Online Master’s in Elementary Education

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Teaching

Program

MEd in Elementary Education (Licensure)

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

Prepare To Lead and Inspire in Elementary Classrooms

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:

Being current on research and classroom practices
Having access to a university network of educators
Building an enhanced set of skills through professional development work

GCU was ranked #1 by Niche.com as having the best college for education in Arizona for 2026.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Master of Education in Elementary Education (Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure)

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Offered By

College of Education

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $615 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 47

Online: 6 weeks

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Transfer Credits

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

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).

Why GCU

Deepen Your Expertise for a Lasting Teaching Career

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.

Online Courses

GCU offers this master’s degree in elementary education through online^{(See disclaimer 2)} 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 online^{(See disclaimer 2)} degree allows you to continue working while participating in class activities and enjoying lectures from experienced faculty members.

Student-Teaching Experience

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.

MEd in Elementary Education Initial Teacher Licensure

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.^{(See disclaimer 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.

Careers

Career Paths for a Master of Education in Elementary Education Degree

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.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Graduates with this degree might pursue these potential careers:

Elementary school teacher

Postsecondary teacher

Tutor

Instructional assistant

Non-school Educator

103,800

Estimated job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers each year from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 4)}

$62,310

Median annual wage of kindergarten and elementary school teachers in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Accreditation

Earn Your Master's From an Accredited University

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.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

How do you become an elementary school teacher?

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.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Is the master’s degree in elementary education a hard degree?

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.

What is the best master’s degree to get in education?

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.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major47 credits

Degree Requirements47 credits

Core Courses

EDU-525

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates prepare for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University by developing and strengthening the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Teacher candidates survey the philosophical, historical, and sociological influences upon which educational theories and practices are constructed and explore a variety of the common issues, trends, and opportunities that professional educators face in the field. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ELM-500

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates survey how children and early adolescents grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas while understanding the implications for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. This survey of the seminal concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of children and young adolescents will allow teacher candidates to build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

POS-501

3 Total Credits

SPD-508

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ELM-515

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine how to create and manage safe environments that encourage and support individual and collaborative learning, positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, self-motivation, and high expectations for all learners. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge regarding the importance of establishing and maintaining equitable and positive collaborative relationships with families, school colleagues, and agencies in the larger community to advocate for and promote the intellectual, social, emotional, physical growth, and well-being of children. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

ELM-555

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine how instructional planning supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of students and the community context. Teacher candidates analyze and integrate multiple methods of assessment that support student engagement, monitor student progress, and guide decision-making. Assessment and instruction will support foundational knowledge regarding the importance of planning instruction based on knowledge of students, learning theory, connection across the curriculum, curricular goals, and community, with focused attention on formative and summative assessments. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-500.

ESL-540

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. Through Universal Design for Learning they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

ELM-545

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine how to teach foundational skills to develop proficient readers with the capacity to comprehend texts across a range of texts and disciplines. Teacher candidates build additional knowledge regarding print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to promote early literacy and independent readers. With this foundational knowledge, the science surrounding reading instruction is explored and put into practice. Practicum/field experience hours: 8. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ECS-501 or ELM-555 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate of Completion Canyon L.E.A.P. to Teach, Elementary Education.

ELM-580

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of reading, writing, oral language, and their connections to build skills and apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on how to use the concepts from reading, language, and child development to teach reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening, and thinking skills, and to help students successfully apply their developing skills to many different situations, content, and ideas. Practicum/field experience hours: 12. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-555.

ELM-526

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates develop strategies for literacy intervention and remediation to foster and support student autonomy in the classroom. Teacher candidates build knowledge and skills to plan literacy supports in all content areas, promote self-directed learning, and empower students to take control and set goals for their own learning outcomes. Teacher candidates design and plan a learning environment that allows active participation from students in their own learning, collaborative goal setting with students and other stakeholders, self-assessment of progress, reflective thinking, questioning with intention, and purposeful feedback. Practicum/field experience hours: 8. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-545.

ELM-570

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine fundamental concepts of physical, life, earth/space sciences, and health education. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on a variety of age-appropriate inquiry-based instructional strategies to teach science, to build student understanding of personal and social applications, to convey the nature of science, and student development for the practice of skills that contribute to good health. Practicum/field experience hours: 12. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-555.

ELM-560

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop conceptual understanding of the major concepts and procedures that define counting and cardinality, number and operations in base 10, fractions, algebra, geometry, measurement, ratios and proportional relationships, and probability and to build skills to apply mathematics in meaningful ways. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on engaging problem solving, mathematical modeling and discourse, and opportunities to identify patterns and structures that repeat to help students successfully apply their developing skills to different situations, content, and ideas. Practicum/field experience hours: 12. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-555.

ELM-550

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of the major concepts and modes of inquiry from the integrated study of history, geography, the social sciences, and other related areas. Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge on promoting elementary students abilities to make informed decisions as citizens of a culturally diverse democratic society and interdependent world. Teacher candidates integrate the content, functions, and achievements of the performing and visual arts as primary media for communication, inquiry, and engagement among elementary students. Practicum/field experience hours: 12. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ELM-555.

ELM-590

8 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Fingerprint clearance required.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Admission

Elevate Your Expertise in Elementary Education

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.

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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).

Retrieved from Niche.com, Grand Canyon University Rankings in September 2025.
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved October 2025.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, retrieved October 2025.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers as of May 2024, retrieved October 2025. 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 kindergarten and elementary school teachers, 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 is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. 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.

Online Master’s in Elementary Education

Prepare To Lead and Inspire in Elementary Classrooms

Deepen Your Expertise for a Lasting Teaching Career

Strengthen Child-Focused Skills With an MEd in Elementary Education

MEd in Elementary Education Initial Teacher Licensure

Career Paths for a Master of Education in Elementary Education Degree

Earn Your Master's From an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses