Full admission to a Teacher Education program is a two-step process: first, the student’s declaration of intent to become a member of the Department of Teacher Education (often during the University admission process), followed by application for certification candidacy (after meeting certain requirements).

Membership in the Department of Teacher Education
Students may become members of the Department of Teacher Education after meeting all published entrance requirements, often during the process of the student’s admission to Cairn. A student officially becomes a member of the Department of Teacher Education upon choosing a degree program offered by the School. (Note: A degree-granting program itself does not lead to certification.) Students who submit combined SAT scores that are below 1000 may declare education as their major after successfully passing the required tests of basic skills.

Application for PA Certification Candidacy
After completion of 48 credit hours, but prior to completion of 60 credit hours (usually the third or fourth semester), an Education major should apply for acceptance into a specific certification program. Acceptance is conditioned upon the following:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 at time of application
  • Successful completion of EDU 101 - Foundations of Education with a grade of C or above and EDU 102 - Field Observation with a grade of S
  • Completion of ENG 101 - English Composition AND one literature course with grade of C or above
  • Completion of two mathematics courses with grade of C or above
  • Recommendation by the Office of Student Life
  • Recommendation by two (2) faculty/staff members
  • Passing score on Basic Skills Tests or exemption due to SAT or ACT scores
  • Completion of Stage 1 & 2 Competency Portfolio
Program completion

The student must:

  1. Obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0.  (The University requires a 2.0 to earn a degree; a 3.0 is required for certification.)
  2. Complete all courses in the chosen curriculum. 
  3. Successfully complete EDU 593 - Student Teaching, measured by the PDE-430 evaluation process. A grade of C or above is required. A student earning a lower grade must take an additional student teaching experience after a one-semester intervention. 
  4. Be approved for certification by the Department of Teacher Education faculty. 
Certification

The student must meet all program completion requirements as noted above. Candidates seeking PA certification must also pass the related exit exams specific to their area of certification.

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