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PhD Programs That Fit Your Schedule

Online PhD Degree Programs

GCU’s PhD programs prepare you to contribute to your field by developing new psychological research and studying emotional responses in different environments. We offer several emphases, including performance psychology, industrial and organizational psychology and cognition and instruction.

Online PhD Degree Programs

"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, Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology

Grand Canyon University's (GCU) PhD programs encourage and inspire learners who are passionate about their fields of study and ready for leadership in their professions, communities and society. At GCU, the College of Doctoral Studies is an innovative community that connects faculty and learners.

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 performance psychology, cognition and instruction psychology, I/O psychology and technology, learning and psychology.

Explore GCU's PhD Programs

"DNA" is a symbolic representation of our doctoral journey – a framework we use to describe the building blocks of our doctoral programs. Here are several main components:

  • Academic Support
    Available from multiple areas across each program

  • Courses
    Core content, research and emphasis courses

  • Research Knowledge and Skills
    Introduced and reinforced in content and emphasis courses

  • Research Artifacts and Assessments
    Develop dissertation and knowledge and skills related to program outcomes

GCU's Doctoral DNA

"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, Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology

Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968. GCU is also authorized in Arizona by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. Accreditations speak to the quality of the University and its academic programs and can represent acknowledgment by peer institutions of meeting set criteria or standards.

Accreditation

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.

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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.

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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.

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Other Doctoral Degrees

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in mental health or related field
  • Qualification for mental health licensure and/or certification

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (Qualitative Research)

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PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction (Qualitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction (Quantitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Qualitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Quantitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology (Qualitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Performance Psychology (Qualitative Research)

PhD in General Psychology: Performance Psychology (Quantitative Research)

Interpersonal Skills

With a doctoral degree, you will learn how to communicate goals, determine individual strengths and utilize them to promote team effectiveness.

Professional Growth

After demonstrating your ability to produce independent research through the highest degree level, you will be qualified and equipped for leadership roles and professional growth within your field.

Salary Benefits

According to Payscale, those holding a PhD degree have an average salary of $98,196.1

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Qualitative vs Quantitative PhD Programs

The qualitative PhD research methodology focuses on how and why people think, believe and behave a certain way, while quantitative research methodology focuses on analyzing events by interpreting numeric data.

PhD in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology (Quantitative Research)

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in mental health or related field
  • Qualification for mental health licensure and/or certification

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision (Quantitative Research)

!

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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.

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.

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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

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Advanced Graduate Certificate in 
Performance Psychology

Designed for professionals in psychology, counseling, coaching, business, and related fields, offering advanced instruction in psychology theories and concepts to enhance human performance.

ONLINE

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