Program Overview
Nursing (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy program in Nursing is designed to prepare students for positions as faculty members, leaders in the application of innovative technologies to education and/or clinical care, executive leaders in healthcare systems, and scientists who contribute to the body of nursing knowledge through their research.
Program Description
The PhD in Nursing program prepares nurse scholars to possess a body of knowledge about theory, processes, and methods of inquiry in the discipline of nursing. The program allows students to contribute to disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge in nursing and healthcare on the basis of sound conceptual, methodological, and ethical decision-making.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the PhD in Nursing Program, graduates will be able to:
- Conduct independent nursing research within an interdisciplinary context to advance nursing science and practice.
- Develop a body of knowledge that supports theory development and testing to contribute to the advancement of nursing science.
- Develop a program of scholarship that integrates research, teaching, leadership, and service to the profession.
Program Requirements
For the Nursing PhD, total graduate credit must equal or exceed 72 credit hours. Details about this program are located in the Nursing PhD Handbook.
Total Credit Hours Required
75 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree, Nursing PhD = 66 credit hours total.
Program Structure
The Nursing PhD program may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. An in-person multiple day intensive is required during the fall semester for students who have not yet earned candidacy. A second intensive (virtual or in-person) will be held during the spring semester for students who have not yet earned candidacy. Although courses will be offered online, students are expected to participate in synchronous, virtual class meetings as scheduled by instructors.
International Students
International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format.
Program Prerequisites
- BSN and either MSN or Master's degree in a related field from an accredited institution or the equivalent.
Degree Requirements
Foundation Areas
9 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- NGR7115 - Philosophical Foundations of Nursing Science and Development of Nursing Knowledge (3)
- NGR7123 - Theory in Nursing Science (3)
- NGR7952 - Scientific Writing for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (3)
Research Methods
30 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following:
- NGR7815 - Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research and Healthcare I (3)
- NGR7916 - Research Grants Process and Proposal Writing (3)
- NGR7817 - Quantitative Methods for Nursing and Healthcare I (3)
- NGR7818 - Quantitative Methods for Nursing and Healthcare II (3)
- NGR7932 - Nursing Research Grants Process and Proposal Writing (3)
- NGR7807 - Research Approaches and Designs for Nursing and Healthcare (3)
- NGR7812 - Advanced Study Design and Methods (3)
- NGR7823 - Psychometrics and Measurement for Nursing Research (3)
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
- NGR7919 - Doctoral Research (1 - 99)
Elective Courses
9 Total Credits
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following types of courses: The supporting course work is designed to permit students to gain additional expertise and knowledge in the area chosen for the dissertation.
Dissertation Research
15 Total Credits
- Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: NGR 7980 - Dissertation Research
Admission to Candidacy and Examinations
0 Total Credits
- The process for candidacy will start with the appointment of the full dissertation committee including the external member.
Grand Total Credits
63
Application Requirements
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans.
Financial Information
For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students.
Equipment Fee
Full-time students in the Nursing PhD program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay $45 each semester.