College News and Research - Courses, degree programs, accredited online education.

If you are driven to pursue a higher standard of success and require flexibility in your schedule to get there, Grand Canyon University is the right choice for you! With an online and campus-based enrollment of more than 16,000, GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students, as well as the working professional.

With our cutting-edge curriculum, you will gain the real-world experience you need to succeed in today’s global marketplace. Online and campus-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are offered through the College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ken Blanchard College of Business, and the College of Liberal Arts. Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university.

About GCU

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University developed into a premier teacher education college, and soon formed other exceptional programs in the nursing, business, Christian studies, and arts & sciences.

As the city of Phoenix expanded around Grand Canyon University, the university grew along with the city to become one of the premier private universities in the nation. Grand Canyon University consistently maintains its tradition of excellence in all disciplines, and now offers that same exceptional tradition through its online education programs, which began in 2000.

Accreditation

Grand Canyon University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. This is a regional accrediting body as mentioned above. (30 N. LaSalle St. Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504 tel. 800-621-7440.)

Grand Canyon University, through its Ken Blanchard College of Business, is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs to offer the following business degrees: The Bachelor of Science (BS) with majors in Accounting, Business Administration, and Marketing The Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Grand Canyon University is the only university in Arizona to hold this accreditation. (7007 College Boulevard, Suite 420, Overland Park, KS 66211, (913) 339-9336)

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, (202) 887-6791 and the Arizona State Board of Nursing accredit the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.

The Arizona State Department of Education has given formal approval of the work done at the University for the certification of elementary and secondary teachers and for the renewal of certificates.

BS in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in English (with IR and Cert)

The Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education (Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in the education of children in the Grade K-8 setting, and is seeking a teaching certificate. The format and courses of the state and regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize the content knowledge that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of educational psychology, reading strategies, teaching methods, and curriculum development. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a Gr. K-8 classroom to complete the program assignments. Students must be prepared to complete a full-time 16 week student teaching component at the end of the program. Graduates of the program are prepared to become informed educators in public and private schools and other settings requiring a teaching credential. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor on current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

BS in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Math (with IR and Cert.)

BS in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Science (with IR and Cert.)

BS in Early Childhood Education

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Education degree is designed to meet the needs of persons interested in pursuing careers in early childhood education or who are currently employed in preschools, public schools, child care centers, extended day programs, agencies, or other early childhood care facilities. Students specializing in this program develop the abilities to teach and administer all facets of an early childhood program along with the knowledge of childhood development and early childhood education. Personal characteristics for this field are defined through a passion for working with young children, patience, creativity, and interest in techniques for enhancing interpersonal relationships with children and adults. An Institutional Recommendation is available to graduates of the Elementary Education program with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain information regarding current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

BS in Math for Secondary Teachers

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics is a degree offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in conjunction with the College of Education for students desiring to prepare for a career in teaching Mathematics in grades 7 - 12. The Mathematics Education program is designed to prepare students for careers in public education. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain information regarding current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

BS in Social Studies for Secondary Teachers

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies is a degree offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in conjunction with the College of Education for students desiring to prepare for a career in teaching Social Science subjects in grades 7 - 12. The Social Sciences Education program is designed to prepare students for careers in public education. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor to obtain information regarding current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

BA in English for Secondary Teachers

The Bachelor of Arts in English for Secondary Teachers is a degree offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in conjunction with the College of Education for students desiring to prepare for a career in teaching English subjects in grades 7 - 12. The English Education program is designed to prepare students for careers in public education. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor on current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

BS in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Business Education & Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Business Education and Technology is a degree offered by the College of Education in conjunction with the Ken Blanchard College of Business for candidates desiring to prepare for a career in teaching business courses in grades 7 - 12. The business education program is designed to prepare candidates for careers as business teachers and/or corporate training.

