The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree program prepares nurses for roles as researchers and to make substantial contributions to nursing theory, scholarship, research, and practice. The goal is preparation of researchers in a defined area of nursing inquiry.

The traditional PhD program admits students who have earned a Master's degree in Nursing. Another option is the BS-PhD track, which admits registered nurses who have earned a bachelor's degree with a major in nursing (BSN, BS, BA). The purpose of the BS-PhD option is to accelerate the preparation of nurse scientists to address the shortage of nursing faculty and enhance nursing research programs. The traditional PhD track (MS-PhD) and the BS-PhD track share a common program of study, although the BS-PhD program of study includes 9 additional credits in an MS cognate area.

Program Requirements

Students admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program must complete all core courses, additional courses required to support the area of scholarly inquiry, and a dissertation. Time required to complete the program of study is variable and is based on the past academic achievements of the individual, as well as current professional, scholarly, and personal goals. The faculty advisor or dissertation committee may require course work to address identified academic deficiencies. All course work applied to the degree must be completed within seven (7) years.

Core courses are 36 credits in philosophy and theory, statistics and research design, and disciplinary courses taken by all students. The remainder of the program of study is tailored to the research interests, experience, and goals of the student. In addition to core courses, doctoral students are required to take 9 credits of advanced course work in an area of specialization. The goal of the specialization requirement is to enhance students expertise in a content, methodological or professional area (e.g. oncology, informatics, gerontology, administration, education, methodologies, measurement, etc.). Students must declare an area of specialization and have the course work approved by their advisor prior to registering for those courses. An additional statistics or methodology elective is required of all students. BS-PhD students are required to take 9 more hours of graduate cognate courses.

All students in the PhD program will be required to attend an intensive orientation on the University of Utah campus the first week of their program and then each year that they are in coursework. Students will also be required to attend a research conference as a group. This will apply to both students who apply to our on-campus delivery program as well as the distance delivery program. These intense in person experiences will enhance your educational experience as well as provide the opportunity for in person interaction with your classmates and your instructors.

University of Utah policy requires meeting the residency requirement of a minimum of nine (9) credit hours of study for two (2) consecutive semesters. In addition, the university's policy requires successful completion of written and oral qualifying examinations (comprehensive examinations) at the conclusion of formal coursework prior to admission to PhD candidacy and completion of the dissertation requirement. Additional details are listed on the University of Utah, Graduate School website and the College of Nursing Progression through the Policy and Progression Manual, Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program.

For general information about the PhD Program or admission requirements contact:

Ph.D. Program Administrator
phdprogram@nurs.utah.edu
Phone: (801) 585-1671

or

The Office of Academic Affairs and Student Services
University of Utah College of Nursing
10 South 2000 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5880
Phone: 801-581-8798
Fax: 801-581-4642

For faculty consultation on the program of study or your research career contact:

Lauren Clark, RN, PhD, FAAN
Professor and PhD Program Co-Director
Lauren.Clark@nurs.utah.edu
Phone: (801) 581-8576