School of Nursing—Doctoral Degree Programs

With one of the oldest nursing doctoral programs in the country, the School offers two programs to develop nursing leaders who can fulfill the expectations and demands of today's evolving health care system. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program prepares nurse scholars who will discover and extend scientific knowledge that advances the science and practice of nursing and contributes to other disciplines. Graduates can assume leadership roles within research teams, health care systems, and schools of nursing in academic institutions.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares nurses within a clinical focus (nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthesia) or a systems focus (nursing administration). Graduates are prepared for advanced practice at a new level of state-of-the-art science expertise with grounding in evidence based practice.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD program provides a coherent series of courses, seminars, and discussions designed to develop in the student a mature understanding of content, methods, and values of the discipline of nursing and its relation to other fields. The curriculum includes courses in history and philosophy of science, theoretical foundations for research and the structure of knowledge. Additional courses include advanced statistics; quantitative and qualitative research methods; and advanced quantitative methods; research emphasis seminars; instrumentation; and several research practica with experienced research mentors. Students work with faculty nurse researchers and researchers in other disciplines. The dissertation is the culminating requirement in the course of study.

Admission to the PhD Program

Admission to the PhD program is assessed through interviews, references, standardized testing, a written statement of goals, and a second writing sample. Documentation of academic success and achievement of competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years are necessary.

Prerequisites to the advanced statistical courses in the program plan include two parametric statistical courses, which are to prepare the student in descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. If the student does not possess such a statistics background when entering the program, then the parametric statistics sequences offered in the Department of Biostatistics (BIOST 2041 and BIOST 2042) or in the Department of Psychology in Education (PSYED 2018 and 2019) must be taken and completed with a minimum of a B- grade. Students may fulfill these prerequisites at other universities. An evaluation of the content of a course taken elsewhere must be made by the Director of the PhD Program to determine its comparability with the prerequisite knowledge base needed by all students. Prerequisite statistics course work is reinforced by additional required courses during the student's doctoral program: a 3-credit course in regression analysis (BIOST 2049 or PSYED 2410) and an elective course in either advanced statistics or research methods.. The doctoral faculty strongly recommends that students develop knowledge of and experience with word processing, database management, and computerized literature searches prior to applying to the PhD program.

Length of Program

The post-master's full-time student (MSN to PhD) may complete the program in approximately three to four years. Full-time enrollment is strongly encouraged. The PhD Program requires a minimum of 94 credits (this includes a maximum of 30 credits transferred from a master's degree). The part-time student may complete the program in four to six years. The statute of limitations for completion of the MSN to PhD track is eight consecutive calendar years from the first term of registration for credits that are in the required curriculum plan for the doctoral degree. (See Statute of Limitation/Leaves of Absence in the University bulletin for more information.)

In addition to the requirements for the traditional post MSN to PhD track, the BSN to PhD track (minimum of 94 credits) requires selected coursework from the master's program. These courses do not lead to a master's degree. Students admitted to the BSN to PhD track are expected to enroll full-time. The statute of limitations for completion of this track is 10 consecutive calendar years from the first term of registration for credits that are in the required curriculum plan for the doctoral degree. For more information, see School of Nursing Policy 208. Students in the BSN to PhD track are encouraged to pursue a master's degree in nursing.

Post-MSN to PhD Curriculum

TOTAL CREDITS: MINIMUM OF 94 CREDITS (includes 30 from master's degree)

*One research emphasis course is required.

¹PSYED 2410 or BIOST 2049 may be taken.

Note:

• HPS1653 must be taken before NUR 3016 and NUR 3027
  
• The prerequisites for NUR 3110 are NUR 3016 and PSYED 2018 and 2019 or BIOSTAT 2041 and 2042.
  
• Either PSYED 2410 or BIOST 2049 may be taken to meet the applied regression requirement.
  
• Only one Research Emphasis Seminar is required. These courses are not offered every year.
  
• The prerequisite for NUR 3115 is permission of the instructor.
  
• See Policy 230 regarding the taking of the Preliminary Examination and Policy 235 regarding the Comprehensive Examination/Overview.
  
