"I actually decided to attend GCU for my doctorate before I chose what I wanted to study. I felt the signs of the universe were pointing me to this school."
"I actually decided to attend GCU for my doctorate before I chose what I wanted to study. I felt the signs of the universe were pointing me to this school."
Grand Canyon University offers a wide variety of doctorate programs to professionals who are interested in pursuing advanced learning opportunities. No matter the field or program you choose, you will be guided to develop independent research skills that may allow you to make original contributions to your field.
GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies is focused on increasing your specialized knowledge by designing programs that are academically challenging to help build modern leaders. These degrees are both challenging and intellectually stimulating, yet collaborative, with opportunities to network with other doctoral learners. GCU offers terminal degree options in business, education, nursing, healthcare administration, psychology and counselor education and supervision.
From behavioral health to Christian ministry to general psychology, there are a variety of degree options at GCU. The College of Doctoral Studies aims to design graduate degree programs that align with industry needs and emerging issues across specific fields in order to thoroughly prepare professionals to tackle modern challenges with an innovative and ethics-minded approach. Below, you can choose from online doctoral programs applicable to a range of settings — from the corporate boardroom to the patient’s bedside and beyond.(See disclaimer 1)
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The curriculum for each doctorate program at GCU is designed to fit industry needs and expectations and to thoroughly prepare you to develop innovative solutions to field-specific challenges. In graduate-level coursework and throughout the research process for your dissertation, you will be expected to develop advanced competencies and refine your critical thinking, analytical reasoning and communication skills. Students enrolled in a doctoral online program will use our digital learning platform to access coursework, discussion forums and digital projects.(See disclaimer 1)
Get 20% off evening-campus programs(See disclaimer ±)
With a doctoral degree program, you will have the opportunity to gain:
Doctoral Admission Requirements
New Doctoral Student Holiday Scholarship
You may be eligible to receive a $550 GCU scholarship if you enroll in a doctoral program in December.(See disclaimer ¥) See if you qualify.
Doctoral Resources and Support
Doctoral Residency Program Benefits
GCU is committed to maintaining high standards of educational quality across all our graduate degree programs. We aim to graduate ethical servant leaders who are prepared to make a positive difference in their community. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Doctoral Studies shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
GCU invites you to browse the following frequently asked questions and answers to learn more about your academic options at the graduate level.
What is a doctorate degree?
What is GCU’s Progressive Transfer Policy for doctoral students?
What’s the difference between a PhD and a doctorate?
What is considered a doctorate?
Reach the pinnacle in education with a doctorate from GCU.
(See disclaimer §) MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Dec2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in December 2025. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.
(See disclaimer ±) MOU 9708: This scholarship is only valid for new students who are participating in a GCU evening-campus program, offered on GCU’s main campus, and who submit a completed application to start their program on or before December 31, 2025. If you enroll in an evening-campus program, Grand Canyon University will offer you 20% off the tuition per course for your program. This scholarship will be applied at the same time the tuition charges occur. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only and does not include fees (i.e., Canyon Connect, Technology, etc.).
(See disclaimer ¥) MOU 10216: The New Doctoral Student Holiday Scholarship is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application, meet all requirements for acceptance and start their program in December 2025. If you enroll in an online or evening Doctoral program, we will award you a $550 scholarship toward your tuition, which will be applied over your first academic year, as defined in the University Policy Handbook. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship/awards. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
Earning your doctorate online or on campus offers the chance to be recognized as a leading expert in your field — someone who has thoroughly researched and analyzed an aspect of your field and considered how to apply innovative solutions to challenges.(See disclaimer 1) With advanced academic credentials, you may be prepared to pursue leadership positions in your field.
Specific career paths vary from one field to the next, but in general, individuals who hold a doctorate might pursue a career such as:
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