Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Program

Merit Scholarship Opportunity - $20,000 for Qualified Candidates

Admission Guidelines

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing graduate is prepared as a nurse scientist with the investigative skills of a researcher and the clinical and leadership skills necessary to influence the health care system.

Online but Hands On
The PhD program has been developed so that students maintain continuous online progress throughout the year and focus on discourse, debate and integration of ideas through yearly campus visits. Students benefit from innovative teaching and mentoring strategies, multiple methods of curriculum delivery matched to course objectives and a faculty comittment to prepare students for a career in clinical research and academia.

Program Requirements
The PhD program of study requires a minimum of 125 quarter hours of postbaccalaureate study plus the completion of a clinical defense and dissertation. The curriculum is designed to enhance the quest for knowledge essential for professional nursing practice. It combines core courses in research, theory and role development with cognate and supporting courses in the area of the student’s research. Clinical practical arrangements are individually 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. The PhD program allows completion of program requirements through online coursework and yearly campus visits either on a full (three year) or part-time (four year) basis. Students are expected to progress through the program with their cohort group, adhering to the outlined program of study. Students do have the option of completing cognate requirements either at Rush or at other colleges or universities during the academic year. Please note, students in the PhD program will need internet access.

Students begin their matriculation fall quarter as a classified student. A 3-year full-time or 4-year part-time program of study is available. Students must have the equivalent of NUR 510, Biostatistics, prior to matriculation. If a student has previously taken a course equivalent to NUR 586, Introduction to Multivariate Statistics, a grade of "B" or better is necessary for acceptance as a transfer course.

It is important that students address in their application essay the following questions/issues: 1) Why have you chosen to pursue a research doctorate? How does this fit with your career plans? 2) Describe a research area in which you are interested. What researchable question(s) would you be interested in answering about this topic? Tell us about the literature you have read that supports the need for scholarly inquiry in this area. 3) Please comment on your qualifications and readiness for doctoral study.

* Campus visit.