What Is a Cohort Program?

The decision to enroll in a doctoral degree program is a life-changing one that has the potential to provide deep learning opportunities and build professional connections that can last a lifetime. During your time in grad school, you may be part of a cohort program. What is a cohort program and what are the benefits of cohort learning?

First, know that every university designs and implements cohort programs a little differently, and some schools might not follow the cohort model at all. At Grand Canyon University, we’re pleased to introduce the cohort model to our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Education (EdD) and other doctoral programs.

Read on to learn more about GCU’s PhD and EdD evening cohorts, which explore human behavior and how to use the knowledge and skills within teaching or conducting psychological research in business, government or institutions of higher education.

In This Article: 

• Exploring the Concept of a Cohort 
• Benefits of Cohort Learning 
• What’s a Cohort? FAQS and Answers 
• Cohort Program Options at GCU

Exploring the Concept of a Cohort 

In grad school, cohorts are small groups of learners who undertake their doctoral journey in a supportive and collaborative environment. You can typically expect to work with the same cohort members throughout your entire program — from start to finish — though this is not guaranteed.

Remember that the way cohorts operate can vary greatly from institution to institution. Some cohorts consist entirely of online learners, while others are comprised only of on-campus doctoral students, and some are a combination of both. At GCU, cohorts are small groups of learners engaged in doctoral-level study under the guidance of a highly engaged instructor. Cohorts are designed to foster collaborative learning, creativity and confidence while also providing opportunities for professional networking.

At GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies, our cohorts use an innovative hybrid approach that blends online study with on-campus classes one evening per week. (Evening programs are only available when there are a sufficient number of students able and willing to commute to campus for classes.)

Benefits of Cohort Learning 

When you become a member of a doctoral cohort, you can tap into a network of individuals who, like you, are eager to embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth. Some of the main benefits are as follows:

Meet Likeminded Individuals 

By taking part in a cohort for your doctoral degree program, you have the opportunity to meet people who have similar professional and academic interests. This can be beneficial, as you can encourage each other and build a support community as you all work to complete the doctoral journey. By taking campus courses as a learner, you can expand your knowledge in a personal way and see the way others pursue similar goals.

Build a Network in Your Cohort 

Being in a cohort can allow you to make connections with others in related fields and professional environments. Meeting others in person could lead to new opportunities and help you build your network. By joining a cohort, you might meet an individual who can help you grow in your career or connect you to other individuals in the field, for example.

Enjoy Face-to-Face Learning Opportunities 

Taking in-person evening classes with an experienced instructor can provide exceptional opportunities for academic engagement. By being in class with other learners, you can also learn from them or help them learn from you. Face-to-face learning is a huge aspect of expanding your horizons as a student, which is why doctoral learners also take part in residencies during their degree programs — even if no evening classes are currently available.

What’s a Cohort? FAQs and Answers

Even though you now understand what a doctoral cohort is and how it can benefit you, you might still have some lingering questions. The following FAQs and answers may help:

Are Cohort Programs Only for PhD Students? 

The cohort learning model isn’t reserved exclusively for PhD students. Other types of doctoral programs may follow this model as well, such as EdD programs. Depending on the university, there may even be opportunities to join a cohort at the master’s degree level.

For example, at GCU, many of our master’s degrees offer the option to take classes online or on campus in the evenings. If you’re an online student, you’ll engage with your peers using our digital learning platform. You’ll typically meet your cohort one evening each week if you're enrolled in evening classes. The entire cohort will work through one class at a time, potentially graduating together.

Cohort learning models are even available for some bachelor’s degree programs at GCU, with the intention of providing exceptional support and increasing opportunities for collaboration amongst our student body.

What Is the Cohort Schedule Like? 

It varies from one school to another. At GCU, evening classes are offered one night per week on our main campus in Phoenix. Some cohort classes may also be online, because cohort programs can be hybrid. Learners progress together through a sequence of core courses, followed by a choice of emphases chosen by the learner and offered online. This schedule is designed to provide much-needed flexibility for busy yet ambitious professionals.

Will I Meet With My Instructors? 

Absolutely! Meet with instructors and fellow learners one night each week for the face-to-face experience you desire. These sessions also provide prime opportunities to build relationships and strengthen your professional network. For those who prefer the digital classroom, GCU also offers a number of online degree programs.

Which Degree Programs Are Offered in the Cohort Format? 

At GCU, you can find a wide variety of degree programs available with the cohort learning model. Our doctoral evening cohort programs begin on a rolling basis and are offered throughout the year.

Some examples of doctoral programs that offer an evening cohort option (with a sufficient number of enrolled evening students) include the following: 

• Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health: Explore leadership styles and organizational management in the behavioral health field.
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Health Care Administration: Examine how to apply an evidence-based approach to solve modern challenges in the healthcare field.
• Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction: Investigate how cognitive processes can inform the most appropriate and effective instructional methods.

Cohort Program Options at GCU

GCU embraces cohort learning at the baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral levels because collaboration can support innovation and growth. Explore our cohort programs today and find the right fit for your academic interests and professional goals.