Master's in Secondary Education Online (Non-Licensure)

Q: What does “secondary education” mean?

Secondary education is the learning that takes place between elementary school and college, usually in grades 6–12. Secondary education typically offers general, technical, vocational or college-preparatory courses. MEd in Secondary Education graduates strive to prepare their students for their professional future.

Q: Is it worth it to major in secondary education?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 41,400 new jobs are estimated to open each year on average for middle school teachers from 2023 to 2033, and an estimated 64,000 new jobs for high school teachers each year during the same timeframe. Earning an education master’s degree can help prepare you to guide young learners in finding their own purpose, which you may find to be a rewarding experience.

Overview

Inspire High School Students

The Master of Education in Secondary Education (Non-licensure) program at Grand Canyon University is designed for individuals seeking foundational knowledge and practical strategies for teaching students in grades 6–12. This program provides initial coursework in secondary education without leading to teacher certification. While prior teaching experience or a background in education may be helpful, it is not required for admission.

Through engaging coursework and practice-based learning experiences, candidates will deepen their understanding of instructional planning, classroom management and adolescent development. If you are passionate about supporting secondary learners and expanding your expertise in content-area instruction, this non-licensure master’s program offers a flexible and enriching path forward.

Master of Education in Secondary Education (Does Not Lead to Initial Teacher Licensure)

Initial Program – Does Not Lead 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: 33

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

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, or those not seeking to obtain licensure. The program 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?

The Master of Education in Secondary Education (Non-licensure) program is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of teaching and learning at the secondary level (grades 6–12) without pursuing a teaching license. This program does not lead to certification and therefore does not qualify candidates to teach in traditional public schools that require licensure. However, it may support opportunities in educational settings where a state-issued teaching license is not required, such as private, charter, online or international schools, or in roles related to curriculum development, tutoring or education support services. Individuals interested in obtaining licensure to teach in public schools should explore our MEd in Secondary Education (Initial Teacher Licensure) program, which is designed to prepare candidates to meet certification requirements.

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.

Early Adolescent and Adolescent Psychology

This MEd in Secondary Education can help you prepare to become an effective educator with a strong understanding of individual learning styles, diverse student growth patterns and early adolescent development.

You will study ways to support student learning opportunities, such as:

Presenting student development plans and providing motivation techniques
Creating a collaborative environment that enhances student learning
Focusing on patterns of learning
Studying cognitive development, social–emotional and physical development in adolescence

Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Evaluation Methods

As you complete your courses, you will investigate multiple methods of assessment that support student engagement, monitor student progress and guide instructional decision-making.

This includes:

Evaluating and modifying instructional resources
Designing assessments that accurately measure student progress and mastery of learning objectives
Developing differentiated instruction and adapting curriculum and teaching methods to meet the varied learning needs of students
Helping learners use technology to find, assess and apply information
Exploring research-based approaches to curriculum planning, including differentiated instruction, cross-disciplinary connections and student-centered learning.

Survey of Special Education and Structured English Immersion

This master’s in secondary education online program will examine the fundamentals of legal, historical and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI), as well as skills to support students with mild to moderate exceptionalities.

You will study:

Theoretical principles of language acquisition
Instructional programs for English language learners
The legal framework for special education, including eligibility, evaluation and the development of individualized education programs (IEPs)
Methods of assessment to meet the diverse needs of students
Strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement

Professional Growth and Advocacy for Secondary Educators

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, private or charter school teacher, international school teacher or online virtual instructor.

These jobs may include the following responsibilities:

Educating learners in grades 6–12

Directing educational programs

Developing curriculum

Offering after-school tutoring

Providing educational resources to those with learning differences and challenges

Offering curriculum support and assisting teachers

Developing and editing educational content

Delivering professional training programs

Coordinating youth education programs

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.

Can you become a teacher with an online secondary education degree?

This master's in secondary education online helps to prepare licensed educators with the knowledge and skills to teach grades 6–12 or explore advanced career opportunities within education.

This non-licensure degree is ideal for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in education or another field and are seeking to expand their knowledge and skills related to teaching and learning at the secondary level. While this program does not lead to teacher certification, it offers a strong foundation in instructional practices, adolescent development and content-specific pedagogy that can support career growth in educational settings where licensure is not required.

If you are new to education and seeking licensure, our MEd in Secondary Education (ITL) program is designed to help you meet teaching requirements for grades 6-12 and take the next steps toward becoming a licensed educator.

What does “secondary education” mean?

Is it worth it to major in secondary education?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 41,400 new jobs are estimated to open each year on average for middle school teachers from 2023 to 2033,^{(See disclaimer 1)} and an estimated 64,000 new jobs for high school teachers each year during the same timeframe.^{(See disclaimer 2)} Earning an education master’s degree can help prepare you to guide young learners in finding their own purpose, which you may find to be a rewarding experience.

What qualifications do you need to be a secondary school teacher?

The qualifications of secondary education teachers may vary depending on the state in which you will be teaching. According to the BLS, to teach middle and secondary school students, you will need the following qualifications:^{(See disclaimer 3,4)}

Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program and/or a bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject
Successful background check
A state-issued certification or license
Possible master's degree, depending on your state

Can a primary teacher become a secondary teacher?

Secondary education focuses on subject-specific instruction, typically in grades 6–12. For those with a background in elementary education, this non-licensure degree can provide additional knowledge and preparation aligned with teaching adolescent learners. While this program does not lead to certification, it may benefit individuals looking to transition into educational roles where secondary content knowledge is valued. In some settings, schools may appreciate an educator’s primary teaching experience — particularly when working with students who need foundational support to meet grade-level expectations.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major33 credits

Degree Requirements33 credits

Core Courses

SEC-502

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will survey the philosophical, historical, and sociological influences upon which secondary educational theories and practices are constructed and explore a variety of the common issues, trends, and opportunities that professional educators encounter in the field. Emphasis is placed on deepening understanding of personal biases and accessing resources to promote ethical practice, build strong relationships, and uphold the expectations of the profession. Candidates will 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. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

POS-501

3 Total Credits

SEC-506

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will survey how early adolescents and adolescents grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, social-emotional, and physical areas. This survey of the seminal concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the development of adolescents will allow candidates to build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation. Emphasis is placed on creating a collaborative environment to enhance student learning and well-being. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-502.

SEC-511

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will have the opportunity to explore techniques involved in the successful engagement and management of a learning environment. Major emphasis is placed on the establishment of a realistic plan to actively and equitably engage learners, as well as management techniques and strategies to maximize instructional time, the effectiveness of classroom procedures, and the physical and virtual environment. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-502.

SEC-583

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates investigate the principles and practices involved in curriculum design for secondary classrooms. Emphasis is placed on understanding alignment between standards, learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessments. Course content is strategically planned to enable participants to make informed curriculum decisions to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

SEC-518

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will investigate multiple methods of assessment that support student engagement, monitor student progress, and guide instructional decision-making. Candidates will build foundational knowledge regarding various assessment strategies for planning, evaluating, and strengthening instruction to promote the continuous cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of each student. Focus will be placed on differentiating assessments to meet diverse student needs. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-583.

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.

SEC-546

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates explore research-based strategies for delivering differentiated reading instruction to promote reading proficiency. Language and literacy development is examined to inform assessment, remediation, and intervention practices to support secondary readers and ability levels, including students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Using this foundational knowledge, candidates will select, adapt, and use research-based instructional strategies and interventions with attention focused on reading in academic curricula to advance learning in all content areas for adolescent students. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.

ESL-545

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.

SEC-526

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates explore and apply research-based teaching and learning methodologies to make appropriate and data-driven decisions about all aspects of teaching, including how to integrate cross-disciplinary skills and technology. Major emphasis is placed on planning instruction and assessment that encourages problem-solving, active participation, and collaboration. Candidates focus on developing life-long learners who are self-directed and motivated. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-518.

SEC-570

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates examine their role in the classroom, school, and community as leaders and advocates for all stakeholders. Candidates research and engage in professional organizations, demonstrate leadership, and promote system change. Emphasis is placed on actively participating in collaborative communities and developing a growth mindset. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. 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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Information

Admission

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’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

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

Online Master’s in Secondary Education Degree (NITL)

Step 1: Educational Interests

Inspire High School Students

Earn Your Master’s in Secondary Education Online From GCU

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

Engage Students With Innovative Teaching Strategies

Build Expertise in Secondary Education Teaching

Career Paths for Graduates With an MEd in Secondary Education

Take Master’s Classes From an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses