Grand Canyon University

Master's Degree Programs

• Ken Blanchard Executive Master of Business Administration

  The Ken Blanchard Executive Master of Business Administration is designed to equip competent executives and high potential senior managers with the skills needed to lead organizations to performance excellence by creating dynamic organizations, passionate employees, devoted customers, satisfied investors and grateful communities.

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• M.Ed. In Early Childhood (IR)

  The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Leads to Credential) is a degree for students seeking knowledge and expertise in the field of early childhood development and teaching. The curriculum includes instructional strategies, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, theories of early childhood growth and development, and the impact of family and cultural diversity on early childhood. The degree program has embedded practicum experiences throughout the coursework, requires a student teaching component, and, upon approval, will lead to a teaching credential in Arizona.

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• M.S. in Psychology: General Psychology

  The Master of Science in Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology. The program focuses on the development of critical thinking and leadership qualities. Graduates with these attributes impact those around them through leadership, action research, and introduction of programmatic community changes whether they are acting from the perspective of teachers, practitioners, or researchers.

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• M.S. in Psychology: Industrial & Organizational Psychology

  The Master of Science in Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology. The program focuses on the development of critical thinking and leadership qualities. Graduates with these attributes impact those around them through leadership, action research, and introduction of programmatic community changes whether they are acting from the perspective of teachers, practitioners, or researchers.

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• MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Christian Leadership

  The Master of Arts in Christian Studies is a program designed for individuals who desire to lead as Christians in their arenas of influence, be they secular, religious, professional, or personal. The program focuses on the preparation of leaders in biblical and theological knowledge, practical application of that knowledge in leadership settings, and the development of character and integrity in all aspects of life. Emphases include urban ministry, youth ministry, leadership ministry, and pastoral ministry. Students conduct professional research and complete a research project during the course of their studies.

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• MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry

  The Master of Arts in Christian Studies is a program designed for individuals who desire to lead as Christians in their arenas of influence, be they secular, religious, professional, or personal. The program focuses on the preparation of leaders in biblical and theological knowledge, practical application of that knowledge in leadership settings, and the development of character and integrity in all aspects of life. Emphases include urban ministry, youth ministry, leadership ministry, and pastoral ministry. Students conduct professional research and complete a research project during the course of their studies.

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• MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Urban Ministry

  The Master of Arts in Christian Studies is a program designed for individuals who desire to lead as Christians in their arenas of influence, be they secular, religious, professional, or personal. The program focuses on the preparation of leaders in biblical and theological knowledge, practical application of that knowledge in leadership settings, and the development of character and integrity in all aspects of life. Emphases include urban ministry, youth ministry, leadership ministry, and pastoral ministry. Students conduct professional research and complete a research project during the course of their studies.

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• MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Youth Ministry

  The Master of Arts in Christian Studies is a program designed for individuals who desire to lead as Christians in their arenas of influence, be they secular, religious, professional, or personal. The program focuses on the preparation of leaders in biblical and theological knowledge, practical application of that knowledge in leadership settings, and the development of character and integrity in all aspects of life. Emphases include urban ministry, youth ministry, leadership ministry, and pastoral ministry. Students conduct professional research and complete a research project during the course of their studies.

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• Master of Public Health
• MBA

  The Master of Business Administration program is designed for working professionals who desire to complete a program of study that allows focus across technical, human, and conceptual skills that encompass the functional areas of business. The core courses in the MBA program allow the student to develop strong foundations across accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing and quantitative methods provided in the core courses. Courses in the critical areas of leadership and human resources management will provide the student the broad management perspective as well as the analytical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in global business.

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• MBA and MS in Leadership (Dual Degree)

  The Master of Business in Administration and Master of Science in Leadership (MBA/MSL) dual- degree program is designed to afford students the opportunity to develop cross-functional business management skills as well as cognitive and behavioral skills necessary to be an effective leader.

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• MBA and MS in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (dual degree)

  The MBA and Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems dual-degree program is designed to afford students the opportunity to develop cross functional business management skills, preparing business practitioners for advanced management and executive positions combined with specialized study in leadership theory and application.

