Post-MS to PhD Program
Nursing research encompasses a wide scope of scientific inquiry that provides a body of knowledge to advance nursing practice, shape health policy, and impact the health of people, families and communities both locally and globally.
This program prepares students to become global and national leaders, scientists and scholars who make significant contributions in theory generation and knowledge development. All doctoral classes are scheduled just two days per week in order to accommodate the working student. The program features a flexible learning environment with all required courses available online in a synchronous distance learning format.
Program Quick Facts
Tuition*
$470 per credit hour
Time to Completion
Full or part-time
4-7 years
Credit Hours
57
Start Term
Fall
Format
Synchronous online
Required GPA
Minimum 3.25
Application Open Dates
Fall start: November 15-April 15
*Estimated tuition is based on the resident rate and does not include fees.
Program Requirements
Curriculum
| Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NGC 632 | Interpreting Health Care Policy | 3 |
| NUS 691 | Advanced Information Technology in Practice, Education & Research | 1 |
| NGC 692 | Seminar in Grantsmanship | 1 |
| NUS 700 | Advanced Theory Construction and Development | 3 |
| NGC 701 | State of Nursing Science | 3 |
| NUS 739 | Philosophy of Science | 3 |
Foundation Credits: 14
| Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NUS 694 | Quantitative Methods in Health Care Research | 3 |
| NUS 695 | Advanced Statistical Techniques | 3 |
| *NUS 697 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| NUS 705 | Designing and Testing Interventions and Innovations | 3 |
| NUS 706 | Psycho-Social Measurement & Questionnaire Construction | 3 |
| NUS 708 | Research Practicum | 2 |
| *NUS 710 | Interpretive Phenomenology | 3 |
Research Credits: 17
*Students may choose to take NUS 697 OR NUS 710
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| Electives | 12 |
Elective Credits: 12
Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NUS 699 | Dissertation Guidance | 12 |
| NUS 702 | Dissertation Seminar (required each dissertation semester) | 2 |
Dissertation Credits: 14
Minimum Required Post-Master's Credits: 57
Successful completion of a written qualifying examination developed by the student’s dissertation committee and an oral defense of the proposed research for the dissertation are required of every PhD student before beginning their dissertation research.
The qualifying examination is generally attempted following the completion of all (or the majority) of coursework. Defense of the dissertation proposal provides an opportunity for the faculty, in addition to the student’s committee, to contribute to the scholarly development of the student’s work and promotion of science. The dissertation must represent the outcome of independent, original research mentored by the Chair and committee and is defended orally at the direction of the student’s dissertation Chair.
