PhD PROGRAM
PhD program sample plans
Unique to FPB’s PhD program is a variety of entry points and scheduling options.
Traditional Format Sample Plan
If you have already earned the MSN degree, you can enter the PhD program directly and complete the PhD core coursework during fall and spring semesters.
- A minimum of 3 credits of proposal development is required; however, students may need more time to complete their candidacy exam and proposal development and may therefore need to take more credits of proposal development.
- Concurrent enrollment in proposal development credits and dissertation credits is not permitted.
- Full time status = 9 credits per semester; up to 9 dissertation credits may be taken in a single semester.
- Total required credit hours for the nursing PhD (post MSN) = 57 credits
Year |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
1 |
Epistemology (3) Research Methods I (3) Basic Statistics (3) |
Theory Development (3) Research Methods II (3) Qualitative Research (3) |
2 |
Health Policy (3) Topical Seminar (3) Linear Models (3) |
Topical Seminar (3) Multivariate Analysis (3) Elective (3) |
3 |
Proposal Development (3) | Dissertation (9) |
4 |
Dissertation (9) |
Fast-Track Sample Plan
If you have a BSN or equivalent, you can pursue the PhD degree without earning an MSN. In addition to PhD core requirements, students must complete transition courses to gain clinical knowledge and be able to develop a research focus pertinent to nursing in the context of care.
- A minimum of 3 credits of proposal development is required; however, students may need more time to complete their candidacy exam and proposal development and may therefore need to take more credits of proposal development.
- Concurrent enrollment in proposal development credits and dissertation credits is not permitted.
- Full time status = 9 credits per semester; up to 9 dissertation credits may be taken in a single semester.
- Total required credit hours for the nursing PhD (post BSN or equivalent) = 63 credits
Year |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
1 |
Clinical Knowledge (3) Epistemology Basis Statistics |
Context of Care (3) Theory Development (3) Qualitative Research (3) |
2 |
Research Methods I (3) Health Policy (3) Linear Models (3) |
Research Methods II (3) Topical Seminar (3) Multivariate Statistics (3) |
3 |
Topical Seminar (3) Elective (3) Proposal Development (3) |
Dissertation (9) |
4 |
Dissertation (9) |
Summers-Only Option Sample Plan
Depending on the number of registrants, PhD courses may be offered during the summer months so you can earn your degree in six summers.
- A minimum of 3 credits of proposal development is required; however, students may need more time to complete their candidacy exam and proposal development and may therefore need to take more credits of proposal development.
- Concurrent enrollment in proposal development credits and dissertation credits is not permitted.
- Full time status = 9 credits per semester; up to 9 dissertation credits may be taken in a single semester.
- Total required credit hours for the nursing PhD (post MSN) = 57 credits
Year |
Course |
Academic Year at a Distance |
1 |
Epistemology (3) Research Methods I (3) Basic Statistics (3) |
Research Practicum: 80 hours |
2 |
Theory Development (3) Research Methods II (3) Qualitative Research (3) |
Research Practicum: 80 hours |
3 |
Health Policy (3) Topical Seminar (3) Linear Models (3) |
Research Practicum: 80 hours |
4 |
Topical Seminar (3) Multivariate Analysis (3) Elective (3) |
Fall Semester: Proposal Development (3) Spring Semester: Dissertation (9) |
5 |
Dissertation (9) |
Accelerated Option Sample Plan
Students who want to attain their PhD as soon as possible may accelerate their doctoral studies by taking PhD courses year round, including summers (minimum registration required).
- A minimum of 3 credits of proposal development is required; however, students may need more time to complete their candidacy exam and proposal development and may therefore need to take more credits of proposal development.
- Concurrent enrollment in proposal development credits and dissertation credits is not permitted.
- Full time status = 9 credits per semester; up to 9 dissertation credits may be taken in a single semester.
- Total required credit hours for the nursing PhD (post MSN) = 57 credits
Year |
Summer Semester |
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
1 |
Epistemology (3) Basic Statistics (3) |
Health Policy (3) Research Methods I (3) Linear Models (3) |
Topical Seminar (3) Research Methods II (3) Multivariate Analysis (3) |
2 |
Theory Development (3) Qualitative Research (3) |
Topical Seminar (3) Elective (3) Proposal Development (3) |
Dissertation (9) |
3 |
Dissertation (9) |