Doctoral Programs

Doctoral programs prepare nursing professionals for a range of exciting faculty, research, administrative, and clinical leadership positions. Given the rapid changes in our health care systems today, increased scrutiny of health policy and care delivery practices, and the nationwide nursing workforce and faculty shortages, doctorally-prepared nurses are in high demand.

The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers two separate doctoral programs: the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The DNP (Doctorate in Nursing Practice) is a practice focused degree. Individuals who want to contribute to nursing science by visioning and implementing better health care delivery systems, health care initiatives, or health care practice improvements should choose the DNP. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a research-focused degree. Individuals who want to contribute to nursing science by knowledge creation (planning and conducting research, theory building, or philosophical writing) should choose the PhD degree.