GCU Online MBA | Grand Canyon University Colangelo College of Business

“My advice to any potential MBA candidate considering a concentration in cybersecurity is to be excited. Candidates will learn the technical and non-technical aspects of business administration and cybersecurity. It is a great program to get into.”

Leslie D’Anjou, PhD, Program Lead for Cybersecurity and Statistics, Colangelo College of Business, Grand Canyon University (GCU)

The Colangelo College of Business at Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a 100 percent online master of business administration (MBA) with a general path or one of 10 emphasis areas. In addition, GCU offers a dual MBA/MSN degree with an emphasis in nursing leadership in healthcare systems and a dual MBA/MS in leadership degree. No campus visits are required for any of the MBA programs.

The MBA areas of emphasis include:

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Finance
  • Health Systems Management
  • Leadership
  • Marketing
  • Project Management
  • Sports Business
  • Strategic Human Resource Management

The general MBA comprises 46 credits. Students can earn the general MBA in as little as 24 months if they “double up” on courses at least three times and have waived credits. Adding an emphasis adds eight credits, or two courses, to the program for a total of 54 credits.

The dual MBA/MSN in nursing leadership in healthcare systems comprises 76 credits and helps prepare graduates to take on leadership positions such as chief nursing officer, chief executive officer, nursing administrator, and other healthcare-related administrative positions. A 150-hour practicum is included in the MBA/MSN program.

The dual MBA/MS in leadership degree comprises 66 credits. As with all of the programs, each online course lasts eight weeks. Students may “double up” and take more than one course every eight weeks if approved, in order to graduate more quickly. Graduates of the dual MBA/MS in leadership degree can take on positions such as business operations manager, management consultant, administrative services manager, or human resources manager.

The GCU MBA programs emphasize servant leadership and ethical decision-making, delivering courses through a Christian worldview and community. Key topics covered include critical thinking, critical analysis, leadership development, operations management, and effective communication.

The MBA and most of the emphasis areas are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The cybersecurity and sports business emphases are not ACBSP-accredited, although the core MBA portion of these degrees is accredited. In addition, the MSN in nursing leadership in healthcare systems is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Finally, the MSN portion of the MBA/MSN is designed to meet the standards set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Phoenix, Arizona. GCU offers several online, evening, and in-person graduate degrees.

Grand Canyon University University Online MBA Programs

Meet the Expert: Leslie D’Anjou, PhD

Leslie D'Anjou

Dr. Leslie D’Anjou is the program lead for cybersecurity and statistics at the Colangelo College of Business, Grand Canyon University (GCU). He holds a PhD in management with an emphasis in information systems Management from Walden University and an MBA with a focus on project management and information systems from Devry University. Dr. Danjou has extensive experience in both academia and industry, having taught courses in business statistics, IT, and cybersecurity since 2017 at GCU.

Before joining academia, he served in various high-level IT roles, including business system analyst at the City of Goodyear and IT manager for the U.S. Army, where he managed enterprise-wide projects, developed IT strategies, and led cross-functional teams. His expertise lies in aligning IT initiatives with business objectives, project management, and cybersecurity.

BSchools.org: What is something you wish the public understood about cybersecurity, particularly in a business context?

Dr. D’Anjou: Cybersecurity is needed in all aspects of business today. Threats can come locally, nationally, and internationally from any individual, group, organization, military, and the like. Businesses need persons (liaisons) who can understand, communicate, and function in the technical and non-technical worlds of business and cybersecurity. The business world will always need experts in this field.

BSchools.org: What advice would you give to potential MBA candidates considering a concentration in cybersecurity?

Dr. D’Anjou: My advice to any potential MBA candidate considering a concentration in cybersecurity is to be excited. Candidates will learn the technical and non-technical aspects of business administration and cybersecurity. It is a great program to get into.

BSchools.org: What does the future of the field look like to you?

Dr. D’Anjou: The future of the field in business and cybersecurity is broad and exciting. Cybersecurity allows professionals options to go into any industry, lead, and make a positive impact wherever they decide without feeling boxed-in.

What to Expect from the GCU Online MBA Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MBA programs must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.8 or higher in undergraduate coursework and hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. If an applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirement, they may be eligible for admission through GMAT or GRE test scores. In addition, applicants to the MBA/MSN pathway must hold an unencumbered RN license in their state of residence.

Admissions materials include an application and application fee, official transcripts, proof of RN licensure for the MSN program, and proof of English language proficiency if applicable. No GMAT or GRE is required unless the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirement.

Study Plan: The GCU online general MBA consists of 12 courses while the MBA with an emphasis area includes 14 courses. All of these courses last eight weeks each, except for the introduction to graduate studies in the College of Business course, which lasts four weeks.

The MBA with an emphasis area adds two eight-week courses, which may be taken in parallel if approved. The MBA/MSN program includes a 150-hour practicum experience. Each person’s time to completion will vary depending on prior education, transfer credits, waived courses, and the rate at which courses are taken. Start dates land every eight weeks.

