Online Master’s in Secondary Education Degree
Empower Students in Secondary Education
The Master of Education in Secondary Education Initial Teacher Licensure (ITL) program at Grand Canyon University is designed for individuals interested in educating adolescents to young adults in grades 6-12 and who are seeking initial teaching licensure. This degree is for professionals who desire to teach but need to obtain the proper teaching licensure.
Earning a master’s in secondary education degree online may be ideal for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field who are passionate about guiding and inspiring the next generation. If you have expertise in subjects such as math, science, English, history or the arts, consider bringing your knowledge to the classroom. Teaching students in grades 6-12 can offer opportunities to engage with young learners, foster critical thinking and shape their future.
Throughout your secondary education studies, you will engage in practical experiences and work toward developing essential skills to become an effective educator for grades 6-12. Key areas of focus include:
- Applying instructional strategies: Refine your expertise in pedagogy, classroom management and curriculum planning while building on your subject-area knowledge.
- Understanding adolescent learners: Explore early adolescent and adolescent psychology, build foundational knowledge in special education to support students with exceptionalities and study secondary literacy instruction, including assessment, remediation and intervention strategies.
- Preparing for professional growth: Cultivate skills in advocacy, leadership and professional development to address key issues, trends and opportunities in education.
- Gaining hands-on experience: Complete 100 hours of fieldwork, including observations and practicum/field-based experiences, to build confidence and readiness for teaching.
Join a Community of Educators
As a secondary education major, you will graduate with the skills and competencies to teach, mentor and support students, including:
- Designing and adapting instruction to meet diverse student needs: Use assessment data to support growth and engagement.
- Applying subject-area expertise: Foster critical thinking and incorporate diverse perspectives into learning experiences.
- Making informed, evidence-based decisions: Use clarity and logical reasoning.
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Develop Your Teaching Skills and Instructional Strategies
As a secondary education major, you will take specialized courses designed to help you meet professional standards and develop a strong foundation in effective instructional strategies.
The MEd in Secondary Education program equips teacher candidates with essential strategies for creating and maintaining an effective learning environment that fosters student engagement. Through an in-depth exploration of classroom management techniques, you will develop a comprehensive plan to engage learners while maximizing instructional time actively and equitably.
Key areas of focus include:
- Establishing clear expectations: Use proactive engagement techniques to maintain a structured and supportive classroom.
- The classroom as a community: Cultivate a positive and inclusive classroom culture that fosters collaboration and respect.
- Engaging the learner: Implement instructional strategies that encourage active participation and student ownership of learning.
- Creating your classroom learning environment: Design both physical and virtual learning spaces that enhance accessibility, organization and student motivation.
- Supporting diverse student needs: Differentiate instruction and management approaches to meet the strengths and challenges of all learners.
As a teacher candidate, you are taught to support English learners by examining the legal, historical and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional models.
Through coursework and a 15-hour practicum/field experience, you will be given opportunities to develop practical skills in planning, delivering and evaluating standards-based instruction for English learners.
Key areas of focus include:
- Historical and legal foundations: Understand policies, court cases and legislation shaping English learner instruction.
- Elements of language development: Explore the stages of language acquisition and their implications for instruction.
- Integrated and targeted instruction focusing on language and literacy: Implementing research-based strategies to develop language skills across content areas.
- Culture and asset-based approach: Recognize and leverage students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds to enhance learning and engagement.
This course equips you with research-based strategies for delivering differentiated reading instruction to promote literacy proficiency among secondary students. Emphasis is placed on selecting, adapting and implementing instructional strategies that enhance reading and writing skills across academic disciplines.
Key areas of focus include:
- Literacy assessment: Utilize assessment tools to monitor literacy progress, identify challenges and adjust instruction accordingly.
- Identify reading and writing exceptionalities: Recognize characteristics of dyslexia and other reading challenges to provide appropriate support and help improve student outcomes.
- Literacy remediation: Design and apply remediation techniques to support struggling readers in developing essential lifelong literacy skills.
When you choose GCU for your secondary education major, you will be required to complete a 15- week practicum/field experience during your final semester of the program. This course offers hands-on classroom experiences as well as research- and analysis-driven results that can help you earn a passing score on the Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP).
Upon completion of 100 hours of observation and practice-based experience, you will be able to apply concepts, theories and research in your own classroom and be eligible for the secondary education teaching license in the state of Arizona.
Study Modern Practices for Secondary Education
This program prepares you with research-based, innovative strategies to create engaging and inclusive learning environments for diverse adolescent learners. Through coursework and field experiences, you will develop the skills needed to foster critical thinking, literacy and student-centered instruction.
Key areas of focus include:
- Developing cultural awareness and inclusivity: Examine personal biases and foster welcoming learning environments.
- Enhancing cognitive and critical thinking skills: Encourage deeper reasoning, problem-solving and student engagement.
- Promoting ethical and reflective teaching practices: Access resources and strategies that align with professional and ethical standards.
- Building meaningful student relationships: Establish trust and rapport to support student motivation.
Career Paths for Master’s in Secondary Education Graduates
As a secondary education major, you will be taught skills in instruction, assessment, educational research and collaborating in teams — all of which can help you prepare to work in schools and other community-serving organizations.
Graduates can pursue a career in secondary education and teaching, which may require the following skills and responsibilities:
- Directing college programs
- Serving as the student’s support system
- Developing curriculum
- Teaching middle school or high school students
- Providing after-school tutoring
- Performing principal and administration duties and responsibilities
- Providing specialized instruction
Pursue Your Master’s at an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are preparing to teach secondary education, GCU has gathered answers to your most frequently asked questions to help you understand licensure requirements, program details, career opportunities and the skills to teach in the classroom.
