Online Education Specialist (EdS) Degree in Teaching and Learning
What Is an EdS Degree in Teaching and Learning?
An Education Specialist (EdS) in Teaching and Learning is a post-master's degree designed for experienced K–12 educators who want to expand their instructional expertise, explore educational leadership concepts and deepen their understanding of teaching and learning.
Through online coursework, students will examine topics such as coaching and mentoring, learning theories and academic community building. These areas of study can help educators refine their professional practice, support colleagues and contribute to improved learning environments. Graduates often pursue instructional leadership, mentoring and coaching opportunities that allow them to support fellow educators while continuing to improve student learning outcomes.
Online: $760 per credit [More Info]
Up to 9 doctoral credits
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
What To Expect From the Online EdS in Teaching and Learning?
As a private Christian university, GCU delivers biblically rooted curriculum that embraces our Christian values and encourages our students to become ethical servant leaders within their school communities. While earning this EdS degree in teaching and learning, you will be supported by your peer community online. The flexible online learning modality brings convenience to higher education for working professionals.
What To Expect From GCU’s Online EdS Program
A Flexible Schedule With Online Learning
GCU has designed the format of this degree to accommodate the needs of busy educators. You’ll enjoy flexibility and convenience as you pursue your post-master’s degree at GCU. This online education specialist degree does not require any in-person learning components.
Earn an EdS Degree From an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Doctoral Studies shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Studying Teaching and Learning From a Christian Worldview
GCU offers mission-driven higher education aligned with our Christian worldview. We aim to prepare you to serve as an ethical leader who makes a positive difference in your community. As an online student, you are encouraged to stream our worship services remotely.
Online Student and Faculty Support
The faculty and department leaders at the College of Doctoral Studies are professional educators and industry leaders who guide you through the coursework. You’ll enjoy robust student support from enrollment to graduation, along with opportunities to collaborate with fellow educators, exchange insights and learn from diverse professional experiences.
What Will You Study in the EdS in Teaching and Learning Program?
GCU’s EdS degree focuses on areas such as mentorship, collaboration, community-building and leadership through change. The curriculum teaches you how to become a resource for fellow educators. You will examine emerging issues in K-12 education, including classroom practices that support student progress and leadership strategies that enable school systems to flourish amid change.
Core Course Topics in the EdS in Teaching and Learning
This EdS degree in teaching and learning aims to provide you with the skills, through research-based teaching strategies, to develop collaborative educational communities with the purpose of improving student learning and driving classroom success in K-12 environments. Through the capstone course, you will have the opportunity to explore an issue relevant to your professional interests and apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program. The degree culminates in a written project that showcases your findings and practical insights.
GCU’s EdS degree covers core topics in education, including:
Globalization and change
The global politics of education and the intervention facilitated by government entities
Theories of learning
The philosophy and theory of teaching and learning, and applications
K-12 community building
Fostering a diverse learning infrastructure and building relations with stakeholders
Ethical leadership
Ethical frameworks and social responsibility for education leaders
Build Your Portfolio in the EdS Capstone Project
An EdS capstone course concludes GCU’s post-master’s degree program, providing learners with the opportunity to apply the skills they have developed to their professional interests and goals. Learners will develop a written project suitable for a professional portfolio, with the goal of demonstrating mastery of the course material.
The EdS degree program offers an in-depth, analysis-based approach to every course. Unlike GCU’s doctoral education degrees, the teaching and learning specialist program does not require completion of a residency or dissertation. This allows current full-time teachers to complete their program on a more flexible schedule.
What Can You Do With an EdS in Teaching and Learning?
There are numerous teaching career choices to consider with an EdS. After earning this education specialist degree, you may choose to continue working with K-12 students while applying your leadership skills to foster a productive school community. Graduates may pursue positions as educators in preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school or secondary school classrooms with required licensure. Some graduates may decide to pursue a position in postsecondary education as an education professor. Please note that this program does not lead to teacher licensure; individuals seeking a teaching position must meet applicable state licensure requirements.
GCU’s online education specialist degree in teaching and learning enables teachers with a master’s degree to position themselves for potential career advancement without enrolling in a full doctoral program. Some educators, however, may prefer to earn a Doctor of Education. If you are unsure whether you should pursue an EdD or an EdS degree for your career goals, speak with a university counselor for more information about these programs.
This EdS degree, along with licensure, is aligned with multiple career outcomes, including:
Elementary school teacher
Empower young children to achieve cognitive and developmental milestones
Middle school teacher
Help middle school students adapt and thrive in secondary settings
High school teacher
Teach high schoolers to develop critical thinking skills and prepare for life after high school
Postsecondary education teacher
Prepare the next generation of teachers to inspire and lead their students
Median annual salary for high school teachers as of May 2025(See disclaimer 1)
Projected job openings for high school teachers annually from 2025 to 2035(See disclaimer 2)
Online EdS Tuition and Financial Aid
We believe that quality higher education should be accessible to all. We’re committed to keeping tuition for our academic programs competitive for our students by offering competitive online tuition rates. An education at GCU is an investment in your future.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Online EdS in Teaching and Learning FAQs
Learn more about earning your EdS degree in teaching and learning by reading answers to these commonly asked questions:
Is an EdS degree in teaching and learning a terminal degree?
Should I pursue an EdS or EdD in teaching and learning?
Can you get an EdS degree in teaching and learning without a master’s degree?
Can I earn an EdS degree in teaching and learning online?
What type of EdS degree should I earn?
Is an EdS degree higher than a master’s degree?
What Are the Admission Requirements for the Online EdS Program?
Doctoral applicants may qualify for admission to GCU with a completed master’s or doctoral degree from an approved, accredited college and by meeting either the minimum GPA requirement or certain specifications. Admission criteria may vary by degree or program. Please review the requirements for your chosen program.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Advance your teaching expertise with GCU's fully online EdS in Teaching and Learning. Explore coursework, admission requirements and tuition, then request more information to see if this post-master's program is right for you.
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).
(See disclaimer §) MOU-Alumni 10451: The Alumni $5,000 Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for GCU alumni who enroll in a doctoral program. If you enroll in a doctoral program through any of our online offerings, GCU will provide you a $5,000 tuition scholarship. This tuition scholarship will be applied on a per-course basis over your first and second academic year (as defined in the University Policy Handbook) and at the same time your tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships/awards. This credit will be applied toward your tuition only and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), High School Teachers, as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. 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 high school teachers, 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.
- Data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved September 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Doctoral Studies on Sept. 30, 2026.