How To Get Into a PhD Program

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Published on Sep 2, 2025

Making the decision to enroll in a doctorate program can be exciting. A PhD opens up a world of possibilities. You’ll have opportunities to conduct your own original research, so you can contribute to the body of knowledge in your field. A PhD can also allow you to examine advanced skills, expand your professional network and potentially qualify for high-level jobs that require a doctoral degree, among other PhD benefits.¹

Figuring out how to get into a PhD program isn’t always easy, but Grand Canyon University wants to make your experience as rewarding as possible. GCU recommends starting by researching different PhD programs and schools to identify the right one for your needs and professional goals. As you dig deeper into how to apply for a PhD, you’ll want to make sure you can meet the program requirements. We welcome you to speak with a university counselor to get personalized guidance on the admission process.

Research PhD Programs and Schools

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 online²doctorate 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.

Related Article: Can You Get a PhD Online?

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.

Connect With a University Counselor

Figuring out how to get a PhD can be confusing, but you don’t have to go it alone. GCU university counselors are available to answer all your questions and help guide you through the admission process.

Your university counselor can also help you find exactly the right program for your career goals. GCU offers a wide range of qualitative and quantitative programs in areas such as healthcare, education, psychology, counseling, nursing and business. It is important to note that these are not exclusively PhD programs.

It is important to continuously stay in contact with your university counselor throughout the admission process. They will help you stay on track and verify that everything is in order with your application. In short, your university counselor can help you avoid delays as you learn how to apply for a PhD.

Review PhD Program Requirements

GCU’s doctorate programs require that you have earned a doctorate or master’s degree from an institutionally accredited school with an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher. Some programs at GCU require a higher GPA and/or other criteria to qualify for admission, so be sure to check your doctorate program’s requirements and the general requirements, and work with your admissions counselor.

If you earned a master’s degree with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.39, you might still be accepted with specifications. Your university counselor will help you understand how you might still qualify. Similarly, if you earned a previous doctoral degree with a GPA of less than 3.4, you might still be eligible to apply with specifications.

Request Transcripts and Write a Statement of Purpose

GCU requires official transcripts to consider doctoral candidates for admission. You can have them sent from all previous institutions you attended.

Your application package will also need a statement of purpose. Grand Canyon University requires applicants to submit a statement of purpose that is between 250 and 400 words. Your statement should demonstrate your ability to prepare for a doctorate program in a reflective and purposeful way.

Prepare for Interviews and Application Deadlines

As you continue to explore how to apply for a PhD, you’ll note that an interview may be part of the process. Some programs may require or encourage applicants to schedule an admission interview. You’ll need to pay close attention to any applicable deadlines when scheduling your interview. At GCU, the only program that requires an interview as part of the admissions process is the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.

You can expect a PhD admission interview to focus on your suitability for the program. The interview is likely to cover topics ranging from your academic background and research interests to your motivation for earning a PhD and professional goals. You can expect to be asked about your reasons for choosing this program and your past experience with scholarly research, including methodologies and outcomes.

Additional Tips for Applying to PhD Programs

Admission to PhD programs can be competitive — Admission requirements to PhD programs at GCU ensures candidates are equipped to handle the depth and intensity of advanced academic study. You’ll want to make sure your application is as solid as possible.

When applying to various universities, consider these tips:

Network: Consider networking with faculty members in the department you’d like to join. Explore their research interests and reflect on how your own research goals might complement the scholarly work of the department.
CV: It’s important to update or even rewrite your CV entirely to ensure it’s as strong as possible. It should reflect your past scholarly research and achievements, as well as your skills and professional experience.
Feedback: After writing your statement of purpose, consider asking a trusted friend or colleague for their feedback on it. Revise as necessary.
Proofread: You should proofread all application materials prior to submitting. It’s ideal to set everything aside for a few days and then proofread with fresh eyes.

Submit Your Application

Once you are finished researching and preparing, your last step is submitting your application online. It’s a fairly easy process at GCU, especially if you are working with your university counselor.

Start Your PhD Journey With Confidence at GCU

GCU aims to make the enrollment process a positive and encouraging experience for all prospective doctoral learners. The College of Doctoral Studies offers a broad selection of PhD programs for your consideration, along with other doctoral programs, such as Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Health Administration (DHA). To learn more about our online² doctoral degrees, fill out the form on this page and request a consultation with a university counselor.

Earn Your PhD at GCU

Take the next step in your academic and professional journey. Connect with a university counselor today!

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Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, June 9). What Is a PhD? (With Pros and Cons of Earning One). Indeed. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus

Approved and verified accurate by the Dean of the College of Doctoral Studies on Aug. 14, 2025.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.