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.
Loading Degree Programs
You may be eligible to receive a $550 GCU scholarship if you enroll in an online or evening program in December.† See if you qualify!
Apply Today!Loading Form
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. So, when it was time to decide what degree I wanted to pursue, I followed the question I kept asking myself since receiving my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, What have I always wanted to do but have never done? I was that kid that fell in love with Freud and the psychoanalysis concept. So, I chose to earn my Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology, which I also knew I could use in my current career as a professor of English composition. It would even allow me to study the other things I loved like gamified learning. It was like all the stars aligned!
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 Financial Aid 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 doctoral 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, including an EdD or a DBA.
GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.§
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 modern leader. PhD degrees are designed to be academically rigorous and intellectually challenging, yet collaborative, with opportunities to network with other doctoral learners. GCU offers doctoral programs for business, education, nursing and psychology.
With a doctorate you will have the opportunity to gain:
† MOU 8925: New 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 2023. If you enroll in a undergraduate, graduate, doctoral or certificate program (excluding the College of Nursing and Health Care Profession’s RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and accelerated BSN) through our online or evening cohort offerings, 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, except the Persistence Credit, the Lifelong Learning Scholarship or the Military Veteran Tuition Scholarship. This scholarship will be applied toward your tuition only, and you will not receive funds in excess of your charges.
§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Dec2023: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in December 2023. 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.