Grand Canyon University

Principals across the dynamic landscape of schools today are searching for educators who possess a strong blend of content knowledge, teaching skill and critical reasoning. GCU's Bachelor of Arts in History for Secondary Education opens the doors for a scholar to become a middle school or high school social studies or history teacher. The program meets the competitive demands of a teacher who thrives in a classroom setting. It provides a solid foundation in historical content and the classroom skills for a successful career in teaching. The contemporary history programs at GCU explore the discipline thematically, as an alternative to the more common chronological approach. This program engages scholars in historical contexts that are relevant to their interests and contemporary society.

Prepare for a career in teaching infants through primary students with the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Research child development and early interventions for children from birth to pre-K, and master the content knowledge needed for your grades K-3 initial licensure. Offered by the College of Education, this bachelors in early childhood education program provides the fundamentals for teaching and the coursework to prepare you to become a highly qualified teacher. In small, dynamic academic settings, immerse yourself in faculty-led discussions with others passionate about the field of early childhood education. Study concepts that introduce you to teaching and learning in the 21st century classroom and strategies to build literacy and language skills in children, birth to eight years old. Internship experiences throughout the online bachelors in early childhood degree program allow you to apply instructional methods and work with students of varying age groups, intellect and cultures. All coursework in this program aligns with the national teaching standards. Programs leading to teacher certification may require practicum hours, state exams, student teaching and an institutional recommendation from Grand Canyon University.

The field of education plays a unique role in effecting positive change in communities and society as a whole. The Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies degree program offered by Grand Canyon University prepares graduates to work toward a brighter future by influencing educational policies, laws, programs and curricula. Students taking this educational studies degree program from the College of Education at GCU will critically examine and analyze pedagogical theories, teaching practices, education laws and learning environments.

This educational studies degree is offered both online and on-campus. GCU seeks to graduate students who have gained both a firm foundational knowledge and the ability to thoughtfully reflect and think critically about the world around them. This rigorous curriculum guides students in analyzing ethical dilemmas in the educational arena through the lens of the Christian perspective. There is a strong emphasis on servant leadership.

Educational studies majors develop a firm grasp on the following core areas to develop a well-rounded perspective on teaching practices in alternative learning environments:

    Educational psychology
    Early childhood and adolescent literacy
    Diversity in the classroom
    Instructional technology
    Communications
    Classroom management
    Leadership planning
    Legal compliance

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in English as a Second Language degree program prepares teacher candidates for teaching in a K–8 classroom, specifically geared toward working with students who are considered English Language Learners. Graduates may seek an elementary teaching license to teach these students in an elementary classroom setting. Throughout this program, students will examine adolescent development, instructional planning, educational trends, cultural differences/cross-cultural studies, student engagement and managing learning environments, while gaining a strong liberal arts foundation. The program concludes with the Student Teaching for Elementary Education with an ESL Emphasis course, which exposes teacher candidates to a full-time, 15-week student teaching component that includes practical ESL elementary classroom experiences. Candidates will engage in research, analysis and hands-on teaching to support the creation of a Teacher Work Sample.

Study to Become a Reading Specialist

Grand Canyon University’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Emphasis in Teaching Reading degree program is designed for students seeking initial teacher licensure and who are preparing for a career as an elementary teacher. This program provides an advantage to elementary education students through additional reading courses to support reading diagnosis, remediation and intervention processes.

The format and courses of this regionally accredited program, approved by the Arizona State Board of Education, include studies and practices in lesson planning and assessments, classroom management and engagement, social justice, family and cultural diversity, English as a Second Language, reading instruction and assessment, and instructional methods and strategies for a variety of content areas crossing the span of kindergarten through grade eight.

Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who lend knowledge and experience in areas of elementary education and educational psychology. All courses are directly aligned with standards from the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC), the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

What is a Reading Specialist Elementary Teacher?

A reading specialist is an expert in teaching reading who helps children improve their reading abilities individually or as part of a group. Reading specialists have in-depth knowledge about teaching reading, intervention, skill development strategies, fluency, reading comprehension and the training to work with struggling readers in elementary school. Instructors may follow a specialized curriculum that provides supplemental instruction for students who need additional practice.

However, in this program, graduates will not be ready to become a reading specialist as this program leads to initial licensure in the area of elementary education. Graduates may move on to pursue a Graduate Certificate of Completion in Reading for Elementary Educators and/or Master of Arts in Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education, Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education from GCU to enhance their qualifications for specialized teaching opportunities in reading.

Become a Reading Teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree from GCU

This program prepares elementary teachers who have additional credits in the area of reading. At GCU, students also have opportunities to apply concepts, theories and research throughout the program for excellent career readiness. Students focus on supporting reading during elementary education field experiences that guide teacher candidates through 120 hours of observational and practice-based experiences. Teacher candidates will be exposed to elementary learning environment practicums completed in a 15-week student teaching experience. Graduates of this program are eligible for an elementary education teaching credential in the state of Arizona (120 credits).

Learn How to Teach Elementary Reading

Students develop into elementary educators who possess competencies in Development, Learning and Motivation, Curriculum Content Instruction, Assessment and Professionalism.

Reading-centered course areas of study include:

    Foundational literacy skills and phonics
    Methods and strategies for reading instruction
    Assessment and remediation of reading proficiency
    Research-based reading development and interventions
    Diagnosis and remediation of reading proficiencies

What Can You Do with a Reading Teacher (Elementary Ed) BS Degree?

Graduates may pursue positions as an elementary education teacher with a focus on teaching reading in the K–8 classroom environment. With an emphasis in teaching reading, this degree provides the teachers with additional skills and refined knowledge in the reading remediation process.

What Is a Bachelor’s in Mathematics for Secondary Education?

Grand Canyon University offers the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education degree program to prepare aspiring math teachers to pursue a career inspiring and educating adolescent learners. Education is a field that is subject to continual change over time. With a modern curriculum and diverse learning experiences, GCU seeks to graduate teacher candidates who are fully prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s classroom.

This math teacher degree is a joint initiative of GCU’s College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Why Earn a BS in Math from GCU?

This bachelor’s degree can be completed through online or on-campus classes. Online classes offer the flexibility necessary for GCU’s diverse student body. All online classes are taught by fully qualified faculty members and adjunct instructors.

GCU students benefit from a carefully designed curriculum intended to cultivate clear communication and critical analysis skills. As you pursue your BS in math, you will explore ways of integrating your Christian values and ethical convictions into your intended career path.

This math teacher degree prepares teacher candidates to competently tackle problems in theoretical and applied mathematics. Teacher candidates also develop keen methodological expertise and in-depth pedagogical knowledge that allows them to help their future students thrive in the classroom. The foundational framework for this curriculum is derived from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Content Standards, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Secondary Initial Prep and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Model Core Teaching Standards.

How Do I Become a Secondary Education Math Teacher?

This BS in math requires the successful completion of 120 credits. Graduates will demonstrate mastery of these key areas:

    Geometry, algebra, trigonometry and calculus
    Classroom management
    Pedagogical theories and practical teaching applications
    Data-driven instructional methods
    Mathematical modeling
    Discrete mathematics

This math teacher degree program requires the satisfactory completion of a student teaching experience. Student teachers have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a real classroom setting.

What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Teaching Secondary Education Math?

A Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education can prepare you to pursue a rewarding career teaching adolescents how to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You might decide to apply for work as a middle or high school math teacher in a public or private educational setting. Other possibilities may include:

    Standardized test developer
    Curriculum consultant
    School administration
    Private tutor

Beyond serving as a math teacher, a BS in math can open many doors in a range of industries. Professionals with a math background are sought after for jobs that may include:

    Risk analyst
    Actuary
    Cryptologist
    Economist
    Financial analyst
    Statistician
    Quantitative analyst

Some career paths may require additional educational credentials.

The Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Secondary Education degree program at GCU leads to initial teacher licensure. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue the secondary education certificate in math and fulfill all state licensure requirements. Graduates will also qualify for the middle grades endorsement.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Education degree program provides students who have a passion for communications with the opportunity to pursue a career in teaching. This masters in communications program, offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, prepares students to teach undergraduate courses at a two-year or four-year institution, specializing in both traditional campus and online modalities. Students will engage in a balance of communication content and pedagogy with the goal to gain expertise in understanding, demonstrating and effectively teaching all aspects of communication. This postsecondary communications teacher program shapes students into critical thinkers who examine the role and impact of communication on culture and society. Various types of communication addressed include interpersonal and relational, strategic, intercultural and media communication.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Arts in English with an Emphasis in Education degree program prepares students to teach undergraduate courses at two-year or four-year higher learning institutions for both campus and online modalities. Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this program is an excellent opportunity for those who have a passion for writing and literature and aspire to share their passion with learners through teaching. Students will gain advanced training in the field of English to make a difference in the undergraduate classroom. Core competencies of this program include pedagogy at the university level, teaching writing and literature, practice of professional writing and theories of writing and rhetoric. With a liberal arts foundation, this program surveys research-based pedagogical practices, such as strategic and collaborative curriculum design, diverse adult learning theories and incorporating technology into a distance learning environment. The program moves on to develop students into educational leaders who are skilled to implement these practices for impacting students outcomes.

The Master of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education degree program prepares students to teach undergraduate courses for both campus and online modalities at two-year or four-year institutions. Offered by Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this masters in history program balances history content with pedagogy to provide a pathway for obtaining advanced training in the fields of history and education. Students will identify classroom techniques and various aspects of sound pedagogical practices at the university level. Demonstrating comprehension of major historical events, themes, narratives, arguments and interpretations will further prepare students to excel in teaching the subject. This Master of Arts in History with an Emphasis in Education degree program is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about teaching with a strong interest in and curiosity for history as well. Students will analyze key facts and significance of historical events, evaluate cultural developments and observe various political, economic or military histories from across the global.

As the focus shifts toward college and career readiness standards in high schools across the country, educational success in the classroom reflects on the depth of instruction within the regulatory framework. With a focus on literacy coaches and reading specialists who empower classroom teachers as leaders and interventionists, GCU‛s online M.A. in reading for secondary education aligns with the standards of the International Reading Association, a global network committed to literacy. Graduates of the program may seek a reading endorsement but requirements do vary for each state.

The Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management, offered by the Ken Blanchard College of Business, covers the Society for Human Resource Management's critical competencies. By aligning this program to the human resource competencies identified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), students will be well-prepared for careers as senior human resources specialists or as general managers with strong strategic HR acumen.

The Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Cybersecurity program provides the foundation of an MBA, with a curriculum embedded in leadership development, organizational growth and operations management, and the groundwork for a career in cybersecurity. This MBA in cybersecurity program merges courses relevant to modern-day business operations and information technology, including an emphasis on accounting, finance, organizational leadership, management, marketing and strategic planning, as well as two MBA courses in cybersecurity.

Improve your understanding of youth from birth to eight years old in the Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education program. Offered by GCU’s College of Education, this MEd in Early Childhood Education program provides an in-depth review of literacy development, child guidance and growth. Learn the concepts to enhance your teaching and learning in 21st century daycares, preschools and elementary schools. In this graduate-level program, you exercise your critical thinking skills to research child development and early interventions for birth to third graders. By implementing a rigorous curriculum under the guidance of expert faculty, we aim to refine your instructional methods using evidence-based research and applied strategies. Field experience opportunities throughout your Master of Education in Early Childhood Education program expose you to working with diverse age groups and youth of varying developmental stages and intellect.

Become an expert educator, advocate and leader with the Master of Education in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education degree at Grand Canyon University (GCU). This program enables you to help each student grow to his or her full potential while advocating at the school and district level for children of diverse abilities. Step into the high demand field of early childhood special education as a graduate of this master’s degree program, equipped with best-practice pedagogy and methodologies as well as expertise in the psychosocial and familial needs of exceptional children. This version of the Master of Education in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education degree does not lead to initial teacher licensure. This program is recommended for educators seeking to enhance their career specialization or preparing for roles that do not require certification, such as within private or parochial organizations.

The Master of Education in Elementary Education is a program designed for any individual interested in the education of children in the K-8 setting, but who must postpone student teaching, or who does not choose to seek a teaching certificate. The courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to the adult learner. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of educational psychology, prescriptive reading, teaching methods, and curriculum development. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a K-8 classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of the program are prepared to become informed educators in the home, church, private schools, and other settings not requiring a teaching credential. The students are also prepared to move into a student teaching/credentialing component with Grand Canyon University.

This program is not available in the following states: AR, GA, KY

Online Master’s Degree in Special Education for Elementary Grade Levels – Non-Licensure

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education in Elementary and Special Education non-licensure program is designed for candidates interested in the education of children in elementary (K-8) and mild to moderate special education (K-12) settings. Courses are designed to give graduates the content knowledge and relevant skills needed for future success.

Within the program, opportunities are given to allow students to apply learned concepts and research through 113 hours of observational and practice-based field experiences. These include both K-8 general education and K-12 special education mild to moderate settings.
Differences Between Licensure and Non-Licensure Elementary Education MEd Programs

Courses for both licensure and non-licensure Master of Education in Elementary & Special Education programs are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience. All courses are directly aligned with Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles and Council for Exceptional Children standards. This non-licensure program does not include a student teaching component though and therefore does not meet requirements to lead to licensure.

Study Topics for Both Programs Include:

    Characteristics of Intellectual Disabilities
    Instructional planning
    Child and Early Adolescent Development and Psychology
    Ethical and Legal Practices
    Collaboration and Communication
    Assessment, Eligibility and Transition Planning
    Supporting English Language Learners
    Classroom Management and Engagement
    Language and Literacy Development
    Teaching Methodologies: Science and Health, Math, English Language Arts, the Arts

How to Use a Non-Licensure Online Master’s Degree in Special Education & Elementary Education

Graduates of the program are prepared to work closely with students and to implement individualized educational plans to accommodate various learning, behavioral and social needs. Graduates of this Master of Education in Elementary and Special Education non-licensure program are prepared to become informed educators in various educational settings that do not require a teaching license.

What is Humanities Education and Why is it Important at the Secondary Level?

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities ITL degree program prepares students to become a licensed junior high or high school teacher (grades 6–12) who has a specialty in humanities education. The study of humanities and social sciences varies widely in scope and may include the areas of history, geography, civics, fine and performing arts, cultural and sociological influences, languages and English literature.

Humanities educators help students:

    Ask questions about the world
    Analyze human behavior
    Understand diversity and the human experience
    Contemplate contemporary society
    Cultivate writing and reading skills
    Learn to think creatively
    Become informed and critical citizens

Humanities educators impact their students by not only developing them into knowledgeable citizens, but into individuals who understand social equality, how to think critically and form their own thoughts while respecting others. Graduate students learn to combine grade 6–12 subjects that cover English, social studies, history and education psychology. The program emphasizes technology and diversity in education, as well as provides modern teaching methods and strategies to improve student achievement in the 21st century classroom.

Why Earn Your Masters in Secondary Education for Humanities at GCU?

This regionally accredited and Arizona State Board of Education approved program is designed specifically for adult learners and builds on their knowledge to deepen understanding in education. Experts in their respective fields lead courses and develop humanities teachers by sharing their knowledge and experiences in secondary education, humanities and educational psychology.

All courses meet the standards from the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and the International Society of Technology Educators (ISTE). They also participate in secondary education field experiences that guide students through 100 hours of practice-based and observational experiences with the opportunity to apply their concepts, theories and research in real classroom settings.

The master’s in teaching secondary education degree program concludes with a full-time, 15-week student teaching course. Also, the values-based curriculum integrates a Christian worldview, which cultivates an ethical and moral approach to education.

