Online Master’s in Elementary Education and Special Education

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Online Master’s in Elementary Education and Special Education

Q: Is a master’s in elementary education and special education worth it?

If you’re interested in making a career transition and teaching appeals to you, then this MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education degree can provide the pathway for implementing your career plans. As a pre-licensure degree, this program helps prepare you to pursue teacher licensure by providing a solid foundation in: Pedagogy Classroom management Instructional methods

Q: What are the student teaching requirements for this MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education degree?

This elementary education and special education degree requires you to complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component. Half of this time will be spent working in a K-8 general education setting with a certified elementary education teacher. The remaining eight weeks will be in a K-12 mild to moderate special education setting with a certified special education teacher.

Q: What is dual licensure teaching?

A dual licensure or dual certification teacher is one who has obtained two teaching licenses or certifications. Dual certification enables teachers to teach multiple subject areas or student populations, broadening their teaching potential. This MEd at GCU offers dual licensure in elementary and mild to moderate special education.

Q: Can an elementary education and special education degree lead to doctoral study?

A master’s degree in education can provide the foundation for pursuing further academic credentials. After graduating with an MEd degree, you may gain teaching experience in the classroom before deciding to further your career qualifications with a doctoral degree, such as a doctorate with a focus in special education.

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Step 1: Educational Interests

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Teaching

Program

MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education (Licensure)

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Citizenship Status

U.S. Citizen

Military Affiliation

No military affiliation

Country

United States

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Overview

What Is an MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education?

The Master of Education (MEd) in Elementary Education and Special Education at Grand Canyon University provides a pathway toward initial teacher licensure for individuals seeking to switch careers to teaching. Offered by the College of Education, this MEd degree can lead to dual certification to teach elementary education (K-8) and special education for students with mild to moderate exceptionalities (K-12).

As a dual-certified teacher, you can help empower students to overcome barriers to success, with or without exceptionalities. This MEd helps students develop skills for creating welcoming classrooms and applying research-based instructional methods.

Master of Education in Elementary Education and Special Education (Leads to Initial Licensure)

Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Offered By

College of Education

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $625 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 57

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

Why Choose GCU for Your MEd Degree?

As a GCU MEd student, you can benefit from strong teacher preparation resources designed to support initial licensure. Career switchers receive guidance from the Office of Clinical Practice and the Office of Field Experience, helping navigate program requirements, fingerprint clearance and certification steps.

Special and elementary education program students are also encouraged to collaborate with faculty through opportunities such as conducting research and publishing findings.

Additionally, our teacher candidates benefit from a curriculum that embeds character development into education preparation. The Canyon Center for Character Education (CCCE) instills our future educators with the tools necessary to promote school cultures conducive to character development.

Faith-Driven Education

As a private Christian university, GCU integrates faith across all degree programs, including this online^{(See disclaimer 1)} master’s in elementary education and special education. You’ll study within a supportive community that encourages the development of Christian values.

Christian Worldview

Digital Learning Environment

GCU makes it possible to transition into teaching with flexible online^{(See disclaimer 1)} coursework paired with hands-on, immersive experiences. You’ll be taught by experienced faculty while engaging in constructive peer and instructor interaction.

Online Learning

Affordable Pathways to Your Teaching Career

Make your career transition to teaching easier with access to affordable tuition rates at GCU. As part of our commitment to making higher education more accessible, GCU offers institutional scholarships to qualifying students seeking initial teacher licensure with this online^{(See disclaimer 1)} master’s degree program.

Online Tuition

Reach Your Goals With a Degree From GCU

"GCU was able to give me all the help and support I needed to graduate and reach my professional goals."

Keisha Ritchie

Master of Education in Special Education Graduate

"GCU was able to give me all the help and support I needed to graduate and reach my professional goals."

Keisha Ritchie

Master of Education in Special Education Graduate

Coursework

What Will I Study in the Master’s in Elementary Education and Special Education?

This MEd offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers professional ethics, classroom management and instructional methods. You will practice implementing Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) to accommodate your students’ learning, behavioral and social needs. All courses are directly aligned with Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards.

The online coursework is paired with in-person practicum and field experiences and student teaching experiences. You will navigate over 100 hours of observational and practice-based field experiences in K-8 elementary settings, as well as K-12 special education in mild to moderate settings.

