Ph.D. in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology (Qualitative Research)

PhD in Educational Psychology and Technology Degree Emphasis

Grand Canyon University's (GCU) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology degree program at GCU 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

Choosing a Qualitative PhD Degree vs. a Quantitative Program

GCU’s qualitative PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in 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.

Educational Psychology Doctorate Program Requirements

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.
 
Learning Experience in the PhD in Educational Psychology and Technology Degree Program

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

What Careers Do Graduates of the PhD in Educational Technology and Psychology Emphasis Program Pursue?

A qualitative PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology can lead graduates to many career opportunities. Some graduates continue in the same professional roles and use their experience with research to enhance their skill set on the job. Other doctoral graduates may find careers as:

    Managers
    
    Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
    
    Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
    
    Psychologist
    
    Social Science Research Assistant
    
    Postsecondary Psychology Teacher

If you would like to learn more about how technology can enhance education and learning, an educational tech career may be right for you. Find out more about the Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Integrating Technology, Learning and Psychology degree program at GCU.

1 Retrieved from: Grand Canyon University, University Policy Handbook in February 2022

§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Sep2023: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in September 2023. 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.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.