Doctoral Degrees at GCU
Reach the pinnacle of higher education with a doctoral degree from GCU. We offer a variety of EdD, DBA, DNP and PhD degree options so you can enroll in a doctoral program that matches your professional path. Choose from online or evening platforms to integrate your studies into your active lifestyle.
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With a doctoral degree from GCU, you will develop independent research skills to make a difference in your field. GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies is focused on increasing your specialized knowledge to develop you into a 21st-century leader. PhD degrees are designed to be academically rigorous and intellectually challenging, yet collaborative, with opportunities to network with other doctoral learners. GCU offers doctorate degree programs for business, education, nursing and psychology.
With a doctoral studies program you will gain:
GCU is offering a $500 scholarship toward tuition for all new doctoral students.1
GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.2
Doctoral Degree FAQs
Doctorate degrees are the highest level of an academic degree that can be achieved. For this reason, they are considered “terminal” degrees. Doctorate degrees come in many different forms, such as a PhD, EdD, DBA and more.
The cost of a doctorate degree is dependent on the type of degree and the university offering it. GCU is committed to providing an affordable, quality education. For specific information on your program’s cost, visit our Tuition and Finance page.
The length of doctorate programs depends heavily on the program expectations and the pace of the learner. Doctoral programs vary in credit and thesis requirements. For an estimate on how long it may take you to complete your preferred program, contact a counselor who can guide you through the requirements.
If you have not yet completed your doctoral degree, you may be eligible to transfer credits to GCU and complete your program with us! The university employs a convenient bulk transfer process for the transfer of doctoral credits from the same type of degree (e.g., EdD, PhD, etc.) and the same type of content (e.g., Organizational Leadership, Business Administration, etc.). Learn more about how your credits may transfer with GCU’s Progressive Transfer Policy and the many resources available for dissertation support.
A PhD is considered a doctorate degree; however, not all doctoral degrees are PhD programs. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is just one form of a doctoral degree. There are additional forms of doctoral degrees, such as an EdD or a DBA.
1MOU 8151: 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 2022. The $500 scholarship will be applied toward your tuition over your first academic year, as defined in the Nontraditional Academic Calendar (Online and Cohort) section of the University Policy Handbook, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarships or awards. This offer only applies to online and evening programs.
2MOU-Alumni Monthly Dec2022: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in December 2022. 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.