Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAGS) Online

Benefits of Earning a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

Grand Canyon University offers online certificate programs of advanced graduate studies for professionals who want to pursue higher education and professional development in various fields. These programs are typically designed for individuals who already hold a master's degree and seek to enhance their expertise in a specific area without committing to a full doctoral program.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) at GCU covers a range of disciplines such as education, psychology and business. These online programs often feature flexible scheduling options, allowing working professionals to balance their studies with their career and personal commitments. 

At GCU, earning a doctoral certificate can help provide opportunities to learn from a Christian worldview perspective, enhancing academic exploration with values of integrity, compassion and ethical leadership.

 

“What I really liked about the College of Doctoral Studies was that I felt like it was geared toward professionals, not just the traditional college-aged student.”

Keziah Tinkle-Williams Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology – 2021 Graduate
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Earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study at GCU

Whether you're seeking to refine your skills in a specialized domain, explore alternative career paths or remain informed about emerging trends in your industry, our certificate of advanced graduate study programs can offer a supportive environment for personal and professional development.

Areas of Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies

GCU offers advanced certificate programs to help empower professionals with concentrated skills tailored to today’s industries.

Obtain Your Doctoral Certificate at an Accredited University

Work toward elevating your expertise with a doctoral certificate after completing a master’s degree from an accredited university. GCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968, ensuring rigorous academic standards and quality education delivery. Gain confidence in your credentials knowing you've pursued advanced education from a reputable institution. 

Coursework for Advanced Graduate Study Certificates

The curriculum of these certificate programs at GCU consists of innovative coursework, forward-thinking assignments and practical experiences relevant to the chosen certificate. As a student in one of GCU’s certificate of advanced graduate study programs, you will be taught key competencies through leadership-focused courses. While topics vary depending on the program, some course topics may include:

  • Exploring ethical theories in leadership, with a focus on corporate social responsibility
  • Examining how organizational structure and culture impact entrepreneurial innovation within corporations
  • Applying theories of emotion, cognition and motivation to enhance performance, while considering various factors influencing excellence in performance

Admission Requirements

GCU's College of Doctoral Studies provides access to these professional certificate programs, each featuring rigorous admissions criteria that may extend beyond the university's general requirements. Typically, a master’s degree is required to pursue a graduate certificate of advanced study. 

 

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Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study FAQs

Whether you're exploring options for furthering your education or seeking clarification on program details, we're here to provide you with the information on advanced certificates to help you make informed decisions about your academic and professional goals.

CAGS may be worth your time and efforts, as they are designed to help you build upon your current skills and help prepare you for continued education. Upon completion of the program, graduates may have the chance to position themselves to leverage their specialized knowledge and skills to explore career growth opportunities, take on leadership responsibilities or pursue new professional pathways.

An advanced graduate certificate at GCU is a specialized postgraduate qualification ideal for professionals seeking to expand their expertise beyond the master's level. Each certificate program consists of select focused courses, making it an optimal choice for individuals aiming to pursue a doctoral degree but lack the time for a full program commitment. These online programs offer progressive coursework, aiming to equip professionals with targeted knowledge and skills. GCU's certificate of advanced graduate studies instills quality education tailored to meet the needs of busy working professionals.

An advanced graduate certificate at GCU is a specialized postgraduate qualification ideal for professionals seeking to expand their expertise beyond the master's level. Each certificate program consists of select focused courses, making it an optimal choice for individuals aiming to pursue a doctoral degree but lack the time for a full program commitment. These online programs offer progressive coursework, aiming to equip professionals with targeted knowledge and skills. GCU's certificate of advanced graduate studies instills quality education tailored to meet the needs of busy working professionals.

The duration of earning a postgraduate certificate can vary depending on factors such as the way the program is structured, the number of courses required and specific requirements of the institution. It involves completing a designated number of credit hours or courses, fewer than an actual degree program.

doctoral graduate poses for photo in graduation robes

What Can You Do With a Doctoral Certificate?

Doctoral certificates, also known as professional graduate certificates or advanced certificates, can offer a range of opportunities for individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in a specific field or discipline. Doctoral certificates can serve as a form of continuing education, allowing professionals to stay updated with the latest advancements in their field or pursue specialization in a particular area. Furthermore, the ability to transfer these credits to a full GCU doctoral program is an added advantage.

Earning a doctoral certificate can help you acquire new skills specific to your field, empowering you to tackle complex challenges professionally and with confidence, such as:

  • Preparing for advanced academic pursuits
  • Accessing specialized field-specific knowledge
  • Enhancing your research and analytical capabilities

A doctoral certificate is designed to act as a catalyst for concentrating your focus, as it offers structured guidance and specialized coursework tailored to your field of study. This educational path can help facilitate deeper exploration of specific topics, potentially fostering greater clarity and expertise. 

Through focused study and practical application, you have the opportunity to enhance your qualifications and expertise, potentially positioning yourself to increase your competitiveness in the job market.

Student Resources and Support

Access to comprehensive student resources and support is crucial for success when pursuing a doctoral certificate. These resources include academic advising, research assistance, library services and networking opportunities, all aimed at providing guidance and assistance throughout the program to help you have a fulfilling educational experience.

Explore GCU’s doctoral certificates for professional growth in your chosen discipline.