PhD PROGRAM
PhD ENTRY OPTIONS
One of the unique features of the PhD Program at the FPB School of Nursing is its variety of entry points and scheduling options, which are detailed below.
TRADITIONAL Ph.D. ENTRY OPTION
If you have already earned the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, you can enter the Ph.D. program directly and complete the Ph.D. core coursework during the fall and spring semesters.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree requires a minimum of 54 semester hours of course work, providing a foundation for a dissertation. Programs are individually planned, allowing applicants with the MSN degree to build on their prior master's education.
Click here to see the Ph.D. core requirements.
FAST TRACK: B.S.N-Ph.D. ENTRY OPTION
This post-baccalaureate option is designed to allow nurses with a BSN to pursue the Ph.D. degree without needing to earn a Master's degree.
Candidates are educated as nurse scientists and will be prepared for careers in research and academia.
Before starting the Ph.D. core requirements,
candidates must complete transition courses to gain Clinical Knowledge and be able to develop a research focus pertinent to nursing in the Context of Care (see below):
NURS 507: Clinical
Knowledge
NURS 508: Context
of Care
The FPB School of Nursing offers PhD courses during June and July so that you can earn your PhD in only six summers. The Summer Only option is particularly designed for individuals who have commitments during the fall, winter, and spring months, such as those who have faculty positions during the academic year.
Students may also take courses during regular semesters if they choose (hence all year round), thereby potentially shortening the length of the program. The courses for the Summer Option are the same as those outlined in the general PhD brochure.
Students who want to attain their Ph.D. as soon as possible may accelerate their doctoral studies by taking Ph.D. courses all year round, including summers.
Individuals who are interested in entering the PhD in Nursing Program at Case in the near future may apply to register as a non-degree student for up to 9 credits (3 courses). The application form is available from the School of Graduate Studies. The applicant must obtain written permission from the faculty teaching the course and the Associate Dean for Doctoral Education at the School of Nursing. Continuation of this status is at the discretion of the School of Nursing's Associate Dean for Doctoral Education. Status as a non-degree student does not imply acceptance into Case's PhD in Nursing program. If the non-degree student applies for admission and is accepted by Case, coursework completed as a non-degree student may be applied towards degree requirements for the PhD in Nursing program.