BS in Elementary/Special Education (Dual Major)

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education (Dual Major) is a degree that leads to teaching in an elementary or a cross-categorical K-12 setting. It is designed for any individual who wishes to seek an elementary or cross-categorical teaching certificate to teach children with special needs in the K-12 setting. The format and courses of the state and regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the teaching candidate already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Teacher candidates must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of the program are prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students’ various learning, behavioral, and social needs. Teacher candidates must be prepared to complete a full-time, 16-week student teaching component at the end of the program. Eight weeks of student teaching is completed in a regular education setting and 8 weeks is completed in a resource room, self-contained class, or in a special school for students with disabilities. These special education settings must include at least 3 or more of the following disability categories: mental retardation, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, physical/health impairments; and they must be completed with a certified special education teacher. Teacher candidates are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. Teacher candidates should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and an academic advisor to obtain information regarding current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

MA in Teaching (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) (Not Eligible for Credential) program is designed for certified elementary and secondary teachers interested in advanced studies in education. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of instructional leadership, technology enhanced instruction design, curriculum and assessment for school improvement and legal issues. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guides students through observational and practice based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed educators who meet the needs of schools and student populations.

MED in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading (Not Eligible for Credential) program is designed for educators who wish to apply theory and educational best practices to the deliver of curriculum, instructions, and assessment in order to improve the reading abilities of their students. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of curriculum and instruction, cognition, emergent literature, linguistics, phonics and developmental and corrective reading processes. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guides students through observational and practice based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 classroom to complete the practicum and program assignments. Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed educators who meet the reading needs of schools and student populations. The educator must hold a current Teaching Certificate or have K-12 experience.

MED in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology (Not Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for educators who wish to learn to use technology to improve the success of their students. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of curriculum and instruction, educational applications of technology, interactive design for the classroom and distance learning. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guides students through observational and practice based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 classroom to complete the practicum and program assignments. Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed educators who meet the technological needs of schools and student populations. The educator must hold a current Teaching Certificate or have K-12 experience.

MED in Ed. Admin. (With IR and Cert.)

The Master of Education in Education Administration (Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in Educational Administration in the K-12 setting and is seeking an administrative certificate. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of school leadership, administrative foundations, organizational theory, K-12 legal issues, public school finance, curriculum development, and instructional leadership. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must be prepared to complete a part time 8 week administrative internship component at the end of the program. Graduates of the program are prepared to become informed educational administrators in public and private schools and other settings requiring an administrative credential. Students must have a teaching certificate or be eligible for certification to be admitted into this program. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor on current policies and procedures inherent in an administrative credentialing program. Enrollment in this program requires documentation of 3 years of certified teaching experience.

MED in Ed. Admin Emphasis in Organization Leadership (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education in Educational Administration with an Emphasis in Organizational Leadership (Not Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in the administration of educational and social services settings for children in the Grade K-12 setting, but who must postpone a school site-based administrative internship, or who does not choose to seek a K-12 administrative certificate. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize the content knowledge that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of educational leadership, organizational theory, and strategic management. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a school or children’s social services setting to complete the program assignments. Graduates of the program are prepared to become educational leaders in the home, church, private schools, and other settings not requiring an administrative credential. The students are also prepared to move into an administrative internship/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University at a later date. Students must have a current K-12 teaching certificate.

MED in Ed. Admin Emphasis in School Leadership (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education in Educational Administration with an Emphasis in School Leadership (Not Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in School Leadership in the K-12 setting but does not need to seek an administrative certificate. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of school leadership, administrative foundations, organizational theory, K-12 legal issues, public school finance, curriculum development, and instructional leadership. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 school to complete the program assignments. Graduates of the program are prepared to become informed educational administrators in the home, church, private schools, and other settings not requiring an administrative credential. The students are also prepared to move into an administrative internship component with Grand Canyon University at a later date.

MED in Elementary Ed. (With IR and Cert.)

