List of Teaching Degrees at Grand Canyon University 2026

Choosing the right teaching degree can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing work, family and long-term career goals. If you’re considering Grand Canyon University, it helps to know exactly what education programs are available and how they fit your plans.

Below, we’ll go over the teaching degrees offered at Grand Canyon University, from certificate programs to graduate options. You’ll also learn about admissions requirements, potential career paths and what to expect from the university’s accreditation and program quality.

Does Grand Canyon University Offer Teaching Degrees?

Grand Canyon University offers a wide range of teaching degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and certificate levels. Whether you’re just starting college, returning to finish your first degree or transitioning into teaching from another career, there are multiple pathways to licensure and advancement.

Programs are available in elementary education, secondary education and special education, along with specialized areas such as early childhood education and educational administration. Many options are offered online, making it easier to balance coursework with your current responsibilities while working toward state teacher licensure or career advancement in education.

List of Teaching Degrees at Grand Canyon University by Degree Level

If your goal is to become a licensed teacher, it’s important to choose a program that is built with state certification requirements in mind. The teaching degrees listed below are designed to lead to initial teacher licensure or support licensure advancement, depending on your current education level and career stage.

Grand Canyon University structures its education programs around state standards, required field experiences and student teaching components. As you review each degree level, you’ll see options that align with specific grade bands, subject areas and pathways to certification.

Teaching Certificate Programs

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree and want to transition into teaching, a graduate teaching certificate can provide a direct path toward initial teacher licensure. These programs are designed for career changers or professionals who did not complete a traditional education degree but now want to meet state requirements to teach. Grand Canyon University offers the following online graduate certificate options:

• Online Graduate Elementary Education Certificate
• Online Graduate Secondary Education Certificate

Bachelor’s Degrees in Teaching

For students starting their college journey, or even those with their associate’s, a bachelor’s degree in education is the most direct path to teacher licensure. These programs combine foundational coursework in child development and instructional methods with supervised field experiences and student teaching, helping you meet state requirements for initial licensure. Grand Canyon University offers several Bachelor of Science (BS) programs in education, available on campus and online:

• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (on-campus and online)
• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education (on-campus and online)
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (on-campus and online)
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Christian Education (on-campus and online)
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in English as a Second Language (ESL) (on-campus and online)
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in STEM (on-campus and online)
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading (on-campus and online)
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education (on-campus and online)

Master’s Degrees in Teaching

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in education can help you qualify for initial teacher licensure or expand your credentials into a new grade level or subject area. These programs focus on instructional strategies, curriculum development and classroom management, along with required field experiences aligned with state certification standards.

Grand Canyon University offers the following online Master of Education (MEd) programs designed to support teacher licensure pathways:

• Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
• Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education
• Online Master of Education in Elementary Education
• Online Master of Education in Elementary Education and Special Education
• Online Master of Education in Secondary Education
• Online Master of Education in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities
• Online Master of Education in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in STEM

Other Education Degrees at Grand Canyon University

Not every education degree is designed to lead to initial teacher licensure. Grand Canyon University also offers education programs for students who want to work in nonlicensure roles, as well as degrees and endorsements for currently licensed teachers who want to expand their expertise, move into specialized areas or strengthen their classroom skills. The programs below are intended for those pursuing education-related careers outside of traditional teacher certification or for educators seeking professional growth and added credentials.

Education bachelor’s degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies (on-campus and online)

Education master’s degrees:

• Master of Arts in Autism Spectrum Disorders (on-campus evenings and online)
• Online Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (on-campus evenings and online)
• Master of Education in Educational Administration (on-campus and online)
• Master of Education in Educational Leadership (on-campus and online)
• Master of Science in Instructional Design (on-campus and online)
• Online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction
• Online Master of Arts in Higher Education Student Affairs
• Online Master of Arts in Reading Education K-12
• Online Master of Arts in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education
• Online Master of Education in Educational Administration with an Emphasis in Christian Education
• Online Master of Education in Educational Administration with an Emphasis in School Business and Finance
• Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership with an Emphasis in K12 Christian Education
• Online Master of Science in Instructional Technology

Education certificates:

• Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Coaching
• Online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design
• Online Graduate Certificate in Learning Behavior Specialist 1
• Online Graduate Certificate of Completion in Distance Learning
• Online Graduate Certificate of Completion in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Online Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Mild to Moderate
• Online Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe

Admissions Requirements for Education Programs at Grand Canyon University

Before enrolling in a teaching degree program, you’ll need to meet Grand Canyon University’s general admission standards. Requirements vary depending on whether you’re applying to an undergraduate or graduate program, and some education degrees may include additional criteria related to teacher preparation and licensure.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

If you’re applying to a bachelor’s degree in education, you’ll typically need to meet standard undergraduate admission criteria. Requirements may include:

• A completed application for admission
• Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
• Official transcripts from any previously attended colleges or universities, if applicable
• Meeting minimum grade point average (GPA) guidelines set by the university
• Completion of any required placement or entrance assessments, if applicable

Education majors may also need to meet additional benchmarks, such as background checks or minimum GPA requirements, before beginning student teaching or field experiences.

