What Is Secondary Education? Program Benefits and Why You Should Pursue This Degree

Secondary education refers to middle and high school education. Learn how it differs from primary education, why a master’s degree can matter, career paths this degree may lead to and GCU’s flexible paths for earning your master’s in education.

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Read time 6 minutes

Georgia Farrokh

Published on Oct 21, 2025

Secondary education is defined as the years of school following elementary school and before starting college, also known as high school. Secondary education includes grades 9 through 12, though some school districts may also include grades 6 through 8. Students typically study core subjects such as English, science, mathematics and history, as well as elective courses.

When educators consider positioning themselves to potentially advance their teaching careers, one impactful step they can take is pursuing a master’s degree in secondary education. This journey isn’t just about gaining more knowledge; it is also about how that knowledge is applied in the classroom to bring about real transformation.

As Paul Danuser, associate professor at GCU’s College of Education puts it, “The biggest difference [from a bachelor’s degree] is in the application of the information learned and the assignments completed. Instead of thinking ‘one day I will need this,’ the focus becomes ‘how can I use this in my classroom today?’ Bringing in your experience will enhance the work you do in a master’s program, as you take what you have done, or not done, and share stories and experiences with your classmates and instructors who have had similar experiences.” Master’s programs bridge theory and practice, allowing educators to implement new strategies in real time and collaborate with peers on how to improve the learning environment.

Elementary vs. Secondary Education

Elementary and secondary education differ in structure and focus. While elementary school students typically spend the school day in one classroom with one teacher, secondary school students will switch classrooms and teachers throughout the day as they attend their classes. In addition, while elementary education may cover a wide range of content areas, secondary education may focus on one or more content areas.

Why Pursue a Master’s in Secondary Education?

There are many reasons to pursue a master’s in secondary education. The educational landscape is shifting, and teachers must adapt to new technologies, curricula and instructional strategies. A master’s degree in secondary education aims to help equip teachers with advanced skills, knowledge and confidence for the classroom.

Here are some master’s in education benefits:

Deepen your skills and knowledge: Master’s degrees in secondary education are designed to deepen existing competencies and provide opportunities for specialization, such as in STEM, history or humanities.
Changing career paths: Aspiring teachers with a non-teaching degree may be able to pivot into a teaching career by completing a master’s in education initial teaching licensure program and completing all the steps required for state licensure.

“It is vital you learn the current trends in teaching and learning and establish a foundation for lifelong learning. A master’s in secondary education can help you lay the foundation for being a lifelong learner who can also encourage the desire to learn in your students as well.”

— Paul Danuser, Associate Professor, College of Education

Related Article: What Can I Do With a Master’s in Education?

Two Flexible Pathways at GCU

We offer two options for earning a master’s in secondary education — each designed to support aspiring and current middle and high school teachers in their unique journeys. GCU’s College of Education is committed to the personal and professional development of its students.

Paul Danuser explains, “We focus on human flourishing for both the teachers and the students. When one flourishes and succeeds, the other will as well. We focus on ethics and dispositions of the teachers, and while we don’t expect teachers to be perfect (there was only one perfect teacher), we do hold ourselves to higher standards as we know and believe we are all born in the image of God (imago Dei), and that is how we focus our teaching, discipline, classroom environment and motivation to create a welcoming and safe environment for ourselves and our students.”

This philosophy is woven into every aspect of GCU’s education programs, helping graduates to not only gain knowledge and credentials, but to also grow as ethical and compassionate educators.

Master of Education in Secondary Education (Licensure Track)

A master’s in secondary education can prepare you to lead in the classroom. The licensure track is designed for aspiring educators who do not already hold a teaching license. If you're new to teaching, pursuing a degree with initial licensure means you'll learn essential teaching methods and strategies while also preparing to meet the requirements for becoming a certified teacher. This includes gaining hands-on experience in real classrooms (called practicum or fieldwork) and passing your state's licensing exam.

Master of Education in Secondary Education (Non-Licensure Track)

The non-licensure track is ideal for educators who already hold a teaching license, or for those interested in positions where teaching licensure is not required. This program is designed to enhance skills in areas such as instruction, curriculum development and classroom management. Students in the non-licensure track can benefit from advanced pedagogical theory, opportunities to specialize in areas like STEM or humanities and the ability to grow professionally without repeating licensure requirements.

Common Career Paths With a Master’s in Secondary Education

A masters in secondary education, along with teaching licensure, can prepare graduates for roles in the classroom. Most commonly, this degree supports careers such as:

Secondary Education Teacher
Teach middle or high school students in public, private or charter schools with enhanced instructional strategies and subject-area expertise.

Postsecondary Education Teacher
Teach introductory courses at some two or four-year colleges, particularly in education-related fields. A doctorate degree may be required depending on what or where you plan to teach.

FAQs: Secondary Education and Advanced Degrees

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about what is secondary education and earning a master’s in secondary education.

Is a master’s degree in education worth it?

A master’s in secondary education can be a worthwhile investment depending on your career goals and aspirations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), secondary school teachers with a master’s degree earned 24% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.³

Is high school the same as secondary school?

Yes, high school is considered a part of secondary school, although some school districts also include grades 6 through 8 as secondary school. All high schools are considered secondary schools, but not all secondary schools are high schools.

Do I need a master’s to teach high school?

You do not need a master’s degree to teach high school in Arizona. The state requires teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved teacher preparation program (including student teaching), pass required exams and meet professional development requirements to maintain licensure.⁴However, in some other states — like New York — teachers are required to earn a master’s degree within a few years of starting their teaching career to keep their certification.⁶ Always check your specific state’s licensure rules, as requirements can vary widely.

What subjects can I teach with this degree?

This degree is designed to prepare graduates to teach any subject for grades 6 to 12. Note that the grade levels may vary by school and state.

Can I complete a master’s while working?

Yes, it is possible to complete a master’s degree while working. GCU’s MEd programs are designed for working professionals, providing opportunities for completing courses online⁵ in a flexible format. Working in the classroom while earning your degree is a great way to put your knowledge into practice.

Earn Your Master’s in Education at GCU

Explore GCU’s master’s in secondary education (licensure) and master’s in secondary education (non-licensure) programs to find the right fit for your goals and passions. Whether you’re looking to earn your teaching licensure or deepen your expertise without pursuing licensure, GCU offers flexible pathways to help you achieve your goals.

At GCU, you can become part of a community that empowers you to grow as an educator and leader. “You should feel inspired by your faculty and classmates to learn how to be the best you can be, and earning a Master’s in Secondary Education from GCU can help you accomplish that and truly make a difference in your classrooms, schools and communities,” says Danuser. Reflecting on your professional goals can help you see how a master’s degree can offer the opportunity to grow as an educator and leave a lasting impact.

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Georgia Farrokh

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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).

National Center for Education Statistics. (2018). Number of Instructional Days and Hours in the School Year, by State. State Education Practices. Retrieved Aug. 15, 2025.
National Center for Education Statistics. (n.d.). Digest of Education Statistics. NCES. Retrieved Aug. 15, 2025.
Torpey, E., & Terrell, D. (2015, September). Should I Get a Master’s Degree? U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved Aug. 15, 2025.
Arizona Department of Education. (n.d.) Become an Educator. Arizona Department of Education. Retrieved Sept. 4, 2025.
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences, and student teaching
New York State Education Department. (2025, July 9). Professional Certificate. New York State Education Department. Retrieved Sept. 11, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.