Master’s in Educational Leadership
What Is a Master’s in Educational Leadership?
Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership is designed for licensed educators who want to expand their knowledge of school leadership and administration. The program examines areas such as resource management, organizational change, stakeholder communication and the development of positive school cultures.
This is a non-licensure program and does not lead to administrative responsibilities in educational settings. Although the program supports educational growth and leadership development, it does not fulfill the requirements for obtaining an administrative credential or certification. Proof of teaching experience is required for enrollment.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What To Expect in the Educational Leadership Program
In GCU’s master’s in educational leadership program, students examine strategic leadership, school management and approaches to building supportive educational communities through ethical leadership. The curriculum also includes field experience hours that provide opportunities to apply concepts from coursework in educational settings. Throughout the program, students engage with these topics through GCU’s Christian worldview and are encouraged to emulate a Christ-like character as they consider how they can best serve their communities.
The Educational Leadership Program Experience
Online Classrooms
GCU’s online(See disclaimer 1) master’s in educational leadership offers six-week courses designed to provide flexibility for educators balancing graduate study with professional and personal responsibilities. Students can engage with coursework through GCU’s online learning environment while completing required practicum experiences as applicable.
Professional Development
Designed for licensed educators, this master’s program expands on existing educational experience through the study of leadership and management practices. Coursework explores ethical leadership, decision-making and approaches to navigating current issues and practices in education.
University Accreditation
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
What Will I Study in an Educational Leadership Master’s Program?
The master’s in educational leadership curriculum explores the professional and ethical responsibilities of educational leaders through coursework in change management, risk management, resource management and stakeholder communication. The program also includes a capstone course with practicum and field experience hours that provide opportunities to apply course concepts to practical challenges in educational settings.
Core Course Topics in Educational Leadership
Examine key topics that can help prepare you to lead, support and strengthen K-12 learning environments, including:
School finance
Education law
Positive school culture
K-12 legal issues
Curriculum development
Professional development
Empowerment of teachers
Instructional leadership
Explore a Related Emphasis Program
GCU also offers an MEd in Educational Leadership with an Emphasis in K12 Christian Education for educators interested in leadership within Christian education settings. The program examines the development of Christian educational environments as well as legal considerations relevant to Christian private schools.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Educational Leadership?
For licensed educators, the master’s in educational leadership provides advanced study in leadership, school management and administrative decision-making. The program may also be relevant for professionals who already hold principal licensure, as well as educators pursuing administrative opportunities in settings where principal licensure is not required.(See disclaimer 2)
Graduates may pursue leadership and administrative opportunities in educational settings where their experience and advanced study can support school operations, instructional leadership and student learning.
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
Preschool and daycare education childcare administrator
Kindergarten, elementary and secondary education administrator
Postsecondary education administrator
Tuition and Financial Options for the Master’s in Educational Leadership
GCU offers tuition and financial resources to help students understand the potential costs associated with earning a master’s in educational leadership. Review tuition information for online(See disclaimer 1) and evening class settings, explore available financial aid resources and use GCU’s cost tools to help plan for your education.
Over $404M in scholarships awarded to GCU students in 2025.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore common questions about GCU’s master’s in educational leadership, including program details, educational leadership and career applications.
Is a master’s in educational leadership worth it?
What is educational leadership?
What can I do with a master’s in educational leadership outside of education?
What Are the Admission Requirements for the Master’s in Educational Leadership?
Admission requirements for GCU’s Master’s in Educational Leadership vary based on factors such as prior education, GPA and transfer status. Prospective students should review the current graduate admission criteria and program-specific requirements before applying.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Build on your experience as an educator with advanced study in leadership, school management and administrative decision-making. Explore GCU’s master’s in educational leadership and take the next step toward your educational goals.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). How to Become an Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). What Training and Development Managers Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2026, Aug. 27). What Instructional Coordinators Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Education on Oct. 19, 2026.