Master's Degrees for Education
The master's in education degree programs at GCU offer opportunities for those with a calling to education to either prepare to advance their knowledge or begin their journey toward licensure. Our advanced programs for continuing education are designed for current educators looking to continue growing their knowledge in the field, with a focus on advanced methods for educators.
For those seeking licensure or looking to enter the field of education for the first time, but with a degree in a field other than education, we have initial programs that lead to licensure and programs that do not lead to licensure.
Education degree programs online or on campus that lead to licensure will include a student teaching or internship experience needed to seek certification. Education degree programs online or on campus that do not lead to licensure may include many of the same courses as a licensure program but do not have the same student teaching or internship requirements. Additionally, most non-licensure education degree programs are designed for teachers who already hold licensure. A program that leads to licensure is ideal for students who are looking to earn their initial teaching license and may already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
As you choose the right degree program for you, it is important to be aware of different certification requirements specific to the state you plan to teach or lead in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look for answers to some questions you may be asking about education degrees at GCU. If you still have more questions, fill out the form at the top of this page to talk to a university counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Education degree programs online or on campus that lead to licensure will include a student teaching or internship experience needed to seek certification. Education degree programs online or on campus that do not lead to licensure may include many of the same courses as a licensure program but do not have the same student teaching or internship requirements. Additionally, most non-licensure education degree programs are designed for teachers who already hold licensure. A program that leads to licensure is ideal for students who are looking to earn their initial teaching license and may already have a bachelor's degree in a non-teaching field.
As you choose the right degree program for you, it is important to be aware of different certification requirements specific to the state you plan to teach or lead in.
No Application Fee | Most Online1 Classes Start Weekly
Choose Your Education Program & Get More Info
Find the program that you are interested in below and complete the form to get more information on classes, admission and tuition.
Earn a Master's in Education Degree Online1 From GCU
Minimum of $3,340 off Your Master's in Education Online Tuition‡
Minimum of $3,340 off Your Master's in Education Online Tuition‡
Online1 Degrees at Grand Canyon University
Our online courses offer a curriculum developed so that you receive an education to help you position yourself for possible career advancement. Backed by the legacy of our traditional campus, GCU is an accredited university with dynamic academic programs, informed by industry and student learning outcomes.
Most online classes start weekly
Earn a Master's in Education Degree Online1 From GCU
New Scholarships Available!
Accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)4
Grand Canyon University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The programs listed below have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2026.
Initial Programs (Undergraduate)
Advanced Programs (Graduate Licensure/Advanced Degree Programs):
Reading - Elementary
TESOL
Programs for
Postsecondary Education
Do you aspire to teach students at a postsecondary institution? GCU’s master’s degree programs in education with diverse content areas with an emphasis in education can help prepare you to teach at the postsecondary level. In these programs, you can gain skills in pedagogical training, strategic curriculum design and diverse adult learning theories. Postsecondary teachers often need a doctoral degree in their field, although a master's degree may qualify you to teach at some two-year colleges, while others might require substantial work experience in their field of expertise.
Initial Programs for
Teacher Licensure & Non-Licensure
The initial programs offered by the College of Education can give you the opportunity to start the journey to becoming an educator. We offer both initial teacher licensure (ITL) and non-licensure programs in a variety of areas so you can prepare to teach students of all ages, including early childhood, elementary and secondary. Or, pursue your calling to teach students with exceptionalities by earning a Master of Education in Special Education.
Grand Canyon University's
Grand Canyon University's online1 programs offer flexibility, providing a quality education to help you navigate today's complex world.
Over 100 GCU alumni have been recognized in the field of education, with some receiving Superintendent, Administrator or Teacher of the Year award as of February 2024.
Minimum of $3,340 off Online Tuition
If you are a new student and looking to earn your education or secondary education master’s degree, you may be eligible to receive a minimum of $3,340 off (up to $5,950 off) tuition.‡
‡
MA in History: Education (Does Not Lead to Licensure)
The Master of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education degree program can help prepare graduates to pursue teaching opportunities at two-year and postsecondary educational institutions. The degree program explores major historical events, themes and movements through the lens of cultural, military, economic and political perspectives leading into a teaching position.
