Online Bridge Programs at GCU

Bridge programs are designed to provide key courses to help you meet prerequisites and bridge gaps in knowledge so you can prepare for enrollment in advanced degree programs. GCU offers select bridge to master’s programs and bridge to doctoral programs.

Enrolling in a bridge program is worth your consideration if you want an opportunity to advance your education but need to meet certain admission requirements before applying for a master’s or doctoral degree in an unrelated field from your current degree. Look for online bridge programs so you can complete your courses on a more flexible schedule.

A bridge master’s program consists of select courses that are intended to help bachelor’s degree holders fill gaps in knowledge and meet prerequisites for select master’s degree programs. A bridge program is a steppingstone on your educational path and does not directly lead to a degree. A master’s degree is a full program that leads to a degree upon successful completion. 

Doctorate programs at GCU, whether it’s a bridge or degree program, require a master’s degree from an accredited university, college or program. Doctorate programs often have program-specific requirements as well, so be sure to consult the admissions page to learn more. 

GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which speaks to the university’s quality in education in key areas, such as integrity, teaching and learning effectiveness, academic achievement, student services and stewardship. When you complete a bridge program through GCU, you will receive an education that meets the high standards of the HLC.

As with all academic programs at GCU, the nursing bridge pathways are accredited through GCU’s institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

If you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an approved non-business field and would like to position yourself for possible advancement in business or business administration, then you should consider a business bridge program. These programs are designed to help you build upon your knowledge and meet requirements for certain master’s or doctoral programs, such as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). 

If you hold a master’s degree and are interested in pursuing a career in counseling at the highest level, the online bridge for counseling offers an opportunity to advance your counseling skills in teaching and leadership and meet the qualifications to enroll in the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program at GCU.