The DNP–PhD pathway enables doctorally prepared clinical leaders to transition into research-focused careers, leveraging their practice expertise to drive evidence generation and innovation in nursing and health care.
Curriculum
DNP-PhD Program of Study Full-Time | Effective Fall 2026
Year One
Fall Semester
- N601: Philosophy and Knowledge Development for Nursing Science (3)
- N603: Foundations of Nursing Science (3)
Total of 6 hours
Spring Semester
- N602: Advanced Statistical Methods for Health Care Research (3)
- N605: Middle-Range Theory Development and Evaluation (3)
- N610: State of the Science (3)
Total of 9 hours
Summer Semester
- Milestone: Preliminary Exam
Year Two
Fall Semester
- N608: Quantitative Nursing Research (3)
- N612: Health and Health Care Policy (3)
- N613: Nursing Leadership in Complex Systems (3)
Total of 9 hours
Spring Semester
- N607: Qualitative Nursing Research (3)
- N611: Advanced Quantitative Nursing Research (3)
Total of 6 hours
Summer Semester
- N606: Grant Writing in Nursing Science (3)
- Milestone: Comprehensive Exam
Total of 3 hours in the summer
Year Three
Fall Semester
- N600: Doctoral Research and Dissertation (12)
Total of 12 hours
Spring Semester
- N600: Doctoral Research and Dissertation (12)
Total of 12 hours
Total of 54 hours
The following courses/course content must have been covered during the DNP program:
- Statistical Methods for Health Care Research
- Health and Health Care Policy
- Nursing Leadership in Complex Systems
- Research Ethics in the Health Sciences
Substantiation must be provided. If courses were not taken during the DNP program, additional hours of coursework may need to be added to the student’s program of study.
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