Online PhD Programs
Online PhD Programs
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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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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™.
