PhD in Performance Psychology (Quantitative)

Earn Your PhD in Performance Psychology From GCU

Grand Canyon University’s quantitative Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology program offers a broad array of courses that can increase the understanding of human actions in the past and present. In this program, you can employ quantitative methodology to design, collect and analyze information in alignment with conducting a scholarly dissertation. This degree is not intended for those seeking licensure in clinical practice. Those interested in licensure or certification should identify the applicable requirements by inquiring directly with their state or province.

Why Specialize in a Quantitative Performance Psychology PhD

GCU’s quantitative PhD in performance psychology focuses on analyzing events through numeric data. This program can help you develop expertise in the creation of a sampling plan and in the collection of data. This program differs from GCU’s qualitative program, which focuses on gaining insight into how and why people think, believe and behave a certain way.

What You’ll Study in GCU’s Performance Psychology Program

GCU’s quantitative PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology program was created by the College of Doctoral Studies to help doctoral learners broaden their skill sets in research and performance psychology. In this program, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the major schools of thought in psychology and their philosophical origins, address the psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic strategies used to assist individuals with managing personal and interpersonal issues, examine the historical and theoretical background of the behavioristic movement, apply theories of emotion, cognition and motivation to performance, and explore the basic components of quantitative research design.

To graduate from this program, you must participate in two hands-on doctoral residencies, complete a minimum of 60 credits and pass courses including:

Foundations of performance psychology
History and systems of psychology
Humanistic, transpersonal and existential psychology

Performance enhancement
Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic theory
Psychomotor performance

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Career Outlook With a Performance Psychology PhD

GCU’s PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology program will teach you how to apply theory and practice to conduct original research or work in applied settings such as sport, military or medical industries to help enhance the performance of individuals and groups. As a graduate, you may go on to become a:

Fitness coach
Nutritionist
Researcher

Teacher in higher-education institutions
Trainer

Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship

Now Available

GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.^§

^§MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Apr2024: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in April 2024. 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.

Time to Completion and Dissertation Process

To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.

Course List

Major:

60 credits

Degree Requirements:

60 credits

Core Courses

RES-815: Introduction to Research Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course introduces doctoral learners to the principle elements of research, scholarly writing, and effective argumentation. Learners are made aware of the dispositions and expectations of doctoral researchers as well as the University’s overarching values and beliefs regarding research and the responsibility of scholars to contribute new knowledge to their respective fields of study. Learners begin the process of identifying a researchable dissertation topic and are acquainted with appropriate scholarly resources that support the development of the dissertation.

RES-820C: The Literature Landscape: Psychology Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to the critical reading of scholarly qualitative and quantitative literature at the doctoral level. Learners also explore the concept of synthesizing the scholarly literature to identify problems and problem spaces that emerge to form a researchable topic of study. The application of scholarly argumentation from the extant literature to defend the need for a research study is discussed.

PSY-810: History and Systems of Psychology Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course is designed to familiarize the graduate student with the major schools of thought in psychology and their philosophical origins. The individuals and their personal experiences are examined in depth. The social, economic, and political forces that have influenced the developing discipline of psychology are also examined.

PSY-802: Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the nature, origins, and history of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Although not a clinically based course, the course does address the psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic strategies used to assist individuals with managing personal and inter-personal issues leading to improved mental health.

RES-831: Foundations of Research Design 1 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to key components of qualitative and quantitative research designs and the means to critically appraise the application of research designs as observed in the scholarly literature. The University's core research designs are presented. Consideration is given to the initial selection and defense of a research design to address a problem that emerged from the extant literature.

RSD-851: Residency: Dissertation Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This residency allows learners to continue developing their skills as academic researchers. Learners will have hands-on experience applying quantitative and qualitative design principals to develop the foundational elements for their potential dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-850, RES-825, RES-831, or RCS-831.

RES-832: Foundations of Research Design 2 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods employed in qualitative and quantitative research designs. Learners explore the alignment of sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods to the research topic, research questions, and research design. The course positions learners to select qualitative or quantitative designs for their dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-831.

PSY-803: Behaviorism Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course examines the historical and theoretical background of the behavioristic movement and its major works. The course also examines methods and techniques to help teach and learn new behaviors as well as the concepts and strategies to diminish or eliminate unwanted behaviors.

PSY-831: Foundations of Performance Psychology Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course is designed to apply theories of emotion, cognition, and motivation to performance and explore the variables related to performance excellence. Application of performance psychology principles to applied settings is also addressed.

PSY-804: Humanistic, Transpersonal and Existential Psychology Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course explores the historical roots, theoretical foundations, major works, and guiding philosophy of Humanistic, Transpersonal and Existential (HTE) psychology. This course also examines the different approaches to studying HTE as it relates to human motivation, needs, will, love, and existence in a contemporary world.

RES-842: Designing a Quantitative Study 1 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners explore the basic components of quantitative research design. Attention is given to variables, instrumentation, and sources of data. Reliability and validity of instrumentation is discussed in the context of GCU core quantitative research designs.

RES-844: Designing a Quantitative Study 2 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners interact with statistical tests and statistical analysis software in the context of designing a quantitative research study. Alignment of statistical tests to research questions, hypotheses and design is stressed as is determining the feasibility of a quantitative research study. Ethical aspects of research are discussed. Prerequisite: RES-842.

PSY-833: Psychomotor Performance Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course introduces motor learning and control principles, constructs, laws, and theories, and their application to individual skill learning.

RSD-884: Residency: The Quantitative Dissertation Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this residency, learners orally present and defend an expanded design of their preliminary dissertation research from RSD-851. Emphasis is placed on developing the quantitative dissertation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. RES-844.

PSY-839: Performance Enhancement Total Credits: 3

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to apply psychological theories and principles. The learner completes an applied project utilizing a case study.

PSY-955: Dissertation I Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: RES-871, PSY-885, RSD-883, or RSD-884.

RES-874: Quantitative Data Collection and Statistical Mechanics Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on data collection, data preparation and management, and the analysis of quantitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisite: RES-844.

PSY-960: Dissertation II Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: PSY-955.

RES-884: Quantitative Data Analysis, Results, and Findings Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on the interpretation of quantitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisite: RES-874.

PSY-965: Dissertation III Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: PSY-960.

Continuation Courses

The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.

PSY-966E: Research Continuation I Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-965.

PSY-967E: Research Continuation II Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-966 or PSY-966E.

PSY-968E: Research Continuation III Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-967 or PSY-967E.

PSY-969E: Research Continuation IV Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-968 or PSY-968E; RSD-951.

PSY-970E: Research Continuation V Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-969 or PSY-969E.

PSY-971E: Research Continuation VI Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-970 or PSY-970E.

PSY-972E: Research Continuation VII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-971E.

PSY-973E: Research Continuation VIII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PSY-972E.

PSY-974E: Research Continuation IX Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-973E.

Continuation Courses

The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.

PSY-966E: Research Continuation I Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-965.

PSY-967E: Research Continuation II Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-966 or PSY-966E.

PSY-968E: Research Continuation III Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-967 or PSY-967E.

PSY-969E: Research Continuation IV Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-968 or PSY-968E; RSD-951.

PSY-970E: Research Continuation V Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-969 or PSY-969E.

PSY-971E: Research Continuation VI Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-970 or PSY-970E.

PSY-972E: Research Continuation VII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-971E.

PSY-973E: Research Continuation VIII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: PSY-972E.

PSY-974E: Research Continuation IX Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-973E.