BS to Phd

The Nursing PhD with a focus on Education is a forward-thinking BS-to-PhD program for registered nurses who want to become educators, researchers, and leaders. It combines in-depth study in research, leadership, policy, and teaching, offered in a flexible, hybrid, part-time format tailored for working professionals. Students gain skills in curriculum development, evidence-based instruction, accreditation, and assessing learners, while also conducting original research to enhance nursing education and practice. Graduates are prepared for influential roles in academia, healthcare organizations, and policymaking.

Admission Requirements

This direct-entry pathway allows qualified bachelor's or master's prepared nurses to begin doctoral study while focusing on nursing education. Students develop the research, leadership, and teaching skills needed to educate future nurses and shape the profession.

These blurbs are shorter, marketing-focused, and fit well as introductions under each heading while avoiding repetition.

Candidates for admission with an earned bachelor’s or master's (direct entry) degree in nursing will provide the following:

1. A bachelor’s or master's (direct entry) degree in nursing from an accredited program.
2. Minimum Grade Point Average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale from the applicant's bachelor’s or master's program.
3. Original official transcripts from all college programs and courses.
4. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States.
5. A written statement of career goals and research interests.
6. Three letters of reference from professionals in the field that speak to the applicant's potential as a scholar, including at least one from a former faculty member and at least one from a recent employer.
7. A current curriculum vitae.
8. A copy of a recent academic or scholarly paper, research report, or publication.
9. 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.
10. International students must follow the regular admissions procedure, including submission of college transcripts. See the catalog for English evaluations of transcripts. The TOEFL examination is required for those whose native language is not English, with a minimum score of 500.