For a version of this program that does not lead to teacher licensure, please click here
This Master of Education in Secondary Education program is designed for students interested in the education of children in grades 7-12 who are also seeking initial teaching licensure. The format and courses of this regionally accredited and Arizona-approved program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize the content knowledge that the student already possesses. Graduates of the master‛s in secondary education program are prepared to become informed educators in public and private schools and other settings requiring a teaching license.
In this program, students study topics such as: Philosophical and social issues in education, classroom engagement and management, educating learners with diverse needs, English as a second language, structured English immersion, adolescent literacy, reading and literacy strategies for middle and secondary schools, secondary theory, methods and data-driven pedagogy, and secondary curriculum development and assessment.
Students must have access to a grade 7-12 classroom to complete the program and practicum assignments, which guide students through 130 hours of observational experiences. The final semester of the master‛s in secondary education program includes a full-time, 16-week student teaching component. Teacher candidates are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval.
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| UNV-501 | Introduction to Graduate Studies in the College of Education | This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success. No practicum/field experience required. No Fingerprint Clearance necessary. | 2 |
| EDU-576 | Philosophical and Social Issues in Education | This course is designed to provide an overview of the education profession for students who are inspired to be teachers. A brief survey of the philosophical, historical, and sociological influences upon which educational theories and practices are constructed is presented. Students explore a variety of the common issues, trends, and opportunities that professional educators face in the field. | 4 |
| EDU-536 | Classroom Engagement and Management | This course is designed to allow the prospective teacher the opportunity to learn techniques involved in the successful engagement and management of a learning environment. Major emphasis is given to the establishment of a realistic discipline plan to manage student behavior, as well as engagement and management techniques and strategies to maximize instructional time, classroom procedures, and physical space. | 4 |
| SPE-526 | Educating Learners with Diverse Needs | Emphasis is placed on definitions, etiology, characteristics, and prevalence of various exceptionalities; laws and litigation protecting the rights of students with special needs and their families; current issues affecting persons with special needs; social perceptions, assessment, inclusion, and transition; and basic curriculum accommodations and supportive services for teaching students with special needs in the general classroom. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| ESL-523N | SEI English Language Teaching: Foundations & Methodologies | This course presents the historical, legal, theoretical, and sociological foundations of programs of instruction for English language learners. It includes an examination of the role of culture in learning and instructional program models, with a focus on Structured English Immersion. Students will be instructed in immersion strategies and the use of assessment data. The content of this course correlates with the NBPTS English as a New Language Standards, Standard I: Knowledge of Students, Standard III: Knowledge of Culture and Diversity, Standard VIII: Learning Environment, Standard IX: Assessment, Standard XI: Linkages with Families. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 3 |
| ESL-533N | Advanced Methodologies of Structured English Immersion | In this course, students continue to examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion and other instructional programs for English Language Learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Students identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. They plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance and ESL 523N. | 3 |
| SED-535 | Adolescent Literacy | This course is designed to assist teacher candidates in understanding, evaluating, and implementing effective pedagogy in adolescent literacy. A graduate in adolescent literacy should be able to recognize and assess the defining elements of literacy, from decoding skills to higher-level critical thinking applications. Subsequently, teachers should be able to understand, evaluate, and promote effective literacy pedagogy as it relates to the adolescent learner. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| SED-553 | Reading & Literacy Strategies for Middle and Secondary Schools | This course is designed to develop a broad range of research-based reading methodologies to enhance the learning strategies of middle and secondary school students. A major emphasis is given to the use of reading strategies for culturally and socially diverse classrooms, including the use of literacy-based instruction in all content areas and the understanding, evaluating, and promoting effective pedagogy in adolescent literacy. The development and use of integrated and thematic approaches of instruction are addressed. Students are expected to observe and assist in a grade 7-12 classroom while taking this course. Practicum/field experience hours: 30. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| SED-541 | Secondary Theory, Methods and Data-Driven Pedagogy | This course is designed to foster application of proven teaching and learning methodologies for both instructor and student in order to make appropriate and data-driven decisions about all aspects of teaching. Major emphasis is given to planning instructional objectives and lessons, assessing objectives, and developing teaching methodology that encourages problem solving, active participation, and assessment. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| SED-544 | Secondary Curriculum Development & Assessment | Various orientations to curriculum development and assessment are investigated and elements of model curricula are examined. Emphasis is given to understanding current structures and trends in high schools, as well as critical issues, as these relate to curriculum and assessment. Course content is strategically planned to enable participants to make informed curriculum decisions to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Also emphasized is the alignment of educational objectives to standards and building both formative and summative assessments, including rubrics to analyze student learning. This course focuses on the principles and practices involved in curriculum design. Participants develop their own curriculum unit. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Prerequisite: Fingerprint Clearance. | 4 |
| SED-580NA | Student Teaching: Secondary Session A | Session A is the first of two 8-week sessions of the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research and analysis, and teaching to support compilation and creation of a Teacher Work Sample (TWS). Prerequisites: Fingerprint Clearance; successful completion of all courses in POS and content area; senior status; a 3.0 GPA; successful completion of state mandated basic skills and content area exams or Praxis I® (Basic Skills) and Praxis II® (Content Area); and approval and placement by Office of Field Experience. Arizona residents will be required to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA). All paperwork for student teaching must be submitted by the due date the semester prior to student teaching. | 6 |
| SED-580NB | Student Teaching: Secondary Session B | This session is a continuation of Session A. Prerequisite for B: SED 580NA. | 6 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 48 | ||
| Courses: | 48 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
An online education allows you the flexibility to fulfill your educational goals without distracting you from your career. Full-time faculty members support our online students while our dynamic tools allow for engaging and challenging discussions with classmates. Classes start every month.
To meet the demands of today's working adults, this degree is offered through our convenient evening program. Classes meet one evening per week and allow you to interact directly with instructors and peers face-to-face. Locations vary - speak with an enrollment counselor to learn more.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.