Grand Canyon University Graduate Programs

Overview
Grand Canyon University is an accredited, private, Christian university located in Phoenix, AZ. The institution offers online and on-site graduate programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts. GCU emphasizes individual attention for both traditional undergraduate students as well as the working professional.

Student Appeal
GCU is consistently listed in the Student Guide to America's 100 Best College Buys. Students enrolling in any online program are assigned to a virtual instructor and a virtual community of fellow learners where they can discuss educational issues and participate in peer reviewed class projects. Through the use of advanced and emerging technologies, the same educational standards of traditional programs have been adapted to all of the University's online programs.

The degree program takes 1.5 years to 2 years to complete. Transfer credits may allow students to complete the program in less time. Students attend classes at their convenience, and receive all assignments when they receive the course syllabus on the first day of class, enabling them to work ahead if they wish.

Financial
GCU has one of the lowest tuitions of online schools while retaining highly qualified instructors and classes under 20 students in size. Financial aid is available to those who qualify in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships.

Programs Offered*:
Programs are only available to US residents.

Business & Helping Professional
*NOTE: *Master degrees require a bachelor degree.

• MA in Christian StudiesMA in Christian Studies
  The Master of Arts in Christian Studies is a program designed for individuals who desire to lead as Christians in their arenas of influence, be they secular, religious, professional, or personal. The program focuses on the preparation of leaders in biblical and theological knowledge, practical application of that knowledge in leadership settings, and the development of character and integrity in all aspects of life. Emphases include urban ministry, youth ministry, leadership ministry, and pastoral ministry. Students conduct professional research and complete a research project during the course of their studies.
• MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Christian LeadershipMA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Christian Leadership
  This program focuses on leadership and example aspects of Christian Studies research.
• MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral MinistryMA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry
  This program focuses on pastoral aspects of Christian Studies research.
• MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Urban MinistryMA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Urban Ministry
  This program focuses on urban ministry aspects of Christian Studies research.
• MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Youth MinistryMA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Youth Ministry
  This program focuses on youth ministry aspects of Christian Studies research.
• MBAMBA
  The Master of Business Administration program is designed for working professionals who desire to complete a program of study that allows focus across technical, human, and conceptual skills that encompass the functional areas of business. The core courses in the MBA program allow the student to develop strong foundations across accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing and quantitative methods provided in the core courses. Courses in the critical areas of leadership and human resources management will provide the student the broad management perspective as well as the analytical and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in global business.
• MBA and MS in Leadership (dual degree)MBA and MS in Leadership (dual degree)
  This dual-degree program combines the broad-based, general management curriculum of the MBA program with specialized study in leadership theory and application. The courses include operations management, managerial accounting, managerial finance, and information systems.
• MBA with an Emphasis in AccountingMBA with an Emphasis in Accounting
  This emphasis features coursework that addresses financial accounting and reporting, management accounting and reporting, auditing, regulation, specialized accounting, and emerging topics, designed to prepare students for advanced management positions in corporate or public accounting.
• MBA with an Emphasis in FinanceMBA with an Emphasis in Finance
  Students of this program develop the essential proficiency necessary to ensure corporate solvency, profitability, and efficiency in the field of corporate financial management and investments. The topics covered throughout the coursework include operations management, quantitative tools and technique for modeling business applications, marketing management, financial statement analysis, and more.
• MBA with an Emphasis in LeadershipMBA with an Emphasis in Leadership
  This emphasis combines the broad-based, general management curriculum of the MBA program with specialized study in leadership theory and application, designed to prepare students for leadership roles among the complexities of organizational system and cultures.
• MBA with an Emphasis in MarketingMBA with an Emphasis in Marketing
  Intended for students seeking advanced management positions in corporate marketing or brand management, this emphasis encompasses all essential topics, from services marketing and marketing management to technology as tool.
• MBA with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource ManagementMBA with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management
  The Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management, offered by the Ken Blanchard College of Business, covers the Society for Human Resource Management's critical competencies. By aligning this program to the human resource competencies identified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), students will be well-prepared for careers as senior human resources specialists or as general managers with strong strategic HR acumen.
• MS in Criminal Justice - Law EnforcementMS in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
  For students seeking to expand their understanding of the law, social order, and justice, as well as law enforcement personnel with a desire for advancement in their field, this program examines in details the aspects of criminal investigation. The coursework also cover terrorism, homeland security, ethics and liability for policing and corrections to round out a program suitable for all decision makers who address questions of public policy, social research, and administration of justice in the public sphere.
• MS in Criminal Justice - Legal StudiesMS in Criminal Justice - Legal Studies
  This emphasis presents a comprehensive study of the law and legal system, from in-depth analysis of historical and contemporary issues of constitutional rights, to international law and the procedural workings of international law enforcement organizations, to legal research using both hard copy and electronic resources.
• MS in LeadershipMS in Leadership
  This program provides a specialized study in leadership theory and application, offering coursework in strategic management, leadership styles and development, managerial economics, finance principles, organizational behavior, applied business probability and statistics, and more.
• MS in Leadership - Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire LeadershipMS in Leadership - Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership
  Grand Canyon University's Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership provides students with the skills to develop professionally and gain self-confidence in their own leadership styles. The program offers an opportunity for graduates of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program (NFA-EEOP) to complete a graduate degree. Students learn to integrate a conceptual foundation for an executive leadership role that emphasizes the immediate application of ethical and practical leadership skills as well as disaster preparation and crisis management. Environmental issues directly related to leadership skills development and content required of leaders in the area of emergency public safety and disaster preparedness will also be addressed.

