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.
The Post-MS to PhD program at the University at Buffalo School of Nursing equips masters-prepared nurses to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing. The program prepares students to become global and national leaders, scientists and scholars who make significant contributions in theory generation and knowledge development.
The post MS to PhD program requires 57 credits hours beyond the master’s degree in nursing. 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.
Students may proceed on a full- or part-time basis. The program must be completed within seven years.
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 2023 start: November 15, 2022-April 15, 2023
*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 |
Core 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 702 | Dissertation Seminar | ≥ 2 |
| NUS 699 | Dissertation Guidance | 12 |
Dissertation Credits: 14
Minimum Required Post-Master's Credits: 57
Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| NUS 691 | Advanced Information Technology in Practice, Education, & Research | 1 |
| NUS 691L | Education Technology Laboratory | 1 |
| NSG 533 | Teaching in Nursing | 4 |
A minimum of nine (9) additional credits in an area chosen by the student, with approval of his/her faculty advisor, which fit the student's professional objectives.* | 9 | |
Minimum Required Advanced Certificate Credits: 15
* These courses may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
CEP 502 | Assessment of Learning and Instruction | 3 |
CEP 503 | Tests and Measurements | 3 |
CEP 509 | Educational and Psychological Measurement | 3 |
NUS 706 | Psycho-Social Measurement & Questionnaire | 3 |
Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
CEP 506 | Introduction to Educational Technology | 3 |
CEP 508 | Educational Uses of the Internet | |
CEP 555 | Learning, Teaching, and Technology | |
CEP 565 | Computers and Learning | 3 |
LAI 678 | Digital Media in Education | 3 |
Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
CEP 546 | Topical Seminar in Human Development | 3 |
CEP 560 | The Psychology of Learning and Instruction | 3 |
CEP 564 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
CEP 566 | Topical in Human Learning | 3 |
| Course | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
ELP 501 | Higher Education in the U.S. | 3 |
ELP 508 | Community College | 3 |
ELP 509 | The American College Student | 3 |
ELP 514 | Student Development | 3 |
ELP 533 | College Impact on Students | 3 |
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.
