BSN to PhD Program Description
The BSN to PhD program is a curriculum option for baccalaureate graduates in nursing to combine enrollment in the Master of Science (MSN) degree with the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD). The MSN degree is awarded after the fourth semester of full-time enrollment. Through the sharing of courses the student's time in graduate school is decreased providing for early career development.
Applicants whose prior academic experience and proposed research focus are congruent with the research focal areas of the College of Nursing will be given priority.
Research in the College of Nursing falls into four research foci:
- aging and health
- women's health
- bio-behavioral interventions
- health policy.
Admission to this curriculum option requires a commitment to four years of full-time study and prior evidence of exceptional academic achievement.
MSN Degree
- A core curriculum of advanced nursing courses. Students share credits between the master's and doctoral program in theory, research, statistics, ethics and finance and organization.
- Advanced practice nursing core courses and clinical track preparation for state and national certification as nurse practitioners in adult health, family health, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health.
PhD Degree
A core curriculum of 33 credits that includes:
- Knowledge Development
- Nursing Theory
- Ethics
- Advanced Research with quantitative or qualitative tracks
- Interdisciplinary study (12-credits) in a discipline other than nursing
- Dissertation research (15 credits) comprises the remaining 62 credits.