Grand Canyon University plans to open a new law school as part of the continued expansion of one of the nation's largest Christian universities.
GCU President Brian Mueller announced that the upcoming College of Law could enroll students as soon as next fall. The new program will be designed to support Arizona's workforce needs while also incorporating a Christian worldview, he said.
"At a time when higher education is facing enormous disruption and uncertainty, GCU continues to grow because students and families are looking for something different," Mueller said in a written statement.
The new school is still subject to review by the Arizona Supreme Court justices, the Higher Learning Commission and the Arizona Bar Association, among other groups.
If approved, it would become the Grand Canyon State's third law school, following those at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. The selection of the school's founding dean is expected within the next few weeks.
"We believe there is an opportunity to create a law school that produces outstanding attorneys while also grounding students in a Christian worldview, a deep understanding of the Constitution and an appreciation for the principles of free markets, individual liberty and the rule of law," Mueller said.
GCU also plans to expand its College of Construction and Industrial Technologies, launched this fall, which offers both traditional higher education and trade school opportunities. The college is an expansion of several existing programs at the university.
The college provides education on manufacturing, electrical work, microchip technology and construction. GCU will be partnering with several industry leaders, including the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Amkor, Lux Precision Manufacturing and others. Students will have the choice between short-term credentials and apprenticeships or a traditional four-year degree.
Careers in construction are often cited as some of the most in-demand careers for recent graduates and are among the highest-paying.
“There is tremendous dignity in building, making, repairing and creating,” Mueller said. “America has historically been a nation of builders, and we want to help bring that back."
GCU is starting the 2026-27 school year with another enrollment record. Leaders expect close to 141,000 students in total, largely fueled by an online enrollment of 117,000. Year-over-year, that is a 6% increase in total enrollment. The west Phoenix campus will serve roughly 24,000 students.
Helen Rummel covers state politics and higher education for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at hrummel@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @helenrummel.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Grand Canyon University plans to open Arizona's third law school
