College of Education

For over 60 years, Grand Canyon University (GCU) has proudly maintained its rich heritage as a prestigious teaching college, both on campus and now online. Our College of Education (COE) continues to prepare policymakers, administrators and educators who strive to deliver quality education and enrich lives across a variety of school and community settings.   

While GCU's College of Education is committed to nurturing your development into an outstanding educator, our dedication to your success extends beyond the classroom. We instill the spirit of servant leadership, innovation and service into each program through One Foundation, our Christian worldview.

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The College of Education inspires excellence in pedagogy and scholarship; advances reflective, innovative and collaborative teaching practices to maximize student learning and achievement; promotes servant leadership in educational communities; and engages a diverse and global community of learners with purpose and passion.

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Education Scholarships Now Available

You may be able to offset tuition costs with a   GCU scholarship.

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Earn an Education Degree Online or On Campus

Choosing one of Grand Canyon University’s (GCU) education degrees affords you the firm foundation needed to shape tomorrow’s future. Implement strategies that help you think more critically and prepare you for an enriching career with an undergraduate degree in education. Integrate philosophy with real-world knowledge within one of our master’s in education degree programs. Our College of Education offers classes in person at GCU’s main campus, online or in the evening. You can also enhance your knowledge in a specific area with individual education courses.

 

Minors for Education Degree Majors

Enhance your skills and career possibilities; declare a minor to supplement your education degree.

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Pathways to Teaching With an Education Degree

Education degree programs that lead to licensure in the College of Education are approved by the Arizona Department of Education. 

Why do future educators choose GCU?

  • GCU’s College of Education offers initial teacher preparation options for bachelor’s and master’s education degrees.
  • Field experience, exam preparation and student teaching are part of your learning journey.
  • Our curriculum aligns with national standards.

Alternative Teaching Program

The Alternative Teaching Program at GCU’s College of Education is another pathway to teacher licensure that is designed for students who have secured a contract with a district and who are currently enrolled and actively participating in select master's degree programs.

Under the Alternative Teaching Program, education students who meet specific eligibility requirements work under contract in an appropriate classroom while completing their coursework. For more information, contact a university counselor.

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have an official transcript showing a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Hold a current AZ IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
  • Have a full-time contracted teaching offer/position in an area that meets the requirements for the Alternative Teaching Program and the requirements of your program of study
  • Be currently enrolled and actively participating in an eligible master’s program
  • Have a completed Alternative Teaching Packet

The College of Education aligns its curriculum with the standards set by the Higher Learning Commission, national accreditors and professional affiliates. These standards help us produce credible, qualified teachers and professionals. 

Look through our resources and information on the tuition rates for your degree program and how GCU can help with paying for college through scholarships and financial aid.

For more information on the requirements for admission and the steps needed for the application process, visit our Admissions Requirements page.
 

GCU is an educator's preferred choice for continuing education credits. Whatever your needs – recertification, licensure, endorsements – courses are available online or on campus through GCU's College of Education.

GCU's College of Education Pledge and Promise

As a Christian university, Grand Canyon University and the College of Education take a proactive approach to developing students’ servant leadership skills and ensuring the success of our alumni in educational settings. While the college’s accredited programs are designed to prepare and equip students for a career in the field of education, we (faculty, staff and college leaders) understand the unique opportunities and challenges a career in education might present. We promise to assist all COE graduates who need additional support or who are experiencing challenges in an educational setting; and since 1984, we have upheld this promise. Support might include content-area teaching materials, certification testing resources, course curriculum assistance or faculty mentoring. To honor this promise, the College of Education asks graduates to pledge to uphold a high level of excellence in their educational setting.

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Learning

We at GCU's College of Education believe that all students can learn and that highly effective teaching and administration maximize best practices and student learning achievements. Effective teachers and administrators are highly educated, skilled, committed and compassionate. They ensure all students learn to the best of their ability.

Leading

We believe education is a powerful tool with which to purposefully engage a diverse, global community. As our teacher and administrator candidates find their purpose and calling within education, they seek to lead others to reach their God-given potential in order for them to influence the changing world.

Serving

We believe in the spirit of servant leadership and are committed to serving all students within our local and broader educational communities. We believe in leading with creativity and innovation in our profession with a commitment to personal integrity, professional ethics, collaboration and excellence for all.

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