PhD in Nursing

Transforming the Education of Nurse Researchers

The Nursing PhD program prepares nurse researchers to advance nursing science and address contemporary healthcare challenges. The curriculum ensure success in an evolving research landscape, utilizing problem-based learning strategies and the expertise of research-intensive faculty in a collaborative environment. Our learning framework supports mastery of complex knowledge and embeds key milestones for timely program completion. This robust, supportive program meets students’ needs and prepares them to contribute innovative solutions to nursing science.

Preparing Student for Research Careers

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program prepares students for research careers. The distance PhD nursing program admits students who have earned a bachelor's degree with a major in nursing (BSN, BS) or a master's degree in nursing or related disciplines. The traditional BS-PhD and MS-PhD tracks share a common program of study with the exception of nine (9) additional MS cognate credits required for BS-PhD students.

Problem Based Learning

Learner-driven self-identified goals and outcomes created in an Individual Development Plan (IDP) based on the development of a research-based doctoral student.

Based on adult learning theory principles.
Knowledge acquisition through collaborative work and intellect.
Independent responsibility for shared learning.
Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are central.
Guided independent, self-directed study before group sessions.
Small groups of 8–10 people with a guiding faculty building on trigger materials such as research scenarios, data, articles, videos, or real/simulated analysis.
Every group member has a role to play.

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The Utah Model Emphasizes:

Synchronous distance learning with a cohort
Problem based learning strategies
Faculty mentorship in a collaborative environment
Conference-based learning/on-campus intensives
Year round study

Nursing Education Xchange (NEXus)

Opportunities are also offered for doctoral/graduate students, through the Nursing Education Xchange (NEXus), enrolled at member colleges and universities to take courses that may not be offered at his/her home institution for a common price.

Synchronous Learning

The PhD program is offered through synchronous distance education technologies for all students, local and non-local. The core courses are offered utilizing live synchronous videoconferencing technology, allowing students living outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, to participate and complete the program without relocating to Utah.

Conference-Based Learning/On-Campus Intensives

All PhD students, regardless of the state or country of residence, are required to attend three (3) week-long campus immersion experiences as a cohort. Week-long immersions are held at the University of Utah campus annually during the coursework phase of the program (the first three years of study).

The initial week-long campus immersion takes place during the first week of classes and serves as an orientation to the University of Utah and PhD program (typically in late August for fall admission). Exact dates for subsequent week-long immersions vary each year. Each of the three visits has distinct objectives that align with program progression.

All PhD students, regardless of the state or country of residence, are required to attend a research conference as a cohort annually during the coursework phase of the program (the first three years of study). The research conference is chosen by PhD program faculty (exact semester, location and dates may vary depending on which conference is chosen). Each of the three conference attendance experiences is typically tied to current coursework and provides rich faculty/student mentoring and networking opportunities.

Year Round Study

The PhD program can generally be split into two parts: the coursework phase and the dissertation phase. The coursework phase of the program is nine (9) semesters year-round, which includes one to two core courses per semester. Students have the option of taking additional electives or area of specialization courses to reach full-time status (9+ credits per semester).

BS-PhD students must attend full-time for the first year of study due to the additional MS cognate work. A student's faculty advisor or dissertation committee may require additional coursework to address identified academic deficiencies and identify inter-departmental and College of Nursing courses in the student's area of specialization.

The program requires successful completion of written and oral qualifying examinations at the conclusion of formal coursework prior to admission to PhD candidacy and initiation of the dissertation. The length of time to complete the dissertation phase is variable. All coursework and the dissertation must be completed within seven (7) years.

What is the difference between a PhD and a DNP?

ACADEMIC PROGRAM	DNP	PHD
FOCUS	Nursing practice	Nursing research
DEGREE OBJECTIVE	Prepare the highest level of nursing practice scholars for clinical, administrative, and academic career; terminal degree in practice	Prepare scholars for research and academic careers in public or private sectors of healthcare; terminal degree in research
CAREERS	High-level advanced leadership/practitioner within health care system, quality improvement management, health care informatics, clinical educator or professor, policymaker	Nurse researcher, nurse scientist, policymaker, academic professor, educator for health care facility, author
CURRICULUM	Coursework will focus on research and analytical methods, theory, and nursing science. Most programs allow student to specialize in research interests that will directly relate to their careers—this research will culminate in a dissertation.	Coursework will focus on a combination of health care policy and advocacy, information systems and technology, health care quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and organizational/systems leadership.