Topics included in this program are:

Development and Psychology

How children and early adolescents grow and develop cognitively, linguistically, socially, emotionally and physically

Exceptionalities

The definitions, characteristics and causes of mild to moderate disabilities, including educational approaches

Special Education Assessment

Diagnostic and assessment tools, and legal policies and procedures applicable to special education eligibility determination

Classroom Management

Welcoming classroom management strategies and behavioral intervention plans

Instructional Methods

Instructional methods for teaching math, English, language, social studies and the arts

Ethics and Policies

Professional ethics for teachers and legal practices and policies applicable to special education

Earn Your MEd Degree Online

Engage with fellow teacher candidates and instructors through a user-friendly online learning platform designed for collaboration and connection. With interactive tools, streamlined course navigation and dependable technical support, you can stay organized, participate in discussions and keep your coursework on track.

Careers

What Can You Do With a MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education?

With a firm foundation in pedagogy and child development, graduates can pursue a teaching career working with elementary school students and students with mild to moderate exceptionalities. As a teacher, you can serve as an inspiration, guide and mentor to students during the formative years of their life. After earning this MEd and gaining work experience in the classroom, you may decide to pursue a doctoral degree in education or related disciplines.

Some teaching roles that you can pursue with this MEd degree include:

Special education teacher

Pursue a role as a special education teacher in preschool, kindergarten or elementary school

Teaching assistant for special education

Serve as a teaching assistant for special education and welcoming classrooms to support the students’ progress

$64,270

Median annual salary for special education teachers as of May 2024^{(See disclaimer 2)}

37,800

Projected number of job openings for special education teachers each year from 2024 through 2034^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Accreditation

Earn Your MEd Degree From an Accredited University

This MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education is programmatically accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). This is a reflection of the degree’s effectiveness in preparing future educators who are committed to academic quality and professional development.

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We've answered the most frequently asked questions about this career path and the master’s in elementary education and special education.

Is a master’s in elementary education and special education worth it?

What are the student teaching requirements for this MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education degree?

How does this elementary education and special education degree support teacher licensure?

All aspiring public school teachers in the U.S. must earn licensure or certification.^{(See disclaimer 4)} This MEd may allow you to meet elementary and elementary special education teacher requirements in Arizona and other states. It’s important to research the licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to teach.

Upon graduation, you may be eligible to pursue the Mild to Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K-12 Certificate and the Elementary Education K-8 Certificate in the state of Arizona. For those outside of Arizona, be sure to check the licensure requirements for the state in which you plan to teach.

What is dual licensure teaching?

Can an elementary education and special education degree lead to doctoral study?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major57 credits

Degree Requirements57 credits

Core Courses

ESD-501

3 Total Credits

Course Description

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. Teacher candidates prepare for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University by developing and strengthening the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students, including graduate level writing and research. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

POS-501

3 Total Credits

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.

MMS-508

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates survey mild to moderate disabilities including definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders and how to use research-based best practices to meet the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities. Teacher candidates will study the laws and regulations that govern the special education process and examine strategies for advocating for individuals with exceptionalities and their families to address their diverse needs and prevent bias. Additionally, professional development in the field of special education and opportunities to advocate for the profession are explored. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ESD-510

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates will learn the foundations of creating safe, productive, and inclusive classroom environments. They will explore strategies for fostering motivation and engagement, tailored for both general and special education settings. Candidates will learn to analyze data from a variety of sources to determine the purpose of interfering behaviors and determine behavior management and adaptive strategies to address the behaviors. Additionally, they will dive into functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans, preparing them to effectively support all learners. Prerequisite: MMS-508.

ESD-520

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course equips teacher candidates with essential skills for planning instruction and assessments in inclusive classrooms. Candidates will distinguish between differentiation, modifications, accommodations, and specially designed instruction (SDI) to support diverse student learning. Through exploration of instructional strategies and technology integration, candidates will enhance students’ motivation for learning and active engagement. They will practice evaluating student progress with both formal and informal assessments. The course emphasizes understanding and applying information from students’ IEPs, ensuring instructional strategies meet each student's needs. Candidates will also look at strategies for collaborating with other educators to refine instructional practices and support inclusive learning environments. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MMS-508.

MMS-530

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates explore components of typical and atypical literacy development for students with or without exceptionalities. Coursework emphasizes research-based phonics development and the science of reading, including phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. Teacher candidates focus on assessing developmental and other literacy concerns, including dyslexia and other reading disabilities, using a variety of formal and informal assessments that provide valid, reliable data. Focus is placed on designing learning experiences that implement accommodation strategies to support literacy development, apply flexible grouping, and enhance independent learning. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: MMS-508.

