Online Master’s in Elementary Education
Online Master’s in Elementary Education
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A Master of Education (MEd) in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University is a graduate degree program designed to provide educators with the specialized knowledge and skills to use effective teaching strategies and develop curriculum for elementary school students. If you want to become an elementary or middle school teacher and pursue licensure, this master’s in elementary education program may be right for you.
There are many benefits to earning a master’s degree in education. These may include:
GCU was ranked #1 by Niche.com as having the best college for education in Arizona for 2026.1
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.
The elementary education master’s degree can pave the way toward a variety of opportunities and career pathways in education for young learners. With a focus on equipping students with the necessary tools to become effective educators, the program can prepare you for a career transition to education.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates approximately 103,800 job openings for kindergarten and elementary teachers each year from 2024 through 2034.4
Graduates with this degree might pursue these potential careers:
Elementary school teacher
Postsecondary teacher
Tutor
Instructional assistant
Non-school Educator
Estimated job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers each year from 2024 to 20344
Median annual wage of kindergarten and elementary school teachers in May 20245
GCU is passionate about developing dedicated, effective teachers. If making a career change to education is right for you or you wish to advance your current education, enroll in the MEd in Elementary Education degree at GCU.
This MEd degree has received programmatic accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), which reflects the effectiveness of the program in preparing educators who are committed to lifelong professional development and educational quality. In addition, GCU is an institutionally accredited university, having been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to adhering to the standards established by our accrediting bodies.
The MEd in Elementary Education degree program is designed to equip aspiring educators with a diverse range of skills and knowledge necessary to effectively teach and nurture young learners in elementary schools. The advanced coursework and topics covered throughout the degree program teaches you to work with learners from intellectually and culturally diverse backgrounds.
The coursework and skills taught in this education degree include:
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).
This elementary education master’s degree is an option for individuals seeking initial licensure through a graduate degree. This degree program provides the necessary coursework to prepare graduates to pursue licensure or certification. All states require teachers to hold a license or certification in order to teach in public schools. Some states require teachers to obtain a master’s degree.3 For those who do not desire to obtain a teacher license or who already have one, visit our non-licensure Master of Education in Elementary Education (NITL) program page.
The decision to earn a master’s degree is a significant commitment. The following frequently asked questions and answers may help you make an informed decision about your education path.
Typically, aspiring elementary school teachers must earn a bachelor’s degree. However, those who have already earned bachelor’s degrees in another subject area may transition to the education field by completing a teacher education program, such as a master’s degree that leads to initial teacher licensure. Those who plan to teach in public schools are required to obtain a license or certification. The requirements for licensure vary by state, but generally involve undergoing a background check, passing an exam and completing a student teaching experience.3
The level of difficulty can vary depending on your background and experience in education, the program you choose and your own academic strengths and weaknesses. In this program, you will be expected to engage with complex concepts and theories related to teaching, child development and educational research. You will also be required to complete assignments that require critical thinking, analysis and reflection, as well as complete a clinical field experience and in-person student-teaching work.
The best education master’s degree depends on your interests, career goals and the type of educational institution you wish to work in. If you are passionate about pursuing a teaching career, you should research various programs and speak with professionals in the field to determine which degree will best suit your needs. You will also need to consider licensure requirements for your state. A Master of Education in Educational Leadership can be an additional option if you are looking to pursue roles in schools or educational organizations.
For more than 70 years, the College of Education at GCU has prepared educators, administrators and policymakers to foster innovation and academic enrichment for countless students. Our mission is to empower our students to work toward a brighter future for their own students.
The Master of Education in Elementary Education focuses on all aspects of elementary education — from instructional strategies and curriculum design to creating effective learning environments. With a blend of convenient online learning and immersive clinical field experiences, you can develop confidence and meet state-specific requirements for certification.
GCU offers this master’s degree in elementary education through online2 classes. You may find this learning format provides you with the flexibility to earn your degree in a way that best fits your scheduling needs. This online2 degree allows you to continue working while participating in class activities and enjoying lectures from experienced faculty members.
While classes are available online, you will need to complete an in-person clinical field experience that includes student-teaching work and adheres to the licensure or certification requirements in the state in which you plan to teach. This in-person component provides valuable hands-on experience in real classroom settings, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly with students.