MBA Curriculum: Core courses for the MBA programs include an introduction to graduate studies in the College of Business; leadership and organizations; accounting practices; finance principles; applied business probability and statistics; marketing management; economics; quantitative methods; managerial accounting; managerial finance; operations management; and strategic management.

Additional courses for the emphasis areas are as follows:

  • Accounting: Advanced financial accounting; advanced financial statement analysis
  • Business Analytics: Applied analytics for business; descriptive and diagnostic analytics
  • Cybersecurity: Cyberwarfare and applications; enterprise security infrastructure design
  • Finance: Investments; advanced financial strategies
  • Health Systems Management: Legal and ethical principles in healthcare; healthcare policies and economics
  • Leadership: Leadership styles and development; organizational development and change
  • Marketing: Services marketing; international marketing
  • Project Management: Fundamentals of project management; agile project management
  • Sports Business: Sports business revenue generation; sports business analytics
  • Strategic Human Resource Management: Acquiring, developing, and leveraging human capital; designing HR for competitive advantage

Dual MBA/MSN Curriculum: The dual MBA/MSN program comprises 74 credits and includes the following MSN courses: introduction to advanced registered nursing; organizational leadership and informatics; translational research and population health management; evidence-based practice project; organizational development and change; principles of healthcare financial management; performance improvement and quality in healthcare; acquiring, developing, and leveraging human capital; and leadership and healthcare systems practicum.

The following MBA courses are included: introduction to graduate studies in the college of business; accounting practices; finance principles; economics; marketing management; quantitative methods; operations management; managerial accounting; managerial finance; and strategic management.

Dual MBA/MS in Leadership Curriculum: The dual MBA/MS in leadership program comprises 66 credits and includes the following courses: introduction to graduate studies in the college of business; leadership and organization; accounting practices; finance principal; economics; applied business probability and statistics; quantitative methods; managerial accounting; marketing management; operations management; managerial finance; leadership styles and development; strategic management; servant leadership; leadership and innovation; organizational development and change; and coaching, mentoring, and leadership development.

Online Experience: Grand Canyon University uses its own unique Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver asynchronous online courses. The GCU platform provides a rich, collaborative, interactive learning environment. Incorporated into the online programs are recorded videos and lectures, assignments, readings, group projects, discussion boards, online chat, and email. Other components included in the online platform include the academic calendar and calendar reminders, and online forums.

GCU focuses on student success through a variety of student services including an online library and bookstore, technical support, academic advising and admissions counseling, financial aid services, and ACE online tutoring. The faculty also keep office hours.

On-Site Requirements: The GCU online MBA programs are 100 percent online; however, students must complete a 150-hour practicum at an approved facility local to where they live and work for the dual MBA/MSN program. Online students are also welcome to participate in graduation on campus and visit campus at any time.

Paying for the GCU Online MBA Programs

Interested parties should contact the Grand Canyon University Colangelo College of Business for a complete cost estimate as MBA tuition may change each year. A special rate is available for active duty and active reserve military personnel. Prospective students may speak with a university counselor to learn more.

Graduate students may be eligible for graduate student loans through the FAFSA. Graduate students may also wish to inquire with their employers regarding tuition reimbursement programs and tuition discounts, as well as with outside entities for private loans and community and organizational scholarships and grants.

Grand Canyon University Online MBA

  • Choose a general MBA or one of 10 emphasis areas, or one of the dual MBA degrees offered
  • Learn in a Christian-based community and environment that focuses on servant leadership and ethical decision-making
  • Study core MBA principles such as finance, accounting, marketing, operations management, and probability and statistics
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 46
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 24 months
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Areas of Concentration Accounting, Cybersecurity, Finance, Health Systems Management, Leadership, Marketing, Project Management, Sports Business, Strategic Human Resource, Business Analytics
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 46
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Accounting

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Business Analytics

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Cybersecurity

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation Only the core courses are ACBSP-accredited
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Finance

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Health Systems Management

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Leadership

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Marketing

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Project Management

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Sports Business

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation Only the core courses are ACBSP-accredited
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Strategic Human Resource Management

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 54
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 26 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 54
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA/MSL (MS in Leadership)

  • Study business and leadership together in this dual MBA/MS in Leadership degree
  • Study ethical problem-solving, critical thinking, effective communication, data interpretation, and ethical decision-making
  • Learn to become an effective servant leader
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 66
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 30 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's Degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 66
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

Grand Canyon University Online MBA/MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems

  • Combine the study of business and management in nursing leadership in health care organizations
  • Complete a 150-hour practicum at an approved facility near you
  • Prepare to become a chief nursing officer, head of patient services, or healthcare administrator
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Every 8 weeks
Credits Needed to Graduate 74
Time to Complete? Graduate in about 3 years
100% Online? Yes, courses are online, with an in-person clinical practicum
Program Accreditation CCNE, ACBSP
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree
GPA Required? 2.8 or Higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? None, but valid RN license is required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 74
Average Cost Per Credit Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details
Estimated Program Tuition * Please use the 'tuition' link at the bottom of the page to view the latest program tuition details

∗ Please see the school website for the most up-to-date tuition costs.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about entrepreneurial and general business topics, and providing detailed information on online MBA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.