Breanna Alverson is a senior at Grand Canyon University, currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in marketing. She would like to take the skills and abilities learned during her time at GCU and work for a global non-profit organization. Her heart is to serve, and she has been gifted with many unique opportunities to do so on campus, like working as a Life Leader. Originally from Boise, Idaho, Breanna enjoys the outdoors and exploring new places.
What is the Value of a Doctorate Degree?
Posted on May 11, 2017
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[ Doctoral Journey ]
Value is a highly subjective concept. While a painting might be worth millions of dollars to one person, to another it might just be a picture on a wall. When considering pursuing your DBA, EdD or PhD through Grand Canyon University’s College of Doctoral Studies, it is important to consider what its true value is to you. Begin by assessing the benefits, remembering that ultimately you are determining the value of a doctorate degree for you – your individual life, career and family.
Financial Benefits
Higher education and higher wages have moved together in a consistent trend for years. Education holds value to employers who are looking for competent and capable workers with acquired knowledge and skills. But what is the actual dollar value of higher education?
The U.S. Census Bureau published a study in 2011comparing earnings to education levels and found that earnings did increase with each level of education. For a full-time, year-round worker with a high school diploma, the median earnings were $34,197 per year. This number increases to $57,026 per year with a bachelor’s degree. With a doctoral degree, this number jumps to $88,867 per year.
Personal Benefits
A doctorate through GCU can help you refine your critical thinking and analytical skills, equipping you to solve real-world problems. The programs offer specialized training in areas including business, leadership and psychology that will enable you to become a better decision-maker and leader in your field.
Learners in the DBA program will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding to pursue executive level positions in their companies. The EdD programs prepare learners to make a lasting difference in their organizations. Doctoral learners in the PhD program will develop critical understanding applicable to psychology that will allow them to better people in their fields.
Ultimately, the benefits of earning a doctoral degree will be determined by how you uniquely apply it. In this way, the value of a doctoral degree through GCU is limitless, because it is dependent on the distinct passions, drives and dreams of those who have attained it and put it to use in their individual lives!
The College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University cares about your individual success. Learn more by visiting our website or contacting us using the green Request More Information button at the top of the page.
Written by Breanna Alverson, a junior majoring in business management at GCU.
Resources:
- Julina, T., Kominski, R. (2011). Education and Synthetic Work-Life Earnings Estimates: American Community Survey Reports. United States Consensus Bureau: U.S. Department of Commerce. Retrieved from census.gov/prod/2011pubs/acs-14.pdf
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