Master’s in Education Online Programs
Build Expertise in Education and Leadership
As the educational landscape evolves with new technology, innovative instructional methods and changing student needs, educators must stay ahead. GCU’s master’s in education online programs(See disclaimer 1) may open doors to new opportunities in teaching, leadership and curriculum development. Whether you’re interested in classroom teaching, special education, instructional design or educational leadership, a master’s degree can provide the advanced skills and confidence to help make a lasting impact across educational settings.
Explore Online Master's Programs in Education
Our online(See disclaimer 1) Master of Education degrees provide flexible pathways to certification and advanced expertise, whether you're entering the classroom for the first time or expanding your impact as an educator. Designed to match the rigor and quality of our on-campus degrees, these programs connect you with experienced faculty and a diverse community of peers, helping to empower you with the skills, knowledge and support for today’s educational environments.
Licensure vs. Non-Licensure
We offer both licensure and non-licensure master's in education online programs to support various career goals in education. Our licensure programs are designed for individuals seeking initial teaching licensure. They align with state requirements and provide a structured path to becoming a licensed educator, which is an essential step for teaching in public schools.
Our non-licensure programs are ideal for those who already hold a valid teaching license or are pursuing roles in education that don’t require certification. These programs focus on deepening your expertise in specialized subject areas, leadership and curriculum design.
Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Explore master’s programs that prepare you to support young learners from early childhood through elementary education. Develop skills in child development, reading instruction and family engagement, or focus on effective teaching strategies and classroom leadership for K–8 students. Choose from licensure and non-licensure options to align with your career goals.
Secondary Education
Our master’s in education with a secondary education emphasis can equip you to teach in middle and high school settings. With specializations in STEM and humanities, you can tailor your degree to match your certification needs and teaching goals.
School Counseling
Support K-12 students in their social, emotional and academic development with a master’s in school counseling. This program leads to initial licensure and allows graduates the opportunity to seek certification. The coursework covers topics such as theories of counseling, child development, developmental disabilities and research methods.
Educational Administration and Leadership
Develop your skills in school leadership with GCU’s master’s programs in educational administration and leadership. These degrees offer specialized tracks, including Christian education and school finance for a variety of K–12 settings.
Special Education
If you're passionate about making an impact in the lives of students with exceptionalities, our master’s programs in special education are designed to help you become a compassionate, skilled advocate for creating welcoming learning environments.
Career Paths for Graduates of Online Master of Education Degrees
A master’s degree in education online(See disclaimer 1) can prepare you for several careers across education, from teaching in the classroom, advising students as a school counselor or leading educators as a principal.
A master’s in education, paired with teaching licensure, can support your path to becoming a:
Preschool teacher
Kindergarten teacher
Elementary school teacher
Secondary school teacher
Teaching assistant
Special education teacher
Education and childcare administrator
Elementary, middle and high school principal
Educational, guidance and career counselor and advisor
Median annual wage for elementary, middle and high school principals in May 2024(See disclaimer 2)
New jobs expected to open for elementary, middle and high school principals each year, on average, from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about GCU’s online master's programs in education.
Is a master's degree in education worth it?
Which master's degree is best for teaching?
What can you do with a master’s in education?
Strengthen Your Approach to Welcoming Education
GCU’s College of Education designs its master’s programs to align with rigorous benchmarks set by the Higher Learning Commission, national accreditors and professional organizations. Our master’s in education online programs are built to develop credible, qualified professionals ready to make a lasting impact in diverse educational settings. Rooted in a Christian worldview, GCU’s programs emphasize ethical leadership, service and a commitment to investing in the next generation.
Admission Requirements
Accreditation
Interactive Learning Platform
"I knew that going back to school to become a leader would help me to be able to support teachers within my school. Grand Canyon University has helped me find my purpose by supporting and empowering me."
"I knew that going back to school to become a leader would help me to be able to support teachers within my school. Grand Canyon University has helped me find my purpose by supporting and empowering me."
Student Resources
As an online student, you’ll have access to helpful tools like eBooks, calendar reminders and reliable technical support. Plus, dedicated student services counselors are available to support you every step of the way throughout your academic journey.
Equip yourself with innovative strategies and tools for today’s evolving educational landscape with a master’s in education from GCU.
Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Elementary, Middle and High School Principals, 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 elementary, middle and high school principals, 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, Elementary, Middle and High School Principals, retrieved October 2025.
- National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Digest of Education Statistics. NCES. Retrieved October 2025.