Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAGS) Online
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Overview

Benefits of Earning a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study 

Grand Canyon University offers online certificate programs of advanced graduate studies for professionals who want to pursue higher education and professional development in various fields. These programs are typically designed for individuals who already hold a master's degree and seek to enhance their expertise in a specific area without committing to a full doctoral program.

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Why GCU

Earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study at GCU

Whether you're seeking to refine your skills in a specialized domain, explore alternative career paths or remain informed about emerging trends in your industry, our certificate of advanced graduate study programs can offer a supportive environment for personal and professional development.

Testimonial
Geared Toward Professionals
"What I really liked about the College of Doctoral Studies was that I felt like it was geared toward professionals, not just the traditional college-aged student."
Keziah Tinkle-Williams
Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology, 2021 Graduate
Programs

Areas of Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies 

GCU offers advanced certificate programs to help empower professionals with concentrated skills tailored to today’s industries.

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Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship

This graduate certificate program offers specialized instruction in innovation creation, organizational optimization and prototyping innovative products or processes.

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Leadership

This program provides advanced leadership training for managers, directors and executives, covering strategic planning, change management, ethics and leading diverse teams.

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Performance Psychology

This program provides advanced instruction in applied psychology concepts, emphasizing human performance enhancement across diverse domains, including work and leadership.

Coursework

Coursework for Advanced Graduate Study Certificates

The curriculum of these certificate programs at GCU consists of innovative coursework, forward-thinking assignments and practical experiences relevant to the chosen certificate. As a student in one of GCU’s certificate of advanced graduate study programs, you will be taught key competencies through leadership-focused courses. 

While topics vary depending on the program, some course topics may include:

Exploring ethical theories in leadership, with a focus on corporate social responsibility

Examining how organizational structure and culture impact innovation within corporations

Applying theories of emotion, cognition and motivation to enhance performance

What Can You Do With a Doctoral Certificate?

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Doctoral certificates, also known as professional graduate certificates or advanced certificates, can offer a range of opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in a specific field or discipline. Doctoral certificates can serve as a form of continuing education, allowing professionals to stay updated with the latest advancements in their field or pursue specialization in a particular area. Furthermore, the ability to transfer these credits to a full GCU doctoral program is an added advantage.

Potential opportunities:

Unlock New Skills

Earning a doctoral certificate can help you acquire new skills specific to your field, empowering you to tackle complex challenges professionally and with confidence, such as preparing for advanced academic pursuits, accessing specialized field-specific knowledge or enhancing your research and analytical capabilities.

Concentrate Your Focus

A doctoral certificate is designed to act as a catalyst for concentrating your focus, as it offers structured guidance and specialized coursework tailored to your field of study. This educational path can help facilitate deeper exploration of specific topics, potentially fostering greater clarity and expertise. 

Work Toward Advancing Your Career

Through focused study and practical application, you have the opportunity to enhance your qualifications and expertise, potentially positioning yourself to increase your competitiveness in the job market.

Accreditation

Obtain Your Doctoral Certificate at an Accredited University

Work toward elevating your expertise with a doctoral certificate after completing a master’s degree from an accredited university. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, ensuring rigorous academic standards and quality education delivery. Gain confidence in your credentials knowing you've pursued advanced education from a reputable institution. 

FAQ

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study FAQs

Whether you're exploring options for furthering your education or seeking clarification on program details, we're here to provide you with the information on advanced certificates to help you make informed decisions about your academic and professional goals

Resources

Student Resources and Support

Access to comprehensive student resources and support is crucial for success when pursuing a doctoral certificate. These resources include academic advising, research assistance, library services and networking opportunities, all aimed at providing guidance and assistance throughout the program to help you have a fulfilling educational experience. 

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Start Your Journey Today

Explore GCU’s doctoral certificates for professional growth in your chosen discipline.

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