Rise to the challenge of leadership Your path to a quality doctoral journey. 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 800-800-9776 gcu.edu Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. (800-621-7440; http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org/). 005112-012213
The Mission of GCU s College of Doctoral Studies is to create a unique doctoral experience that connects faculty and learners in a vibrant learning community and creates an accelerated learning opportunity for scholar-practitioners to complete a purposeful doctoral journey.
College of Doctoral Studies Juliette Mersiowsky Virginia GCU s program is very manageable to pursue along with Educator of 24 years The curriculum for the Doctor of Business Administration having a (DBA) full-time program job, is and designed a family. in collaboration The instructors with GCU s are Ken Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Blanchard with an College Emphasis of Business. Higher Dr. Ken Blanchard experts is in a noted their field author, and have prominent provided speaker knowledge and that highly sought-after Education Leadership business consultant who will currently serve serves me throughout as the Chief the Spiritual process Officer and of into The the Ken future. Blanchard *Our Anticipated Ph.D. programs Graduation are offered 100% online with no residency requirements, whereas our other doctoral programs are offered online with two Companies, an international training and consulting firm. Standing behind a name like Ken Blanchard, this doctoral face-to-face Date: September residencies. 2013 program will prepare individuals with a variety of backgrounds to succeed in the business world. History of GCU Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University has been helping students find their purpose and achieve their potential for over 60 years. With a traditional campus located in the heart of Phoenix, our doctoral programs are conveniently offered online, with two face-to-face residency experiences*. Our quality online learning system allows you to study at the times that work best for your demanding schedule. GCU prepares its doctoral learners to become scholar-practitioners, passionate about their fields of study and capable of becoming leaders in the disciplines and communities they serve. Doctoral learners engage in reflective examination of knowledge and disciplinary assumptions. Committed to reflective practice, doctoral learners are dedicated to producing academicallyhonest scholarly research through asking questions, solving problems, and enhancing performance in their professional roles. Our self-directed doctoral learners seek to gain the knowledge and skills to contribute both locally and globally to their field of study. Campus Expansion Grand Canyon University continues to expand in incredible ways and has completed a more than $240 million campus expansion project. Most recently, GCU s flourishing campus has seen the debut of a new Student Recreation Center with a state-of-the-art athletic training facility, new student union, a classroom facility and offices for the College of Education, and a classroom and lab facility for the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Theology. An additional student dining center opened in 2011, complete with a 6-lane bowling alley called Thunder Alley, and a club-like Christian music venue known as Thunderground. Student housing on campus continues to grow as well, with the opening of new suite-style dorms including Canyon Hall in 2010, Prescott Hall which opened in the fall of 2011, and Camelback Hall and Sedona Hall which opened in the fall of 2012. Arguably the main attraction of the campus expansion is the 5,000-seat Grand Canyon University Arena, home to the men s and women s basketball teams as well as the host of other sports events, concerts, and entertainment events. * Our Ph.D. programs are offered 100% online with no residency requirements, whereas our other doctoral programs are offered online with two face-to-face residencies. Key advantages of GCU s doctoral programs include: Integrated curriculum that optimizes successful completion of the dissertation Values-based curriculum in the development of leaders Online doctoral community that enhances the development of collegial scholarship Engaged full-time and practitioner faculty Exceptional research support through the online library and librarians Supportive services provided throughout the program Curriculum designed in collaboration with experts in their respective colleges
Admissions Requirements 1. Have earned a master s degree from a regionally accredited institution with an overall GPA of 3.4 or better. Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 3.39 will be accepted with specifications. 2. Submit a Letter of Intent of approximately 250 400 words that encourages learners to prepare for their doctoral journey in a reflective and purposeful way. In addition to the above, Ed.D., DBA and Ph.D. applicants must meet the following requirements: Ed.D. All entering Ed.D. learners in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education, must have obtained an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degree in education to be admitted into the program. Doctoral Support Structure When you make the commitment to pursue your doctoral degree with GCU, we in turn make a commitment to you. We provide you with premier support from a knowledgeable team who understands the uniqueness of the doctoral journey. The College of Doctoral Studies offers a support team of enrollment, academic and finance counselors who work closely to ensure all doctoral learners have the necessary tools to meet their educational goals. DBA All entering DBA learners must have either 1) an MBA degree or 2) a non-mba master s degree and transcripts for graduate-level courses in accounting, finance and statistics with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. These graduate-level courses may be taken at GCU prior to enrolling in doctoral-level courses. Ph.D.