Graduate Admission Requirements

For master’s-level teaching programs and graduate certificates, you’ll need to demonstrate successful completion of a bachelor’s degree. General requirements may include:

• A completed graduate application
• Official transcripts verifying a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Meeting minimum GPA requirements for graduate study
• Submission of any additional program-specific documentation, if required

Some licensure-focused graduate programs may also require background checks, fingerprint clearance or other documentation before you begin field experience or student teaching placements.

Careers You Can Pursue With a Grand Canyon University Teaching Degree

Earning a teaching degree from Grand Canyon University can prepare you for a range of roles in K–12 education, depending on your specialization and licensure area. Your career path will largely depend on the grade level and subject you choose, as well as whether you pursue additional endorsements or advanced credentials.

With a licensure-focused teaching degree, you may pursue roles such as:

• Elementary school teacher
• Middle school teacher
• High school teacher
• Early childhood educator
• Special education teacher
• English as a second language teacher
• STEM teacher
• Reading specialist (with appropriate endorsement or advanced study)

If you complete a nonlicensure education degree or pursue additional graduate study, you may also explore positions in instructional support, curriculum development, private education settings or educational administration. Over time, many teachers choose to move into leadership roles, instructional coaching or specialized support positions as they gain classroom experience and advanced qualifications.

Accreditation and Program Quality at Grand Canyon University

When choosing a teaching program, accreditation plays a key role in ensuring your degree meets academic and professional standards. Grand Canyon University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which means the university meets established standards for quality and accountability.

Education programs are developed to align with state teaching standards and licensure requirements, including supervised field experiences and student teaching components. If you plan to seek licensure in a state outside of where the program is based, it’s important to confirm specific certification requirements with your state’s department of education to ensure the program aligns with local regulations.

FAQs About Grand Canyon University Teaching Degrees

If you’re considering a teaching degree at Grand Canyon University, you likely have questions about cost, accreditation and what to expect from the university’s structure and values. Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective education students ask.

How Much Do Teaching Degrees At Grand Canyon University Cost?

Tuition at Grand Canyon University varies depending on your degree level, program format and enrollment status. Undergraduate and graduate programs may have different tuition rates, and online tuition can differ from on-campus pricing. In addition to tuition, you should factor in fees, books and any required background checks or licensure-related expenses. Financial aid, scholarships and employer tuition assistance may be available for those who qualify, so it’s important to review your options and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you plan to seek federal aid.

Is Grand Canyon University A For-Profit School?

Grand Canyon University operates as a private, for-profit institution. For-profit colleges are owned by private organizations or shareholders and aim to generate revenue, which can influence how programs are structured and marketed. When considering any for-profit school, it’s wise to review accreditation status, licensure alignment, graduation rates and total program costs. Taking time to compare outcomes and financial commitments can help you decide whether the school aligns with your goals and expectations.

Is Grand Canyon University A Religious School?

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university. Its faith-based foundation may be reflected in certain courses, campus activities and institutional values. However, students of all backgrounds and beliefs can enroll, and many academic programs, including education degrees, focus on meeting professional and state licensure standards. If you’re considering enrolling, reviewing the university’s mission and course descriptions can help you determine whether the faith-based environment fits your personal preferences.

Do Grand Canyon University Teaching Degrees Lead To Licensure In All States?

Teaching programs at Grand Canyon University are designed to align with specific state licensure requirements. However, teacher certification rules vary by state, including testing requirements, coursework and supervised experience standards. If you plan to teach outside the state where the program is aligned, you’ll need to verify that the degree meets your state’s department of education requirements. Some states may require additional exams, coursework or documentation before granting licensure.

Are Online Teaching Degrees From Grand Canyon University Respected By Employers?

Employer perception often depends on accreditation, state licensure eligibility and your professional preparation rather than the delivery format of your degree. Because Grand Canyon University holds institutional accreditation and structures its teaching programs around licensure requirements, graduates who complete required field experiences and student teaching can pursue the same types of roles as other licensed educators. As with any program, gaining classroom experience, earning strong evaluations and meeting state certification standards will play a key role in employment opportunities.

Discover Online Teaching Degree Programs

Start your journey toward a teaching career by exploring the accredited education programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn about degree options and program requirements.