College of Doctoral Studies

Faculty in the College of Doctoral Studies are engaged in the mentorship of learners through the most difficult tasks in academe — the creation of a doctoral dissertation and the creation of new knowledge. In these difficult tasks, faculty embrace the servant and transformational leadership example provided by Jesus Christ. This servant’s attitude that focuses on supporting the learners is also guided by GCU’s missional elements of innovative thinking and effective communication. Christianity is more than just religion, it is relationship, and the College of Doctoral Studies faculty and staff are focused on building positive, Christ-centered relationships with all doctoral learners to support them on their doctoral journey. We realize that learners need more than just intellectual support and guidance, they also need help in the spiritual and emotional realms. Whether this is through prayer, feedback, criticism or simply emotional support, our faculty live out the GCU mission in every interaction with our learners.

The development of advanced critical/innovative thinking skills is at the heart of doctoral education. The College of Doctoral Studies works to help learners develop the ability to systematically create new knowledge. They are actively engaged in greater exploration of God’s creation, and in doing so, bring greater understanding and glory to his works. There are many dissertation topics at Grand Canyon University that focus on the impact of faith and spirituality which would not find purchase at a different university that does not have a Christ-centered focus. The earning of a doctoral degree may open many doors for our graduates, having a major impact that can change the trajectory of their lives and their family’s lives forever. Many of our graduates go on to mentor others in scholarship, spreading the mission and vision of the college and the university even further.

Doctoral faculty provide a strong mentorship foundation for the thousands of doctoral learners to explore their worldviews and create new knowledge in the world around them each year. The central purpose of doctoral education is to guide learners through the process of investigating and evaluating not only the world around them but also learning to critically evaluate their own worldviews and how knowledge is created. This is done with the backing of a Christ-centered curriculum and faculty concern to honor and emulate Jesus Christ in all we say and do.

The final element of the doctoral journey is the creation of new knowledge of a facet of God’s creation that had not previously existed, allowing learners to explore and expand the intellectual space in which they work, and enriching the future scholarship of all others who follow them. The College of Doctoral Studies is committed to the flourishing of our learners in this difficult process through numerous support strategies. Faculty mentor learners intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Counseling staff provide individual and group support. Full-time and adjunct faculty partner in courses and dissertation committees to guide learners on their journey. As they create this new knowledge, doctoral learners also can see a profound change in their own thinking which can have positive repercussions throughout not only their own lives but the lives of family, friends and colleagues.