• Note that schools/departments outside the School of Nursing offer courses at their discretion; therefore, students may not be able to take these classes in the order appearing on this plan.
• Up to 30 credits may be granted for one's master's degree program.
• NUR 3060: Independent Study and NUR 3045: Research Practicum can be taken for variable credits
• FTDP (full-time dissertation, 0 credits) can only be taken after completing the minimum 12 credits of NUR 3010: PhD Dissertation
  

BSN-PhD Curriculum (Students are expected to enroll full-time)

TOTAL CREDITS: MINIMUM OF 94 CREDITS

Note:

• Two courses (Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Therapeutics Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Topics in Genetics, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Culturally Diverse Populations, or Diagnostic Physical Exam Across the Lifespan) are required.
• HPS1653 must be taken before NUR 3016 and NUR 3027.
• The prerequisites for NUR 3110 are NUR 3016 and PSYED 2018 and 2019 or BIOST 2041 and 2042.
• Either PSYED 2410, or BIOST 2049 may be taken to meet the applied regression requirement.
• Only one Research Emphasis Seminar is required. These courses are not offered every year.
• The prerequisite for NUR 3115 is permission of the instructor.
• See School of Nursing Policy 230 regarding the taking of the Preliminary Examination and School of Nursing Policy 235 regarding the Comprehensive Examination/Overview
• Note that schools/departments outside the School of Nursing offer courses at their discretion; therefore, students may not be able to take these classes in the order appearing on this plan.
• NUR 3060:Independent Study and NUR 3045: Research Practicum can be taken for variable credits
• FTDP (full-time dissertation 0 credits) can only be taken after completing the minimum 12 credits of NUR 3010: Dissertation

Preliminary and Comprehensive Examinations and Dissertation Overview

The preliminary examination is taken after completing required courses: Theoretical Foundations for Research, Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, Seminar on Structure of Knowledge, and all statistics prerequisites. The examination is designed to assess the student's breadth of knowledge of the discipline of nursing and potential ability to apply research methods independently. Remediation work may be required if deficiencies are identified that may impede the student's success in program completion. See School of Nursing Policy 230.

The comprehensive examination assesses the student's mastery of the general field of doctoral study, acquisition of depth and breadth of knowledge in a focused area of study, and the ability to use the research methods of the discipline. The comprehensive examination is taken after completion of all required course work and concurrent with the dissertation overview. See School of Nursing Policy 235.

The dissertation overview requires the student to formulate a research plan and to justify the selected approach for studying the topic before the student's dissertation committee.

Dissertation Committee

Prior to the comprehensive examination and the dissertation overview, the student and research advisor propose, subject to approval by the director of the PhD program and the dean, a committee of four or more members, one of whom must be from another school within the University and the majority of whom must be from the School of Nursing. A majority including the major advisor, must also be full members of the Graduate Faculty of the University.

See Doctoral Committee under Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Degrees of the University bulletin.

Admission to Candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy

Admission to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree constitutes a promotion of the student to the most advanced stage of graduate study and provides formal approval to devote essentially exclusive attention to the research and the writing of the dissertation. To qualify for admission to candidacy, students must be in full graduate status, have satisfied the requirement of the preliminary examination, have completed formal courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.00, have passed the comprehensive examination, and have received approval of the proposed dissertation research by the dissertation committee. Admission to candidacy is granted by the Dean.

Residency Requirement

Students seeking the PhD degree are required to engage in a minimum of one term of full-time doctoral study (nine credits), which excludes any other employment except as approved. The doctoral student must notify the PhD program director in writing the term that this occurs.

Dissertation and Abstract

The date and title of the dissertation defense must be submitted to the PhD program director one month prior to the final defense. For definitions and detail on what constitutes an acceptable dissertation, please see Dissertation and Abstract under Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Degrees of this bulletin.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY NURSING MINOR

Students enrolled in any doctoral program at the University of Pittsburgh may apply for a minor in the nursing PhD program. All courses in the PhD program are open to students enrolled in other doctoral programs at the University. Only one minor can be pursued for each degree. The completed minor appears on the official transcript when the degree is awarded.

PROCEDURE:

Students wishing to enroll in a minor or in nursing PhD courses must contact the Director of the PhD Program, School of Nursing.

The minor in Nursing requires a minimum of 15 credits. Any combination of the following courses may be used toward the minor:

Prerequisite courses may be required.

School of Nursing faculty may offer independent study (NUR 3060) as negotiated by the student/faculty.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This practice-focused doctoral program will prepare nursing leaders for the highest level of clinical nursing practice. Throughout the program students will develop the clinical, organizational, economic, and leadership skills to design and implement programs of care delivery which significantly impact health care outcomes and have the potential to transform health care delivery. Graduates with this terminal clinical degree will be prepared for roles in direct care or indirect, systems-focused care.

In today's health care environment advanced practice nurses require complex clinical skills and sophisticated knowledge of the evidence-base for practice. Graduates of the DNP will be able to affect the health care delivery system by being superb clinicians, by evaluating the evidence base for nursing practice, by becoming leaders in the clinical arenas, by establishing standards and policies, and by meeting the needs of today's diverse health care systems.

Admission to the DNP Program

The DNP Program admits BSN graduates, advanced practice nurses and nursing administrators who have completed a graduate  degree in nursing from  an NLN, CCNE, ACICS, or ACEN accredited program in nursing.*

* BSN graduates with a master’s in other areas may be considered for admission.