What is the Difference between Initial Licensure and Non-Licensure Programs at GCU?

In this program, candidates who seek the non-licensure (NITL) do have to complete the 15-week student teaching component. Therefore, this program may better apply to those who cannot complete this requirement. In addition, program completion will be a semester shorter because this pathway has 33 total credits, as opposed to 41 credits with the licensure pathway.

Please note that candidates who take this pathway cannot obtain an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from GCU. This program does lead to teacher certification. Practicum hours, state exams, student teaching and an institutional recommendation from GCU are required.

What Can You Do with a Masters in Humanities Education Degree?

Graduates may pursue teaching in one or more subjects, such as language arts or social studies, in public or private schools. Teachers may be designated to a certain area based on their subject matter specialty. Potential career opportunities include a language arts teacher, social studies teacher, art teacher, music teacher and secondary teacher.

What is a STEM Education Program and Why is it Important at the Secondary Level?

Grand Canyon University's Master of Education in Secondary Education with an emphasis in STEM ITL degree program prepares graduate students to become licensed junior high or high school teachers, proficient in STEM education. STEM education is an interdisciplinary and applied approach to learning that integrates STEM-related and rigorous academic concepts with real-world lessons. Middle and high school students learn to apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics, problem solve and think critically— while understanding how STEM impacts our everyday lives and our nation’s competitiveness in the global economy.

STEM Educators:

    Help meet the significant demand for STEM teachers and mentors
    Instill an appreciation for engineering, biochemistry, computer science, robotics, cybersecurity and other STEM fields
    Guide students toward STEM related professions - Help students become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators, skilled in medicine, technology and science.
    Develop engaging lessons and projects related to science, technology, engineering, and math.
    Cultivate an attitude of discovery, exploration and ingenuity

With emphases placed on technology and classroom diversity, graduate students learn to combine grades 6–12 subjects (STEM and educational psychology), including a variety of 21st century teaching methods and strategies to improve student outcomes. Master’s graduates will be equipped to expose their students to STEM, prepare them for post-secondary STEM education and encourage them to explore careers by developing a strong STEM foundation, hands-on curriculum and integrated instruction.

Why Earn Your Masters in STEM Education with Licensure Online at GCU?

The digital format and courses for this regionally accredited and Arizona State Board of Education approved program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and maximize the content knowledge that the candidate already possesses. Online courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of secondary education, STEM and educational psychology.

All courses are directly aligned with standards from the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and the International Society of Technology Educators (ISTE). Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories and research throughout the program, but particularly in secondary education field experiences that guide students through 100 hours of observational and practice-based experiences.

The final semester of the master’s in teaching secondary education degree program includes a fulltime, 15-week student teaching component. These learning, development and applied teaching opportunities are emphasized through a Christian worldview regarding values and ethics. Graduates of this program may seek employment anywhere a licensure is required, including public and private schools. This program does lead to teacher certification, and therefore, requires practicum hours, state exams, student teaching and an institutional recommendation from GCU.

What is the Difference between the Initial Licensure and Non-Licensure STEM Education Programs at GCU?

Candidates who seek the non-licensure route (NITL) with this program will not need to complete the 15-week student teaching component. Therefore, this may fit the needs of those who cannot complete this requirement. In addition, the program completion will be a semester shorter, as this route has 33 total credits, as opposed to 41 credits with the licensure route. Please note that candidates who take this route cannot obtain an Institutional Recommendation (IR) from GCU, which may impact certification requirements at the state level.

What Can You Do with a Masters in Secondary Education for STEM Education?

Graduates may pursue career opportunities teaching students in one or more STEM subject, such as mathematics or science, at the secondary level in public or private schools. Teachers may be designated according to their subject matter specialty. Potential positions include a math teacher, science teacher or secondary teacher.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education in Special Education (ITL) program is designed for education professionals with a passion to work with K–12 children who have mild to moderate disabilities; graduates of this program may seek initial teaching licensure. Courses are facilitated by experts in the field who incorporate their knowledge and experience in the areas of learning, emotional, behavioral, physical and cognitive disabilities and impairments into the curriculum. This program is formulated so that graduates have the readiness to impact special needs populations and implement individualized learning plans customized to various learning needs. The format and courses of this regionally accredited and Arizona State Board of Education approved program are designed for adult learners who build upon their strengths and expand their skill set to support children with diverse learning abilities. These courses also meet the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) principles and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards. Throughout the program, students have opportunities to apply concepts, theories and research. Teacher candidates follow the field experience assignments of each course to gain 96 hours of observational and practice-based experiences. Access to a K–12 classroom is necessary to complete the program assignments. Teacher candidates also must have exposure to mild and moderate disability categories in the classroom. Teacher candidates are required to complete a full-time, 15-week student teaching component with a certified special education teacher. It is the responsibility of the teacher candidate to contact their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval.

What Is A Licensure Master’s In Special Education (MEd)?

The Master of Education in Special Education – Moderate to Severe (ITL) is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree who are interested in the education of K-12 children with moderate to severe special needs. This program prepares candidates seeking initial teaching licensure in the special education area of moderate to severe. Teacher candidates study topics ranging from ethical and legal practices to diagnosis and assessment in special education. In addition to taking 47 credits, students in this program must complete a full-time, 15-week student teaching component with a certified special educator.

The Master of Education in Special Education – Moderate to Severe (ITL) program is offered in person and online. This program is uniquely tailored to equip candidates for success in serving students with moderate to severe special needs. The program includes rigorous curriculum, relevant courses and highly trained faculty to support the graduate journey. Grand Canyon University cares about promoting the well-being of students at a large scale, including academic, spiritual and vocational growth. For this reason, academics are supported by our Christian worldview and strong academic heritage. GCU also sees the benefit of achieving a balanced lifestyle. The online and campus MEd in Special Education: Moderate to Severe program creates room for both academic excellence and personal flexibility to suit your individualized needs. 

What Will You Learn?

Teacher candidates study topics including:

• Characteristics of intellectual disabilities and other physical health impairments
• Ethical and legal practices
• Developmentally appropriate teaching skills
• Instructional planning/li>
• Collaboration strategies
• Diagnosis and assessment in special education
• Communication and behavior strategies
• Assistive technologies
• Classroom management methods

Student Teaching Requirements:

The special education degree program concludes with a full-time, 15-week student teaching component that must be completed with a certified special educator. Teacher candidates are expected to have access to K-12 settings with moderate to severe special education students in order to complete the 103 hours of practicum/field experience requirements.

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Special Education: Licensure?

Graduates seeking licensure by completing the MEd in Special Education: Moderate to Severe program are equipped to work with those with moderate to severe special needs and create individualized education plans to meet individual student needs. Graduates can pursue employment as a special education teacher in a public, charter or private school, a teacher in a hospital or a residential service provider.

Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Accounting program is designed to enhance theoretical and practical accounting skills for practitioners, researchers, and educators. The program will prepare students to sit for the CPA exam and will provide opportunities for current CPAs and accountants to advance their skills in theory, practice, and research. The coursework focuses on advanced accounting, auditing, and taxation practices in accordance with current rules and regulations.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Education degree program provides the opportunity for students with a background in biology to pursue a career in education. This graduate biology education program prepares students to teach biology in undergraduate courses at a two-year or four-year institution in both campus and online modalities. Students will engage in a curriculum that balances biology content with pedagogy and classroom techniques. By pursuing this career pathway, students will adopt best teaching practices, analyze current research, learn to communicate complex topics and ideas and explore graduate-level biology concepts within the context of real-world examples. Students will engage in a curriculum that balances biology content with pedagogy and classroom techniques. By pursuing this career pathway, students will adopt best teaching practices, analyze current research, learn to communicate complex topics and ideas and explore graduate-level biology concepts within the context of real-world examples.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Chemistry with an Emphasis in Education degree program provides a career path in education for those with a passion for chemistry. Prepare to teach undergraduate courses in chemistry at a two-year or four-year institution in both campus and online modalities. The chemistry education program’s curriculum balances chemistry content with pedagogical practices, so students can advance their understanding of chemistry concepts, as well as develop into an effective educator. One unique aspect of GCU’s industry-led curriculum is the integration of faith reflecting the core values of the university’s Christian worldview. Questions of ethical philosophy in relation to science, chemistry and technological innovation arise in classroom discussions. Exploring these challenges and conflicts helps cultivate leaders in the field who are ready to make a difference with strong moral conviction.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Childhood and Adolescence Disorders degree program prepares counseling professionals to enter the next level of their healthcare career by developing a specialty in treating children with a wide range of issues. By completing this degree program, you may strengthen your skillset to change the lives of adolescents through the understanding of counseling theories, cultural diversity, psychopharmacology, psychopathology and young individuals at all developmental levels. This program, within the College Humanities and Social Sciences, focuses on identifying, assessing and addressing developmental disorders, problematic child-parent relationships, school life issues and DSM-specified disorders. Curriculum is designed to follow the academic requirements established by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor credential (CCMHC) and National Board for Certified Counselors for the National Certified Counselor credential (NCC).

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program at the College Humanities and Social Sciences is for students interested in pursuing a career in marriage and family counseling. The program provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess and address marriage and family-related issues, including communication issues, parent-child relationships, different family dynamics and couples’ issues.

Earn Your Master’s in Health Administration (MSHA)

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) provides students with the skills and experience necessary to perform as middle- and upper-level managers in a variety of health organizations. This degree, from the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, helps students gain the skills and experience necessary to serve as innovative change agents, as well as leaders of organizational improvement and adaptation within the health administration industry.

Students will learn how to effectively communicate and manage employees, use critical thinking skills and respectfully recognize the diversity of their patients and populations while abiding by the health organization’s rules. Additionally, they will learn how to collect and analyze evidence and information that can be applied to improve patient safety, clinical processes and health outcomes.

Topics Covered in GCU’s MSHA Program

The MSHA program uses a hands-on curriculum to emphasize the conceptual, analytical and application skills required to manage in contemporary health organizations. All program courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share extensive knowledge and experience. This 48-credit program begins with an introduction course for all graduate students studying health professions. The program then covers study topics including health care delivery models, legal and ethical principles in health, health policies and economics, research methods, analysis and utilization and original structures including business analysis, human resource management, marketing and development. Students are also required to complete a 16-week practicum.

Program Courses Include:

• Analysis of contemporary health care delivery models
• Legal and ethical principles in health care
• Health care policies and economics
• Health care research methods, analysis and utilization
• Organizational structure, dynamics and effectiveness
• Leadership styles and development
• Essential health care business analysis

Through the topics covered, we also put an emphasis on our Christian worldview, as well as the value of servant leadership. As a Christian university, we inspire students to find their purpose by integrating a religious model of servant leadership into the curriculum.

Become a Leader in Health Administration

Graduates of GCU’s Master of Science in Health Administration program are prepared to manage their employees in an effective and respectful manner. Graduates often go into administrative positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient facilities, physician offices, mental health agencies, insurance companies, public health agencies, as well as other types of health organizations. Graduates may go on to hold titles including healthcare manager, corporate director, health information management director, nurse manager and healthcare administrator.

Health informatics is a rapidly emerging discipline that offers new frontiers requiring innovative leadership. Emerging technology provides an understanding of the value of health informatics and how it can reduce healthcare costs, increase access and patient safety, and improve the quality of healthcare services. The masters in health informatics from the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions at Grand Canyon University can help you use information technology, both hardware and software, for better decision-making and better patient outcomes.

At Grand Canyon University, the Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness gives students the opportunity to develop expertise in biological, social, cultural and spiritual factors that impact mental wellbeing. This degree path does not lead to licensure, but places students on track for broad integration of mental health concepts into their chosen field. Utilize this strong foundation to deliver ethical and culturally-competent support for individuals, organizations and communities.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Prevention puts you on track for an innovative career in preventative psychosocial care. This degree path does not lead to licensure. Students leverage this prevention science degree to proactively address the experiential and biological factors that can lead to mental illness, as part of change-making work in fields such as human services, community health and more.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Community Mental Health Administration degree program is designed for students who want to pursue a leadership and administrative role in churches, hospitals, community-based organizations and settings that provide social services. You will develop the skills and knowledge for program planning and development, including policies, procedures and working with budgets.  You will also explore concepts of effective communication, motivation, supervisory skills, culture, advocacy, ethics, and personal and professional development. This degree does not lead to licensure.

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Integrated Health degree program prepares students for a career in integrated health care. The American Psychology Association defines integrated health care as collaborative efforts among health care professionals to provide patients with comprehensive treatment and improve overall well-being.

Integrated, or interprofessional, health care is characterized by a significant level of collaboration and communication among professionals in their approach to delivering quality care. Diverse professionals work as team members to exchange information related to a patient’s care and develop a treatment plan together that addresses all the various needs of the patient. The goal of integrated health care is to reduce symptoms, improve quality of care and outcomes, increase accessibility to services and lower costs.

The Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology program prepares experienced registered nurses to provide competent advanced practice nursing care in complex, acute, and critical care settings through an evidence-based program of study. Graduates are eligible for certification as adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (ACNP-AG) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). The program combines courses in advanced health assessment, clinical diagnosis, procedural skill acquisition, and care management of acute and chronically ill adults. Clinical experiences emphasize the physiological and psychosocial impact of acute and critical illness on the patient, family, and community, and prepare the ACNP-AG in the diagnosis and management of acute and life-threatening health problems. The 53-credit hour program includes 550 hours of directly supervised clinical practice with qualified preceptors.

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology degree program enables experienced nurses to provide advanced level care in complex, acute and critical setting for adults and geriatric patients. In the acute care role, nurse practitioners work to provide assessment, diagnosis and care for adults and the elderly. They perform health assessments, prescribe medications and suggest quality health treatments to manage acute, subacute and complex patients, as well as those with chronic illness.

The Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing pathway is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or other related fields. The pathway is intended to meet the needs of adult learners who already posses a bachelor’s degree and an RN license who desire to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. Courses in the bridge pathway are a blending of RN to BSN core courses that are considered essential requisites to graduate study. Upon completion of bridge courses from the BSN core, students enter one of five emphases offered for the Master of Science in Nursing or the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Dual-Degree)

This pathway is not available in the following states: AR, MN, SC, TN. Transform your healthcare career at the intersection of two fast-growing fields: healthcare and information technology. The Bridge (Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Health Care Informatics) is for experienced RN's who desire to improve healthcare using cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights. Students in this nursing bridge pathway, offered through the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, have earned a bachelor's degree outside of nursing and desire to gain foundational knowledge in preparation for the MSN degree. Throughout the MSN bridge pathway, you will learn critical foundations of nursing, including:

• Nursing management
• Health assessment
• Statistical analysis
• Research
• Community and public health models
• Pathophysiology

Graduate students learn clinical and organizational decision-making skills based on critical thinking, evidence-based research and diagnostic reasoning. The nursing education program teaches students advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment curriculum design and development, teaching methods, how to assess educational needs, program evaluation and understanding learner-centered theories. The MSN Nursing Education program at GCU includes clinical hours and a practicum capstone course to strengthen critical-thinking skills and place educational theories into practice in a supervised clinical-care environment.

Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems. This next-level degree program prepares nurses for leadership roles in today’s rapidly changing health care delivery systems. The program is a part-time or full-time course of study consisting of graduate nursing core courses and leadership courses taken with Master of Science Leadership (M.S.L.) program. From the graduate nursing core courses, students gain the knowledge, values, and skills needed for advanced generalist practice in an evolving health care system. The coursework in leadership provides an overview of leadership styles and the functioning of organizations with an emphasis on communication skills required to establish and maintain effective relationships. Courses include exploration of nursing theory, roles, and practice, as well as research, ethics, policy and finance in the health care system. In addition, a capstone course provides an opportunity for students to develop an evidence-based project proposal addressing a problem or issue in professional practice. Graduates of this program are equipped to excel as effective managers and leaders in a health care setting, including roles such as assistant director, director, vice president, or chief of nursing.

