Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction


Grand Canyon University‛s PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction is geared toward individuals who work in industry, government positions, school systems, and other types of instructional and applied settings. This program also prepares individuals for teaching and research at the university and college level.

With an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction, PhD scholars will explore the most effective way to teach and train individuals so that the information becomes embedded. This program includes a study of social cognition, including how people understand themselves and others. Learners will also explore the principles of learning in the context of formal education, and the theories of cognitive psychology to learning and instruction.

The PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction teaches empirical, research-based approaches to understanding mental and thought processes including memory, reasoning, intelligence, motivation and learning. Learners will examine the social, group and multicultural factors affecting individual behavior, the influence of mass communication on social awareness, and control. The construction, analysis and interpretation of psychological tests to measure learning outcomes are also taught.

Students are advised to inquire directly with their state if they intend to pursue licensure, as this degree does not lead directly to licensure in and of itself. Entry to this program requires a graduate degree and related coursework.

For those seeking a doctoral level degree designed for those in education and administrative roles, you may also want to consider these programs:

  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Organizational Development
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in K-12 Leadership
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Higher Education Leadership

For some individuals, a doctoral degree may seem out of reach. At Grand Canyon University, we have developed a program that includes an integrated dissertation process as well as a dynamic community that supports you along your doctoral journey.

Program Disclosure

Category Non-Traditional Traditional
Books & Supplies (Per Program) $1,900 N/A
Tuition & Fees (Per Program) $38,350 N/A
Room & Board (Per Semester, If Applicable) $3,434
On Time Graduation Rate N/A N/A
Median Private Loan Debt N/A N/A
Median TIV Loan Debt N/A N/A
Median Institutional Financing Plan Debt N/A N/A

Program SOC

Occupations
Instructional Coordinators
Teachers and Instructors, All Other
Tutors
Instructional Designers and Technologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Human Resources Managers
Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists, All Others
Employment, Recruitment, and Placement Specialists
Employment Interviewers
Personnel Recruiters
  1. It is the policy of the University to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations which require the University to remit tax where applicable. These regulations vary by location. Please note: It is also the policy of the University to require payment of sales, use, excise, and/or gross receipts tax. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the University regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.5%. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.0%.
  2. Book costs are based on an average. Costs may increase or decrease depending on electronic availability or publisher's book costs.
  3. Room and board costs may be higher or lower depending on housing and meal plan choice. This number is based on an average for students on campus.
  4. Some Non-Traditional programs may be offered on the ground campus or on-line.
  5. N/A identifies that a program is not offered in that modality or that fewer than 10 students graduated within the reported timeframe.
  6. Tuition and Fees for each program are based on current rates. Future Tuition and Fee Rates may vary. Tuition was calculated using the number of credit hours in the program times the current tuition rate and includes the Graduation Fee. Full time students enrolled at a program taken at the main campus include a Student Activity Fee, charged every semester. Online programs include a one time Learning Management Fee. Some programs may also include additional fees based on course materials.
  7. On-time graduation rates and median loan debt are based on students who graduated in the 2011-2012 award year.
  8. Not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities.
  9. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment.

Disclosure Information

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.

Request Information Apply for Admissions