Every individual has the potential to shape the future of his or her field. This is the driving belief behind distinctive programs known as evening cohorts, offered by the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University.

Evening cohorts are combined online and campus-based learning experiences designed specifically for working leaders. Working leaders are full-time professionals who have built careers in education, business, behavioral science and more, leading teams and observing the real-world implications of various practices, theories, and tools. They are full of insight and ready to earn doctoral degrees on the road to executive leadership and academia. They are well-positioned to develop change-making research and findings.

These leaders simply lack one key requisite: time.

Full-time professionals have historically found doctoral study inaccessible due to their daytime commitments. By offering convenient evening and online coursework, the evening cohort program at GCU removes this barrier and opens the world of doctoral study to employed professionals.

Evening cohort programs at GCU feature another innovative twist on the traditional doctoral program of study. Learners can expect an integrated dissertation process that begins early in their studies, rather than towards the end. This helps maximize the ability to utilize day-to-day learnings in the development of the dissertation. Learners also attend two in-person Doctoral Residencies to gain important face-to-face support, networking, and mentorship from faculty and colleagues.

Each cohort begins with core classes offered one night per week on the main campus in Phoenix. After completing these foundational courses, learners choose from an emphasis area for the next phase of their studies.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD at GCU involves learning the art of transformative leadership by blending theory and experience within organizations including for-profits, nonprofits, ministries, corporations, and schools. Emphasis areas include:

• Cognition and Instruction
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology
• Performance Psychology

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Prepares learners to influence change by applying theories and critical thinking to leadership within education, business, and other organizational environments. Available emphases include:

• Behavioral Health
• Christian Ministry
• Health Care Administration
• Higher Education Leadership
• K12 Leadership
• Organizational Development
• Special Education

The next evening cohorts begin in March and April 2017. If you are a GCU student or employee interested in starting your doctoral journey, contact 855-GCU-LOPE and ask for Eric Peterson. For more information about evening cohorts, fill out the Request More Information form at the top of the page.