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the Doctor of Nursing Practice should meet all of the following criteria:

• A competitive GPA: A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. On most recent degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing [BSN] or masters).
• A current license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the state or U.S. territory where the student will complete the clinical practice requirements. International applicants should see the section below on Admission of Students from Other Countries and Policy 201
• A pre-admission interview. If the applicant resides at a great distance, a telephone interview may be substituted.
• Evidence of ability to communicate in writing through the required personal essay, and achievement of 3 or above on the analytical writing section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) when required (see item #8)
• Pre-requisite statistics course within the last 10 years with a grade of B or better
• Applicants to the DNP Program must have a BSN or an entry level MSN (that incorporated AACN BSN Essentials from an NLN, CCNE, ACICS or ACEN accredited program in nursing) or masters in a related field.
• Applicants to the Master DNP Program must have a master’s degree in nursing (from an NLN, CCNE,  ACICS or ACEN accredited program) or masters in a related field.
• GRE is required for all BSN-DNP applicants and MSN-DNP applicants with GPA less than 3.5 (most recent degree). A competitive score is required. Competitive applicants are expected to score in the 50th percentile or above on both the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE and 3 or above on the analytical writing section. GRE scores are acceptable for five years after the test date.
• Specific Areas of Concentration/Majors may have additional eligibility criteria.

Application Procedure

1. Completed application form
2. A non-refundable application fee
3. Complete official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate education
4. Admission test scores if applicable
5. Three letters of professional recommendation in sealed envelopes indicating the reviewer’s support of the student’s ability to successfully complete a demanding graduate level academic and clinical program. At least one recommendation should come from a current or recent direct supervisor.
6. Personal essay stating one’s philosophy of nursing, reasons for wanting to study in a particular area of specialization, expectation of the DNP Area of Specialty, and future career goals
7. Applicants to the DNP should include in their essay an area of interest for consideration as a capstone project
8. Current CV or resume

Admission of International Students

Application is made through the Student Services Office, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 239 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. Applications from international students are reviewed according to the DNP programs admission criteria stated above and are admitted as stated above. The application must be completed in English and accompanied by official academic credentials with notarized English translations.  Applicants to the Post-Master’s DNP Program must have a degree comparable to the U.S. master’s degree in nursing.

Applicants to the BSN to DNP Program must have a degree comparable to the U.S. baccalaureate degree in nursing or entry level master’s degree in nursing. The official transcripts must show all high school and post-high school work, including grades in each course, examination grades and standing in examinations and classes, and whatever other credentials are available to give a clear description of the student’s academic accomplishments.  “Applicants to the DNP Programs from other countries should review Policy 201 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION, GRADUATE PROGRAM for additional admission criteria for international students.”

Admission of the RN-DNP program students

Applicants to the RN-DNP program must graduate from a CCNE, NLN, ACICS or ACEN accredited associate degree program or diploma school of nursing. A student may be admitted to the DNP program pending satisfactory completion of the 24 graduate bridge credits and completion of the BSN.

Transcripts, test scores, and other required materials should be mailed to:

University of Pittsburgh

School of Nursing

3500 Victoria Street

239 Victoria Bldg.

Pittsburgh,  PA  15261

Important Information for DNP Applicants from Other Countries

International students may not register until non-academic clearance has been issued by the University Office of International Services. It is especially important that the student have proof of adequate financial support and a current Visa.

After admission, the School of Nursing reserves the right, even after arrival and enrollment, to require, at the student's expense., individual curriculum adjustments whenever particular deficiencies or needs are found. This could include enrollment in courses prerequisite to the regular course of study or additional course work in English as a second language.

To facilitate the educational experience and to help the student adjust to the United States, the University offers the support of the Office of International Services, 706 William Pitt Union, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA 15260.

For international applicants whose native language is not English, successful achievement on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is required.

After admission to the DNP program has been granted, actual enrollment in courses is contingent upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) and licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Pennsylvania or the state or U.S. territory where the clinical practice requirements will be completed. To be eligible to take the NCLEX in Pennsylvania, a candidate must have passing scores on the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) examination.

Length of Program

RNs may be accepted to the DNP Program after earning a BSN, however a BSN is required to complete the DNP. A BSN is required for those applicants with MSN or PhD in nursing degree. We will consider nurses with a master's in areas other than nursing.  The duration of the full-time program will depend on the student's preparation prior to entry: (1) Following a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing approximately 3 years full time; (2) Following a Master’s Degree in nursing approximately 1-2 years full time. The applicant's master’s transcript will be compared with the DNP curriculum and their previous coursework will be reviewed for permissible transfer credits in keeping with University policy and program requirements. (3) Following a PhD Degree in Nursing approximately 1-2 years full time. The applicant's PhD transcripts will be compared with the DNP curriculum. Academic credit for comparable coursework will be granted in keeping with University policy.

