Online Master’s in Secondary Education Degree (NITL)
Inspire High School Students
The Master of Education in Secondary Education non-licensure (NITL) program at Grand Canyon University is designed for professionals who have a current teaching license and are interested in teaching students in grades 6–12. This program combines coursework with observational and practice-based learning experiences while maximizing the content knowledge you already possess. If you enjoy planning instruction, working collaboratively with peers and creating engaging learning opportunities for students, a master’s in secondary education online degree may be right for you.
The graduate-level coursework within this program is focused on strategies that fit within the modern classroom to help prepare you to serve students in a variety of learning environments. Critical thinkers with an interest in leadership and building students’ futures are great candidates for this major.
Earn Your Master’s in Secondary Education Online From GCU
You may find educating young minds to be a rewarding and honorable profession. If you nurture a love of learning and embrace a strong desire to help others reach their full potential, this degree can help you prepare for a career teaching in secondary education settings.
GCU’s online learning platform offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to pursue your degree while balancing personal and professional commitments. With interactive coursework, access to knowledgeable faculty and a collaborative online community, you can engage in learning experiences from anywhere with internet.
This master's degree is designed for those who already hold a current teaching license; therefore, it does not contain the in-classroom teaching experience necessary to obtain licensure. As a student in this program, you will, instead, complete 100 hours of observational and practice-oriented field experiences. These experiences are designed to help equip you with skills in leadership, instructional technology and research.
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Build Expertise in Secondary Education Teaching
Teaching middle and high school students often requires innovative instructional teaching strategies, adaptability and a commitment to fostering student growth. The MEd in Secondary Education program can help equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to create welcoming and engaging learning experiences with confidence and expertise. Through this program, you will develop the ability to:
- Design differentiated instruction that meets the diverse learning needs of students.
- Implement varied assessment strategies and opportunities for students to demonstrate learning.
- Support students with exceptional needs by applying inclusive and research-based practices.
- Foster safe, positive and supportive learning environments that encourage positive student outcomes.
- Develop engaging, collaborative and student-centered learning experiences that promote active participation.
- Enhance critical thinking and communication skills to support effective teaching and learning.
- Demonstrate leadership in education by advocating for students, collaboration with colleagues and driving positive change.
- Promote global awareness, diverse perspectives and ethical decision-making to prepare students for an interconnected world.
Engage Students With Innovative Teaching Strategies
Engaging students effectively requires creative approaches that make learning interactive and meaningful. This program explores research-based methods to help increase participation, encourage critical thinking, adapt lessons to different learning needs and create effective learning environments that foster student engagement.
Career Paths for Graduates With an MEd in Secondary Education
As a graduate of this master’s program, you may find work as a secondary education teacher, which may require specific skills and responsibilities such as:
- Educating learners in grades 6–12
- Directing educational programs
- Developing curriculum
- Performing principal and administration duties
- Offering after-school tutoring
- Providing educational resources to those with learning differences and challenges
Take Master’s Classes From 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. This program directly aligns with standards from the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and the International Society of Technology Educators (ISTE). 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’re an educator looking to earn your online secondary education degree, you can find answers to many of your questions here.
This master's in secondary education online helps to prepare licensed educators with the knowledge and skills to teach grades 6–12 or explore advanced career opportunities within education. This non-licensure degree is ideal for students who already have an undergraduate degree in education and aspire to further transform their careers and classrooms.
If you are new to education and seeking licensure, our MEd in Secondary Education (ITL) program is designed to help you meet teaching requirements for grades 6-12 and take the next steps toward becoming a licensed educator.
Secondary education is the learning that takes place between elementary school and college, usually in grades 6–12. Secondary education typically offers general, technical, vocational or college-preparatory courses. MEd in Secondary Education graduates strive to prepare their students for their professional future.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 41,400 new jobs are estimated to open each year on average for middle school teachers from 2023 to 2033,1 and an estimated 64,000 new jobs for high school teachers each year during the same timeframe.2 Earning an education master’s degree can help prepare you to guide young learners in finding their own purpose, which you may find to be a rewarding experience.
The qualifications of secondary education teachers may vary depending on the state in which you will be teaching. According to the BLS, to teach middle and secondary school students, you will need the following qualifications:3,4
- Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program and/or a bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject
- Successful background check
- A state-issued certification or license
- Possible master's degree, depending on your state
Secondary school teaching is more focused on particular subjects, so primary school teachers may be able to become secondary school teachers by becoming subject-matter experts. However, if your bachelor's degree is in elementary education, you may need this degree to qualify for secondary-level teaching. Depending on their needs, schools may welcome your primary teaching experience if they have students who are behind their peers and may benefit from a more primary approach.
The Master of Education in Secondary Education can help equip you to lead middle and high school students. Take the next step in your teaching journey 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 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Middle School Teachers, retrieved March 10, 2025.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, retrieved March 10, 2025.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 29). How to Become a Middle School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved March 3, 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.
- 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.