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• MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management

  The Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management, offered by the Ken Blanchard College of Business, covers the Society for Human Resource Management’s critical competencies. By aligning this program to the human resource competencies identified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), students will be well-prepared for careers as senior human resources specialists or as general managers with strong strategic HR acumen.

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• MBA: Accounting

  The MBA with an Emphasis in Accounting combines the broad-based, general management curriculum of the MBA program with specialized study in accounting that prepares students for advanced management positions in corporate or public accounting.

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• MBA: Finance

  The MBA with an Emphasis in Finance combines the broad-based, general management curriculum of the MBA program with specialized study in finance that prepares students for advanced management positions in corporate finance or investment banking.

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• MBA: Health Systems Management
• MBA: Leadership

  The MBA with an Emphasis in Leadership combines the broad-based, general management curriculum of the MBA program with specialized study in leadership theory and application.

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• MBA: Marketing

  The MBA with an Emphasis in Marketing combines the broad-based, general management curriculum of the MBA program with specialized study in marketing that prepares students for advanced management positions in corporate marketing or brand management.

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

  This program is 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. Educator must hold a current Teaching Certificate or have K-12 experience.

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• MED in Education Administration (With IR and Cert.)

  The Master of Ed in Ed Admin (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/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. The student should consult the GCU Catalog and academic advisor on current policies and procedures inherent in an administrative credentialing program.

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• MED in Elementary Education (No IR, No Cert.)

  The Master of Ed in Elementary Ed (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/Non-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 GCU at a later date.

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• MED in Elementary Education (With IR and Cert.)

  The Master of Ed in Elementary Ed (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/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. The student should consult the GCU Catalog and academic advisor on current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

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• MED in Secondary Education (No IR, No Cert.)

  The Master of Ed in Secondary Ed (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/Non-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 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, the students are also prepared to move into a student teaching/credentialing component with GCU 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.

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• MED in Secondary Education (With IR and Cert.)

  The Master of Ed in Secondary Ed (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/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 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 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. The student should consult the GCU Catalog and enrollment counselor on current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

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• MED in Special Education (No IR, No Cert.)

  The Master of Ed in Special Ed, (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/Non-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 GCU at a later date.

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• MED in Special Education (With IR and Cert.)

  The Master of Ed in Special Ed (Eligible for Institutional Recommendation/Credential) is a cross-categorical program designed for any individual interested in the education of special needs children 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. The student should consult the GCU Catalog and academic advisor on current policies and procedures inherent in a teacher credentialing program.

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• MED in Special Education: Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)

  The Master of Ed in Special Ed for Certified Special Educators (Non-Institutional Recommendation/Non-Credential) is a program designed for any individual interested is advanced studies in special education and who currently certified. 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 the students various learning needs.

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

  The Master of Ed in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) 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.

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• MPA: Government and Policy

  Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Administration prepares students for careers in the public sector. The program is targeted at individuals working or desirous of finding employment in all levels of government, health care administration, and other quasi- and/or non-governmental organizations. The coursework gives students the opportunity to apply administrative skills in the areas of leadership, human capital development, policy, and governance within a public sector environment. Students will be challenged to identify and provide solutions for the unique issues facing public sector organizations today. This program offers two emphasis areas from which students can choose: health care management and government and policy.

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• MPA: Health Care Management

  Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Administration prepares students for careers in the public sector. The program is targeted at individuals working or desirous of finding employment in all levels of government, health care administration, and other quasi- and/or non-governmental organizations. The coursework gives students the opportunity to apply administrative skills in the areas of leadership, human capital development, policy, and governance within a public sector environment. Students will be challenged to identify and provide solutions for the unique issues facing public sector organizations today. This program offers two emphasis areas from which students can choose: health care management and government and policy.

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• MS in Accounting

  Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Accounting program is designed to enhance theoretical and practical accounting skills for practitioners, researchers, and educators. The program will prepare students to sit for the CPA exam and will provide opportunities for current CPAs and accountants to advance their skills in theory, practice, and research. The coursework focuses on advanced accounting, auditing, and taxation practices in accordance with current rules and regulations.

