Program Requirements

BSN to PhDMSN to PhDDNP to PhD
Minimum of 72 credit hours (range is 72-84)*Minimum of 54 credit hoursMinimum of 54 credit hours (includes up to 15 credit hours eligible for transfer from a DNP program) *
Includes full-time and part-time study.
* As in other research-focused programs of doctoral study, students in our program may expect to enroll in more than the minimum required credit hours to focus on areas of study in addition to the basic program requirements.

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale throughout the program. Graduate credits earned at other institutions may be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the doctoral program. Courses offered for transfer credit are evaluated individually by the PhD program director relative to Graduate School requirements, program requirements, and the student’s plan of study. Each student must pass a candidacy examination upon completion of all required nursing PhD courses. Students must complete the program of study in six years (includes fall, spring, and summer semesters). Each student is required to conduct and communicate an original research project evidenced by a written dissertation and oral defense of the dissertation.