DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program's focus on the preparation of nurse educators is of great significance in this time of a looming shortage of nurse faculty. Our graduates have been and will continue to be an outstanding source of faculty leaders. A major strength of the program, is the strong nursing knowledge component with emphasis on scholarly inquiry. Faculty are highly qualified mentors for the students.

An accelerated Master of Science in Nursing/Doctor of Philosophy (MSN/PhD) Is designed to prepare leaders in nursing education. The program can be taken part time. Students are eligible to take national certification examinations and receive a master's degree in nursing (MSN) after completion of the MSN component of the program.

Degree Requirements

The student must complete at least 48 credits of approved doctoral course work beyond the master’s degree in nursing. In addition, the student must successfully complete a comprehensive examination, “Dissertation Advisement” (NURS 950), and a dissertation for graduation.

Candidacy

A student becomes a doctoral candidate upon passing of the comprehensive examination taken after completion of all required course work. After successful completion of the comprehensive examination, the student is accepted as a doctoral candidate.

Dissertation Procedures

Students are expected to complete all required course work except one elective prior to enrollment in “Dissertation Seminar” (NURS 900/NURS 901). Exception to this policy requires approval from the School of Nursing Academic Council. Students are expected to continue to enroll in “Dissertation Advisement” (NURS 950) for three semester hours each consecutive fall, spring, and summer semester until the degree is granted.

Graduate Programs
Dr. Mary B. Walker
Assistant Dean
for Graduate Studies
tel: 610-499-4207
school.nursing@widener.edu