* All entering Ph.D. learners must have taken a statistics course earning a minimum GPA of 3.0. This course may be taken at GCU prior to enrolling in doctoral-level courses. * 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. Time to Completion Designed for dedicated, visionary and persistent scholar-practitioners, GCU s doctoral programs were designed to fit into your busy lifestyle. Backed with over a 60-year history and the reputation of our traditional campus, GCU s online doctoral programs offer learners the flexibility to research and focus on their dissertation at the times that best fit their schedules. GCU s doctoral learners take one eight-week course at a time, year round, which allows for an in-depth exploration of each topic. Faculty GCU s College of Doctoral Studies creates an innovative learning community, connecting exemplary doctoral faculty with highly-motivated doctoral learners. Doctoral faculty members are selected based on their strong academic foundation combined with significant real-world experience in either public or private institutions. Many of our doctoral faculty members have over 20 years of experience in their respective fields and have published in professional journals and held senior leadership positions in schools, school districts, colleges and Fortune 100 companies. As scholar-practitioners, our faculty members are leaders in their disciplines and the communities they serve. Some are current or former CEOs, CFOs, directors, superintendents and principals. Their academic and leadership backgrounds provide the perfect balance to help our learners create new knowledge through the doctoral process. Hank Radda, Ph.D., Dean, Provost Dr. Hank Radda joined Grand Canyon University in 2010, bringing with him a proven track record as a transformational leader with more than 30 years experience in education and behavioral health. Dr. Radda currently serves as the Provost for the University and Dean of the College of Doctoral Studies. Prior to joining the University, Dr. Radda served as Senior Vice President for Doctoral Programs at the University of Phoenix (2003-2010). He was appointed to the Arizona Department of Economic Security and served two administrations as Bureau Chief, implementing Arizona Families FIRST (2000 2003). Additionally, he was Director of Family & Community Services for the Fort McDowell Indian Community (1994-2000) and Cofounder and Dean of the John Dewey Academy (1985-1994). Dr. Radda currently serves on the Board of Directors for TERROS, an integrated behavioral health organization in Maricopa County. Dr. Radda earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from the Union Institute, a Master of Science in Community-School Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from the College of New Rochelle.
Library/Resources GCU s librarians have a wealth of knowledge specific to the dissertation journey and are available to help you through every step of the research process. The doctoral librarian will provide personalized assistance in researching dissertation topics, basic database navigation and on-site assistance during residencies. Library services include: Ask a Librarian: Ask the library staff directly for research assistance or request a one-on-one appointment with the doctoral librarian. You may connect with a librarian via phone, email or chat. Help and Tutorials: Find general library, database, citation and technical support tutorials on the library s website. Sign-up for the complimentary doctoral research webinar. The tour provides essential doctoral resources, including databases, electronic books, dissertations, RefWorks and more. Interlibrary Loans (ILL): You are able to request material that our library does not own through ILL, free of charge. We will email or mail the material directly to you. Library Databases & Resources: Search for journal articles, books and dissertations using our extensive collection of databases and resources. Organize and manage your citations The DC Network is an innovative system, specifically designed to accelerate and enhance scholarly research and promote doctoral excellence. with RefWorks or EndNote Web bibliographic management software tools. DC Network The DC Network (Doctoral Community Network) is a vibrant online learning community that allows passionate scholars to learn to both create and share content related to their respective disciplines. Successful doctoral candidates learn to question and observe, while building upon the research of others. The DC Network enhances this process by enabling conversations and connections that ultimately help to more rapidly refine new ideas and theories. Specific features of the DC Network include: Research: Scholarly research process, reference tools, statistical tools and publishing Discussion Forums: Dissertation topic ideas Content: Program of study, future trends, scholarly publications and academic conferences Media: Video, webinars and recordings Documents: Research methods and approved dissertations Remote Access: Desktops, laptops and computer tablets Doctoral Writing Tutor The Doctoral Writing Tutor is committed to supporting GCU Doctoral learners with all of their scholarly writing needs. Visit the DC Network frequently for easy access to scholarly writing and APA format resources and tutorials, as well as a scholarly writing blog, discussion post and monthly webinars. In addition, the Doctoral Writing Tutor is available for virtual, one-on-one conferences by emailing docwritingtutor@gcu.edu Grant Programs The GCU Scholarly Engagement and Research Grant program is designed to support innovations in research, teaching, creative work, and the scholarly activities of GCU fulltime faculty (campus-based and online) as well as doctoral students, faculty and alumni. The program offers individual and collaborative research grants to support faculty research, teaching and professional engagement in all disciplines. For more information about the policies, funding amount and eligibility requirements please contact Jean Mandernach at cirt@gcu.edu Dissertation Process GCU offers an innovative approach to the dissertation process that aligns with doctoral education for the 21st century. Our curriculum embeds the dissertation research process across the learner s program of study starting with the very first class. At GCU, this embedded and integrated process allows our learners to excel in scholarship while equipping