This program is available in the following states: TN

The Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Health Informatics is designed for BSN-prepared nurses who want to better understand and apply the data involved in healthcare to make better decisions through evidenced-based practices.

Grand Canyon University's (GCU) Master of Science (MS) in Nutrition and Dietetics provides bachelor’s degree holders with the additional knowledge and foundations of nutrition needed to advance their career and broaden their opportunities in the healthcare field. This online master's in nutrition is a candidacy program seeking accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and prepares students to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

This online degree in nutrition and dietetics is offered through the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Admission to this STEM program requires a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences or dietetics, or a bachelor’s degree in any field with the successful completion of relevant college-level coursework.

Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in General Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology. The program focuses on the development of critical thinking and leadership qualities. Graduates with these attributes impact those around them through leadership, action research, and introduction of programmatic community changes whether they are acting from the perspective of teachers, practitioners or researchers.

Understand and improve the way we care for elderly populations through the advanced Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Geropsychology from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Provide knowledge and application of psychological theories toward best practices for individuals, families and health care providers caring for aging populations.

Inspire positive changes in elderly patient treatment and care through knowledge of theory, research, statistics and a rigorous exploration of our aging population's well-being, including a deeper exploration of the relationship between body and mind.

In addition to both cognitive and sociological impacts on aging persons, you examine issues of death, cultural influences associated with the end of life and ethical practices in caring for the elderly. Physical and mental illness are explored, including ways to assist aging adults with coping strategies to better manage physical, mental and cognitive changes.

The Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Human Factors Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology. Human Factors Psychology is the merging of the fields of psychology and engineering.  It is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system. This profession applies research, theory, principles, data, and other methods to design in order to optimize overall system performance. This field strives to make technology easier and safer for people to use and to improve everyday life. Areas that Human Factors Psychologist’s specialize in include; human computer interaction, usability, user experience design and product design. Individuals in Human Factors work in a variety of settings including government, all branches of the armed services, universities, and private technology driven companies, specializing in hardware and software product and systems.

Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Education prepares students for teaching undergraduate courses at the 2-year or 4-year institution in both ground and online modalities. Balancing sociology content with pedagogy and classroom techniques, this unique program offers a pathway to obtaining advanced training in the field of sociology while satisfying the requirements for ongoing professional development. Graduates of this program will be able to fulfill the graduate course requirements necessary for opportunities in teaching at the post-secondary level.

With a Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Policy from Grand Canyon University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you can learn to apply administrative skills in the areas of leadership, human capital development, policy and governance in government, nonprofit and community arenas.  You are challenged to identify and provide solutions for the unique issues facing public sector organizations today. The relationships among the federal, state and municipal levels of government are examined, along with the history of U.S. federalism and the competition among levels and branches of government. The government policy degree can prepare you to drive change at various levels of government. This program focuses on public governance, strategic solutions, law and administrative processes to help you gain competency in what makes the government work and how to improve initiatives that serve the public.

Earn Your MPA Degree With a Nonprofit Management Emphasis at GCU

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Nonprofit Management prepares students for an impactful and meaningful career serving the public at large. This program is designed for individuals desirous of finding employment in or currently working for not-for-profit organizations. Coursework focuses on the application of administrative skills in the areas of leadership, human capital development, policy and governance within a nonprofit environment. Students will be challenged to identify and provide solutions for today’s unique issues facing public and nonprofit-sector organizations.

As a Christian university, GCU cultivates faith-integrated learning environments. Students will learn to become more than a nonprofit manager, but a public servant who’s skilled in and passionate about serving the public good. By attending a university with a Christian worldview, students learn how to work in an ethical, professional manner through the analyzation of principles. This will prepare them to manage nonprofit operations with integrity, kindness, compassion and gratitude. This nonprofit management MPA program leads to a rewarding and diverse career path for current business professionals and those with a purpose to make a difference in the world.

What Is Nonprofit Management?

Preparing for nonprofit management includes the study of administrative practices and how these influence an organization’s success within the dynamic nonprofit, public-sector community. A nonprofit serves as an organized group with the goal to serve the common good. Nonprofits offer products and/or services and gather financial resources that are allocated to driving its mission forward and promoting fundraising, awareness or volunteer activities.

Success isn’t measured by solely and aggressively growing revenue; for nonprofits, success is determined by the results of an organization’s mission, how many people were helped, the effect on the underprivileged or disadvantaged and upholding goodwill initiatives.
Study the Fundamentals of Running a Nonprofit

Students will gain proficiency in the following domains:

    Public Service
    Resource Management
    Policy and Politics
    Nonprofit Management

Students will prepare to be a results-driven leader who excels in communication and who is knowledgeable about securing funding. Other responsibilities include the ability to think critically and strategically, lead teams and recruit volunteers.

During the MPA in Nonprofit Management program students will:

    Focus on how government and public organizations serve their stakeholders, including managing resources and regulatory powers
    Examine the daily duties of public administrators, relationship building, political awareness and collaborative strategies
    Learn how to acquire, develop and leverage human capital, from assessing talent management to employee professional development
    Understand leadership practices, as well as revenue and expenditure structuring
    Explore theories and concepts of nonprofit/nongovernmental organizations and community development
    Survey the many facets of funding and funding strategies

Prepare for a Future in Nonprofit Management With a Master of Public Administration

The nonprofit sector continues to accelerate, offering an increasing number of occupational opportunities for those seeking a life-changing career in this field with potential for high earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for social and community service members is growing much faster than average at 18 percent*. Public relations and fundraising managers can also earn a median pay of over $111,000 annually as of 2017.**

Potential career opportunities include public relations and fundraising manager, account supervisor, development director, public relations director, public relations manager, social and community services manager, upper-level executive in marketing and communications with an emphasis on PR, chief financial officer and program director.

*Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm
**Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/OOH/management/public-relations-managers.htm

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Social Work program is designed to prepare students to gain the knowledge and skills to apply social work principles, values and ethics when helping individuals, families and communities overcome various social and behavioral health issues. This program focuses on an advanced generalist social work practice to shape the social work practitioner who can provide a wide range of services and engage with multiple populations of any type and size. Undergraduates can look at our Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Students learn to actively:

    Engage in social justice issues affecting diverse individuals, families, communities and organizations

    Employ evidence-based practice, strategies and interventions

    Develop research, analysis, critical and creative thinking, decision-making and leadership skills.

Developing these skills enables social work professionals to diagnose and treat issues, as well as provide access to resources, to improve the lives of at-risk populations who need help coping with and solving problems. This is an ideal career path for those who are passionate about people and seek a career path that engages in social and economic justice for vulnerable populations.

This Master of Social Work degree has been developed to adhere to the social work standards and competencies established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This program of study is also designed to meet the academic requirements for Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW). Licensing requirements may vary from state to state. It is the students’ responsibility to check the licensing requirements in their respective state.

MSW Program Mission

To promote innovative and responsible leadership in the social work profession by educating students to become agents of social change with the goal of social and economic justice on a local, national and international level. Students will be prepared to address the needs of diverse populations through service, advocacy, empowerment, theory analysis, program and practice evaluation, multidisciplinary collaboration and integration of social work values.

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Social Work at GCU

GCU uniquely incorporates its Christian worldview and values into its programs, which encourages social work graduate students to perform ethical work and apply servant leadership practices. Based on Christian principles, the curriculum empowers students to lead with kindness, compassion and justice for making the greatest difference in the lives of others.

