The Best BSN-to-PhD Programs
What is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing?
For those looking to advance their nursing education to the highest level, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing is an excellent choice. The PhD in Nursing is one of two terminal degrees available in nursing, along with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Therefore, it is one of the highest levels of education a nurse can receive in the nursing profession.
Unlike the DNP, which is a practice-based degree, the PhD is a research-based degree. The overall goal of PhD in Nursing programs is to complete an original research project that is relevant to nursing. The student is expected to curate a research question, conduct the research, synthesize their findings, and share their results with others through publication. Obtaining a PhD demonstrates a commitment to research and the overall improvement of the nursing profession.
As part of the requirements for degree completion, all PhD students must complete a dissertation. A dissertation is a detailed document that explains the student’s original theory or hypothesis, and then summarizes their new research findings. The dissertation is labor-intensive and takes several semesters to complete. Once finalized, the student must “defend” their dissertation before a faculty panel of experts, who will judge the quality of the research study and whether or not the student’s dissertation has met all requirements to be awarded a PhD.
For BSN-prepared nurses, PhD in Nursing programs typically take around four to six years to complete. After completing foundational courses in nursing science and research methodology, the majority of your time in the program will be spent working on your original research project and dissertation.
Can I Complete a BSN-to-PhD Program Online?
Yes, you can! Because the PhD is a research-focused degree, it is possible to complete the majority of your coursework online. Certain programs require some time on campus, so it is important to do your research prior to committing to a program. For example, you may need to come to campus to meet with faculty advisors and to defend your dissertation.
It is more common to find exclusively online PhD programs for MSN-prepared nurses rather than BSN-prepared nurses. Overall, however, most PhD in Nursing programs tend to be conducted in a hybrid format.
The following five BSN-to-PhD programs are considered some of the best in the country for providing a quality doctoral education to students:
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Online Option? No
Fully Funded? No
Accredited? Yes
The University of Florida’s BSN-to-PhD program is a great fit for BSN-prepared nurses who wish to transition directly into PhD study. Priority admission is given to students whose prior academic experience and proposed research topic align with the research focuses of the College of Nursing.
The program takes approximately four years to complete for full-time students. Although the program is not fully funded, the school does offer certain scholarships and financial aid opportunities to PhD students.
The University of Florida School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: San Diego, California
Online Option? No
Fully Funded? No
Accredited? Yes
The University of San Diego’s BSN-to-PhD program prepares students who want to fast-track into a research-focused nursing career. The curriculum includes four main areas of study: theory development, research, area of emphasis, and dissertation.
The BSN-to-PhD program takes around four to five years of full-time study to complete, and it is a campus-based program. The program is not fully funded, but the PhD program does participate in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). Other financial aid options are available to PhD students, as well.
The University of San Diego School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Online Option? Yes (partial)
Fully Funded? No
Accredited? Yes
The BSN-to-PhD program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers students flexibility in their pursuit of a doctoral education. The curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format, with the majority of coursework completed online and some campus visits required.
The BSN-to-PhD program usually takes between five and six years to complete. Students must complete twelve credit hours of MSN coursework prior to starting the PhD curriculum. The program is not fully funded, but there are some financial aid options available to students.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Location: Houston, Texas
Online Option? Yes (partial)
Fully Funded? No
Accredited? Yes
The Cizik School of Nursing at the University of Texas-Houston offers a BSN-to-PhD program for nurses interested in leading meaningful research. The curriculum is offered in a hybrid format, with both online and on-campus courses.
The BSN-to-PhD program takes approximately four to five years to complete. Students have the option to enroll either part-time or full-time. The program is not fully funded, but a variety of scholarships and financial aid are available.
The Cizik School of Nursing is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Macon, Georgia
Online Option? Yes
Fully Funded? No
Accredited? Yes
The BSN-to-PhD program at Mercer University is offered entirely online, giving students the ultimate flexibility in pursuing their doctoral degree. A graduate-level statistics course is required for all applicants prior to beginning PhD coursework.
The program takes around four years of full-time study to complete. Although the program is not fully funded, the school participates in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). The College of Nursing also hosts the Jonas Nurse Scholars program, which provides scholarships to doctoral nursing students at Mercer whose research addresses the country’s most critical health concerns.
The Mercer University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
