GCU plans potential third ABA-accredited law school in Arizona, eyes 2027 opening

Grand Canyon University is planning a new law school and expanding its workforce development offerings through its recently launched College of Construction and Industrial Technologies.

The announcement comes as GCU begins the 2026-27 academic year with a record 141,000 students.

GCU President Brian Mueller said the expansion comes as higher education faces significant disruption and uncertainty and reflects the Phoenix university’s effort to provide the programs students and families want.

“They want a quality education grounded in Christian worldview principles that prepares them for a meaningful career, but they also want to be part of a community that helps them grow as people and understand the purpose behind their work,” Mueller said in a press release.

When will the new GCU College of Law open?

Plans for the College of Law are moving forward, but the school must first receive several approvals.

The school requires approvals or accreditation from:

• The Arizona Supreme Court
• The Higher Learning Commission
• The Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
• The American Bar Association

Pending approval, the law school could welcome its first students as early as fall 2027 or spring 2028.

Where will the Grand Canyon University law school be?

University spokesperson Bob Romantic told KTAR News 92.3 FM that this law school would initially operate from an existing 325,000-square-foot building near 27th Avenue and Camelback Road.

This building also houses Grand Canyon Theological Seminary and an accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program.

If it earns ABA accreditation, GCU would become home to Arizona’s third ABA-accredited law school, joining Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

GCU is conducting final interviews for the law school’s founding dean and expects to make a selection in the coming weeks.

What about GCU’s College of Construction and Industrial Technologies?

Unlike the proposed law school, the College of Construction and Industrial Technologies is already operating, with students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs and accelerated certificate and apprenticeship pathways.

Classes and practical training take place at several locations, including Lux Precision Manufacturing, a 30,000-square-foot facility on campus owned and operated by GCU alumnus Wes Smith.

“In that program, trades students (in addition to engineering students) can get 20 hours of academic training per week in classroom settings, then also get 20 hours of paid hands-on training at Lux so they are prepared to enter manufacturing jobs as machinists,” Romantic told KTAR News via email.

Lux operates 30 computer numerical control machines that produce precision parts for the aerospace, medical, defense and semiconductor industries.

Students in programs such as electrical work, construction and microchip manufacturing will also receive hands-on training at off-campus locations through GCU’s industry partners.

“Arizona is attracting billions of dollars in investment in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor production, construction and other industrial sectors,” Mueller said. “Those investments are creating significant demand not only for engineers and other professionals with four-year degrees, but also for thousands of highly skilled technicians, electricians, machinists, construction professionals and other tradespeople.”

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