Gain Knowledge to Help Others

Diverse human experiences shape underserved populations that may include abuse, addiction, oppression, marginalization, alienation, racism, socioeconomic disadvantages and other life struggles such as disability, addiction, trauma and mental illness. Social workers support those who suffer from issues such as these, while battling inequalities and injustices that individuals face. This is a role for pursuing social justice and driving reform, as well as providing therapy/counseling, case/clinical management services and other resources to meet the needs of others.

By earning a Master of Social Work, students can advance their careers within the helping profession and continue a professional path of reward and purpose. Social workers become more than professionals and practitioners. They become advocates who fight alongside those who are struggling and help them live a more fulfilling life.

To prepare for crisis situations and helping people defeat hardships, students will gain competencies in these domains:

    Ethical and professional behavior

    Diversity and difference in practice

    Human rights and social, economic and environmental justice

    Practice-informed research and research-informed practice

    Engaging, assessing, intervening and evaluating practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities

What Can You Do with a Master of Social Work Degree?

Graduates may work directly with clients or participate in program development or human services management.

Social workers may work in settings such as:

    Hospitals

    Nursing homes

    Various types of clinics

    Mental health agencies

    Government departments

    Schools

    Community organizations

    Military bases

    Correctional facilities

    Nonprofits

    Advocacy groups

    Private practices

The Bridge (Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Data Analytics) offers a strong foundation in preparation for your doctoral business and academic journey. This bridge to data analytics doctoral program is designed for visionary leaders who have an earned a master’s-level degree in a field other than business administration and now seek to transform their career by completing an online DBA program at Grand Canyon University.

Grand Canyon University’s Bridge to Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision program is for independently licensed or associate-level licensed mental health professionals who want to teach counseling students, supervise clinical counselors and become expert practitioners in clinical or academic environments. Learners must have completed a master’s-level statistic class and graduated from an approved Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) entry-level institution OR graduated from an equivalent program.

GCU’s quantitative DBA with an Emphasis in Data Analytics focuses on interpreting numeric data by using statistical tools to clean data, assess reliability and analyze data. This program differs from our qualitative DBA with an Emphasis in Data Analytics, which focuses on examining events to better understand an observed phenomenon. Students enrolled in both of these programs must draft a written dissertation to showcase their findings.

Students pursuing their quantitative DBA with an Emphasis in Management will focus on examining and analyzing events by interpreting numeric data. They will use statistical tools to clean, assess and study data, whereas students pursing their qualitative DBA will use research studies to gain insight into how and why people think, believe and behave a certain way.

Earn Your Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) With an Emphasis in Marketing

Forward-thinking business leaders and executives understand the importance of applying data driven marketing strategies to achieve business growth objectives. Grand Canyon University’s DBA with an Emphasis in Marketing program blends theory with practical application so executives and those in leadership roles can advance their company’s competitive edge in the marketplace.

Offered by the College of Doctoral Studies, the DBA with an Emphasis in Marketing is designed for current and aspiring business leaders within profit and nonprofit industry sectors. It is expected that program applicants hold a master’s degree in business or a related field and have a certain amount of business experience.

Learners benefit from the scaffolded curriculum with its embedded research skills, the integrated dissertation process with systematic feedback and the values-based transparent curriculum. The DBA with an Emphasis in Marketing program features a multi-year programmatic business case to enable learners to apply their current knowledge of business theories within a real-world scenario.

What Is a Quantitative DBA With an Emphasis in Marketing?
In GCU’s quantitative DBA with an Emphasis in Marketing, students will develop expertise in the creation of a sampling plan and the collection of data. Students pursuing this degree will focus on analyzing events by interpreting numeric data, while students pursuing GCU’s qualitative DBA will focus on analyzing events by gaining insight into how and why people think, believe and behave.

Specialize in Consumer Segments, Behaviors and Trends
Doctoral learners will progress through a rigorous curriculum designed to sharpen analytical and reasoning skills. Learners have opportunities to demonstrate progress in academic research, writing and verbal communication. GCU’s DBA with an Emphasis in Marketing online program affords working professionals the flexibility to learn from anywhere at any time. Using GCU’s intuitive learning portal, learners will engage in intellectually stimulating exchanges with instructors and peers who bring a diversity of perspectives to the digital classroom.

In courses such as approaches to research design and data analysis, consumer behaviors in global marketing and data-driven marketing management, learners will acquire the following core competencies:

    Analyze the complexities of a global integrated enterprise, propose methods to expand business perspective beyond profit and incorporate ethical considerations when evaluating complex business decisions
    Critically appraise and synthesize existing research
    Analyze and apply sound research principles in the design of ethical original and independent research
    Acquire and harness data and information for decision making throughout the marketing management process
    Evaluate the implementation of marketing solutions and the related cultural considerations with an eye toward competitive advantage

The dissertation process is integrated in the curriculum from the beginning. Additionally, DBA learners are expected to participate in two or three five-day residency experiences. These are conducted on GCU’s vibrant campus to allow learners to benefit from networking opportunities, peer feedback and intensive mentorship from faculty members. During the first residency, learners acquire advanced skills in academic research that will provide the framework for their dissertation work. During the second residency, learners are expected to present their scholarly work and to be making progress on their dissertation.

Prepare for an Executive-Level Career in Business or Higher Education
GCU’s quantitative DBA with an Emphasis in Marketing degree is the pinnacle of academic achievement for business leaders. With a DBA in marketing, graduates are prepared to pursue high-level executive and consulting positions. Some roles that may be related to this degree may include the following:

    Chief executive officer
    Chief marketing officer
    Market research directorChief innovation officer
    Senior management consultant
    Entrepreneur

Graduates who possess a DBA may also decide to pursue positions at postsecondary education institutes. There, they may advance the overall knowledge of the field while instructing the next generation of business leaders.

Become a Leader of Healthcare Operations

Earning a Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) in Operational Leadership can prepare you to be a leader and innovator in the field of healthcare administration. This program allows learners to design innovative, quantitative approaches to healthcare operations that address efficiency, quality, safety and outcome. DHA learners will acquire the skills to apply theoretical and research knowledge to real-world situations and settings in order to influence and improve existing practices and policies.

Choosing a Quantitative Operational Leadership DHA Degree

Learners pursuing GCU’s Doctor of Healthcare Administration with an Emphasis in Operational Leadership – quantitative track will focus on analyzing approaches to operational leadership by interpreting numeric data. Learners will progress through coursework taught from the perspective of doing, with classes designed based on a quantitative research focus. In every class, they will make clear steps toward the completion of the dissertation.

Learners participating in this minimum 60-credit operational leadership program will explore the basic components of quantitative research design, study the application of technology in healthcare administration, evaluate the strategic focus of operational leadership initiatives and propose methods to innovate, plan and lead change in the healthcare industry.

Jobs for Operational Leadership DHA Graduates

Graduates of the DHA in Operational Leadership are equipped for high-level positions in a variety of healthcare organizations and settings. The operational leadership program prepares them to continue to develop theoretical knowledge in the healthcare industry and to apply that knowledge to the improvement of practice. These proficiencies offer graduates the necessary skillset to drive innovation within healthcare administration and its approaches to leadership.

Graduates of this program may pursue leadership careers in health system management, healthcare operations, healthcare research, health policy and more.

The Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership, within the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, prepares nurse leaders to design and implement evidence-based strategies for practice that improve healthcare education delivery, patient outcomes and educational programs. Emphasis is placed on employing methods of curriculum design and development, applying teaching strategies and designing assessments to evaluate teaching and learning outcomes. The DNP in nursing education program encourages students to engage with populations from the values-based perspective of a Christian worldview and understand the effects of various worldviews on cultures, patient care and healing, within current healthcare systems. This DNP in nursing leadership program is designed for MSN-prepared nurses who want to deepen knowledge and build skillsets to lead and strengthen nursing education programs in academia or a clinical agency/facility. Nursing faculty and deans interested in the development of curriculum, application of teaching strategies and evaluation of teaching and learning outcomes will also benefit from this MSN-DNP program.

What Is a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision?