them to contribute to their profession. Research skills and competencies are introduced and reinforced through all courses, showcasing mastery of the process with the culmination of the learner s dissertation. The prospect of writing a dissertation is often a critical concern to learners entering a doctoral program. Our formative approach to this process is supported by our expert faculty, professional staff, and distinctive resources, making the dissertation journey at GCU worth taking. Dissertation Committee Learners entering a doctoral program are typically interested in how the dissertation committee is formed and what part they ll play in that process. At GCU, we provide doctoral learners with the dissertation chair and research methodologist and allow them to choose the content expert from a list of faculty and staff with the same research emphasis. Doctoral learners are also given the option of bringing in an outside individual as the content expert as long as they have a doctoral degree and have conducted research in their area of interest. In addition, the DC Network allows doctoral learners to easily find faculty members and staff with experience in a specific research area. Residencies Our Ed.D. and DBA programs include two 5-day residencies that provide face-to-face interaction along with personalized attention and learner support. Residencies offer doctoral learners the opportunity to meet and collaborate with faculty members, other doctoral learners and the doctoral graduation team. The first residency occurs before the completion of 24 credits and the second takes place before the completion of 42 credits, preparing the learner for the next phase of the dissertation journey.
Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program offers six emphases including Behavioral Health, Christian Ministry, Higher Education Leadership, K-12 Leadership, Organizational Development and Special Education. With these choices, doctoral learners can focus on the area that best meets their educational goals. Today s schools and classrooms are complex and ever changing to meet the diverse demands of students, teachers and parents. Schools need motivated leaders to stimulate progress, and Grand Canyon University responds to that need with its top-notch Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program. This program develops leaders who are capable of generating new knowledge and responsibly applying it to achieve organizational outcomes. Doctoral learners will study the major bodies of literature in leadership, reflect critically on existing theory, and identify appropriate applications of theory in educational, business and other organizational environments. Learners will develop academic and organizational research expertise through the study of research methodology. Program Overviews Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Behavioral Health This program is designed specifically for practicing behavioral health professionals, including licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed social workers, school counselors, psychiatric nurses and behavioral health agency managers. This specialization assists learners with their development into behavioral health servant leaders who are ethical agents of change with diverse populations. Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry Students are provided with the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to advance the study of leadership within the field of Christian ministry. With an indepth research-based approach, this program has a focus on learning to facilitate leadership within Christian ministry and society. Topics covered include: change management in ministry, the intersection of Christian ministry and culture, and the role of leadership in the disciple-making process. Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Higher Education Leadership This program prepares graduates to lead a higher education institution through strategy, financial management and planning, both of the physical plant and of the human resources within the organization. Doctoral learners explore the foundation and history, organizational needs and learning environment of higher education in order to lead the institutions of today and plan for the institutions of tomorrow. Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in K-12 Leadership This program develops the learner s ability to generate new knowledge and responsibly apply it to achieve high-performing organizations that allow employees to grow and develop to their full potential. Learners will study the major bodies of literature in leadership, reflect critically on existing theory, and identify appropriate applications of theory in education, business, and other organizational cultures. Learners will develop academic and organizational research expertise through the study of statistical and research methodologies. Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Organizational Development This program is designed to support learners who are truly interested in the science of studying leadership and its influence on organizational change. Understanding how organizations learn, grow and evolve is at the heart of this emphasis. Political, social and economic frames all have an impact on how organizations emerge and evolve. Learners will become experts at analyzing these effects and may aspire to leadership roles in education, business, clergy, military or non-profit organizations. Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education Designed with educators and consultants in mind, this program advances the study of leadership within the field of special education. With an in-depth research-based approach, this program prepares students with leadership skills needed for the role of a strategic professional. The curriculum includes the history and theories of special education, current and emerging trends in special education in the K-12 setting, methods for providing appropriate educational opportunities for all students, analyzing student assessment, and developing leadership skills for fiscal management and integrity. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/ disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment.
