DNP to PhD

We value the foundation in evidence-based practice that you have received in your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. Our DNP to PhD in Nursing track will allow you to augment your DNP education and conduct research related to your DNP project in order to further improve patient care.

 

Program Information

The Doctor of Nursing Practice to PhD is a specialty track in the online PhD in Nursing program. This track prepares you to become an independent researcher and nurse scholar while allowing you to augment your DNP education and conduct research related to your DNP project.

Program Type

Major

Degree

Doctorate

School

School of Nursing

Duration

4-years

Required Credit Hours

39

Modality

Online

Student and alumni perspectives

dnp to phd student alexandra

The moment I decided the DNP to PhD program at Duquesne was the right fit for me happened during Doctoral Week. I was able to meet the PhD program faculty and my cohort in-person during this time and was met with an accomplished group of faculty.

Alexandra DNP to PhD Student

Explore DNP to PhD

Program Details

Application Cycle

Apply anytime between August 1 and February 1.  There is no GRE or application fee required.

Curriculum

View Course Descriptions

Our DNP to PhD track is a total of 39 Credits Total (Unless Stats II is needed- 42 credits) 

Student will transfer in up to 12 credits from DNP Program. 

Additional time may be needed to complete the dissertation study and final defense. After a student has completed the required dissertation credits, if additional time is needed to complete the dissertation work, in consultation with the dissertation chair, students may move to Continuous Registration for a flat fee. 

  • GPNG 901 State of the Science and Discovery (3 credits)
  • Doctoral Week*
*Required on-campus visit
Fall - Science, Truth and Knowledge
  • GPNG 922 Philosophy of Science and Theory (3 credits)
  • GPNG 927 Structure of Nursing Knowledge (3 credits)

Spring - Scientific Tools
  • GPNG 943 Methods of Scientific Inquiry in Nursing I (3 credits)
  • GPNG 940 Statistics II (3 credits)

Summer - Global View
  • GPNG 944 Methods of Scientific Inquiry in Nursing II** (3 credits)
  • GPNG 903 Measurements Issues** (3 credits)

**Required Study Abroad

Fall - Immersion and Articulation
  • GPNG 931 Applied Qualitative Practicum (3 credits)
  • GPGN 918 Research and Theory in Health Behavior (3 credits)

Spring - Advanced Application
  • GPNG 908 Advanced Population Health (3 credits)
  • GPNG 930 Applied Quantitative Practicum (3 credits)

Summer - Preparation and Formation
  • Elective (Optional) (3 credits)
  • Seminar: Topic Defense* (in May) Pre-work for Fall Lit. Review course (3 credits)

*Required on-campus visit

Fall - Dissertation and Dissemination
  • GPNG 915 Dissertation Research Seminar: Literature review Manuscript (3 credits)

Spring - Dissertation and Dissemination
  • GPNG 925 Grand Writing (considered dissertation credits for DNP-PhD students) (3 credits)

Summer - Dissertation and Dissemination
  • GPNG 915 Dissertation* (3 credits)

*Required on-campus visit

Fall - Dissertation and Dissemination
  • Continuous Registration until Dissertation Defense

Spring - Dissertation and Dissemination
  • Continuous Registration until Dissertation Defense

Summer - Dissertation and Dissemination
  • Continuous Registration until Dissertation Defense 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for the DNP to PhD Program.

February 1.
The program begins in the summer semester with an on-campus residency in May. Students begin by taking a three-credit course, GPNG 901 State of the Science and Discovery.
PhD students have three residency requirements during the three- or four-year program. These include Doctoral Week, Study Abroad and Topic and Committee Approval.
The statistics prerequisite is designed to provide you with the basis for advancement in the PhD program. The content of the courses should include inferential statistics, linear and nonlinear regression, logistic regression, analysis of variance, repeated measures and generalized linear models.

No later than the fall semester prior to beginning the program.

*Please note the course must have been completed within the last 5 years.

Duquesne University School of Education offers an online statistics course each fall, GREV 510 - Statistics I. For PhD in Nursing and PhD in Nursing Ethics students, this must be completed the fall term prior to beginning your summer coursework. To enroll in this course, please follow the special status application process.

If our GREV 510 does not meet your timeline, courses will be accepted from any accredited university with prior approval from the PhD chair. To assist applicants, our PhD faculty have identified online courses through Portage Learning and the University of Phoenix that meet the prerequisite requirements.

If you identify another course that you would like to attend in person or online, please submit the course information for approval prior to enrollment.

If you have any questions, please contact Director of Admissions Brian Bost at (412) 396-6539 or via email.

Yes, candidates with a master's degree in another area will be considered on an individual basis.
We consider all parts of the application and make admission decisions based on the qualifications of the individual to complete doctoral study, ability to complete an online program and the match between the applicant's proposed dissertation research area and our PhD faculty's research interests.
Yes. A maximum of nine PhD level credits from an accredited university and approved program may be transferred toward completion of the requirements for the PhD in Nursing degree. Please complete the form below for credit consideration.

Request for Credit Consideration
Students may enroll in either the three-year PhD program or the four-year PhD program. Completion within these timeframes requires the student take six credits of coursework each semester. Completion of the dissertation stage is planned for the final year of the program.
Yes. Students in the three-year program are expected to complete all coursework (core, electives, cognates) within two calendar years. The dissertation is then completed in the third year. Students in the four-year program are expected to complete all coursework (core, electives, cognates) within three calendar years. The dissertation is then completed in the fourth year. The degree must be completed within eight calendar years from the semester in which the student completes the first course for the degree.
Using a computer and an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a student can work on coursework whenever and wherever it is most convenient. Even though the online class may be more accessible to a student’s schedule, the content and workload are comparable to a face-to-face course.
All graduate nursing courses are available online.
Yes. See our Important Resources Section for financial aid links.
See our Tuition Section for tuition information.
Yes. There are a variety of ways in which you may be eligible for our Tuition Discount Program.
Applicants must meet the admissions criteria of the Duquesne University School of Nursing. The admissions process for nursing graduate students is handled exclusively by the School of Nursing.
Please contact Director of Admissions Brian Bost at (412) 396-6539 or via email.

Questions?

Have questions about the DNP to PhD program?

Brian Bost

Director of Admissions

School of Nursing

Brian Bost headshot

Learning Outcomes

  1. Function as a nurse scientist by conducting original research that builds upon existing evidence and expands the body of knowledge in nursing and health.
  2. Utilize theoretical frameworks and research findings to guide inquiry that enhances health and health care delivery for all.
  3. Produce and disseminate scholarly work that contributes to the science and profession of nursing by communicating creative solutions to problems in nursing and health care.
  4. Lead collaborative research teams to reduce health care disparities on local, national,and global levels.
  5. Demonstrate high ethical standards in all research activities.
  6. Advocate for health care policies that are based on evidence and the principles of social justice.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice to PhD specialty track program at Duquesne University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

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