M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (NITL)

What Is a Master's in Secondary Education for Humanities Degree?

The Master of Education in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities Non-Initial Teaching Licensure (NITL) degree program at Grand Canyon University (GCU) can prepare candidates to teach humanities education in grades 6–12 classrooms. This program is geared toward students who aspire to be a secondary teacher with an interest in the study of humanities and social sciences.

These areas may include:

    History
    
    Social sciences
    
    English/language arts
    
    Creative writing
    
    Communications
    
    Languages
    
    Fine arts

Faculty will focus their courses on technology and diversity in the classroom, while teaching you how to integrate grades 6–12 subject matters including English, social studies, history and psychology. Humanities educators expose you to a wide range of topics, such as understanding human behavior, the human experience, contemporary society and diversity, that can help form you into knowledgeable and critical contributors.

Study Advanced Teaching Techniques and Humanities Concepts

Students will be taught to develop an understanding of the following competencies:

    Philosophical, historical and sociological influences that construct secondary educational theories and practices.
    
    Adolescent growth, learning patterns and developmental variations.
    
    Educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities.
    
    Techniques for classroom engagement, management and discipline.
    Curriculum development and student assessment specific to the humanities classroom.
    
    Application of teaching and learning methodologies and instructional strategies to develop a deeper understanding of humanities concepts.
    
    Evaluating and promoting effective pedagogy in adolescent literacy.

Because this program does not include a student teaching capstone, it does not lead to an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from GCU to obtain certification. Completing practicum hours within the courses is a requirement to prepare to teach in the grades 6 through 12.

What Does It Mean to Earn a Non-Licensure Degree at GCU?

This institutionally accredited program is developed to maximize learning for the adult learner and expand on previously gained content knowledge. Courses are taught by faculty members who have knowledge and experience in their respective fields, including secondary education, humanities and educational psychology.

All courses are designed to align with standards set by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and International Society of Technology Educators (ISTE). You have the opportunity to apply research, concepts and theories in practical settings. Secondary educational field experiences build upon your learning and provide guidance on 100 hours of observational and practice-based experiences. This program does not lead to licensure.

What Can You Do with A Non-Licensure Degree in Education for Humanities?

This online master’s in secondary education with an emphasis in humanities program is for educators who have already earned their teaching license with the completion of a bachelor’s program. This non-licensure degree in education for humanities can prepare you with additional tools and skills necessary to continue to teach one or more subjects, such as language arts or social studies, at the secondary level in public or private schools (where alternative certification is accepted1). Teacher may be assigned according to subject matter specialty. Potential positions include secondary school teachers and postsecondary education teachers.

What Are the Program Requirements for This Non-Licensure Education Degree?

This program includes 33 total credit hours, 101 practicum hours and 11 different classes. These classes include topics such as adolescent literacy, psychology in early adolescent techniques and tools for middle and high school teachers, A Survey of Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities and many more. These courses can equip you to pursue a humanities education post-graduation. To apply for this degree, visit the admissions page for more information on GCU’s admission requirements.

1 Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.