You can apply to a PhD program by first researching the available options, then contacting an admissions counselor. You’ll need to meet program requirements, write a statement of purpose and submit official transcripts, among other requirements.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Earn Your PhD at GCU
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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.
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.
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:
