Master’s in Education Leadership (MEd Degree)

Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education)Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education

Offered By: College of Education

Advance Your Teaching Career With a Master’s in Educational Leadership

A Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU) can prepare you for a future in educational administration to lead teachers and students at school sites. This program can prepare you 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 (in the evening) 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.

Benefits of Earning a MEd in Educational Leadership From GCU

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.

Visit GCU’s blogs to see how you can position yourself to land a school administration job.

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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, including day and evening courses. 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. 

Leadership and Education Coursework You Can Expect

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. These responsibilities include topics such as:

  • School finance
  • Education law
  • Creating and sustaining positive school cultures
  • K-12 legal issues
  • Curriculum development
  • Professional development
  • Empowerment of teachers
  • Instructional leadership

Career Paths for Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree Graduates

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 opens 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:

  • Preschool and daycare education and childcare administrator
  • Elementary and secondary education administrator
  • Postsecondary education administrator
  • Teaching assistant (secondary)

Accredited by AAQEP

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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. 

Master of Education in Educational Leadership Degree FAQs

We aim to provide you with comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions related to this graduate-level program. 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. 

The MEd in Educational Leadership degree requires a total of 30 credits for completion. Most of the classes are six weeks in length. Fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor to better understand how long it takes to earn your master’s in educational leadership online or evening degree.

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:

  • Design and implement trainings and developments for businesses and organizations.1
  • Contribute to talent development, organizational culture and employee engagement initiatives within human resources.1
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of education-related policies and initiatives within the government.1
  • Lead and manage projects, teams and initiatives within nonprofit and community organizations.1

Your desire to lead teachers and students in an educational setting can make you a great potential school administrator. Follow your passion with GCU’s in-person or online educational leadership courses by earning your master’s degree at GCU. Join us today!

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.

1 Best Colleges (2023, May 12). Educational Leadership Careers. Retrieved on August 8, 2023.

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 30
Online: 6 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
PROGRAM TUITION RATE:
Online: $590 per credit [More Info]

Course List

Major:
30 credits
Degree Requirements:
30 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course begins by acquainting candidates with the GCU learning management system, while preparing them to be successful graduate-level students and future educational leaders. With an intense programmatic focus on developing people into leaders, this course examines the essential value of Leading with Purpose, a principal cornerstone of the College of Education's mission statement and Conceptual Framework. Major leadership styles, philosophies and the characteristic leadership behaviors will be a fundamental focus while candidates begin to understand and develop their own leadership style and philosophy. This development will occur in context as candidates are exposed to the leadership foundations provided through the professional standards and code of ethics for educational leaders. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance not required.

Course Description

This course will introduce candidates to the laws and policies governing and relating to PreK-12 education in the United States. Through case studies, a broad range of topics will be examined including, due process, discipline, freedom of speech, school safety, discrimination, religion in schools, and rights of students with disabilities. These and other topics will be framed in context to inform the future principal’s role in improving outcomes for all students. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: EAD-501.

Course Description

This course examines PK-12 education finance with a fundamental focus on issues and practices that directly affect the operation of the school and local education agency (LEA). Candidates will be exposed to the regulations encompassed in the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) and the implications of these regulations at the school site level. School finance topics related to education at the federal, state, and local levels will be examined. Candidates will explore school budget and accounting principles, fiscal responsibility, resource allocation, basic administrative theories, processes, and techniques, as well as discuss the major challenges facing them in the daily operation of local schools. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: EAD-501.

Course Description

This course surveys effective strategies and practices in professional development. Special focus is placed upon theories and models, including andragogy, that enhance knowledge and skill development for adult learners in educational settings. Candidates develop and implement professional learning activities aligned with the needs of learners, schools and systems that ensure learner growth and advance the profession by leading collaborative interactions. Fingerprint clearance not required.

Course Description

This course emphasizes the critical role of the leader in creating and sustaining a positive school culture and shared vision. Given diverse settings, contexts and leadership situations, candidates will explore how various leadership styles, philosophies and behaviors can promote or hinder the development of a quality learning culture and positive workplace conditions. Additionally, candidates will examine supervisory processes and strategies by which educational leaders can empower teacher self-efficacy and promote instructional improvement that enriches the outcomes for all students. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course prepares candidates to become effective instructional leaders in the evaluation of school-wide curricular programs to promote continuous school improvement. Candidates will explore processes in planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs and curriculum, while ensuring that curricular design, instructional strategies, and learning environments integrate appropriate technologies that maximize learning and teaching. Data-driven analysis is emphasized throughout. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course prepares candidates to become effective building-level instructional leaders in the development of professional capacity. Candidates will investigate various school professional development program practices including Professional Learning Communities, Collaborative Learning Communities, beginning teacher induction, and mentor program models. Additionally, candidates will analyze theoretical models, research, and best practices for improving teaching as well as learning outcomes for all students, with a strong emphasis on data-driven, learner-centered decision-making. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course prepares candidates to become effective building-level instructional leaders who are able to positively enrich teaching and learning experiences/outcomes through leadership practices that improve teacher performance, self-efficacy, and morale. Course topics promote the learning of strategies including coaching; collaborative learning and decision-making; creating a safe and supportive professional learning culture; and reflective practice. Candidates will examine current policy and practice in the areas of teacher observation, evaluation, and teacher performance ratings. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course prepares candidates to become effective building-level instructional leaders who are able to positively enrich teaching and learning experiences/outcomes through leadership practices that improve teacher performance, self-efficacy, and morale. Course topics promote the learning of strategies including cognitive coaching; collaborative learning/decision-making; creating a safe/supportive professional learning culture; and reflective practice. Candidates will examine current policy and practice in the areas of teacher observation, evaluation, value-added student growth models, and teacher performance ratings. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: EAD-501.

Course Description

This course will explore critical issues facing school principals, including the challenge of attracting and retaining a quality work force, managing and allocating resources, innovative instructional leadership, creating community partnerships, and meeting the myriad of district, state and federal policies and laws. With a focus on all six Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards, candidates will holistically analyze a school’s Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) and focused action plans in various contexts. This analysis will inform the candidate's understanding of the important implications of managing school resources in order to meet operational needs and improve outcomes for all students. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.

Program Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

GCU Evening Student


Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

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