College of Education

For over 60 years, Grand Canyon University (GCU) has proudly maintained its rich heritage as a prestigious teaching college. Our College of Education 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 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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College of Education Mission

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 Degrees

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. Study on our main campus, online, in the evening or enhance your knowledge in a specific area with individual courses.

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Minors for Education Majors

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

Teaching and School Administration

Pathways to Teaching

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

Why do future educators choose GCU?

We offer 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 is an alternative 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, 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
A current AZ IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
A full-time contracted teaching 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
A completed Alternative Teaching Packet

Accreditation

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 professionals.

Tuition, Financing and Scholarships

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.

Admission Requirements

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

Continuing Education for Teachers

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

College of Education Promise

The College of Education firmly believes in the excellence of our administration and teaching degree programs. Nonetheless, we understand the challenges a new career in education may present. Since 1984, we have delivered on our promise to provide assistance to graduates of our educator and administrator preparation programs during their first year of teaching or leading in schools, at no expense. We continue to honor this pledge and hope to support you in your development as an outstanding educator. If you have questions about the College of Education Promise, contact a university counselor.

Our Education Pledge

In keeping with Grand Canyon University’s Christian heritage, the College of Education seeks to find our purpose and calling in teaching, as well as leading others to reach their God-given potential by integrating faith into our work.

Learning

We 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.