The Master of Education in Elementary Education (Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in the education of children in the Grade K-8 setting, but who seeks a teaching certificate. The format and courses of the state and regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize the content knowledge that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of educational psychology, reading strategies, teaching methods, and curriculum development. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a Gr. K-8 classroom to complete the program assignments. Students must be prepared to complete a full-time 16 week student teaching component at the end of the program. Graduates of the program are prepared to become informed educators in public and private schools and other settings requiring a teaching credential. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor on current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

MED in Elementary Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education in Elementary Education (Not Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in the education of children in the K-8 setting, but who must postpone student teaching, or who does not choose to seek a teaching certificate. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of educational psychology, prescriptive reading, teaching methods, and curriculum development. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a K-8 classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of the program are prepared to become informed educators in the home, church, private schools, and other settings not requiring a teaching credential. The students are also prepared to move into a student teaching/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University at a later date.

MED in Secondary Ed. (With IR and Cert.)

The Master of Education in Secondary Education (Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in the education of children in the Grade 7-12 setting who is seeking a teaching certificate. The format and courses of the state and regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize the content knowledge that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of educational psychology, reading strategies, teaching methods, and curriculum development. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice based experiences. Students must have access to a Gr. 7-12 classroom to complete the program and practicum assignments. Students must be prepared to complete a full-time 16 week student teaching component during the day at the end of the program. Graduates of the program are prepared to become informed educators in public and private schools and other settings requiring a teaching credential. Students must have a minimum of 24 units in a content area commonly taught in public Gr. 7-12 schools to be admitted to the program. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and academic advisor on current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

MED in Secondary Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education in Secondary Education (Not Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in the education of children in the Grade 7-12 setting, but who must postpone student teaching or who does not choose to seek a teaching certificate. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize the content knowledge that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of educational psychology, reading strategies, teaching methods and curriculum development. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guides students through observational and practice based experiences. Students must have access to a Gr. 7-12 classroom to complete the program and practicum assignments. Graduates of the program are prepared to become informed educators in the home, church, private schools and other settings not requiring a teaching credential. If the student wishes, he/she may move into a student teaching/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University at a later date. Students must have a minimum of 24 units in a content area commonly taught in public Gr. 7-12 schools to be admitted to the program.

MED in Special Ed. (With IR and Cert.)

The Master of Education in Special Education (Eligible for Credential) is a cross-categorical program. It is designed for any individual interested in the education of children with special needs in the K-12 setting who wishes to seek a teaching certificate. The format and courses of the state and regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of the program are prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students’ various learning needs. Students must be prepared to complete a full-time 16 week student teaching component at the end of the program. This student teaching experience must be completed with a certified special education teacher. Students/applicants are responsible for contacting their state department of education for certification requirements and program approval. The student/applicant should consult the Grand Canyon University Catalog and their academic advisor to obtain information regarding current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

MED in Special Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education in Special Education, (Not Eligible for Credential) is a cross-categorical program designed for any individual interested in the education of special needs children in the K-12 setting, but who must postpone student teaching, or who does not choose to seek a teaching certificate. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of the program are prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate the students’ various learning needs. The students are also prepared to move into a student teaching/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University at a later date.

MED in Special Ed. for Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education in Special Education for Certified Special Educators (Not Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested in advanced studies in special education and who is currently certified to teach special education. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities, and other physical and cognitive impairments. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of the program will be prepared to work with special needs populations and implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning needs of students with special needs.

MED Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (No IR, No Cert.)

The Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (Not Eligible for Credential) is a program designed for already certified teachers or administrators with an interest in teaching ESL students in the classroom or serving as a district ESL coordinator. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner, who is a certified teacher or administrator, and to maximize strengths that the working educator possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of linguistics, second language acquisition, and curriculum development. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program, but particularly in an unsupervised internship which guides students through observational and practice based experiences. Graduates of the program are prepared to become leaders in the ESL/TESOL initiatives districts must undertake in an ever increasing school climate of diversity.

Grand Canyon University Online's Degrees