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Grand Canyon University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology degree program guides learners in understanding how psychology, technology and instruction can seamlessly integrate in learning environments. This leads to the completion of informed research that can positively impact learning outcomes in teaching and educational environments.
This PhD is typically designed for people who are currently working in business, government, technology, social media or higher education who want to position themselves for possible career advancement.
GCU’s qualitative psychology PhD in educational technology was designed by the College of Doctoral Studies to provide a well-rounded account of how technology and psychology can impact teaching and learning.
Graduates of GCU’s educational psychology doctorate emphasis are asked to:
Integrate psychology with emerging technologies
Craft innovative communication and learning solutions
Analyze and apply theories of learning and cognition
Evaluate and apply technologies for learning
Develop solutions by applying a learning and communication solutions design process
Create strategies for building community and social networking
GCU’s qualitative PhD in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology focuses on examining events to better understand an observed phenomenon. In this program, students will create a sampling plan, design research tools, field test the tools, collect data and conduct an analysis of the data using a systematic approach.
This differs from GCU’s quantitative program, which focuses on examining and analyzing events by interpreting numeric data.
GCU’s PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology program guides learners in incorporating technology to grow 21st century working and teaching environments. The psychology behind how and why technology works to meet strong educational goals is at the core of this program.
This program requires learners to dive deeply into research, statistical analysis and evidence-based outcomes. They study how to use technology to improve education. In addition, they conduct research in private and public enterprise, nonprofits and educational institutions.
This research applies directly to the dissertation graduates must write in order to receive their PhD in educational technology from GCU. Learners receive research and dissertation support throughout the entirety of their program including during two hands-on doctoral residencies.
Social, group and multicultural factors affecting individual behavior impacts how and why educational technology is successful, as well as the influence of mass communication on social awareness and control. That is why these topics are an integral part of the learning experience for GCU learners.
Learners explore and measure learning outcomes and study how psychology teams, with technology, instruction and learning, create solutions to achievement concerns in business and classroom environments.
The coursework for the doctorate in instructional technology specifically includes the study of:
Applying technology to individuals, organizations and communities
The risks and benefits associated with the use of technology
Building communities and social networks
Change at organization, community and social network levels
Some graduates continue in the same professional roles and use their experience with research to enhance their skill set on the job. A qualitative PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology can also potentially lead graduates to many career opportunities, such as an:
If you would like to learn more about how technology can enhance education and learning, an educational tech career may be right for you.
Read through our frequently asked questions, as you prepare for your PhD program.
Yes, the PhD educational psychology degree is offered both online and on campus at GCU. The online platform for the educational psychology doctorate degree offers students the ability to earn their degree with convenience and flexibility, while evening and in-person courses cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer in-person learning.
The PhD in educational psychology requires applicants to meet a range of criteria such as specific GPA requirements or earn a master’s degree from an institutionally accredited school with a GPA of 3.4 or higher. To begin their doctoral journey, applicants are also asked to submit a 250 – 400-word Registration Commitment in a reflective and purposeful manner. Review our University Policy Handbook for more application details.
Find out more about the Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology degree program at GCU.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 2025. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Up to 9 doctoral credits
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Doctoral)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.4 may be accepted with specifications.
** Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 - 3.39 may be accepted with specifications. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will not be accepted.
