Education Master's Degree Programs at GCU
GCU’s Master of Education programs1
The education master's degrees at Grand Canyon University (GCU) offer an opportunity for those with a calling to education to either advance their knowledge or begin their journey toward licensure. Our advanced programs for continuing education are designed for current educators looking to continue growing their knowledge in the field, with a focus on advanced methods for highly effective educators. We also offer programs if you are interested in teaching at the postsecondary level at a two- or four-year institution.
For those seeking licensure or looking to enter the field of education for the first time, but with a degree in a field other than education, we have initial programs that lead to licensure and programs that do not lead to licensure. Those who decide to pursue a non-licensing program have typically earned their licensing during their bachelor's program. In both of these programs, you have the opportunity to gain a rich foundation in learning, leading and serving from our College of Education.
Education Master's Degrees at GCU for Current Educators
If you are looking to advance your education by earning your next degree, you may be interested in our variety of master's degrees in education designed for current educators looking to position themselves to take the next step in their career. Explore our programs in areas like curriculum and instruction, educational administration, instructional technology and more. You can also advance your education through individual continuing education courses, offered at a special rate for educators.
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Master's Degree Programs for Postsecondary Education
Do you aspire to teach students at a two- or four-year institution? GCU’s master’s degree programs in education with diverse content areas with an emphasis in education can help prepare you to teach at the postsecondary level. In these programs, you can gain skills in pedagogical training, strategic curriculum design and diverse adult learning theories.
Initial Programs
The initial programs offered by the College of Education give you the opportunity to start the journey to becoming an educator. We offer both initial teacher licensure (ITL) and non-licensure programs in a variety of areas so that you can prepare to teach students of all ages, including early childhood, elementary and secondary. Or, pursue your calling to teach those with special learning needs by earning a Master of Education in Special Education.
Non-Licensure Programs
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure)
- Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education (Non-Licensure)
- Master of Education in Elementary Education (Non-Licensure)
- Master of Education in Secondary Education (Non-Licensure)
- Master of Education in Special Education (Non-Licensure)
Education Master's Degree Learning Modalities
Advance your education in a way that is convenient for you! GCU offers a variety of modalities to help you earn your master’s degree in education. Choose an online degree for convenience and flexibility, or study in a face-to-face format in our evening classes. Whatever modality you choose, you have the opportunity to receive a quality education from faculty who care about you while having the opportunity to interact with peers in a dynamic learning environment.
Education Master's Degree Program FAQs
If you’re looking to advance in your career as an educator or you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, GCU has initial programs that lead to licensure and programs that do not lead to licensure. Both options may open doors to additional opportunities within your career. The top pursued master’s degrees in education are:2
- Educational Leadership or Administration
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- School Counseling
- Educational Technology
The increased knowledge earned from a master’s in education degree may benefit you for the rest of your career.3 Studying subjects related to educational theories of learning, cultural perspectives, at-risk students, trends in assessments or brain psychology may be able to help prepare you with more confidence in your job and in the classroom.
A master’s in teaching is designed to prepare aspiring teachers to obtain a teaching license or give licensed teachers the credentials to move into more specialized roles. The education master’s program at GCU offers an opportunity for those with a calling to education to either advance your knowledge or begin your journey toward licensure. The GCU education master degrees can be an excellent choice for professionals who want to become or continue to be highly effective educators.
An education master’s degree may be worth your time and effort as it can help you position yourself for a possible leadership position in education.4
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 MOU 8288 & 8289: This scholarship is only valid for those applicants who are participating in a GCU College of Education or Secondary Education Emphasis master’s degree program, offered online, and who submit a completed application to start their program on or before December 31, 2023. If you enroll in a master’s degree program through any of the College of Education or Secondary Education Emphasis degree programs offered online, Grand Canyon University will offer you 18% off the tuition per course for your program. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only and does not include fees (i.e., Canyon Connect, Technology, etc).
2 The Best Master’s Degrees, 5 Top Master’s Degree in Education Concentrations in July 2022
3 Teach.com (n.d.). Is a Master of Teaching Worth It? Retrieved on Sept. 19, 2023.
4 CareerBuilder, Not Enough Educated Workers — Why This Matters To You in August 2022
This degree, offered by the College of Education, is a regionally accredited program approved by the State of Arizona. It aligns with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL, 2015) led by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA, 2018).