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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

student with professor

About the Program

Established in 2005, The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing prepares nurse scientists to assume roles as healthcare researchers, faculty and healthcare administrators with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention in underserved and rural populations. The Ph.D. program educates nurse scientists in academic, research, practice and policy roles to address healthcare issues in urban, rural, frontier and reservation areas.

Emphasis Options

  • Health promotion and disease prevention in underserved and rural populations
  • Health outcomes
  • Nursing education

All emphases are available on a part-time basis (the length of which is determined on an individual basis). Course schedules are flexible so students can complete the online program while maintaining employment and schedule learning activities and projects around their life rather than planning life around school. Course schedule will include fall, spring and summer requirements.

Online Pathways

This 60-credit option is for applicants with a master's degree in nursing or related field. see the 60-credit curriculum plan for required coursework.

Admission Requirements

This 90-credit option is for applicants with a bachelor's degree in nursing. See the 90-credit curriculum plan for required coursework.

Admission Requirements

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Program Level Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program, the graduate will demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Conduct original research: Conduct original research relevant to the discipline of nursing. (Communication Skills; Transferable Skill: Leadership - Management)
  • Integrate nurse scholar and scientist role: Integrate nurse scholar and scientist role components of research, teaching, leadership, mentoring and service to the profession. (Communication Skills; Transferable Skill: Diversity Awareness; Awareness of Public Policy - Regulatory Affairs)
  • Contribute to advancement of nursing science: Contribute to the advancement and dissemination of nursing science. (Communication Skills; Transferable Skill: Leadership - Management)