Curriculum

Coursework and clinical practice are required in the DNP curriculum. The core theory content and set of core competencies for all DNP graduates are aligned with The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN].

The DNP focuses on evaluating evidence and using evidence in clinical decision-making, developing leadership skills, implementing viable clinical innovations, and applying research and theoretical understanding to plan and make changes in practice. There is also emphasis on a population perspective, assessment of populations, use of data to make programmatic decisions, and program evaluation.

Core courses of this curriculum focus on advanced evidence-based practice, organizational and systems leadership, clinical research and analytical methods for evidence-based practice, informatics and patient care technology for the transformation of health care, health care policy and finance, ethics, clinical prevention and population health, and inter-professional collaboration for improving patient and population health outcomes. This knowledge is then expanded upon through cognates within selected areas of focus. The DNP educational experience culminates in a Capstone Project that reflects the practice interest of the student and the synthesis and application of knowledge gained through the curriculum.

DNP Curriculum Plans

Major: Nurse Specialty Role

Area of Concentration: Nursing Administration BSN to DNP Sample Full Time Curriculum

TOTAL CREDITS: 81

*Students may take NUR 3050/3450* Grant Writing offered in summer term in lieu of this course

** Clinical courses

*** 2 credits are clinical; 1 is didactic

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

Area of Concentration: Nursing Administration MSN to DNP Sample Full Time Curriculum

TOTAL CREDITS: 41

* Students may take NUR 3050/3450* Grant Writing offered in summer term. NUR 3052/3452* Manuscript Development is offered in the spring term.

**Clinical courses

*** 2 credits are clinical; 1 is didactic

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

Major: Clinical Nurse Specialist

Area of Concentration: Adult-Gerontology CNS-BSN to DNP Sample Full Time Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified onsite students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

TOTAL CREDITS: 81

Area of Concentration: Adult-Gerontology CNS-MSN to DNP Sample Full Time Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified onsite students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

TOTAL CREDITS: 36 to 40

Area of Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health MSN to DNP PMH CNS Sample Full Time Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf)

TOTAL CREDITS: 36-40

Major: Nurse Practitioner

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified onsite students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

***Students may take NUR 3050/3450* Grant Writing  offered in the summer term in lieu of this course.

TOTAL CREDITS: 39

Area of Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner BSN to DNP Sample Full Time Curriculum

Total Credits: 81

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified onsite students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

**3052/3452* Manuscript Development offered in the Spring Term can be taken in lieu of NUR 3050/3450* Grant Writing offered in the Summer Term.

Area of Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN to DNP Sample Full Time Curriculum

Total Credits: 41

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified onsite students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

***3052/3452* Manuscript Development offered in the Spring Term can be taken in lieu of NUR 3050 Grant Writing offered in the Summer Term.

Area of Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Sample Full Time BSN to DNP Curriculum

TOTAL CREDITS: 90

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

Area of Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Sample Full Time  MSN to DNP Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

** Must take at least 1 credit

TOTAL CREDITS: 49-51 (depends on previous masters)

Area of Concentration: Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) Nurse Practitioner Sample Full Time BSN to DNP Curriculum

TOTAL CREDITS: 85

Area of Concentration: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Sample Full Time MSN to DNP Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

**Must take at least one credit

TOTAL CREDITS: 41-50

Area of Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Sample Full Time BSN to DNP Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

TOTAL CREDITS: 93

Area of Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Sample Full Time MSN to DNP Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

**Must take at least one credit.

TOTAL CREDITS: minimum 41

Area of Concentration: Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

(PMHNP) BSN to DNP Sample Full Time Curriculum

* Therapy courses (choose 2 of 3)

**NURCNS 2350 Group Therapy Theory/*NURCNS 2351 Group Therapy Practicum
**NURCNS 2352 Family Theory/Therapy Techniques /*NURCNS 2353 Family Therapy Role Seminar & Practicum
**NURCNS 2354 Individual Psychotherapy Theory/*NURCNS 2355 Individual Psychotherapy Practicum

*** 3052/3452* Manuscript Development offered in the Spring Term can be taken in lieu of Grant Writing offered in the summer term

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

Total Credits: 93

Area of Concentration: Psychiatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

(PPCNP) MSN to DNP Sample Full Time Curriculum

** NUR 3050/3450* Grant Writing or NUR 3052/3452* Manuscript Development

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

(http://www.nursing.pitt.edu/docs/policies/administrative/438.pdf).

Total Credits 37-46

Major: Nurse Anesthesia

Anesthesia MSN to DNP Program: Sample Full Time Curriculum

* These courses are available via distance education for qualified students per Policy 438

TOTAL CREDITS: 36