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PhD Program

• Admission Information
• Areas of Specialization
• BS-PhD
• Distance Learning Format
• Faculty Research Interests
• Financial Aid Information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence
• NEXus Distance Learning
• PhD Distance Program
• Program of Study
• Postdoctoral Program

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 complete 9 semester hours of graduate (MS) cognate courses. 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, M.Ed.
PhD Program Manager
Melissa.pederson@nurs.utah.edu
(801) 585-1671

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:

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