Online Master’s in Secondary Education Degree (NITL)

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Overview

Inspire High School Students

The Master of Education in Secondary Education non-licensure (NITL) program at Grand Canyon University is designed for professionals who have a current teaching license and are interested in teaching students in grades 6–12. This program combines coursework with observational and practice-based learning experiences while maximizing the content knowledge you already possess. If you enjoy planning instruction, working collaboratively with peers and creating engaging learning opportunities for students, a master’s in secondary education online degree may be right for you.

The graduate-level coursework within this program is focused on strategies that fit within the modern classroom to help prepare you to serve students in a variety of learning environments. Critical thinkers with an interest in leadership and building students’ futures are great candidates for this major.

Freedom to Earn Your Master’s in Education From Wherever You Are!
Why GCU

Earn Your Master’s in Secondary Education Online From GCU

You may find educating young minds to be a rewarding and honorable profession. If you nurture a love of learning and embrace a strong desire to help others reach their full potential, this degree can help you prepare for a career teaching in secondary education settings.

GCU’s online learning platform offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to pursue your degree while balancing personal and professional commitments. With interactive coursework, access to knowledgeable faculty and a collaborative online community, you can engage in learning experiences from anywhere with internet.

This master's degree is designed for those who already hold a current teaching license; therefore, it does not contain the in-classroom teaching experience necessary to obtain licensure. As a student in this program, you will, instead, complete 100 hours of observational and practice-oriented field experiences. These experiences are designed to help equip you with skills in leadership, instructional technology and research.

What does it mean to major in the secondary education NITL program?

A degree in secondary education (non-licensure) allows teachers who already hold a degree and a state teaching certificate to teach in various school districts (public private, charter, international, etc.) in their chosen content area. Educators who hold a degree without a license cannot teach in traditional public schools. If you are seeking a program that leads to licensure, our MEd in Secondary Education (ITL) program can help you prepare to pursue teaching requirements for many educational schools at the 6–12 grade level. 

MEd in Secondary Education (Licensure)
Coursework

Engage Students With Innovative Teaching Strategies

Engaging students effectively requires creative approaches that make learning interactive and meaningful. This program explores research-based methods to help increase participation, encourage critical thinking, adapt lessons to different learning needs and create effective learning environments that foster student engagement.

Build Expertise in Secondary Education Teaching

Teaching middle and high school students often requires innovative instructional teaching strategies, adaptability and a commitment to fostering student growth. The MEd in Secondary Education program can help equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to create welcoming and engaging learning experiences with confidence and expertise. 

Through this program, you will develop the ability to:

  • Design differentiated instruction that meets the diverse learning needs of students.
  • Implement varied assessment strategies and opportunities for students to demonstrate learning.
  • Support students with exceptional needs by applying inclusive and research-based practices.
  • Foster safe, positive and supportive learning environments that encourage positive student outcomes.
  • Develop engaging, collaborative and student-centered learning experiences that promote active participation.
  • Enhance critical thinking and communication skills to support effective teaching and learning.
  • Demonstrate leadership in education by advocating for students, collaboration with colleagues and driving positive change.
  • Promote global awareness, diverse perspectives and ethical decision-making to prepare students for an interconnected world. 
A male secondary teacher stands in front of classroom
Careers

Career Paths for Graduates With an MEd in Secondary Education

As a graduate of this master’s program, you may find work as a secondary education teacher, which may require specific skills and responsibilities.

These may include:

Educating learners in grades 6–12

Directing educational programs

Developing curriculum

Offering after-school tutoring

Performing principal and administration duties

Providing educational resources to those with learning differences and challenges

College of Education hallway art in GCU building
Accreditation

Take Master’s Classes From an Accredited University

GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction. This program directly aligns with standards from the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and the International Society of Technology Educators (ISTE). The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re an educator looking to earn your online secondary education degree, you can find answers to many of your questions here. 

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Guide Students Through Secondary Education

The Master of Education in Secondary Education can help equip you to lead middle and high school students. Take the next step in your teaching journey today!

Request More Information

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. 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 September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Middle School Teachers, retrieved March 10, 2025.
  2. 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 September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved March 10, 2025.
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How To Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How To Become a Middle School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved March 3, 2025. 

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