Online PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction
Study How People Think, Learn and Interact
Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction is designed for students who want to make an impact in educational communities through advanced psychological inquiry. This qualitative doctoral program can equip learners to explore how cognitive processes and learning theories shape instructional practices and influence educational outcomes.Â
Through rigorous research and practical application, students will investigate how mental functions such as memory, perception and problem-solving can inform effective teaching strategies. A master’s degree is required, and the program is ideal for those with a passion for research. Graduates can prepare themselves to contribute to academic institutions, organizations or policy-driven environments where psychological insights enhance learning and development.
Explore the Cognitive Foundations of Human Behavior
In this online(See disclaimer 1 )PhD in General Psychology with cognition and instruction focus, you’ll examine the cognitive foundations of human behavior through qualitative research and earn your doctorate as part of a Christ-centered community that values scholarship and integrity. GCU is dedicated to supporting adult learners with a flexible online learning platform which can allow you to engage in meaningful discussions with peers and faculty while balancing your personal and professional commitments.
"When I chose my PhD in General Psychology at GCU, I was drawn to the emphasis on cognition and instruction as it complemented my role as an English composition professor. I can enhance my teaching by analyzing students’ learning styles and my teaching methods, leading to a unified approach."
"When I chose my PhD in General Psychology at GCU, I was drawn to the emphasis on cognition and instruction as it complemented my role as an English composition professor. I can enhance my teaching by analyzing students’ learning styles and my teaching methods, leading to a unified approach."
Cognition Psychology and Instructional Learning Course Topics
This doctoral program employs an empirical, research-based approach focused on the interplay between cognitive processes and instructional effectiveness. This qualitative degree explores how cognitive principles inform learning and can equip graduates to enhance formal education through evidence-based strategies.Â
Coursework centers on developing and analyzing learning outcomes, with a focus on social and cultural influences on learning, motivation and human development and qualitative research methods and data analysis. Students are encouraged to apply psychological theories and cognitive frameworks to enhance educational contexts and meet the diverse needs of learners.
Key areas of exploration include:
Designing psychological tests for learning and cognitive assessment
Implementing strategies for quality instruction and welcoming environmentsÂ
Investigating human learning and cognition in education
Exploring motivation and identity in human development theories
Selecting appropriate assessments for educational research purposes
Understanding behavior through cognitive, emotional and social perspectives
Compare Research Approaches in Psychology Doctoral Programs
GCU offers several tailored psychology doctoral programs to suit various research interests and professional goals. The PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction (Qualitative) focuses on exploratory, non-numeric inquiry, allowing students to examine how cognitive processes affect learning through interviews, observations and thematic analysis. This program is ideal for those seeking to understand the nuances of human behavior and motivation in educational settings.
In contrast, the quantitative PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction emphasizes numeric data collection, hypothesis testing and outcome measurement. While both programs explore cognitive psychology, they apply distinct methodologies.
Additionally, GCU offers programs in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology and Performance Psychology, each providing a distinct perspective into human behavior and the application of psychological principles in specialized areas.Â
Career Paths and Professional Roles in Cognition Psychology
The doctorate in general psychology:Â cognition and instruction focuses on researching and applying evidence-based instructional practices to support learners. It can equip graduates with an understanding of how cognitive processes influence learning and behaviors in educational settings. Some graduates continue in their current roles, while others pursue new opportunities as university-level educators, researchers or consultants.
The program can enable researchers to explore various professional paths, investigating topics like sensory challenges, language acquisition and factors shaping learning environments. Graduates can also apply their expertise as consultants in the business or legal field.(See disclaimer 2)
Cognitive psychology graduates can apply their knowledge in industries such as:(See disclaimer 2)
Universities
Government or private research centers
Hospitals and healthcare organizations
Consulting groups
Median annual wage for postsecondary psychology instructors in May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Estimated growth for postsecondary psychology instructors expected from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 4)
Earn Your PhD From an Accredited University
As an institutionally accredited university, GCU is proud to continue our longstanding tradition of delivering quality instruction to our student community. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Doctoral Studies shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pursuing a PhD in General Psychology with a cognition and instruction emphasis is a significant undertaking. Before you enroll, consider these FAQs about the cognitive psychology field to inform your decision.
Can I get a PhD in General Psychology with cognition and instruction degree online?
What do cognitive psychology researchers do?
What careers are there in the cognition and instruction field for someone with a PhD in General Psychology?
Time to Completion and Dissertation Process
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Continuation Courses
If you're passionate about learning the role of instruction and assessment in academic achievement, consider a qualitative PhD in General Psychology focused on cognition and instruction.
(See disclaimer §) MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Feb2026: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in February 2026. 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.
Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.
- American Psychological Association. (2014). A Career in Cognitive Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved November 2023.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Teachers as of May 2024, retrieved November 2025. 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 as postsecondary teachers, 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 is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. 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.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers, retrieved November 2025.
- Psychology School Guide. (n.d.). What is the Difference Between Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology? Psychology School Guide. Retrieved November 2023.
- American Psychological Association. (2022, May). Cognitive Psychology Explores our Mental Processes. American Psychological Association. Retrieved November 2023.