Part of Grand Canyon University’s College of Doctoral Studies, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision degree program is intended to prepare graduates to work as counselor educators, supervisors, researchers and practitioners in academic and clinical settings. The standards for this program are intended to accommodate the unique strengths of students seeking to enhance their leadership and counseling skills. Students will be able to employ quantitative methodology to design, collect and analyze information in alignment with conducting a scholarly dissertation.
Choosing to Specialize in a Quantitative PhD

Doctoral students pursuing GCU’s quantitative PhD will focus on analyzing events by interpreting numeric data, whereas students pursuing GCU’s qualitative PhD will focus on analyzing how and why people think, believe and behave a certain way. To complete the research for a quantitative PhD, students will develop expertise in the creation of a sampling plan and in the collection of data. They will then use statistical tools to clean and analyze data, as well as assess reliability. Once their research has concluded, they will present their results in a written report.
Skills You Will Develop in the Counselor Education and Supervision PhD Program

Students pursuing their PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision are taught by seasoned experts in the field of counseling education. This 65-credit program allows students to study ethics and morality, discuss educational philosophies and models of adult learning, explore the basic components of quantitative research design, interact with statistical tests and statistical analysis software in the context of designing a quantitative research study, address social justice concerns, engage in the supervised practical application of previously studied theory and more. To graduate from this program, students must pass courses including:

    Advanced integrated theories and practices
    Clinical supervision
    Counselor education and supervision practicum
    Designing a quantitative study 1 and 2
    Ethics, laws and multicultural issues
    Leadership and social justice
    Quantitative data analysis, results and findings
    Quantitative data collection and statistical mechanics
    Special topics in counseling education and supervision
    The literature landscape: counselor education and supervision

What Can You Do With a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision?

Earning your PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is a great way to gain additional knowledge in your field, stand out from the competition and advance your career. Program graduates often go on to pursue positions in higher education or become clinical supervisors. Positions you can fill with your PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision include:

    Advanced clinician
    Clinical supervisor
    Counseling advocate
    Counseling agency director
    Counseling leader
    Counseling practitioner
    Educator
    Faculty member
    Researcher

Earn Your PhD in Cognition and Instruction from GCU

Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction program offers a broad array of courses that increase the understanding of human behavior and mental processes. This program prepares individuals to engage their knowledge and skills in cognition and instruction in applied settings of teaching and/or conducting psychological research in business, government or higher-education institutions.

Core areas of instruction include three emphasis courses in cognition and instruction, cognitive science and social cognition. In this program, students will be able to employ quantitative methodology to design, collect and analyze information in alignment with conducting a scholarly dissertation. Students are advised to inquire directly with their state if they intend to pursue licensure, as this degree is not intended for those seeking licensure in clinical practice and does not lead directly to licensure.

Choosing to Specialize in a Quantitative Psychology

In a quantitative PhD program, students examine and analyze events by interpreting numeric data. Through GCU’s quantitative PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction program, students will develop expertise in the creation of a sampling plan and in the collection of data through the use of statistical tools. This program differs from GCU’s qualitative PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction program, which focuses on gaining insight into how and why people think, believe and behave.

Study Social Cognition and Impact Formal Education Settings

GCU’s PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction program was created by the College of Doctoral Studies to help professionals expand their understanding of human behavior and mental processes. In this program, students will be explore the major schools of thought in psychology and their philosophical origins, learn the nature, origins and history of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy, examine the historical and theoretical background of the behavioristic movement and its major works, discuss the basic components of quantitative research design, work with statistical analysis software to design a quantitative research study and more.

To graduate from this program, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits and pass courses including:

    Cognition and instruction
    Cognitive science
    History and systems of psychology
    Humanistic, transpersonal and existential psychology
    Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic theory
    Quantitative data analysis, results and findings
    Quantitative data collection and statistical mechanics
    Social cognition

Careers for a PhD in Cognitive and Instructional Psychology

GCU’s PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction prepares graduates for positions in business, government or education. Graduates often go on to pursue roles including:

    Government contractor
    Researcher
    Teacher
    University-level faculty member

Study Behavior Within Organizations With a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Grand Canyon University’s quantitative Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program offers a broad array of courses that increase the understanding of human behavior and mental processes. This program prepares students to engage their knowledge and skills in the areas of industrial and organizational psychology in applied business-related settings.

Core areas of instruction include four emphasis courses in integrating psychology learning and technology, cognitive science, industrial psychology and performance psychology. Students are advised to inquire directly with their state if they intend to pursue licensure, as this degree is not intended for those seeking licensure in clinical practice and does not directly lead to licensure.

Choosing to Specialize in a Quantitative Psychology PhD

Throughout this PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology program, students will employ quantitative methodology to design, collect and analyze information in alignment with conducting a scholarly dissertation. The quantitative methodology focuses on analyzing events through numeric data, whereas the qualitative methodology focuses on analyzing events through the way people think, believe and behave. Students pursuing their quantitative PhD will develop expertise in the creation of a sampling plan and in the collection of data.

What You’ll Learn While Specializing in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

GCU’s quantitative general psychology PhD in industrial and organizational psychology was created by the College of Doctoral Studies to strengthen students understanding of what engages and motivates people, as well as how relationships are formed. In this program, students will familiarize themselves with the major schools of thought in psychology and their philosophical origins, examine the historical and theoretical background of the behavioristic movement and its major works, apply social and organizational methods and principles to business and industry, explore the basic components of quantitative research design, explore the historical roots, theoretical foundations, major works and guiding philosophy of humanistic, transpersonal and existential (HTE) psychology and more.

To complete this program, students must take a minimum of 60 credits and pass courses including:

    History and systems of psychology
    Humanistic, transpersonal and existential psychology
    Principles of industrial and organizational psychology
    Principles of personnel and human resource management
    Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic theory
    Psychology of consulting and coaching
    Quantitative data collection and statistical mechanics

What You Can Do With a Quantitative PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Earning your PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial Organizational Psychology online or on-campus is a great way to broaden your understanding of human behavior and advance your career. Students who graduate from this program may go on to become:

    Human behavior experts
    Consultants
    Researchers
    Professors

Integrate Psychology, Technology & Instruction Into Learning Environments

Grand Canyon University’s quantitative Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology degree can prepare you to engage with current knowledge and research concerning cognition and instruction when paired with technology.

Throughout the program, courses explore the integration of psychology, technology, and learning as it relates to researching and implementing innovative solutions for learning and communications. These concepts are explored from all sides, providing the context and background research needed to make a significant contribution to the way our society uses technology for learning.

Why Specialize in a PhD in Quantitative General Psychology

A PhD in quantitative general psychology allows learners to dive deep into the history and current trends of core areas such as individual systems of psychology as well as cognition, personality, abnormal, social, multicultural and developmental psychology. However, the quantitative aspect of the program enables learners to go beyond existing research and explore their area of interest for themselves through research and dissertation.

Courses and the dissertation allow students to go beyond theoretical knowledge and develop a rationale for integration and change of learning and technology innovation, including factors such as costs and benefits that enable learners to create successful change.

GCU’s program gives students the opportunity to explore psychology from a Christian perspective and worldview. A significant focus is placed on practicing psychology and engaging in education through an ethical framework.

How Many Years Will It Take to Earn a PhD in General Psychology?

The PhD in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology degree program can be completed on your own time, giving you the power to fit pursuing your degree into your schedule.

Eight-week courses are completed online and the program includes two or three in-person residencies, where students can attend and find support and guidance as they begin the dissertation process. After the completion of the coursework, learners will use quantitative methodology to design, collect and analyze information in alignment with conducting a scholarly dissertation.

Careers for a PhD in Educational Technology Integration Psychology

After completing this program, learners will have been prepared with the research, skills and knowledge necessary to become an innovator in psychology, technology and learning. The completion throughout the program of a dissertation enables learners to make a tangible contribution to their field of interest even before graduation, and additional coursework prepares them to continue making a difference as they continue on in their career.

