Online Teaching Degree Programs

If you feel called to a teaching career, a degree from Grand Canyon University can help equip you with the skills and experience needed to pursue it. Teaching education programs from GCU combine knowledgeable faculty with practical experiences from a variety of disciplines specific to your interests that can help you work toward a valuable education.

GCU engages a diverse and global community of learners with purpose and passion through advanced curriculum and instruction techniques by promoting servant leadership in educational communities. Many of our teaching degrees are offered as licensure programs that can prepare you to start pursuing your teaching career and non-licensure programs that can help you position yourself for potential growth within your teaching career — so you can find the one that is right for your unique path.

76,393

Students who graduated from GCU's College of Education since 20091

857,600

New educational instruction and library openings expected from 2022 to 20322

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GCU offers 43 total teacher licensure and educational academic programs (as of September 2022). Apply now for a teaching degree to start achieving your goals as an educator.

Develop Skills to Make an Impact With a Degree in Teaching

A bachelor's degree is typically a prerequisite for teaching, with variations depending on your state of residence. To work toward becoming the type of teacher who can make a lasting impression, leave a positive impact and create core memories with your students, you may want to consider GCU’s education degree programs.

By forging strong relationships, demonstrating good communication, leading by example and instilling confidence in each student, GCU faculty aim to teach future educators how to build a bond between students and teachers through One Foundation, our Christian worldview.


Accredited Online Teaching Degrees From GCU

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GCU has been preparing knowledgeable educators who continue to demonstrate a commitment to quality education since 1968. The College of Education aligns its curriculum with the standards set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as well as national accreditors and professional affiliates. These standards help us work toward producing credible, qualified teachers and professionals through our education and teaching degrees both online and on-campus.

Flexible Online or On-Campus Classes for Students Seeking a Degree in Education

Fit learning into your busy life with GCU’s online or on-campus education degrees designed for maximum flexibility. Earn your degree on campus or in an online teaching program with classes that can fit into your busy schedule, creating a sensible work–life balance.3

GCU’s Commitment to Affordable Education

Nearly $140 million

in institutional scholarships for online students in 2023

Nearly $180 million

in institutional scholarships received by campus students in 2023

Online Students Smiles Because of GCU's Affordable Education Prices

GCU’s mission is to make private, Christian education affordable and accessible to everyone, which is why GCU has not increased campus tuition since 2009. Our campus is a welcoming community for everyone — built upon a set of values based on educational opportunities.


Top Teaching Degrees Offered at GCU

With a focus on adult learning techniques and innovative leadership, GCU has many teaching degrees that can prepare you for a career in education while keeping class sizes small. 

 

Bachelor's Degrees in Teaching

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Master's Teaching Degrees

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Doctoral Education Degrees

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Teaching Degree Certificates

Teacher Pursues Teaching Certificate from GCU

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Grow Your Teaching Career With an Education Degree From GCU 

Some education degree programs at GCU utilize a cross-disciplinary approach with other colleges at GCU, helping you gain a deeper understanding of your chosen area of study. Equip yourself for a teaching career by specializing in one of the many subjects offered, such as mathematics, English, curriculum and instruction, secondary education, administration or any of our other specialized degrees.

A variety of undergraduate and master’s education degrees can help you work toward finding the right fit for your needs. Whether you want to become an English or history teacher by earning your bachelor’s degree or pursue a master’s degree focused on educational leadership, GCU has an in-person or online teaching program for you.


Teaching Degree Program FAQs

Earning a degree in teaching doesn't have to be confusing. Find answers to your most frequently asked questions regarding GCU's teaching education programs.

Teaching certifications may vary by state. However, to obtain a teacher certification, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and complete an approved teacher preparation program. Specific coursework based on the desired teaching area of focus is also required to begin your teaching career.

Because a bachelor’s degree in teaching is necessary to become a teacher in most states, the length of time to completion will depend on the teaching degree you choose. For example, the bachelor’s in elementary education degree at GCU requires a total of 120 credits for completion. One thing to consider, online teaching programs allow learners to complete their master’s degree at a speed that respects students’ needs to balance work and life responsibilities.

An education degree can prepare you with the tools and skills to work with young learners or adult students, whether inside the classroom, in an administrative role or other education-related fields.4 As you complete your degree in education, you may find many aspects of education that interest you. An education degree can teach you communication and management skills to work toward pursuing opportunities in education, learning and development or training opportunities.

The number of credits it will take to earn your master’s degree in education depends on which degree in teaching you choose. For example, the Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction degree at GCU requires a total of 32 credits for completion.

As of Oct. 3, 2022, Arizona allows those without a bachelor’s degree to start training as a teacher if they are enrolled in college and are supervised by a licensed teacher.5 This provides future educators an opportunity to complete their training while also finishing their degree. It’s important to remember this opportunity may vary by state. Be sure to check the state laws where you plan to teach. To become a fully certified teacher in Arizona, you will need a bachelor’s degree, a passing score on a standardized test and complete (or be enrolled in) a teacher preparation program.6

Depending on your state’s requirements and the certification programs they offer, some schools may hire you without a formal teaching degree, especially if you have a degree in the subject you will be teaching.6 Furthermore, you may be able to earn an alternative teaching certification if you already have a bachelor’s degree in any subject. If you live in Arizona, you may qualify for the Canyon L.E.A.P. pathway.

For state specific information, be sure to check your state’s teacher certification requirements.

doctorate in education may be right for you if you are looking to position yourself for a potential leadership role that focuses on developing new ideas and ways to improve your organization. You’ll be taught to apply research skills throughout the curriculum while completing your dissertation.

Male Teaching Degree Student Smiling On Campus

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.

1 May 2009 to January 2023

2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Educational Instruction and Library Occupations, retrieved on Jan. 9, 2024.

3 Excluding observational and practice-based experiences, and student teaching.

4 Sartore, M. and Webb, H. (2024, June 24). What Is an Education Degree. The Best Schools. Retrieved July 10, 2024.

5 Arizona Department of Education (2022, Oct. 3). Frequently Asked Questions About Educator Certification. Retrieved in September 2023.

6 Wilfong, S. (2023, March 22). How to Become a Teacher in Arizona. Best Colleges. Retrieved on Aug. 16, 2023.

Grand Canyon University's online and evening programs offer the flexibility you need to get ahead, providing a quality education to help you in today's complex world.