Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

Year 1

Fall

Course ID	Title	Credits
BIOE 811	Biostatistics I	4
NSG 910	Philosophy of Science and Theory in Nursing	4
NSG 913	Qualitative Research Methods	3
NSG 919	Nursing Science Seminar	1
	Total	12

Spring

Course ID	Title	Credits
BIOE 821	Biostatistics II	4
NSG 876	Leadership and Health Policy	3
NSG 934	Theoretical and Methodological Issues	2
IP 801	Integrity in the Conduct of Scientific Research	1
	Total	10

Year 2

Fall

Course ID	Title	Credits
BIOE 865	Linear Regression Methods*	2
NSG 912	Theory Construction and Analysis	3
NSG 919	Nursing Science Seminar	1
NSG 923	Quantitative Research Methods	3
NSG 960	Directed Study or Elective	3
	Total	12

Spring

Course ID	Title	Credits
NSG 900	Dissertation	3
NSG 924	Scientific Dissemination	3
NSG 960	Directed Study	3
	Elective	3
	Total	12

Year 3

Fall

Course ID	Title	Credits
NSG 900	Dissertation	6
NSG 960	Directed Study	3
	Elective	3
	Total	12

Spring

Course ID	Title	Credits
NSG 900	Dissertation	9
	Total	9

Year 4

Fall

Course ID	Title	Credits
NSG 900	Dissertation	9
	Total
	Post-BSN Admissions Total Credits	76

NOTE: This is a draft plan of study. Courses selected for advanced statistics, electives, and directed study are based on developmental needs of the student and decided in conjunction with the faculty advisor and the student’s dissertation committee. 

*Students may enroll in this advanced statistics course or another course in advanced statistics that is approved by the Faculty Advisor.

• The PhD degree (with a focus in nursing) prepares nurse scientists who contribute to the development of scientific knowledge.
• The DNP program prepares nurses for the practice degree in nursing. Options include: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Family Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Pediatric Primary Care Nursing, Pediatric Acute Care Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, and Nurse-Midwifery.
• The dual DNP/PhD program provides highly motivated and qualified students with an integrated advanced clinical and research program of study. Students focus on a clinical research area in the PhD program and a clinical specialty area in the DNP program.
• The combined program: 1) reduces the time normally required to complete both degrees and 2) yields expert practice leaders who are prepared to contribute to the development of scientific knowledge.

 

• Application materials must be submitted by February 1st.
• Be prepared to have identified three individuals who will provide written references on letterhead addressing your research capabilities.
• Write an essay on your research and clinical interests, courses, or projects that have prepared you for this PhD program.
• This essay should include a description of prior research experiences, courses, or projects that have prepared you for this PhD program.
• The essay should also explain the research area you would like to contribute to. That is, specify at least one area or method you would like to learn in depth
• Give an example of a research project you are excited about. This can be a project you have conducted, you would like to conduct, or you have read about.
• Address issues that could potentially impact your admission status such as poor grades one term/course, switching schools, gaps in employment.
• Copy of an unencumbered RN license (scan/upload into NursingCas).

• Applications materials are submitted through NursingCAS.
• Additional packet components include:
  1. Official transcripts (must use NursingCAS transcript form)
  2. Official test scores ( are not required but may be provided by applicants)
  3. Copy of unencumbered RN license (scan/upload into NursingCAS)
  4. Current CPR card (scan/upload into NursingCAS)
• If accepted for admission, UTHSC will require official transcripts also be sent to the Office of Enrollment Services.
• Applicants must obtain transcripts from every institution to enter courses AND request transcripts for NursingCAS to verify coursework.
• If applying to the dual DNP/PhD program, applicants must be accepted first into the DNP program concentration (e.g., adult-gerontology acute care, family nursing, psych-mental health nursing, nurse anesthesia, pediatric primary care, pediatric acute care, and neonatal nursing.)
• Applicants may be accepted into DNP but not PhD.
• If not accepted into DNP program, applicants may request to be  considered for PhD program.
• Consider personally contacting DNP concentration coordinator and PhD program director before applying to the dual program.

Please consult the Admission Dates and Requirements page for this information. 

• 6-10 students are accepted yearly, based on match and availability of faculty advisor.
• Each faculty advisor mentors 3-5 students throughout their program.
• Number of students in the Nursing Science PhD Program ranges from 18 to 25 students per academic year.

• PhD students can be full or part-time.
  1. Majority graduate in 4 years or less.
  2. MSN prepared: 3 year curriculum
  3. BSN prepared: 3.5-4 year curriculum
• DNP/PhD students can be full or part-time.
  1. Reduces time to complete both programs separately by ½ to 1 year (1-2 terms)
  2. Students entering with post-BSN and post-MSN have varying sequence of courses

• Throughout program: on-campus week beginning and end of term (DNP, PhD, DNP/PhD programs).
• PhD courses: courses in first two terms meet Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays face to face of each week or every other week; distance technology available for classes.
• Research can be conducted in Memphis or other location.
• DNP advanced practice clinical/selective experiences in proximity where student resides.

• Candidacy exam after core PhD courses completed (4th or 5th term)
• Presentations and publications on literature reviews, pilot studies
• Dissertation proposal
• Dissertation research (24 credits minimum)
• Dissertation defense (final exam)
• Advanced practice credentialing exam (DNP/PhD graduates)

• Tuition waived for 6-8 hours of service weekly
• Research assistant/Teaching assistant (RA/TA) duties on a non-class day
• Examples of RA activities:
  1. recruit/participate in research of faculty
  2. data entry
  3. literature reviews
  4. developing posters, abstracts, presentations assist with on-line or face-to-face course