Nursing (PhD)

Nursing - Doctor of Philosophy Program (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program at Molloy University prepares nurses for leadership roles in a variety of organizations, health related agencies, and educational institutions. A PhD education fosters the highest level of scholarly inquiry to promote self-transformation, enabling graduates to demonstrate excellence in leadership, education, and service. Through scholarly inquiry and intellectual engagement, the graduate will generate new knowledge by designing and conducting original research to advance the science of nursing.
The underlying beliefs of the Barbara H. Hagan School Nursing and Health Sciences at Molloy University are rooted in its humanistic framework. The program emphasizes the dignity of the individual, scholarly inquiry, self-enrichment, and high personal and professional standards. Humanistic nursing behavior, grounded in the principles of stewardship and caring, is a goal of the PhD program. A curriculum enriched by the study of the humanities assists in achieving that goal.
PhD in Nursing Program Information
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Research and Academic Support for Students
Molloy doctoral faculty are engaged in research and are always willing to work with students. We have experts in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods designs. Our Research Residency program pairs doctoral students with faculty conducting research so that students gain firsthand experience, mentorship, and essential research skill development. “Meet & Greets” and "Academic Matching” are fun informal ways for new doctoral students and doctoral candidates to connect with faculty, learn about the research faculty are conducting, and solicit committee members.
The college has generously made available a designated librarian, statistician, and editor for faculty and students in our doctoral programs at no extra cost.
- Our librarian teaches students how to access the electronic databases, use advanced search strategies, execute interlibrary loans, and use citation managers to store articles and create references.
- Our statistical consultant works individually with doctoral students and faculty in all aspects of statistical planning, data analysis, and interpretation.
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Program Goals
Goals of the program are to prepare future nursing scientists and leaders with the knowledge and skill to develop policies and practices that respond to the inequities of our healthcare and social systems; and improve outcomes and quality of life for all individuals, families, and communities in society. The recipients of the Molloy University PhD in Nursing are prepared to:
- Serve as leaders in advancing the practice of nursing through research, education, administration, and health policy.
- Participate fully in multidisciplinary contributions to the creation of nursing knowledge.
- Generate, test, and extend knowledge through research and theory development and to disseminate the findings.
- Influence health policy to advance nursing and health care in a global society.
- Integrate theory and practice through advanced ethical analysis.
- Appreciate and extend the aesthetic values of nursing.
- Value the inherent dignity of all humans and protect them from dehumanization of health care.
- Treasure the ideals of nursing through the stewardship of caring.
- Curriculum Overview
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Paying for School
- Veronica Feeg, Sigma Theta Tau-Epsilon Kappa Chapter, PhD in Nursing Research, Leadership, and Policy Award was created in 2022 by the Molloy PhD alumni and students, and Sigma Theta Tau-Epsilon Kappa Chapter, in honor of Dr. Veronica Feeg. It will be awarded annually to a PhD graduate who serves as a steward of the profession and exemplifies a commitment to advancing nursing science through research.
- Jonas Philanthropies offers competitive awards for nurse scholars to engaged in vital research. The Molloy University PhD in Nursing Program boasts seven Jonas Scholars.
- Sen. Patricia McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program is a competitive grant offered through New York State Higher Education Services Corporation to increase the number of nursing faculty.
- Nurse Faculty Loan Forgiveness Program (NFLP) is offered through the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to increase the number of nursing faculty.
- Graduate Assistantships are offered through the Molloy University Office of Graduate Academic Affairs. Teaching and Research Assistants receive a 3-credit voucher and a $500.00 stipend per semester.
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Course Modality
The Molloy PhD in Nursing program is designed with you in mind. Engaging seminar-style classes meet virtually in the comfort of your own space on Thursday evenings with one meeting a month held on campus for events that foster connectedness and networking among fellow students, alumni, and faculty.
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Doctoral Student Development Series
To enhance the current PhD program curriculum, the Doctoral Student Development Series is a planned series of events including workshops, seminars, and conference activities that take place throughout the academic year to expose students to a wide range of experiences, meet health care leaders, and discuss contemporary health issues.
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Lunch and Learn Research Series
Lunch and Learn Research Series take place throughout the academic year for the purpose of sharing nursing knowledge. Knowledge that is generated through nursing research and essential to the development of guidelines that lead practice, education, and policy to improve care and our profession. The presenters are comprised of external researchers, faculty researchers, and newly minted doctoral researchers. Seminars are presented via zoom, participation is free, and continuing nursing education hours are awarded. Research series archives are available for viewing.
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Admission Requirements
Doctoral students are advanced adult scholars, and their educational experience should be characterized by active and engaging learning. In keeping with Molloy University strengths characterized by small classes with personal student-faculty engagement, we seek to enroll a small cohort of highly qualified candidates. We welcome you to become a part of our community of scholars.
Molloy University employs a "whole person" philosophy to evaluate candidates for admission to the doctoral program. A multi-faceted assessment of the applicant's potential for success includes the following:
- A master's degree from an accredited program. A higher degree in nursing (baccalaureate and/or master's). Degrees outside of nursing need to be relevant to nursing and health.
- Minimum Grade Point Average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale from applicant's master's program.
- Original official transcripts from all college programs and courses.
- Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States.
- A written statement of career goals and research interests.
- Three letters of reference from professionals in the field that speak to the potential of the applicant as a scholar, to include at least one from a former faculty and at least one from a recent employer.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- A copy of a recent academic or scholarly paper, research report, or publication.
- An interview with the Director of the PhD Program and faculty of the Doctoral Program with concurrent completion of a brief writing sample evaluated by a designated PhD admission committee.
- International students must follow the regular admissions procedure including submission of college transcripts. See the catalog for English evaluations of transcripts. The TOEFL examination for those whom English is not the native language is required with a minimum score of 500.