DNP to PhD Bridge

Designed for nurses who hold a DNP or other doctoral degree, the Bridge to the PhD in Nursing Research, Leadership, and Policy prepares scholars to advance nursing science through original research, innovation, and leadership. Building on prior doctoral education, students may transfer up to 21 doctoral-level credits, reducing time to degree completion. The program offers an affordable, individualized pathway to a PhD through a gap analysis that evaluates previous coursework and learning outcomes. Graduates are prepared for impactful careers in academia, healthcare leadership, policy, and research, contributing new knowledge that advances the nursing profession.

Admission Requirements

The Doctoral Bridge pathway provides nurses who already hold a doctoral degree with an opportunity to expand their expertise through advanced research and scholarship. This program builds on prior academic achievement to prepare graduates for leadership in nursing science and education.

Candidates for admission with an earned terminal degree will provide the following:

1. Evidence of earned terminal degree
2. Minimum Grade Point Average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale from the applicant’s terminal degree program.
3. Original official transcripts from all university programs and courses.
4. Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States.
5. A written statement identifying a dissertation research focus and professional goals for developing nursing science and practice.
6. One letter of reference speaking to the applicant's scholarly aptitude from a former faculty.
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 in Nursing Program and the faculty of the Doctoral Program.
10. International students must follow the regular admissions procedure, including submission of university transcripts. See the catalog for English evaluations of transcripts. The TOEFL exam is required for those whose native language is not English, with a minimum score of 500.