Master’s in Secondary Education Online Degrees

Whether you're a current educator or someone interested in entering the field of teaching, a master’s in secondary education online degree offers the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact. These programs cover key areas such as curriculum design, classroom management and adolescent development, helping you prepare to create engaging and effective learning experiences. With a focus on modern teaching strategies and educational theory, you have the opportunity to lead with confidence and shape the future of secondary education.

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Empower Students With Effective Teaching Strategies

Effective teaching strategies can help students enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving and retention skills. By implementing proven methods, educators can create a more inclusive and engaging classroom that motivates students to flourish. These strategies not only boost academic performance but can also foster a lifelong love of learning.

When students come to GCU, they’re around faculty who really care. At GCU, people care about each other. The barriers to learning simply fall away here because of the kindness and the mission of GCU.

Misti Stevens Adjunct Professor, College of Education

 

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Explore MEd in Secondary Education Degrees at GCU

Earning your master's degree in secondary education can help you open the door to a variety of career opportunities in teaching and educational leadership. GCU offers several options for educators seeking to specialize and advance their knowledge in secondary education. Whether you're interested in curriculum development or a specific subject area, our programs are designed to help you enhance your expertise in the field of education.

 

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Initial Teacher Licensure Pathway

You may choose the licensure version of a secondary education master's program to help enhance your teaching skills and work toward becoming a licensed secondary education teacher (grades six through 12). This option may be ideal for those seeking to earn a teaching certificate through a combination of coursework, practical field experience and state exams. Pursuing the licensure track can help prepare you to meet certification requirements and provide the opportunity to actively contribute to the educational field. It's important to consider the specific certification requirements for your state as you plan your path.

Non-Licensure Pathway

Students may choose the non-licensure version of a secondary education master's program to advance their knowledge and skills without the requirements of teacher certification. This option may be ideal for educators or professionals who want to deepen their understanding of educational theory, research and teaching strategies without pursuing licensure. Explore our non-licensure secondary education programs.

 

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Similar Programs Available to Nevada Residents

For Nevada residents, similar master's programs in secondary education are available, offering specialized emphases such as humanities education and STEM education. These programs are designed to align with state certification requirements in Nevada and can help prepare you for various teaching and leadership roles within Nevada schools. Additionally, they offer an Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) for teaching candidates in Nevada.

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

GCU is an institutionally accredited university that prioritizes academic quality across all our colleges and programs. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. 

Additionally, Grand Canyon University is a member in good standing with the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. 

Master’s in Secondary Education Online Coursework

In GCU's online master's in secondary education programs, you’ll explore essential topics in educational theory and practice, with coursework that can be completed from almost anywhere, allowing you to balance your current responsibilities. The program is taught by knowledgeable faculty and offers the flexibility to manage both work and your education. Key subjects taught include the following: 

  • Technology integration
  • Curriculum development
  • Modern teaching strategies
  • Classroom diversity and inclusion
  • Education fundamentals for grades six through 12
  • Inquiry-based and project-based learning
  • Assessment and student outcomes
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Graduate Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the master's in secondary education programs at GCU, you must meet specific graduate admission requirements. Review our admission criteria and complete the form on this page to learn more about your eligibility for our master’s programs in secondary education. 

Career Paths for Master’s in Secondary Education Graduates

If you wish to specialize in education for grades 6-12, you can explore a variety of opportunities depending on your specific interests and focus areas. Education courses are intended to enable professionals to develop strong competencies in teaching methodologies and strategies. With a foundation of secondary education skills, you may set yourself up to pursue state licensure or certification as a junior or high school educator.

Teacher licensure is a requirement for all aspiring public school teachers, and it may be preferred in private school settings as well.1 In addition, some states require practicing, licensed teachers to acquire a master’s degree in education after they have already begun working as educators.1

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking to enter the field of education at the secondary level, review some frequently asked questions and answers about our MEd in Secondary Education to gain more insight into this career path.

Yes, master's degrees in secondary education at GCU offer opportunities to specialize in a specific subject area. Depending on the program, you may be able to focus on subjects such as STEM and humanities education at the secondary level. Specializing allows you to tailor your education to your interests and career goals while gaining in-depth knowledge of your chosen field within secondary education.

The difference between secondary education degrees that lead to initial teacher licensure and those that do not is that licensure programs can help you prepare to become a certified teacher through coursework, practicum/field experience hours and state exams, while non-licensure programs focus on advanced education and specialized knowledge without the certification requirements.

A Master of Education (MEd) in Secondary Education can be a valuable investment for those seeking to position themselves to potentially advance their careers in teaching and education. Furthermore, you may find teaching to be a fulfilling career that may allow you to make a lasting impact on students' lives, which can make earning an advanced degree worthwhile both professionally and personally.

Student Resources

No matter your specialization, you will have access to support and resources throughout your master’s in secondary education program. Whether studying online or on campus, you can take advantage of a variety of resources tailored to your specific field of interest, with additional support from our College of Education to help enhance your academic and professional development.

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Aug. 29). How To Become a High School Teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2024. 

Make a difference in students' lives — earn your master's in secondary education at GCU and help inspire the next generation of learners.