A secondary education degree can help equip educators with the pedagogical skills to teach students in grades 6-12. This degree emphasizes instructional methods, classroom management and student engagement strategies tailored for middle and high school learners. While this degree prepares candidates with the skills to deliver content effectively, it is designed for those who already possess subject-area expertise in disciplines such as English, math or science.
Primary (elementary) education typically encompasses grades K–8, focusing on foundational skills in reading, writing, math and early subject exploration. Secondary education, which includes grades 6-12, prepares students for more advanced learning through specialized subjects such as mathematics, sciences, social studies and humanities. The distinction between teaching middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) depends on your career goals and state certification requirements. Secondary educators not only teach subject-specific content but also help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and essential life skills.
Whether you’re looking to position yourself to potentially advance your career, further your education or seek licensure to enter the education field, you can find a master’s in education degree from GCU to help you pursue your goals.
Some commonly pursued master’s degrees in education are:
A master’s in secondary education online prepares you to teach grades 6-12. While most U.S. colleges require at least a master’s degree for professors, some may require a doctoral degree for postsecondary teaching.1
When it comes to teacher licensing, you may hear the terms “certified” and “licensed” used interchangeably. The process of receiving a teaching license is referred to as “getting certified.” The term “teaching certification” is the licensure required to teach in public schools, whereas a “teaching certificate” is awarded upon completion of an academic program.
If you are already a licensed teacher, consider one of GCU’s short-term certificate programs that provide a more focused approach and fewer courses than a degree program. This may be an option for those looking to learn a new skill, gain knowledge in a new field or meet certain licensing requirements. GCU’s L.E.A.P to Teach certificate is excellent for those looking to become a certified teacher or our special education graduate certificate is for those who wish to be an advocate for those with mild to moderate exceptionalities.
The Master of Education in Secondary Education program at GCU can equip you with the skills to lead and inspire middle and high school students. Get started today!
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).
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Postsecondary Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Feb. 26, 2025.
Core Courses
Course Description
Teacher candidates will survey the philosophical, historical, and sociological influences upon which secondary educational theories and practices are constructed and explore a variety of the common issues, trends, and opportunities that professional educators encounter in the field. Emphasis is placed on deepening understanding of personal biases and accessing resources to promote ethical practice, build strong relationships, and uphold the expectations of the profession. Candidates will prepare for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University by developing and strengthening the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Candidates examine the United States Constitution, and the constitution of the State of Arizona. From this foundational review, candidates will explore application of the United States Constitution and the constitution of the State of Arizona in educational contexts.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will survey how early adolescents and adolescents grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, social-emotional, and physical areas. This survey of the seminal concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the development of adolescents will allow candidates to build foundational knowledge for constructing learning opportunities that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation. Emphasis is placed on creating a collaborative environment to enhance student learning and well-being. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-502.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will have the opportunity to explore techniques involved in the successful engagement and management of a learning environment. Major emphasis is placed on the establishment of a realistic plan to actively and equitably engage learners, as well as management techniques and strategies to maximize instructional time, the effectiveness of classroom procedures, and the physical and virtual environment. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: SEC-502.
Course Description
Teacher candidates investigate the principles and practices involved in curriculum design for secondary classrooms. Emphasis is placed on understanding alignment between standards, learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessments. Course content is strategically planned to enable participants to make informed curriculum decisions to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates will investigate multiple methods of assessment that support student engagement, monitor student progress, and guide instructional decision-making. Candidates will build foundational knowledge regarding various assessment strategies for planning, evaluating, and strengthening instruction to promote the continuous cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of each student. Focus will be placed on differentiating assessments to meet diverse student needs. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-583.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are introduced to the educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities and their families, including the definitions, characteristics, prevalence, causes and educational approaches to these disabilities and disorders. Teacher candidates will identify cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional patterns of learning and development for students with mild to moderate disabilities. Teacher candidates also survey the special education process involving the application of various laws and regulations. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates explore research-based strategies for delivering differentiated reading instruction to promote reading proficiency. Language and literacy development is examined to inform assessment, remediation, and intervention practices to support secondary readers and ability levels, including students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Using this foundational knowledge, candidates will select, adapt, and use research-based instructional strategies and interventions with attention focused on reading in academic curricula to advance learning in all content areas for adolescent students. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required.
Course Description
In this course, teacher candidates examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion (SEI) and other instructional programs and approaches for teaching English learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement as they plan, deliver, and evaluate standards-based instruction for English learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates explore and apply research-based teaching and learning methodologies to make appropriate and data-driven decisions about all aspects of teaching, including how to integrate cross-disciplinary skills and technology. Major emphasis is placed on planning instruction and assessment that encourages problem-solving, active participation, and collaboration. Candidates focus on developing life-long learners who are self-directed and motivated. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: SEC-518.
Course Description
Teacher candidates examine their role in the classroom, school, and community as leaders and advocates for all stakeholders. Candidates research and engage in professional organizations, demonstrate leadership, and promote system change. Emphasis is placed on actively participating in collaborative communities and developing a growth mindset. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required.
Course Description
Teacher candidates are engaged in the student teaching experience that includes practical classroom experiences, research, analysis, and teaching to develop a Student Teaching Evaluation of Performance (STEP). The teacher candidate will have a GCU course instructor, a GCU faculty supervisor, and be placed in an approved school with a certified cooperating teacher/mentor. Fingerprint clearance required.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.