BSN-PhD

The BSN–PhD pathway allows nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to move directly into doctoral research training, preparing them to become nurse scientists who generate new knowledge and advance health care.

Curriculum

BSN-PhD Program of Study Full-Time | Effective Fall 2026

Year One

Fall Semester

  • N599: Statistical Methods for Health Care Research (3) 
  • N601: Philosophy and Knowledge Development for Nursing Science (3)
  • N603: Foundations of Nursing Science (3)

Total of 9 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

Full Summer

  • Cognate Course I (3)
  • Milestone: Preliminary Exam

Total of 3 hours in the summer

Year Two

Fall Semester

  • N608: Quantitative Nursing Research (3) 
  • N613: Nursing Leadership in Complex Systems (3)

Total of 6 hours

Spring Semester

  • N607: Qualitative Nursing Research (3)
  • N611: Advanced Quantitative Nursing Research (3)
  • N674: Educational Principles and Strategies for Healthcare Professionals (3)

Total of 9 hours

Summer Semester

Full Summer

  • Cognate Course II (3)

Total of 3 hours in the summer

Year Three

Fall Semester

  • N612: Health and Health Care Policy (3)
  • N675: Teaching Practicum for Healthcare Professionals (3) 

Total of 6 hours

Spring Semester

  • N609: Research Practicum (3)
  • N615: Research Ethics in the Health Sciences (2)
  • Cognate Course III (3)

Total of 8 hours

Summer Semester

  • N606: Grant Writing in Nursing Science (3)
  • Cognate Course IV (3)
  • Milestone: Comprehensive Exam

Total of 6 hours

Year Four

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 83 hours

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