Online PhD Programs
Online PhD Programs
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You have the opportunity to discover ways of teaching, leading and training others using advanced knowledge of humans' mental and emotional responses with GCU’s online programs.1 Use your skills toward teaching or conducting psychological research within business, government or higher education. Choose from several emphases, including performance psychology, cognitive psychology, I/O psychology and technology, learning and psychology integration.
At GCU, earning a PhD degree online1 doesn’t mean compromising on academic quality. In fact, our online programs are led by knowledgeable faculty in their respective fields — all are well-versed in disseminating their research through scholarly publishing.
We offer a competitive and affordable online tuition and a schedule that offers the flexibility that working professionals often need. Learn more about online education at GCU and discover how earning a doctoral degree online can be the next step toward positioning yourself for possible career advancement.
Doctoral admission at GCU requires a master’s degree from an accredited school with an overall GPA of at least 3.4. Alternatively, you may apply for admission on the basis of having earned a doctoral degree from an accredited school with a minimum overall GPA of 3.4. Please contact a university counselor to discuss admission to a doctoral program.
With a strong focus on quality academics and comprehensive curriculum, GCU is proud to be 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.
Ready to take the next step in your educational journey? Explore Grand Canyon University’s online1 PhD programs to gain the education needed to explore leadership roles in your profession and community. At GCU, the College of Doctoral Studies is a community that connects faculty and learners, encouraging collaboration and providing resources designed to support academic progress with online learning flexibility.
1 Residencies take place on or near GCU’s campus.
2 Includes students who have participated in an online class in August or September 2023 and does not include students in a cohort program.
3 Gonzalez, M. (2024, Feb. 21). GCU Handles Bulk for Doctoral Transfer. GCU News. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
4 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Employment Projections, as of May 2023, retrieved Sept. 17, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
The College of Doctoral Studies is committed to supporting our PhD candidates by providing extensive student support resources. These include on-campus residencies, which provide opportunities for networking, collaboration and close guidance, as well as scholarly networks like the Doctoral Community (DC) Network™.
As you consider your educational goals, get answers to some frequently asked questions.
PhD is an abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. A PhD is a doctoral degree, which is the highest degree level. You could earn a PhD in almost any discipline, and GCU offers a variety of focus areas. Learners conduct research to seek new developments in current research or create new theories of their own.
A PhD is one form of a doctorate degree. While the PhD is a commonly known form of a doctorate, there are other types of doctorates that learners may pursue, such as:
While all PhDs are doctorates, not all doctorates are PhDs.
PhD salary potential is highly dependent on individual factors. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, the median annual wage for those with a master’s degree was $79,840, whereas the median annual wage for those with a doctoral degree was $124,550.4
Most traditional PhD programs require a dissertation, but there are some that do not. Some programs may offer a doctoral capstone in replacement of a dissertation requirement. All online PhD degree programs at GCU require a dissertation and in-person residencies.
Data-Driven Research and Statistics
If you enroll in a quantitative program, you will be taught advanced research methods that center on quantitative analysis. In contrast to qualitative research, which explores concepts and experiences, quantitative research centers on data interpretation. You will be expected to collect, analyze and synthesize numerical data, and discuss your dissertation.
Analyze How People Think and Behave
You will be taught qualitative research techniques using advanced research methods. In contrast to quantitative research, which involves data interpretation, qualitative research seeks to develop a greater understanding of concepts, experiences or opinions. For example, you may conduct surveys and interviews while working on your dissertation.
Median annual wage for those with a doctoral degree4
One common motivation for pursuing a doctoral degree is to position yourself for potential career opportunities. The program is designed to empower graduates to pursue leadership positions in their field, as well as to make a positive contribution to the body of research. The career opportunities will vary, depending on the specific program you choose, your chosen field and your intended career trajectory. In general, however, you may decide to pursue an administrative or leadership position.
When you join GCU, you’ll become part of an expansive online learning community, with nearly 93,000 students enrolled online in Fall 2023.2 The College of Doctoral Studies brings together a virtual community of dedicated scholars and supportive faculty members.
Our online programs are intended to fuel your intellectual curiosity while giving you the tools and opportunity to expand your knowledge base and skill set. Choose from a wide range of degrees designed to suit working professionals across various industries — all offered in a convenient and accessible online format.1