Education
*NOTE: *Master degrees require a bachelor degree.

• MA in Teaching - Professional Learning (No IR, No Cert.)**MA in Teaching - Professional Learning (No IR, No Cert.)**
  The Master of Arts in Teaching with an Emphasis in Professional Learning Communities (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation) program is designed for certified elementary and secondary teachers interested in advanced studies in education. Coursework in this program may assist in a teacher's quest for National Board Certification, but does not guarantee that certification. The format and courses of this regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of adult learners and to maximize strengths that students already possess. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed educators who meet the needs of schools and student populations.
• MA in Teaching - Teacher Leadership (No IR, No Cert.)MA in Teaching - Teacher Leadership (No IR, No Cert.)
  The Master of Arts in Teaching with an Emphasis in Teacher Leadership (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation) program is designed for certified elementary and secondary teachers interested in advanced studies in education. Coursework in this program may assist in a teacher's quest for National Board Certification, but does not guarantee that certification. The format and courses of this regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of adult learners and to maximize strengths that students already possess. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a K-12 classroom to complete the program assignments. Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed educators who meet the needs of schools and student populations.
• MED in Curriculum & Instruction: Reading - Elementary Education (No IR, No Cert.)**MED in Curriculum & Instruction: Reading - Elementary Education (No IR, No Cert.)**
  The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading with an Emphasis in Elementary Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation) program is designed for educators who wish to apply theory and educational best practices to the delivery of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in order to improve the reading abilities of their students. The format and courses of this regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that students already possess. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of curriculum and instruction, cognition, emergent literature, linguistics, phonics, and developmental and corrective reading processes. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a K-8 classroom to complete the practicum course and program assignments. Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed educators who meet the reading needs of schools and student populations. Educators must hold a current teaching certificate or have K-8 teaching experience.
• MED in Curriculum & Instruction: Reading - Secondary Education (No IR, No Cert.)**MED in Curriculum & Instruction: Reading - Secondary Education (No IR, No Cert.)**
  The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading with an Emphasis in Secondary Education (Not Eligible for Institutional Recommendation) program is designed for educators who wish to apply theory and educational best practices to the delivery of curriculum, instructions, and assessment in order to improve the reading abilities of their students. The format and courses of this regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner and to maximize strengths that the student already possesses. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of curriculum and instruction, cognition, emergent literature, linguistics, phonics, and developmental and corrective reading processes. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research throughout the program. Assignments within each course guide students through observational and practice-based experiences. Students must have access to a 7-12 classroom to complete the practicum course and program assignments. Graduates of this program are prepared to become informed educators who meet the reading needs of schools and student populations. The educator must hold a current teaching certificate or have 7-12th grade teaching experience.
• MED in Curriculum and Instruction - Technology (No IR, No Cert.)**MED in Curriculum and Instruction - Technology (No IR, No Cert.)**
  This program is designed for educators who wish to learn to use technology to improve the success of their students. The curriculum features topics on educational applications of technology, multimedia instructional strategies, design of print-based media, interactive design for the classroom, and distance learning. The educator must hold a current Teaching Certificate or have K-12 experience to enroll.
• MED in Education Administration (With IR and Cert.)**MED in Education Administration (With IR and Cert.)**
  This program is intended for individuals interested in educational administration in the K-12 setting and is seeking an administrative certificate. The coursework encompass subjects critical to educational leadership, including organizational theory, K-12 legal issues, public school finance, curriculum development, and instructional leadership. Students must have a teaching certificate or be eligible for certification to be admitted into this program.
• MED in Education Administration - Organizational Leadership (No IR, No Cert.)**MED in Education Administration - Organizational Leadership (No IR, No Cert.)**
  Individuals interested in the administration of educational and social services settings for children in the Grade K-12 setting will benefit from enrollment in this program. The curriculum features supervision and instructional leadership, organizational theory, leadership styles and development, action research in education administration, and strategic management. This program prepares student to become educational leaders in the home, church, private schools, and other settings not requiring an administrative credential.
• MED in Elementary Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)MED in Elementary Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)
  Intended for individuals interested in the education of children in the K-8 setting without seeking a teaching certificate, this program examines topics pertinent to elementary education, including educational psychology, prescriptive reading, teaching methods, and curriculum development. Students must have access to a K-8 classroom to complete the program assignments.