The skills and abilities developed through the program can prepare graduates for many impactful positions such as:

    Instructional coordinator
    Curriculum developer
    Learning material developer
    Professor at the college or university level
    Educational administrator

To discover more about how you can pursue your personal and professional goals with a quantitative PhD in General Psychology in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology, apply online for free today!

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 increase the understanding of human actions in the past and present. In this program, students will 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 will help student 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 anEmphasis in Performance Psychology program was created by the College of Doctoral Studies to help doctoral learners broaden their skillsets and set themselves apart from the competition. In this program, students will familiarize themselves 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 inter-personal issues, examine the historical and theoretical background of the behavioristic movement, apply theories of emotion, cognition and motivation to performance, explore the basic components of quantitative research design and more.

To graduate from this program, Students must participate in two or three 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

Career Outlook With a Performance Psychology PhD?

Graduates of GCU’s PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology program will be able to apply theory and practice to conduct original research or work in applied settings such as sport, military or medical industries to enhance performance of individuals and groups. Graduates may go on to become:

    Fitness coaches
    Nutritionists
    Researches
    Teachers in higher-education institutions
    Trainers

Explore the intersection of Christian ministry and culture and prepare to be a leader within the Christian church. Earning your quantitative EdD in Christian Ministry Leadership can equip you to advance the study of leadership within ministry and the church community by performing in-depth research and analysis of the modern church. Bring about enduring change within the church by forwarding our culture’s knowledge of leadership within the church.

Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Health Care Administration program was created by the College of Doctoral Studies for students preparing for careers in health care administration. Designed to increase students’ awareness of the health care field, this program helps students broaden their skillsets and develop a framework for effective management. Offered online and in evening cohorts, this program is consistent with GCU’s mission to develop learners who are global citizens, critical thinkers, effective communicators and responsible leaders.

The program will explore the current research within the field, the governance and structure of higher education institutions, including both internal and external leadership frameworks and the leadership practices required in these areas.

In coursework and in the overall dissertation process, learners will develop academic and organizational research expertise through studying and enacting research and statistic methodologies. Students will be able to employ quantitative methods to design, collect and analyze information in alignment with conducting a scholarly dissertation.

This organizational leadership program includes opportunities to prepare for and work on the scholarly dissertation from the very beginning of the program. The program offers support for the dissertation even before course requirements have been completed, including two-to-three residencies, which include writing workshops and intensives to inspire learners to make significant progress on their dissertation.

Students pursuing their quantitative EdD in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in K-12 Leadership are taught by education experts within GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies. In this program, students will examine the political landscape and ethics surrounding K-12 education, learn the key components of quantitative research designs, develop their skills as academic researchers, interact with statistical tests and statistical analysis software in the context of designing a quantitative research study, explore the concept of synthesizing the scholarly literature to identify problems that emerge to form a researchable topic of study and more.

Prepare yourself to be a leader in special education spheres. Grand Canyon University’s quantitative Doctor of Education in Leadership in Special Education will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to invest in special education and education communities and grow them to their full potential.

This quantitative EdD in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education degree program will allow you to formulate and build upon your own personal philosophy of leadership. Equip yourself to make the greatest impact through leadership and education.

EdD - Adult Education Degree - Quantitative
Earning a quantitative EdD in Adult Education and Learning can prepare you to be an innovator in the field of adult education. This post-master’s program allows learners to equip themselves with the knowledge and abilities necessary to improve student outcomes and create an effective learning environment for adult students.

GCU's quantitative doctorate in adult education program allows learners in the program to engage in advanced quantitative research methodology. Learners will develop a dissertation through the analysis of hard data and other quantitative approaches, allowing them to participate in the advancement of their field.

Lead Adult Learners With an EdD in Teaching and Learning

Classes and coursework within the quantitative adult education doctorate program allow students to:

    Explore the history and philosophy of teaching and learning
    Analyze current technology innovations that improve learning outcomes
    Synthesize contemporary adult learning theory with a Christian worldview
    Apply quantitative research principles in the design of ethical and original research
    Evaluate how to fulfill the educational needs of adult learners

Every course within the program prepares students both to complete their dissertation and to apply what they have learned in the education setting. The program encourages students to build upon their existing skills in education and grow them through cutting-edge theory and their own original research.

Earning Your EdD at GCU
Grand Canyon University strives to incorporate the Christian worldview into each program. This post-master's adult education program prepares students to approach education through biblical principles. Courses show graduates how to enact moral, ethical education practices that align with the Christian worldview while working in the 21st century classroom.

Doctorate (EdD) in Adult Education & Learning Career Outlook
Graduates of the EdD in Adult Education and Learning are equipped for high-level positions in education at both the school and district levels. The program helps professional educators to specialize in adult education and allows them to advance their careers and can even increase their lifetime earnings. Students who complete the program will have acquired the necessary skillset to move beyond the classroom and administration setting and drive innovation within adult education.

For students who wish to pursue education even further, GCU offers the opportunity for graduates of this program to transfer some of their credits to the Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning degree. This doctorate-level degree can additionally equip students to obtain high-level positions at the administration level or above.

What is an Education Specialist Teaching and Learning Degree?

Grand Canyon University’s Education Specialist (EdS) in Teaching and Learning program is a post-master’s education degree which allows K-12 educators to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for developing education communities that improve student outcomes.

Offered by GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies, this accelerated, fully online EdS program emphasizes theories and models of teaching in various educational environments, from elementary to high school.

Throughout the program, learners will:

    Examine the global politics of education and the intervention facilitated by government entities
    Study professional learning communities and theories of pedagogy
    Explore ways to train and develop the teams that learners are preparing to lead and support
    Learn to excel in teaching by studying industry trends, implementing new effective teaching strategies based on original research and applying findings to foster greater classroom success

As a private, Christian university, GCU integrates faith into each of its programs. Courses within the EdS program use a values-based curriculum that addresses socially responsible practices and ethical decision making within education.

Learn to Help Others Learn Better

The aim of the EdS program is to give educators the skills, through research-based teaching strategies, to develop collaborative educational communities with the purpose of improving student learning and driving classroom success in K-12 environments.

Learners will make connections between past philosophies of education and current issues and emerging trends in the field, so that they develop the skills to identify and implement effective models or theories of change, innovative technologies and modern methods to enhance their learning environments.

The program focuses on the following:

    Using philosophies of teaching and learning as a foundation for improving the teaching and learning process Evaluating learning theory as it relates to mentoring, coaching, collaboration and educational tools
    Examining disruptive innovation and change associated with theories and models
    Assessing teaching and learning from a global perspective to understand the social, cultural, organizational and psychological factors that affect the classroom
    Using research methods and statistical analysis to produce original research

An EdS capstone course concludes the program, providing learners with the opportunity to apply the skills they have developed to their professional interests and goals. Throughout the class, learners develop a written project suitable for a professional portfolio.

The program offers a rigorous curriculum and takes an in-depth, analysis-based approach to every course. Unlike GCU’s doctoral education degrees, the EdS does not require learners to complete a residency or dissertation. This allows current full-time teachers may complete their program more easily without taking time away from work.

Achieve Your Career Goals and Drive Education Forward

Graduates of the EdS in Teaching and Learning degree are prepared to move beyond traditional classroom responsibilities and drive change through the research and collaboration skills developed throughout the program.

After completing the program, educators may pursue higher-level roles at the school and district levels or higher. The knowledge and skills developed during the EdS program equips educators for advanced positions such as school administrators, counselors, consultants or a wide variety of other advanced positions in education.

The EdS program allows teachers with a master’s degree who want to advance their career without enrolling in a typical doctoral program. Graduates who later decide to pursue their Doctor of Education (EdD) in Teaching and Learning are able to transfer some of the credits completed during their EdS. Speak with a GCU counselor for more information about pursuing an EdD after an EdS.