Online PhD Programs From GCU

PhD is an abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy and can be a doctoral degree in almost any discipline. GCU offers a PhD online in a variety of focus areas. Learners in our PhD online programs conduct research in order to seek new developments in current research or create new theories of their own, whereas learners in our online EdD programs seek to apply current research in order to achieve progress.

To have a PhD is to obtain a “Doctor of Philosophy” degree from an accredited institution. PhD degrees often include taking doctorate level courses, conducting research, creating, writing and defending your dissertation. Those with a PhD are recognized as experts in their field and may go on to perform academic research and fill roles in academia and beyond.

A doctorate is the highest degree in the United States post-secondary education system. A PhD, a form of a doctorate, is also considered the highest degree obtainable. Though PhD graduates may go on to pursue additional academic degrees, the doctorate is the pinnacle of higher education.

A PhD is one form of a doctorate degree. While the PhD is a commonly known form of a doctorate, there are other types of doctorates that learners may pursue, such as an EdD, DHA, DNP or DBA.

Another term for doctorate, doctoral degrees are typified by their emphasis on research, skill and application. PhD programs are research based and focused whereas other doctoral degrees are grounded in application. Doctoral degree requirements differ by program and university.

A doctorate can be obtained through successful enrollment and completion of a doctorate program at an accredited institution, such as GCU. To enroll in a doctorate program, learners should hold a master’s degree in a similar subject. To discuss enrollment opportunities, complete the form on this page to talk with a university counselor.

A residency requirement within a doctoral program may refer to the expectation for doctoral students to complete courses with the academic institution; alternatively, a residency requirement may refer to an expectation for doctoral learners to be physically present on the university’s campus to network, attend seminars and/or present. For information about GCU’s residency requirements, visit our Doctoral Scholar Resource page.

Requirements to graduate with a PhD may vary by the program and the institution. PhD applicants are typically required to have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a related field. Upon entry to the program, the typical PhD requires successful completion of the courses and residency, as well as submission and defense of a thesis or dissertation to graduate.

To graduate with a PhD, the learner must meet all course requirements and successfully complete their dissertation. Different institutions may have varying graduation requirements. Contact your university counselor for a list of graduation requirements.

The number of classes required for doctorate degrees is dependent on the program and university. While course expectations and lengths vary widely, for specific course and credit information, visit the doctoral program pages or contact your counselor.

The length of a PhD program is dependent on the requirements of the specific program. The maximum amount of time allotted is seven years to complete coursework and the dissertation. Graduation requirements include earning the total number of credits required by the program, meeting content requirements and approval of a dissertation by the committee and the Dean as demonstrated by a signed D-80 document. For more information on GCU’s dissertation process and time to completion, visit the doctoral programs page.

While a PhD program can help provide increased knowledge and skills, it also has a potential to increase salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, the median annual wage for those with a master’s degree was $86,372, whereas the median annual wage for those with a doctoral degree was $108,316.¹

Most traditional PhD programs require a dissertation, but there are some that do not. Some programs may offer a doctoral capstone in replacement of a dissertation requirement. All PhD programs at GCU require a dissertation and in-person residencies.