• MED in Elementary Ed. (With IR and Cert.)MED in Elementary Ed. (With IR and Cert.)
  Intended for individuals interested in the education of children in the K-8 setting and seeking a teaching certificate, this program feature topics pertinent to elementary education such as classroom management, philosophical and social issues, advanced methodologies of structured English instruction, and educating learners with diverse needs. Assignments within many of the courses guide students through over 130 hours of observational experiences, and the final semester of the program includes a full-time, 16-week student teaching component.
• MED in Secondary Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)MED in Secondary Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)
  This program is designed for individuals interested in the education of children in the Grade 7-12 setting, but who must postpone student teaching or are not seeking a teaching certificate. The courses of this regionally accredited curriculum cover educational psychology, reading strategies, teaching methods, secondary curriculum development and assessment. Students must have access to a Grade 7-12 classroom to complete the program assignments, and a minimum of 24 units in a content area commonly taught in public Grade 7-12 schools to be admitted.
• MED in Secondary Ed. (With IR and Cert.)MED in Secondary Ed. (With IR and Cert.)
  Suitable for individuals interested in the education of children in the Grade 7-12 setting and seeking a teaching certificate, this program feature topics pertinent to elementary education, from educational psychology, reading strategies, and teaching methods to curriculum development. Assignments within many of the courses guide students through over 140 hours of observational experiences, and the final semester of the program includes a full-time, 16-week student teaching component. Students must have a minimum of 24 units in a content area commonly taught in public Grade 7-12 schools to be admitted.
• MED in Special Education for Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)**MED in Special Education for Certified Special Educators (No IR, No Cert.)**
  This program is designed for individuals interested in advanced studies in special education and currently certified to teach special education. The courses cover topics of learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional and physical disabilities, special education law and litigation, teaching strategies, etc. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.
• MED in Special Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)MED in Special Ed. (No IR, No Cert.)
  This is a cross-categorical program designed for individuals interested in the education of special needs children in the K-12 setting, but who must postpone student teaching, or who does not choose to seek a teaching certificate. The curriculum examines the characteristics of learning disabilities, diagnosis and assessment in special education, educational implication for students with physical and mental impairments, teaching strategies, and more. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments.
• MED in Special Ed. (With IR and Cert.)MED in Special Ed. (With IR and Cert.)
  This is a cross-categorical program designed for individuals interested in the education of special needs children in the K-12 setting and seeking a teaching certificate. The coursework highlight the characteristics of emotional and behavioral disabilities, diagnosis and assessment in special education, educational implication for students with physical and mental impairments, teaching strategies, and more. Students must have access to a K-12 special education classroom to complete the program assignments, and the classroom setting must have at least 3 of the 5 following disability categories represented: emotional disability, learning disability, mental retardation, physical impairment, and/or health impairment.
• MED Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (No IR, No Cert.)**MED Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) (No IR, No Cert.)**
  Intended for certified teachers or administrators with an interest in teaching ESL students in the classroom or serving as a district ESL coordinator, this program features coursework in linguistics, second language acquisition, reading theories, teaching in a pluralistic society, and curriculum development.
• EdD in Organizational Leadership - Behavioral HealthEdD in Organizational Leadership - Behavioral Health
  Designed specifically for practicing behavioral health professionals, the content of this program includes ethical dilemmas and stewardship, organizational psychology, psychology of motivation, behavioral health clinical supervision, servant leadership, etc., to assist students' development into behavioral health servant leaders. Students must hold a master's degree in a behavioral health-related field to participate in this program.
• EdD in Organizational Leadership - Effective SchoolsEdD in Organizational Leadership - Effective Schools
  This program ensures that educational leaders apply leadership theory and practice to topics of interest and issues transforming the current educational system. The curriculum–featuring effective schools research, case studies, strategic planning, staff development, and organizational learning–provides the knowledge and skills that educational leaders need to conceive new strategies of practice by forecasting the future of the educational system, the institutions, and the constituencies they serve.
• EdD in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education LeadershipEdD in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership
  This program prepares graduates to lead a higher education institution through strategy, financial management, and planning, both of the physical plant and of the human resources within the organization. Students learn about organizational needs and the environment of higher education in order to lead the institutions of today and plan for the institutions of tomorrow.
• Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership - Instructional LeadershipEd.D. in Organizational Leadership - Instructional Leadership
  Designed for students interested in the Pre-K-12 arena, this curriculum focuses on topics of finance, human resources, operations, change management, decision-making, curriculum and instruction improvement processes, cultural competency, and advocacy. Students will develop the skills required to translate theory into effective, innovative leadership practices and to sustain continuous school improvement measures.

