Master’s in Education Leadership (MEd Degree)
Master’s in Education Leadership (MEd Degree)
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This MEd in leadership education degree offers a unique opportunity for educators who already have their teaching license or principal licensure. It is designed to empower you with a comprehensive set of skills and knowledge vital for effective leadership within educational settings, such as certain public and private schools where licensure may not be a mandatory requirement for school leaders.
By leveraging your expertise and acquired leadership abilities, you may be able to seek careers that contribute to the advancement of education and fostering the growth and development of students. This non-licensure program can open doors to diverse leadership opportunities in schools, allowing dedicated educators to continue making a difference in the lives of learners and the education community as a whole.
Because of the leadership and administrative skills taught in this MEd in Educational Leadership program, graduates may go on to work as:
Earning the Master of Education in Educational Leadership from GCU can have many benefits. GCU educators provide learners with detailed coursework and specific field experience that can prepare you to understand and practice school leadership strategies. You will examine topics such as financial records regulations, school budgeting and practice facing challenges that are often present in the daily operation of schools.
You will study modern teaching methodologies, delve deeper into your subject areas and enhance your overall teaching skills to help you in your existing teaching careers. By focusing on professional development and refinement, this program can offer licensed teachers the opportunity to stay current with educational trends and best practices, with the goal of benefiting your students and the education community as a whole.
A Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership degree from Grand Canyon University can prepare you for a future in educational administration to lead teachers and students at school sites. Entry to both the in-person and online degree program requires proof of teaching experience to ensure that GCU students in the program are continuing their professional development.
This program is specifically tailored for individuals who already hold their teaching license and does not lead to licensure. Rather than serving as a pathway to obtaining a teaching license, this program is designed to provide further specialization and advanced training for licensed educators.
To help you in these areas, the in-person and online educational leadership courses focus on strategic leadership and management. You will be taught how to support teachers at school sites by helping grow their skills and promoting self-efficacy. Knowledgeable faculty from the College of Education will focus on teaching you how professional development can impact teachers’ capacity and performance while improving school culture.
Whether you are considering pursuing a career in educational leadership or are already enrolled in the program, this section can address key aspects, degree completion requirements, curriculum details and career prospects.
If your goal is to leave an impact on the students and teachers you help, a master’s in educational leadership can be worth the investment. A degree in leadership education can lead to many school leadership opportunities, such as school administrators. Those with an educational leadership degree may also decide to work toward earning their principal licensure. If you want to position yourself for possible career advancement or affect change in the system, an educational leadership degree may be just what you’re looking for.
Leadership education can influence other educators in an administrative setting. Professionals who choose to study educational leadership may want to transition into a leadership role or work toward preparing for principal or superintendent certifications later. If you enjoy working toward finding ways to increase learning and to improve the process of educating students, an education leadership degree program may be right for you.
Knowledgeable faculty within the education leadership degree program teach valuable skills and knowledge that extend beyond the field of education, providing opportunities outside of traditional educational settings. Some potential options include:1
Follow your passion to lead teachers and students in an educational setting. Earn your campus or online master's in educational leadership at GCU.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 Best Colleges (2023, May 12). Educational Leadership Careers. Retrieved on Aug. 8, 2023.
The core focus of GCU’s master’s in educational leadership degree program is to help you understand and apply the professional and ethical responsibilities of being a school leader.
Topics covered in this program include:
School finance
Education law
Creating and sustaining positive school cultures
K-12 legal issues
Curriculum development
Professional development
Empowerment of teachers
Instructional leadership
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education) degree program at GCU is designed to meet high standards of quality and excellence. It is meticulously crafted to uphold exceptional standards of quality and excellence. GCU proudly holds institutional accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a nationally recognized accrediting organization sanctioned by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This accreditation guarantees that GCU adheres to rigorous academic criteria and undergoes continual evaluation to ensure constant enhancement and effectiveness.
If you are interested in pursuing careers in educational leadership, be sure to check for state accreditation can certification requirements. Each state may have its own requirements and regulations for educational leadership programs, and having state-specific accreditation ensures that the program aligns with the specific standards set by the state's education authorities.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Many professionals who pursue their master’s degree may also be juggling a full-time job or even raising a family. GCU understands your time is precious, which is why we offer the master’s in educational leadership program both online and on campus. This allows you the flexibility to attend school without facing major schedule changes. To learn more about GCU’s online degrees, view our Online Learning page.
