Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (Ph.D.)
The purpose of the Ph.D. program is to prepare professional nurses for careers in research in academic, clinical and health systems settings.
"I have had people ask why I earned a PhD in Nursing instead of becoming a physician.
My answer is always the same – I am a nurse, and that is the focus of my practice.
Although research and scholarship is the primary focus of PhD-prepared nurses, nurses
at all levels have important roles in furthering the profession through the generation
and application of research. Wherever we are in our day to day practice, education
and knowledge depends on the research produced by nurses. It is a place of both honor
and responsibility.”
Lisa Duggan '12, PhD, RN, FNP-BC - Excerpt from College of Nursing Commencement Speech, Spring 2012
The Ph.D. core curriculum includes courses in nursing theory, research methods and statistics. Beyond the core curriculum each student has an individual course of study, including mentored research experiences and contributing courses, which lead to the preparation and defense of a dissertation.Degree Requirements
- Complete USC residency requirement
- Complete an approved program of study of at least 60 credit hours (master's entry) or 78 hours (bachelor's entry).
- Complete program within eight years
- Complete admission-to-candidacy exam one academic year before degree is to be awarded
- Have reading knowledge of a foreign language or competency in statistics/research methods specific to student's proposed course of study
- Complete at least 3 credits of mentored research under a College of Nursing faculty member
- Successfully complete a comprehensive exam (dissertation proposal defense)
- Complete oral defense of doctoral dissertation
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and earn a 3.0 or better in all required classes and courses number 700 or higher
Contact the Nursing Ph.D. Program Office
Have additional questions about the Ph.D. Program? Call us at 803-777-0290, email an adviser today, or stop by our office:
Williams-Brice Building, Room 305
1601 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29208