Nursing, PhD

For RNs with a bachelor’s degree or higher
Full- or part-time cohort program

The PhD in Nursing Program is a hybrid program focused on a research career trajectory as a nurse scientist. A minimum of 43 credits is required to receive the PhD in Nursing degree. Part-time and full-time study options are available, with full time study typically taking 3 years to complete. Nursing faculty with a research doctorate provide individual student advisement to develop a program of study that facilitates successful student progression to work in both academia and the health care industry. In addition, students will have the opportunity to do their dissertation research with mentorship from nurse scientists in the field, within their community of interest. At the conclusion of the program, the student is awarded the PhD in Nursing degree.

For the PhD degree, students are required to complete a research dissertation. The research dissertation is a culmination of scholarship, including an original research project, demonstrating competency as a beginning nurse scientist. Over the first two years of the program, you will assemble a dissertation committee composed of a dissertation chair (primary advisor), 3 faculty committee members, and a community member. The dissertation committee is responsible for overseeing and approving the research proposal and the final dissertation. Students in the PhD in Nursing program will present their research dissertation proposal after completing required coursework, with most students completing the dissertation within one year of proposal approval.