Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, United States • Founded 1949
Overview
Founded in 1949, the Grand Canyon University is a for-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Phoenix (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Arizona.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 75-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
GCU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Grand Canyon University's campus address and the ways prospective students can reach the institution. For visa queries, contact the international student services office directly rather than central admissions.
Academic Details
The figures below cover Grand Canyon University's academic scale, faculty depth, and recognised standing. Treat the enrolment count as a point-in-time snapshot; trends require multi-year comparison.
Academic Structures
The institutional units housing Grand Canyon University's programmes. Subject overlap across faculties is normal — interdisciplinary fields like data science or environmental studies often span multiple units.
Unit 8 items
- College of Business
- College of Doctoral Studies
- College of Education
- College of Fine Arts and Production
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology
- College of Theology
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Grand Canyon University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
Bachelor's Degree
63 programmes
There are 63 programmes to choose from at Grand Canyon University for undergraduates. A bachelor's degree builds the broad disciplinary foundation most employers and postgraduate courses expect.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Programming Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Literature English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Religious Education Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Chemistry Chemistry
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Human Services, General Public Administration
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
34 programmes
There are 34 programmes to choose from at Grand Canyon University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Programming Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Statistics Mathematics
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Religious Education Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Psychology, Other Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
7 programmes
At the highest level, Grand Canyon University runs 7 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Psychology, General Psychology
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
At the highest level, Grand Canyon University runs 1 programme. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
17 programmes
These 17 programmes group Grand Canyon University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Programming Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Psychology, Other Psychology
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Grand Canyon University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Grand Canyon University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Grand Canyon University runs 122 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Before applying to Grand Canyon University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Grand Canyon University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Lodge your application through the official website (www.gcu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (800) 800 9776. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Canyon University
The questions below summarise Grand Canyon University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When did Grand Canyon University open?
Grand Canyon University traces its founding to 1949 (approximately 77 years ago).
Where is Grand Canyon University located?
Grand Canyon University is located in Phoenix, United States.
What is Grand Canyon University's control type?
Grand Canyon University operates as a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Grand Canyon University?
Student enrolment at Grand Canyon University is around over-50,000.
How is Grand Canyon University organised academically?
Grand Canyon University has 8 academic units.
Is Grand Canyon University accredited?
Grand Canyon University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How do I find Grand Canyon University online?
You can find Grand Canyon University online at www.gcu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Graduate-school placement rates among the United States's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. Grand Canyon University's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Below: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member institutions alongside Grand Canyon University, useful for shortlists weighted toward partnerships. Partnership-driven shortlisting works well when post-graduate mobility is part of your plan.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Grand Canyon University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Faculty publication output for Education & Teaching researchers at each the United States institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Often Compared with Grand Canyon University
Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around Grand Canyon University on most of these signals.
