Oct 13, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog 
    
2024-2025 University Catalog

Nursing Science, PhD


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degree and Certificate Programs

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) program is a minimum of 64 credit hours and can be taken as a full-time or part-time curriculum.  Students who live in the Chicago area may apply to take an accelerated curriculum.  The accelerated curriculum is offered to one student per year.  

Students may enter the PhD program with a BSN or an MSN degree. Non-nurses with a graduate degree in a health-related field may also apply for admission to the PhD program. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes


Graduates of the PhD program develop the skills of a clinical researcher. These skills are based on the integration of knowledge from biological, behavioral and clinical sciences. Their clinical research skills contribute to the scientific basis of care provided to individuals across the life span and in any setting where care is provided. Graduates also have leadership skills necessary to serve as senior academicians and influence health care systems and policy.

  • Synthesize and apply theoretical and research-based knowledge in the investigation of clinical phenomena
  • Test and integrate disciplinary knowledge in models of clinical practice across the levels of prevention
  • Generate and disseminate research-based, clinically related knowledge
  • Analyze health care trends to influence health and social policy for diverse client populations
  • Participate in collaborative interprofessional practice and research
  • Assume faculty responsibilities within a senior academic environment
  • Function as a clinical scientist

Graduation Requirements


Divisional graduation requirements require completion of the approved individual program of study. For MSN to PhD students, coursework for the PhD must be the equivalent of at least 52 term hours of graduate credit in addition to the completed dissertation. BSN to PhD students must complete at least 60 term hours of graduate credit in addition to the dissertation. Students have a maximum of eight years to complete degree requirements.

Academic Program Curricula


Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Nursing Science

Subtotal: 6


Statistics Courses


Subtotal: 9


Subtotal: 20


Subtotal: 3


Subtotal: 12


Cognates


Credit Hours: (5)

Subtotal: 5


Dissertation


Subtotal: 12


Bridge Coursework


(Individual for each student; only for BSN-PhD students)

Subtotal: 8


Total: 75 (for BSN-PhD); 67 (for MSN-PhD)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Degree and Certificate Programs