PhD in Performance Psychology – Quantitative

Two professionals celebrating performance with a high-five in a collaborative academic setting.
Start your GCU
journey today.
Step 1: Educational Interests
This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.
GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.§
Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship
Request Info
Overview

Why Specialize in a Quantitative Performance Psychology PhD

Grand Canyon University’s quantitative Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology: Performance Psychology program offers a broad array of courses that can increase the understanding of human actions in the past and present.

male PhD psychology professional posing smiling hallway
Why GCU

Earn Your PhD in Performance Psychology From GCU

In this program, you can employ quantitative methodology to design, collect and analyze information in alignment with conducting a scholarly dissertation.

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.

woman in office binder on lap
Coursework

Performance Psychology Program Course Topics

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

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.

Skills Taught in This PhD

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:

Study

Familiarize yourself with the major schools of thought in psychology and their philosophical origins.

Strategize

Address the psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic strategies used to assist individuals with managing personal and interpersonal issues.

Apply

Examine the historical and theoretical background of the behavioristic movement, apply theories of emotion, cognition and motivation to performance.

Research

Explore the basic components of quantitative research design.

A PhD in a group circle talking about performance psychology.
Careers

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
woman glasses posing in office

Start Your Journey Today

Develop skills to become an effective mental performance practitioner. Get started with your PhD in performance psychology at GCU.

Apply Now

§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 2025. 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.

We're here to help.

I'm Ready to Apply