RN to BSN - Choose an Education that Gives Your Greater Options
Choose a Doctoral Degree & Get More Info
Connect with a university counselor to discuss your plan of action toward earning a doctoral degree
EdD Degrees
Doctor of Education
Build and sustain ever-changing organizations, and help them and their people succeed, with GCU's online or evening EdD programs. Combine theories and research with past leadership practices to critically analyze and apply best practices moving forward within education, management, psychology or ministry. Choose from emphases ranging from K-12 education and higher education to healthcare administration and behavioral health.
DNP Degrees
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Earning a doctorate in nursing practice may deliver enhanced knowledge and skillsets that can be greatly beneficial in the nursing field. In both the DNP and DNP in Educational Leadership, learners are empowered with current and evidence-based research topics to acquire the core competencies in nursing science and nursing ethics so they may further advance in their field.
DBA Degrees
Doctor of Business Administration
The DBA challenges learners to identify business trends and develop innovative solutions ahead of the competition. Learners utilize research to understand the evolving business landscape, anticipate change and assess consumer behavior. Each DBA emphasis is designed to focus on the learners’ needs so that they may get as much as possible out of their doctoral program.
Other Doctoral Degrees
Elevate Your Expertise With Online Advanced Graduate Certificates
GCU's advanced graduate certificates provide targeted knowledge in specific fields. These shorter programs can be completed faster than a traditional degree, with flexible online options and industry-focused courses. Whether updating skills or exploring a new specialty, GCU has the right program for you while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Graduates of these certificate programs who want to further explore complex theories can transfer the credits directly into one of GCU's relevant doctoral programs.
Advanced Graduate Certificate in
Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship
This certificate provides instruction that focuses on innovation, optimizing organizational structures and prototyping an innovation, product or process.
ONLINE
Advanced Graduate Certificate in
Leadership
Developed for existing managers and executives, you will be taught skills in strategic planning and change management, navigating complex ethical situations and managing aspects of leading global and diverse workforces.
ONLINE
Advanced Graduate Certificate in
Performance Psychology
Designed for professionals in psychology, counseling, coaching, business and related fields, this program offers advanced instruction in psychology theories and concepts to enhance human performance.
ONLINE
Flexible & Convenient Options
Online1 PhD Programs That Fit Your Schedule
GCU’s Doctor of Philosophy programs can prepare you to contribute to your field by developing new psychological research and studying emotional responses in different environments.
Online1 PhD Programs That Fit Your Schedule
Flexible & Convenient Options
GCU’s Doctor of Philosophy programs can prepare you to contribute to your field by developing new psychological research and studying emotional responses in different environments.
Now Is the Time To Start Your Doctor of Philosophy Degree
An online1 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program from Grand Canyon University can help encourage and inspire learners who are passionate about their fields of study and are ready to position themselves for potential leadership roles in their professions, communities and society. At GCU, the College of Doctoral Studies is a community that connects faculty and learners.
You have the opportunity to discover ways of teaching, leading and training others using advanced knowledge of humans' mental and emotional responses with GCU’s PhD programs. Use your knowledge and skills toward teaching or conducting psychological research within business, government or higher education. Choose from several emphases, including technology, learning and psychology, performance psychology, cognitive psychology and I/O psychology.
The GCU Difference
GCU has been an institutionally accredited university by the Higher Learning Commission for over 50 years and has over 92,000 students enrolled online in Fall 2023.4 Our online PhD degrees1 are part of the university’s educational curriculum, with support from professors and academic counselors.
In the same fashion, all our online programs are led by knowledgeable faculty in their respective fields. We offer a competitive and affordable online tuition3 and a schedule that offers flexibility. Learn more about online learning at GCU and how earning a degree can be the next step toward positioning yourself for possible career advancement.
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research in PhD Programs
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research Studies in PhD Programs
What Is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree?
PhD is an abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy and can be a doctoral degree in almost any discipline. GCU offers a PhD online1 in a variety of focus areas. Learners in our PhD online programs conduct research in order to seek new developments in current research or create new theories of their own. Those with a PhD are often recognized as experts in their field and may go on to perform academic research and fill roles in academia and beyond.
How Many Years Is a PhD Program?
The length of a PhD program is dependent on the requirements of the specific program. The maximum amount of time allotted is seven years to complete coursework and the dissertation. Graduation requirements include earning the total number of credits required by the program, meeting content requirements and approval of a dissertation by the committee and the dean as demonstrated by a signed D-80 document.
Grand Canyon University's online1 programs offer flexibility, providing a quality education to help you navigate today's complex world.
Online1 Doctoral Degrees at Grand Canyon University
Our online curriculum features courses designed to help you position yourself for possible career advancement. Backed by the legacy of our traditional campus, GCU is an accredited university with dynamic academic programs, informed by industry and student learning outcomes.
As an online student at GCU, you can expect:
- Affordable online tuition
- Knowledgeable faculty members
- Connection through interactive courses
- Classes scheduled around your life
- Online learning resources and tools
Which PhD Program Is Right for You?
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
The Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision program offers you the theoretical and practical background knowledge necessary to teach counseling students and supervise clinical counselors. Position yourself to become a capable practitioner.
Qualitative or Quantitative Research
GCU's Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction is designed for students who wish to work with educational communities. You can investigate how cognitive processes can inform the most appropriate and effective instructional methods.
PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction
Qualitative or Quantitative Research
The Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational (IO) Psychology degree studies human behavior across a number of settings, including workplace relationships, employee engagement and motivation.
PhD in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Qualitative or Quantitative Research
GCU's Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology degree program at GCU guides learners in understanding how psychology, technology and instruction can seamlessly integrate in learning environments.
PhD in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology
Qualitative or Quantitative Research
The Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Performance Psychology is designed for learners who want to apply research about emotion, cognition and motivation to the study of peak performance. Students are taught to use psychology to improve and enhance all kinds of human performance.
PhD in General Psychology: Performance Psychology
Qualitative or Quantitative Research
Grand Canyon University
GCU is a private Christian university. We are dedicated to helping our students change their lives through education. Our knowledgeable faculty and staff will be with you every step of the way to help you reach your goals.
Competitive, affordable tuition rate so that furthering education is within reach for all3
Online courses offer flexibility and convenience for working professionals and students with busy schedules
Over 287,000 alumni2
GCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968
“I was really happy I chose to earn my degree from GCU, and what I really liked about the College of Doctoral Studies was that I felt like it was geared toward professionals, not just the traditional college-aged student.”
Keziah Tinkle-Williams
GCU Alum
1 This program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.
2 Alumni from 1957 to March 21, 2024. Includes students who have graduated or completed their program. Data represents degree-seeking graduates only. This does not include students in Bridge Programs, Certificate Programs, Post-Masters, Education Specialist Programs, High School Dual, Non-Degree Studies or Continuing Education.
3 Based on the 2021–22 academic year, GCU’s private Christian tuition is 47% more affordable than the average out-of-state tuition of Arizona’s three state universities.
4 Includes students who have participated in an online class in August or September 2023 and does not include students in a cohort program.
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