ESL-546

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 and approaches for teaching English 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 as they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

MMS-540

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will investigate culturally and linguistically appropriate diagnostic and assessment tools and the ethical guidelines and legal policies and procedures that are important to consider during assessment and eligibility determination. Teacher candidates will build foundational knowledge regarding the use of multiple methods of assessment and data sources for making diagnostic and educational decisions for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, including when determining modifications to the general education curriculum. Additionally, collaboration with stakeholders to determine, assess, and analyze student needs and progress is explored. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MMS-508.

MMS-550

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates explore the language processing requirements of proficient reading and writing, including explicit, systematic, cumulative, and multisensory instruction that integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition, disabilities, such as dyslexia, are reviewed to understand how they affect the acquisition of reading skills and how they vary in presentation and degree. Teacher candidates select, differentiate, and implement research-based instructional strategies and interventions in academic and specialized curricula to advance the learning for all students, including those with mild to moderate disabilities, with attention focused on literacy, reading, and other cross-disciplinary skills. Focus is placed on analyzing data from a variety of assessments to identify students’ prior knowledge, inform instruction, and provide feedback. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisites: MMS-530 and (ESD-520 or MMS-520) or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate in Special Education, Mild to Moderate.

MMS-560

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates survey professional ethical principles, professional practice standards, and laws and regulations that guide special educators in understanding the multiple roles and complex situations of professional practice that require attention to a variety of legal, professional, and ethical dilemmas. Strategies and technology for communicating progress and collaborating with all stakeholders to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities are explored. Additionally, teacher candidates focus on developing an individualized education program (IEP). Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MMS-540.

ESD-566

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates explore teaching fundamental science and health concepts within an inclusive classroom setting. They will analyze diverse factors influencing student learning and motivation while incorporating resources, media, and technology to enhance learning outcomes. The course emphasizes how to create developmentally appropriate and meaningful learning experiences tailored to the individual needs, strengths, and interests of students with and without exceptionalities. Additionally, candidates will explore innovative teaching methods and differentiated instruction to provide explicit, systematic instruction that allows learners multiple opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and skills. Prerequisite: ESD-520.

MMS-570

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine case management practices and strategies and the transition process. Legal and instructional requirements, culturally responsive collaboration and communication, and documentation of students’ progress as part of case management and transition planning are examined. Teacher candidates investigate collaboration with general education teachers, including when modifying the general education curriculum and planning specially designed instruction that meets the learning needs of students with exceptionalities. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: MMS-540.

MMS-580

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates build foundational knowledge of a variety of research-based instructional materials, strategies, and interventions to advance the learning of students with mild to moderate disabilities in mathematics. Technology, including assistive technology, is explored as a tool for supporting communication and developing higher-order skills while meeting the diverse needs of learners. Teacher candidates explore methods for engaging learners in analyzing their own assessment results and setting goals. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MMS-520 or ESD-520 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate in Special Education, Mild to Moderate.

ESD-586

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course prepares teacher candidates to effectively teach social studies and the arts within inclusive classrooms. Candidates will explore strategies for creating sustainable learning environments that accommodate diverse needs and foster cultural understanding. The course integrates co-teaching and collaboration strategies to enhance inclusivity, equity, and support for students with exceptionalities and their families. By incorporating opportunities for small group instruction, candidates will engage students in meaningful, inquiry-based learning experiences in face-to-face and virtual settings. Additionally, the course emphasizes the use of technology and media resources to support diverse learners and promote global citizenship. Prerequisite: ESD-520.

ELM-593A

6 Total Credits

Course Description

Session A is one of two 8-week sessions of 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. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance required.

SPD-593B

6 Total Credits

Course Description

Session B is one of two 8-week sessions of the student teaching experience. Teacher candidates engage in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Performance Template related to special education services. 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. Practicum/field experience hours: None. 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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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 earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Special Education Teachers, as of May 2024, retrieved April 2026. 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 special education 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.
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, Special Education Teachers, retrieved April 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Special Education Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved April 2026.

Online Master’s in Elementary Education and Special Education

Step 1: Educational Interests

What Is an MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education?

Why Choose GCU for Your MEd Degree?

Reach Your Goals With a Degree From GCU

What Will I Study in the Master’s in Elementary Education and Special Education?

Earn Your MEd Degree Online

What Can You Do With a MEd in Elementary Education and Special Education?

GCU Offers a Non-Licensure Version of This Program

Earn Your MEd Degree From an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses