The Post Baccalaureate PhD in Nursing (BSN-PhD)

The BSN-PhD program enables the focused baccalaureate prepared nurse to pursue a career in research and education by providing a comprehensive, time sensitive path to success.

This option prepares the BSN graduate to become a nurse scientist with the investigative skills of a researcher and the clinical and leadership skills necessary to influence the health care system.

The program of study requires a minimum of 125 quarter hours of post-baccalaureate study plus the completion of a clinical defense and dissertation. These are requirements of all PhD graduates. The post baccalaureate option is designed to prepare the baccalaureate graduate for a career in research while ensuring that advanced clinical practice skills are attained. In recognition of societal and professional career needs, students complete educational, research and clinical practica. Practica arrangements are tailored to the student’s area of interest. Under the guidance of the faculty advisor, practica may be completed within the Rush network or at other approved sites. Students will need internet access for some courses.

A Masters of Science in Nursing is earned after completion of the Masters requirements that are part of this option. Attainment of this degree meets the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation requirement that a teacher of nursing hold a master’s degree in nursing. The program is not designed to prepare the graduate for certification and/or licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN). Additional study would be required for such certification. Persons whose primary career goal is to function as an advanced practice nurse or are undecided that their primary goal is a career in research are encouraged to explore our other program offerings.

  Program Requirements

Commitment to An Area of Inquiry

The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to one of the broad areas of inquiry in which the College of Nursing can provide senior mentorship and outstanding practica experiences. Faculty are committed to maintaining active research programs that focus on understanding and alleviating symptoms associated with acute and chronic illness; preventing, slowing, or delaying symptoms associated with disease or disability; developing and testing strategies for achieving and sustaining optimal health; and improving the quality of clinical settings in which care is provided.

Commitment to Full Time Study

Although life events might require some periods of part-time study, the applicant must demonstrate commitment to pursuing full-time study to enable timely completion of the program as well as continuity in the development of his/her research. Completion of the program within five years will be possible for many students.

Commitment to Pursue Pre-doctoral Research Support

Although personal assets and financial aid can provide partial support for full time study, pre-doctoral training fellowships as well as research and educational assistantships are important to almost every student. The program requires the student to work with an advisor to prepare a pre-doctoral fellowship application that can provide support for tuition and living costs during the first year of study. Students who do not require this type of assistance will also be expected to develop an application (albeit unsubmitted to a funding agency) because of the impact this experience has on the BSN graduate’s research interests, writing skills and critical thinking.

Admission Guidelines

• A cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate courses; a cumulative GPA of 3.25 for all nursing courses.
• Adequate performance on the Graduate Record Examination.
• Acceptable personal statement about the rationale for the choice of the area of inquiry and how the applicant will meet the program commitments listed above.
• Acceptable interviews with the scientific area of inquiry advisor and a designated faculty member in the area of interest. This is arranged after a preliminary review of academic credentials and other application materials.
• Adequate performance on the test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if the applicant’s native language is not English or if the applicant has not completed a high school and college education in the US.

Post-Baccalaureate PhD Program of Study

*Web based only.