MEd in Educational Administration (Advanced Program for Principal Licensure)
The Master of Education in Educational Administration focuses on advanced methods for educators, helping graduates prepare themselves to advance their knowledge and/or begin a journey toward licensure.
MEd in School Counseling (Leads to Initial Licensure)
The Master of Education in School Counseling (leading to initial licensure) offers graduates with a bachelor's degree the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to support Pre-K–12 students in a school counselor role. This program leads to initial licensure and can help you position yourself for the next step in professional advancement in education and counseling.
GCU's Featured Master's in Education Degrees
Choose an Education Degree Online1 From GCU
Master's Degree Programs for
Current Educators
If you are looking to prepare to advance your education by earning your next degree, you may be interested in our variety of master's in education degree programs designed for current educators looking to potentially position themselves to take the next step in their career. Explore our programs in areas like curriculum and instruction, educational administration, instructional technology and more.
Minimum of $3,340 off Online Tuition‡
New online students may be eligible to receive a
minimum of $3,340 off (up to $5,950 off) tuition.‡
Grand Canyon University
GCU is a private Christian university. We are dedicated to helping our students change their lives for the better through education. Our knowledgeable faculty and staff will be with you every step of the way to help you reach your goals.
Competitive, affordable tuition rate so that furthering education is within reach for all2
Online courses offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals and students with busy schedules
GCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968
We strive to assist all College of Education graduates who need additional support or who are experiencing challenges in an educational setting; and since 1984, we have upheld this promise. Support might include content-area teaching materials, certification testing resources, course curriculum assistance or faculty mentoring. To honor this promise, the College of Education asks graduates to pledge to uphold a high level of excellence in their educational setting.
GCU's College of Education Pledge and Promise
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).
‡ MOU 9700 & 9701: This scholarship is only valid for those applicants who are participating in a GCU College of Education or secondary education emphasis master's degree program, offered online, and who submit a completed application to start their program on or before December 31, 2025. If you enroll in a master's degree program through any of the College of Education or secondary education emphasis degree programs offered online, Grand Canyon University will offer you 18% off the tuition per course for your program. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only and does not include fees (i.e., Canyon Connect, Technology, etc.).
1 Excluding observational and practice-based experiences, and student teaching.
2 Based on the 2021-22 academic year, GCU’s private Christian tuition is 47% more affordable than the average out-of-state tuition of Arizona’s three state universities.
3
4 Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation, P.O. Box 7511, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-9998. Email: aaqep@aaqep.org. Web: aaqep.org.
5 https://www.gcu.edu/admissions/college-transfer-center.php
6 https://www.gcu.edu/admissions
7
8 The Master of Education in Educational Administration, offered by the College of Education, is an institutionally accredited program approved by the State of Arizona. It aligns with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL, 2015) led by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA, 2018).
Grand Canyon University ©2025 - All Rights Reserved. Program availability varies and is not offered in all states or modalities. Visit the State Disclosures section on the page of the program you're interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions. Policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at gcu.edu/academics/academic-policies.php. Scholarship information is available on gcu.edu. Grand Canyon University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or any legally protected status. Title IX regulations require non-discrimination on the basis of sex or gender, which includes unlawful discrimination based on pregnancy and/or disability discrimination based upon complications related to pregnancy. As a religious institution, Grand Canyon University expressly reserves its rights, its understandings of, and its commitments to Christian principles, and reserves the legal right to hire and employ individuals who support the values of the university. Our site uses cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features/ads and to analyze site traffic. We share information about your use of this site with our social media, advertising and analytics teams who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them. By continuing to navigate this site you are consenting to the collection of information via our use of cookies. For more information on our cookie collection and use please visit our Privacy Policy.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLCommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.