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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)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
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).
Our program is meticulously designed to align with Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) accreditation guidelines, preparing you to be eligible for ACSI certification. This program adheres to the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards and emphasizes strong character education within GCU’s Canyon Center for Character Education (CCCE), supported by the Kern Family Foundation.
Additionally, GCU has held continuous accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and rigorous standards.
Our master’s in educational leadership degree will teach you to cultivate your leadership potential and help you build promising opportunities for your students and staff. Career paths that may be open to graduates of this program include education administrators who work in a pre-K-12 grade setting.
Postsecondary education administrators usually require a master’s degree, but provosts and deans often need a PhD in their field or in higher education.2 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that employers value candidates with prior experience in postsecondary education administration, especially for positions such as registrars and academic deans.2
Median annual wage for postsecondary education administrators as of May 20231
Deepen your knowledge, refine your leadership skills and make a lasting difference in the classroom.
If you're intrigued by the idea of crafting curriculum and shaping educational paths, we have compiled a few frequently asked questions about this MEd program that can assist you on your journey.
A master’s in educational leadership may be valuable for individuals seeking to make an impact in educational settings that emphasize Christian values. Postsecondary education administration roles typically require a master's degree, as indicated by the BLS.2 However, there are some positions that may accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree, offering varied opportunities within the field.2 Furthermore, the BLS estimates that job growth for postsecondary education administrators will increase by about 4% from 2022 to 2032, accounting for an estimated increase of 15,300 jobs in the field.3 This advanced MEd in educational leadership program can be worth it for those passionate about education and leadership roles.
Yes. GCU offers an educational leadership master’s online to accommodate the needs of working professionals. GCU offers a comprehensive digital platform that supports an online learning community known for its flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies alongside your professional and personal responsibilities.
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 licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How To Become a Postsecondary Education Administrator. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Postsecondary Education Administrators, as of May 2023, retrieved May 13, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary education administrators, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, retrieved April 25, 2024.
Fostering growth and collaboration among students and staff is at the heart of the Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership with an Emphasis in K–12 Christian Education program at Grand Canyon University. This degree is designed for educators or administrators seeking to develop their skills and knowledge as leaders in pre-K–12 Christian educational settings. If you are dedicated to guiding others and shaping a brighter future in education, this MEd program may be a great choice to take your leadership skills to the next level.
Whether you're seeking new opportunities within educational leadership or making a profound impact in the field of education, this program offers a platform to grow your leadership skills and foster a positive outlook for students and staff alike. Experienced faculty within the College of Education will teach advanced concepts and strategies aimed at leading with integrity, promoting inclusivity and cultivating environments that support academic, social and emotional growth for all individuals.
This may be ideal for aspiring educational leaders interested in various school environments, especially Christian schools where state licensure or certification is not required.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to possess leadership skills that may enable them to:
Lead character education initiatives
Encourage ethical leadership
Navigate challenges of Christian school environments
Promote positive educational change
Discover essential topics in Christian school management courses, providing specialized insights for leading in educational and faith-based settings. This master’s program includes an action research project and capstone, along with a 30-hour practicum, providing opportunities to explore character education within school environments. Practical experiences are provided to help you develop insights for potential leadership roles across various school settings, including Christian schools with no state licensure or certification requirements.
Topics covered in this program include:
Christian leadership dispositions
Stakeholder relationships in education
Curriculum development
Assessment strategies
Crisis management
School law
Funding and budgeting of Christian schools
Ethical and professional character development
Human flourishing in diverse school environments
