Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Bulletin

Nursing, Ph.D.


Program Description

The Wilkes University Ph.D. in Nursing program prepares nurses to investigate and develop the science that drives nursing practice and education. The program is designed for students interested in pursuing academic and education roles, as well as research roles in healthcare settings. The program culminates in the student’s defense of the dissertation, an original research study to advance knowledge in nursing science on a variety of topics. The dissertation is a requirement of the Ph.D. in nursing degree.

Dissertation Development

Early engagement between faculty and student is key to successful dissertation development. Students will select a dissertation chair, with whom they will work closely throughout the duration of the program in an individual student-chair dyad, online environment. This facilitates ongoing dissertation development and guidance throughout the doctoral program, and aims to promote dissertation completion.

Ph.D. Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Synthesize empirical and theoretical literature from nursing and other disciplines regarding nursing education and clinical practice.
  2. Design a nursing research study that examines, refines, and advances nursing science and theory to transform nursing education and clinical practice.
  3. Critically evaluate research findings as applicable to nursing science.
  4. Contribute to the field of nursing science through the dissemination of research findings.

Ph.D. Admission Requirements

Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on the following criteria. These admissions standards represent the minimum eligibility requirements for the program. Admission committee members reserve the right to request additional information from candidates as needed for a more in-depth review of qualifications. Admission is not guaranteed.

  • Master’s level nursing degree.
  • Official transcripts from a master’s or doctoral degree program showing a GPA of  3.0 or higher
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher from a master’s or doctoral degree granting institution which is programmatically (ACEN, NLNAC, CCNE) accredited.
  • • Unencumbered current RN license; and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license and national board certification, as appropriate.
  • • Current curriculum vitae
  • • Letter of intent describing your professional goals, research topic and the reason for pursuing the Ph.D. degree
  • • Two recommendations from graduate-level nurses or faculty who can attest to your ability to be successful in a Ph.D. program

https://www.wilkes.edu/bulletin/current/graduate/degrees-programs/nursing/doctor-of-philosophy-in-nursing/index.aspx

Total Credits: 47


Students may be required to take up to 6 credits of additional coursework in preparation for the dissertation topic chosen. This decision will be determined, in collaboration with the student’s dissertation chairperson. Students must complete these additional credits prior to enrollment in NSG 628 .

*NSG 615  (2-day Friday and Saturday residency prior to the initial course start date)
**NSG 628  (2-week timed, scheduled comprehensive written examination)

Students who have not successfully completed data collection by the conclusion of NSG 630  will be required to enroll in an additional 3 credit “extension” course. More than one of these “extension” courses may be taken if needed to complete data collection. Students will receive an incomplete for NSG 630  until all course work is satisfied. Students who have not successfully defended their dissertation by the conclusion of NSG 631  will be required to enroll in an additional 3credit “extension” course. More than one of these “extension” courses may be taken if needed to complete the dissertation. Students will receive an incomplete for NSG 631  until all course work is satisfied. Extension courses are Pass/Fail. Students must complete the program, including dissertation defense, within 7 years from the date of enrollment.

Ph.D. -DNP Curriculum


Courses are 12 weeks, fully online, except for a 1-day virtual residency (NSG- 615) and 2 week dissertation competency exam (NSG-628).

NSG 615 (1-day Friday virtual residency prior to the initial course start date)

NSG 628 (2-week; timed, scheduled comprehensice written examination)

Total Credits: 24


An elective practicum course is available for students with less than 400 hours from their master’s degree and post grad/APRN certificate programs. These courses provide students with additional time to complete the required 1000 hours for the D.N.P. degree, prior to the start of the D.N.P. project. Students may take the following elective practicum course to gain hours:

Total Credits: 41


Students may be required to take up to 6 credits of additional coursework in preparation for the dissertation topic chosen. This decision will be determined, in collaboration with the student’s dissertation chairperson. Students must complete these additional credits prior to enrollment in NSG 628 .

*NSG 615  (2-day Friday and Saturday residency prior to the initial course start date)
**NSG 628  (2-week; timed, scheduled comprehensive written examination)

Students who have not successfully completed data collection by the conclusion of NSG 630  will be required to enroll in an additional 3 credit “extension” course. More than one of these “extension” courses may be taken if needed to complete data collection. Students will receive an incomplete for NSG 630  until all course work is satisfied. Students who have not successfully defended their dissertation by the conclusion of NSG 631  will be required to enroll in an additional 3credit “extension” course. More than one of these “extension” courses may be taken if needed to complete the dissertation. Students will receive an incomplete for NSG 631  until all course work is satisfied. Extension courses are Pass/Fail. Students must complete the program, including dissertation defense, within 7 years from the date of enrollment.

Residency


All students will be required to take this introductory course (NSG 615 ) prior to the start of the program and NSG 616 . This course is a 1-day Friday, virtual residency, providing studetns with the opportunity to begin to build academic relationships and community, and ease the transition into  doctoral level education.

Ph.D. Competency, Comprehensive Exam


(NSG 628 )

All Ph.D. students are required to successfully pass the timed, scheduled comprehensive exam (NSG 628 ) before proceeding into the Dissertation Seminar (NSG 629 ).Students are provided a specific date and time period to complete the comprehensive exam during NSG 628 . If a student is unsuccessful on the first attempt, they may retake the comprehensive exam one time only. If the comprehensive exam is failed a second time, the student will be dismissed from the program and ineligible to return.