Healthcare
*NOTE: *Master degrees require a bachelor degree; MS in Nursing programs require BSN.

• MBA and MS in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care SystemsMBA and MS in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
  Students of this dual-degree program develop cross-functional business management skills while providing specialized study in leadership theory and application. The content of the curriculum features healthcare policy and finance issues, organizational ethics, diversity management and leadership, health research analysis, and more.
• MS in Nursing: Nursing EducationMS in Nursing: Nursing Education
  This concentration prepares advanced professional nurses in the nursing role specialty of nursing education. The curriculum offers a series of advanced courses on nursing issues and theory, psychology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and more to prepare students for a faculty position in a traditional college of nursing or in a non-traditional program that relies on online technology as a teaching medium.
• MS in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care SystemsMS in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
  This program prepares the advanced professional nurse for distinction in a leadership role for today's rapidly changing health care delivery systems. The courses focus on organizational ethics, organizational systems and cultures, diversity management, etc., designed to provide both cognitive and behavioral skill sets necessary for effective leadership in the health environment
• MS in Addiction Counseling MS in Addiction Counseling
  Featuring courses on counseling ethics, group counseling theory and practice, disorders, chemical dependency, family issues, diagnostics and treatment, this program aims to meet the needs of learners who wish to pursue careers as addiction counseling professionals, and prepares them to treat substance abuse/dependency disorders.
• MS in Health CareMS in Health Care
  The Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MSHCA) provides the skills and experience necessary to perform as middle- and upper-level managers in a variety of health care organizations, and to serve as innovative change agents and leaders of organizational improvement and adaptation within the health care industry. The MSHCA program emphasizes the conceptual, analytical, and application skills required to manage in contemporary health care organizations. Graduates prepare themselves for administrative positions in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient facilities, physician offices, mental health agencies, insurance companies, public health agencies, and other types of health organizations.
• MS in Professional Counseling (program not available to NY residents)MS in Professional Counseling (program not available to NY residents)
  This program emphasizes coursework on counseling theories, psychopharmacology and addictions, relationships counseling, marriage and family therapy, testing and appraisal techniques, and research methods to prepare students to become licensed counselors.
• MS in Psychology - General PsychologyMS in Psychology - General Psychology
  The Master of Science in Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology. The program focuses on the development of critical thinking and leadership qualities. Graduates with these attributes impact those around them through leadership, action research, and introduction of programmatic community changes whether they are acting from the perspective of teachers, practitioners, or researchers.
• MS in Psychology - Industrial & Organizational PsychologyMS in Psychology - Industrial & Organizational Psychology
  The Master of Science in Psychology is a program designed for individuals who desire promotion and/or continued academic exposure in the field of psychology. The program focuses on the development of critical thinking and leadership qualities. Graduates with these attributes impact those around them through leadership, action research, and introduction of programmatic community changes whether they are acting from the perspective of teachers, practitioners, or researchers.
• Bridge to M.S. in Nursing: Leadership in Health Care Systems (RN License Required)Bridge to M.S. in Nursing: Leadership in Health Care Systems (RN License Required)
  This Master of Science in Nursing bridge program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in health sciences or other related fields. The program is intended to meet the needs of adult learners who already posses a bachelor's degree and an RN license who desire to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. Courses in the bridge program are a blending of RN to BSN core courses that are considered essential requisites to graduate study. Upon completion of bridge courses from the BSN core, students enter one of five emphases offered for the Master of Science in Nursing.
• Bridge to M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education (RN License Required)Bridge to M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education (RN License Required)
  This Master of Science in Nursing bridge program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in health sciences or other related fields. The program is intended to meet the needs of adult learners who already posses a bachelor's degree and an RN license who desire to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. Courses in the bridge program are a blending of RN to BSN core courses that are considered essential requisites to graduate study. Upon completion of bridge courses from the BSN core, students enter one of five emphases offered for the Master of Science in Nursing.

Single-Course Programs
*NOTE: *Graduate and Teacher Education courses require a bachelor degree; undergraduate courses require some college.

• Continuing Teacher Education Courses
• Non-Degree Bound Graduate Courses

**Students applying for this program must possess a bachelor degree and must be certified to teach K-12.