The MS/ PhD program is designed for individuals with a Bachelor's degree in nursing who wish to obtain both preparation in advanced practice nursing as well as preparation at the doctoral level for clinical research.
The program allows for 12 credits of the master's program (Nursing Research Theory, MS Research Practicum, Master's Elective, and Conceptual Basis of Advanced Nursing Practice) to be met through PhD program courses. It can be completed in four years of full-time study.
The program is designed to enable students to meet requirements for the MS degree by the end of the second year of full-time study while also beginning doctoral-level coursework.
Sample Curriculum
Year I - Fall, Spring, Summer: 30 credits
- Ph.D. Philosophy of Science (3)
- NU 701 Ph.D. Epistemology (3)
- NU 740 Ph.D. Quantitative Methods (3)
- NU 672 MS Physiological Life Processes (3)
- NU 702 Ph.D. Strategies/Knowledge Development (3)
- NU 416 MS Ethics (3)
- NU 420 MS Pharmacology (3)
- NU 417 MS Role (3)
- NU 430 Advanced Health Assessment (3)
- Ph.D. Cognate (3)
Year II - Fall, Spring, Summer: 23 credits
- MS Clinical Specialty Theory and Practice I (9)
- NU 810 Ph.D. Research Practicum I (1)
- MS Clinical Specialty Theory and Practice II (9)
- NU 750 Ph.D. Qualitative Methods (3)
- NU 811 Ph.D. Research Practicum II (1)
- MS Comprehensive Exam
- Awarding of MS degree
Year III - Fall, Spring, Summer: 20 credits
- NU 820 Ph.D. Expanding Paradigms (3)
- NU 710 Ph.D. Themes of Inquiry I (3)
- Ph.D. Research Course (3)
- NU 812 Ph.D. Research Practicum III (1)
- NU 821 Ph.D. Policy (3)
- NU 711 Ph.D. Themes of Inquiry II (3)
- Ph.D. Research Course (3)
- NU 813 Ph.D. Research Practicum IV (1)
- Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam
Year IV - Fall, Spring, Summer: 6 credits
- NU 901 Dissertation Advisement (3)
- NU 902 Dissertation Advisement (3)
- Dissertation Proposal
- Dissertation Defense
Course Descriptions and Schedules are available.
The curriculum plan above is one example of the 79 credit MS/PhD program. An individualized plan for each student is developed with a faculty advisor. In the program, students meet some of the masters' program requirements through PhD coursework, thus reducing the total credits needed for both degrees.