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• MS in Addiction Counseling

  The Master of Science in Addiction Counseling degree is designed to meet the needs of learners who wish to pursue careers an addiction counseling professional. This degree prepares students to treat substance abuse/dependency disorders. The demand for licensed addiction counselors is expected to grow in both the public and private sectors in the foreseeable future. A Masters degree is a required step for individuals seeking the highest level of licensing and/or certification in many states. Graduates from the GCU program of study are prepared to meet the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a: Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC) and Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC). Additional, program graduates from most other states will be academically prepared to begin the process of seeking certification and/or licensure in their home state. Licensing and/or certification requirements may vary from state-to-state. It is the students’ responsibility to check the licensing/certification requirements in their respective states.

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• MS in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
• MS in Criminal Justice: Legal Studies
• MS in Health Care Informatics
• MS in Leadership

  The Master of Science in Leadership (MSL) degree program is designed to provide applied cognitive and behavioral skill sets necessary to be an effective leader. The MSL program curriculum explores values, content knowledge, and skills required to understand and apply effective leadership within corporate and social contexts.

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• MS in Leadership: Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadership

  Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership provides students with the skills to develop professionally and gain self-confidence in their own leadership styles. The program offers an opportunity for graduates of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program (NFA-EEOP) to complete a graduate degree. Students learn to integrate a conceptual foundation for an executive leadership role that emphasizes the immediate application of ethical and practical leadership skills as well as disaster preparation and crisis management. Environmental issues directly related to leadership skills development and content required of leaders in the area of emergency public safety and disaster preparedness will also be addressed.

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• MS in Marriage and Family Therapy (CA ONLY)

  A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a recognized and regulated mental health service provider in California, and a valid state license is required to provide designated therapeutic services and to use the title. The M.S. in Professional Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy track is designed to prepare students for MFT or MFCC (Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor) licensure in the state of California. The M.S. in Professional Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy Track requires 60 credit hours. The program’s courses will meet the academic requirements established by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The MFT specialty is unique to California, however, similar or related specializations and providers are recognized by many other states. The California MFT licensing requirements reflect relatively high standards of preparation and are among the most stringent in the country (for similar licensure). It is likely that the California requirements for the MFT will meet most of the requirements for a similar license or accreditation in other states. Nevertheless, each state has different regulations and demands; it is the students’ responsibility to ascertain the requirements of a particular state and to determine how closely the California MFT preparation will satisfy their requirements.

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• MS in Nursing: Nursing Education

  The Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education Track concentration prepares advanced professional nurses in the nursing role specialty of nursing education. The Nursing Education Track addresses the expanding educational needs of the nursing profession. The Nurse Educator may practice in a variety of settings. The Nurse Educator will be prepared to practice in acute or chronic care settings as a staff-educator or in a role that is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating continuing education programs. The Advanced-Professional Nurse Educator will also be prepared to assume a faculty position in a traditional college of nursing or in a non-traditional program that relies on online technology as a teaching medium. Competencies of the Professional Practice Nurse Educator include utilizing assessing educational needs, planning programs to meet those needs, and evaluating the outcomes of their programs. This is accomplished in the context of an evidence-based practice model.

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• MS in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems

  The Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems concentration prepares the advanced professional nurse for distinction in a leadership role for today’s rapidly changing health care delivery systems. It is designed to apply both cognitive and behavioral skill sets necessary to be an effective leader in the health care environment.

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• MS in Professional Counseling

  The Masters of Science in Professional Counseling Degree requires 60 credit hours. The program’s courses were chosen to meet the academic requirements established by the National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential (NCC) and by Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. A Masters Degree in Counseling is a required step in 48 states including Arizona for individuals seeking to become licensed as a counselor. Graduates from this program of study are prepared to meet the academic requirements for licensure in Arizona as a: Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC), and Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC). Additionally, graduates from most other states will be academically prepared to begin the process of seeking certification and/or licensure in their home state. Licensing and/or certification requirements may vary from state-to-state. It is the students’ responsibility to check the licensing/certification requirements in their respective states.

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