BS-PhD
BS-PhD Distance Program
In 2003 the College of Nursing began to accept applications to the PhD program from nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN, BS, BA). Students in the BS-PhD track utilize the same Program of Study to earn the PhD as students who enter with a Master's degree, with the addition of 9 credits of graduate (Master's) cognate courses.
The BS-PhD track was initiated in response to national and local trends, including the impending shortage of nursing faculty and the imperative to initiate careers of nurse scientists earlier to extend the duration of scientific productivity.
Admission Qualifications
In addition to the standard PhD Program admission criteria, applicants to the BS-PhD program must graduate prior to enrollment from an accredited nursing program with a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN, BS, BA).
Requirements for BS-PhD Program Completion
In addition to the Program of Study requirements for all PhD students, students admitted to the BS-PhD program must be local to the Salt Lake City area in order to complete 9 semester hours of graduate (MS) cognate courses on-ground. The goal of the cognate courses is to enhance students substantive knowledge in specified clinical areas (e.g. Informatics, Family Practice, Acute and Critical Care, Women's Health, Pediatrics, etc.). Students must have the course work approved by their faculty advisor prior to registering for courses. Follow this link to view a sample Program of Study plan for a typical BS-PhD student.
While the graduate cognate courses provide advanced nursing knowledge as a basis for research, the coursework may not be sufficient to qualify the graduate to meet the accreditation and certification requirements for teaching. For example, completion of a Master's degree and certification is required to teach in most advanced practice nursing programs at the Master's level. Students should work with their faculty advisors and supervisory committee members to assure that their individualized plan of study is appropriate for teaching and research goals.
For more information contact:
Melissa Pederson, MEd
PhD Program Manager
melissa.pederson@nurs.utah.edu
(801) 793-5732
or
Office of Academic Programs and Student Services
University of Utah
College of Nursing
info@nurs.utah.edu
(801) 581-8798
For faculty consultation regarding the PhD Program of Study or your research career contact:
Susan L. Beck, PhD, APRN, FAAN
PhD Program Director
Professor
Robert S. and Beth M. Carter Endowed Chair in Nursing
Member, Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence
susie.beck@nurs.utah.edu
(801) 971-5338
Updated 11/18/2009