Doctor of Business Administration This research-based program is designed for those who want a deeper understanding of business theory and its application in their area of professional interest. Graduates learn to create, advance and disseminate new knowledge in a business field and will be prepared to apply it as scholar-practitioners and experts in organizations. The curriculum for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is designed in collaboration with GCU s Ken Blanchard College of Business. Dr. Ken Blanchard is a noted author, prominent speaker and highly sought-after business consultant who currently serves as the Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, an international training and consulting firm. Standing behind a name like Ken Blanchard, this doctoral program will prepare individuals with a variety of backgrounds to succeed in the business world. Outstanding Doctoral Alumni Nicholas Markette, Chief Finance Officer of a private company, earned his doctorate in organizational leadership in May 2011 after successfully defending his dissertation titled A Case Study of the Structures and Conditions of Public High School Administrations as Teams. His study was awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student Dissertation Award from the Arizona Professors of Education Administration. The GCU doctoral journey was about growth, both intellectually and personally. I was able to research an area that I was passionate about and the university supported me in pursuing that passion. Our DBA is a practitioner s degree that is targeted toward a variety of audiences. Oftentimes individuals in health care and education wish to earn a Doctor of Business Administration in order to gain the business knowledge and skills they need to move to a management role within their respective field. This degree also prepares graduates to be educators and administrators in institutions of higher learning. The following topics are covered in our DBA program: Finance/Accounting: Examining how companies make their money and how financial markets work. Marketing: Understanding the importance of effective marketing to convey an appropriate message and leverage against the competition. Management: Knowing how to effectively manage company employees and resources. Business analytics: Analyzing data to look for strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. Natasha Carr Arizona Worked for the past three years in higher education Ed.D. Organizational Leadership/ Organizational Development Anticipated Graduation Date: September 2013 Earning my doctorate degree will assist me in becoming a scholar-practitioner, a global citizen and a catalyst for change. It is my hope that this degree opens doors of opportunity for me as far as achieving my career goals of becoming a leadership expert, international speaker and author.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in General Psychology Program Overviews The Ph.D. in General Psychology program offers four tracks: Cognitive and Instruction, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Integrated Technology, Learning and Psychology, and Performance Psychology. Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction* This program is geared toward individuals who work in industry, government positions, school systems, and other types of instructional and applied settings. In addition, this program prepares individuals for teaching and research at the university and college level. With a focus on how the human mind works and retains information, the Ph.D. in Cognition and Instruction explores the most effective way to teach and train so that the information becomes embedded. Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology* This program was developed for individuals wanting to become behavioral specialists in the workplace. Those with a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology often pursue careers as consultants, staff psychologists, researchers, or teachers at the university level. In the workplace, industrial and organizational psychologists work to improve areas such as selection and placement, training and development, and the evaluation of employee performance. This program involves an in-depth study of how individuals behave in a variety of settings. Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology* This program addresses the cognitive-behavioral aspect of performance in a variety of contexts. The goal is to improve learning and performance conditions including regulating emotion, attention, information processing factors, strategies and decision-making. The application of performance psychology is broader than that of industrial/ organizational psychology, though both share a common goal of improving employee performance through similar means, such as goal setting. Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology* This program integrates psychology with technology, instruction, and learning to inform research and create solutions to optimize opportunities for stakeholders. Program features include the use of technology to improve learning as well as research methodology, analysis and interpretation of data from research. * 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. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in General Psychology offers a broad array of courses that increase the understanding of human behavior in the past and present. The program prepares individuals to engage their knowledge and skills in applied settings of teaching and/or conducting psychological research in business, government and institutions of higher education. Core areas of knowledge include the history and systems of psychology, cognition, research methods and statistics, as well as personality, social, multicultural, and developmental psychology. 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.
College of Doctoral Studies Programs of Study Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in: Behavioral Health Christian Ministry Higher Education Leadership K-12 Leadership Organizational Development Special Education Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Management Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in: Cognition and Instruction* Graduation is closer than you think. To learn more, visit gcu.edu/doctoraldegree or call 877-518-7118 Industrial and Organizational Psychology* Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology* Performance Psychology* * 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. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment.