DNP Program

The DNP is designed for nurses who aspire to practice at the highest clinical and leadership levels. Students are typically focused on applying evidence to improve systems, outcomes, and policies across diverse health care and community contexts.

PhD Program

The PhD program prepares nurse scientists committed to discovery, theory development, and research leadership. Students are driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire to generate, test, and disseminate new knowledge that shapes nursing practice, education, and policy.

DNP program objectives are to:

• Translate research into practice to improve health outcomes
• Lead innovation in clinical care, population health, and health systems
• Influence health care policy and organizational decision-making

PhD program objectives are to:

• Conduct rigorous, independent research
• Advance nursing and interdisciplinary science
• Prepare for roles in research, education, and policy leadership

DNP Areas of Focus

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Population Health
• Systems Leadership and Innovation

PhD Areas of Focus

• Health Systems: Data Science, Design, and Implementation Science
• Symptom Science and Supportive Care
• Mental, Psychosocial, and Behavioral Health and Well-Being
• Health Equity and Social Justice
• Aging and Care for Older Adults
• Health and Well-Being of Children and Families
• Community Engagement and Partnerships

DNP Scholarly Activity

DNP students complete an Evidence-Based Scholarly Project that addresses a real-world practice or system problem. Projects emphasize the synthesis and application of existing research to improve outcomes in clinical, organizational, or community settings.

PhD Scholarly Activity

PhD students complete a Dissertation, involving original research that contributes new knowledge to nursing and health sciences. Students are supported in disseminating their findings through publications, presentations, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

DNP graduates pursue careers such as:

• Nurse practitioner (across four specialty areas)
• Nurse executive and advanced practice leader
• Clinical faculty and nurse educator
• Population health and systems leaders
• Leaders in nonprofit and health care organizations

PhD graduates pursue careers such as:

• Academic faculty and researchers
• Clinical nurse scientists in health systems and industry
• Health policy development, implementation, and advocacy specialists
• Health care leaders and research entrepreneurs

DNP program graduates are prepared to:

• Evaluate and apply research to innovate in practice
• Deliver advanced nursing care to diverse populations
• Design, implement, and evaluate clinical and population-based programs
• Inform and influence health policy

PhD program graduates are prepared to:

• Conduct and disseminate independent, high-impact research
• Collaborate in interdisciplinary research teams
• Advance nursing knowledge in response to regional, national, and global priorities

DNP Requirements

• 1,000 hours of supervised advanced specialty practice
• Faculty-arranged and evaluated practica aligned with certification standards

PhD Requirements

• No clinical hour requirement
• Intensive research training culminating in a dissertation

Both programs emphasize close faculty mentorship within a collaborative and inclusive scholarly community. DNP students work closely with clinical faculty experts, while PhD students engage in sustained mentorship relationships with nurse scientists leading impactful research programs.