The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is designed to prepare nurse scientists to assume a variety of roles in education, research, leadership, and health policy. The program prepares nurse scientists to:
- Generate knowledge, test interventions and evaluate outcomes to reduce risks of illness/disability and promote quality of life;
- Collaborate with other disciplines to improve the delivery of healthcare;
- Assume research, leadership, executive, public policy and/or teaching roles; and,
- Affect health policy through the application of scientific knowledge.
Three progression options are offered: 1) BSN to PhD 2) MSN to PhD and 3) DNP-PhD. The BSN to PhD students complete the first year of coursework at the master's level and then continue on to the doctoral-level work without earning a master's degree. The MSN to PhD and DNP to PhD students will enter directly into doctoral coursework.
The PhD in Nursing consists of at least 55 credit hours of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree, 40 credit hours beyond a master's degree and 31 credit hours beyond a DNP, plus dissertation credit hours. Full or part-time programs of study are available; however, full-time study is recommended to allow students to devote themselves entirely to the program and immerse themselves in the life of a scholar.

