With so many universities out there, it can be a challenge to figure out which one is right for you. It’s often easiest to narrow your search to just two or three different schools and then compare the PhD programs available. You want to find programs that you’re interested in, that you can afford and that work with your schedule.
GCU offers evening cohorts and online2 doctorate programs to help accommodate the scheduling needs of professionals who plan to continue working while heading back to school.
Our online programs can be ideal for those who live farther away from the GCU campus. Do note that certain doctorate programs require on-campus residencies; while you may not need to live near campus to attend classes, you will need to plan on traveling to Phoenix to complete the residency requirements.
It’s also important to reflect upon what you hope to achieve after you complete the program. For example, you might consider the types of jobs graduates pursue and, if possible, speak with someone who has completed the program you are interested in.
Other factors to consider when choosing a PhD program may include:
- Curriculum and research focus
- Faculty members and their research areas
- Time commitment
- Institutional accreditation
- Student support resources
- School and departmental reputation
- Values alignment
As an institutionally accredited university, GCU is committed to supporting the progress of our doctoral students. We offer a number of learner support resources, such as the Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching and the Doctoral Community (DC) Network.™ In addition, the dissertation process is integrated directly into the coursework right from the start, so you won’t have to wait to begin your research.