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Apply NowNursing Science, Ph.D.
Course Delivery: 80-99% Online
Total Credits: 90
In-State Tuition Per Credit: $650.25
Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $1697.00
Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator
Degree Overview
The Ph.D. in Nursing Science features both a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) to Ph.D. pathway, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) to Ph.D. pathway. As a student in the program, you are linked with faculty researchers who provide supportive mentoring throughout your entire program.
The program has one core curriculum, but you can choose one of two tracks: clinical nursing science or health systems.
Clinical Nursing Science
The clinical nursing science track concentrates on the intersections of health promotion, health behavior, and quality of life in acute and chronic illness throughout the lifespan.
Health Systems
The health systems track focuses on creating structures and resources that enable individuals and communities to achieve optimal health. The track includes the science of nursing education, informatics, health policy, and administration.
You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.
And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a Master of Science in Nursing, from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program
- M.S.N. to Ph.D. track applicants must have 3 hours of graduate credit in statistics with a grade of 80 percent (3.0) or better.
To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework
- Confirmation of support from an IU School of Nursing faculty advisor
- Three professional and/or academic references
- Personal statement (two to three pages, double-spaced)
- Resume
- Proof of English Proficiency (non-native English speakers only)
- Evidence of the capacity for original scholarship and research in nursing, as demonstrated by reports, published and unpublished papers, or a thesis
Qualified applicants will be invited to a formal admission interview with Ph.D. faculty.
Your IU Online Ph.D. in Nursing Science prepares you for successful careers within academic and practice settings in such positions as:
- Nursing faculty
- Nurse scientist
- Director of nursing research
- Director of clinical services
- Chief nursing officer or executive
To graduate with the Ph.D. in Nursing Science, you must complete 90 credit hours. Requirements are broken downs as follows:
- Professional development core (6 credit hours)
- Nursing theory core (6 credit hours)
- Nursing science research major (15 credit hours)
- Nursing science concentration (8 credit hours)
- Minor courses, external or internal (9-12 credit hours)
- Dissertation (16 credit hours)
- B.S.N. to M.S.N. bridgework or M.S.N. transfer credits (30 credit hours)
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. minor courses | 9-12 Credits | |
| NURS-D 602 | Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 Credit |
| NURS-D 607 | Theoretical Perspectives of Nursing Science | 3 Credits |
| NURS-D 608 | Middle-Range Theory | 3 Credits |
| NURS-D 609 | State of the Science Seminar | 2 Credits |
| NURS-D 701 | Nursing Inquiry and Scholarship: Introduction to Doctoral Study | 3 Credits |
| NURS-D 751 | Advanced Topics in Nursing Science | 3-6 Credits |
| NURS-D 752 | Directed Research Practicum | 3 Credits |
| PBHL-B 562 | Biostatistics for Public Health II | 3 Credits |
| NURS-R 603 | Quantitative Research Design and Methods | 3 Credits |
| NURS-R 610 | Foundations of Qualitative Research | 3 Credits |
| NURS-R 899 | Dissertation in Nursing | 16 Credits |
| NURS-T 800 | Preparing Future Faculty | 2 Credits |
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