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Our online Ph.D. in Nursing will empower you to reach the highest level of education in nursing science. Balance your education with your life through an online program designed for working professionals — all with a lower tuition cost than many Ph.D. programs. FAQs
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.
Master’s Degree in Nursing with a 3.3 GPA
Unencumbered R.N. license*
Resume/ CV
Two letters of recommendation
Check state authorization
*Applications presenting a history of disciplinary action on professional licenses will be subject to an additional review process by the Special Licensure Discrepancy Committee of the university.
Flexible format — 100% online
Competitive tuition — $1,024 per credit hour
One two-day residency
Two opportunities per year to start classes
Three years average completion time
The focus of this course is to prepare doctoral students to examine the development and organization of nursing knowledge. Philosophies of science, epistemologies and their influence on knowledge development in the discipline of nursing, and strategies for theory development and analysis are explored. (Credits: 3)
This course acquaints students with philosophical issues and nursing theories relevant to nursing education. An overview of central metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical system, considering specific issues in the philosophies of science and ethics that are of particular focus in nursing education. (Credits: 3)
The nurse researcher contributes towards the development of healthcare policy and politics in local, state, national, and global healthcare markets. Application and analysis of evidence-based research on policy and politics will impact population health outcomes and the future of nursing education, research, and practice. (Credits: 3)
App Due: Jul 23, 2021
Next Start: Aug 30, 2021
This course introduces students to the seven steps of the research process, focusing on the development of researchable problems, literature review, and hypothesis/question generation within the context of quantitative and qualitative research designs and methods. (Credits: 3)
This course builds on the knowledge of philosophy, theory, and research process. The student, in consultation with his/her chairperson, begins the dissertation process. (Credits: 3)
This course applies knowledge of statistical methods used in nursing research. Topics include parametric and non-parametric methods of data analysis and model building. Alternate approaches to analysis of data are considered. (Credits: 3)
This course explores the current state of nursing research and the major research and funding trends in nursing and health care. Students will be engaged in preparing a fundable grant application for dissertation study and strategies used to publish research funding. (Credits: 3)
| Compare Programs | Ph.D. In Nursing (Research Focused) |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (Practice Focused) |
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| Program Objectives | Prepare nurses at the highest level of nursing science to conduct research to advance the science of nursing | Prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes |
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“My experiences as a Ph.D. in Nursing student at Wilkes University have been overwhelmingly positive! The program is rigorous but I would not have expected it to be any other way. The faculty have been very responsive to my professional as well as personal needs.
Kristen Sagedy, MSN, RN, CEN
Online Ph.D. in Nursing students can expect a variety of beneficial program outcomes.
Build critical knowledge as it relates to nursing theory, health care issues, nursing education and obtaining research funding:
Advance your research skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis while expanding on study design:
Develop a comprehensive dissertation with the support of a dedicated chairperson:
At Wilkes, we support and applaud lifelong learning. We are constantly changing, evolving and growing to meet the needs of our online student nurses. We look ahead to the degree programs, experiences and opportunities our students will need to succeed, and that includes nursing clinical placement services.
Our online nursing programs offer a variety of options for working nurses. Whether you're looking to advance your current role or broaden your career path and pursue a new specialty, Wilkes has a flexible program for you. Going back to school is a big decision. That's why we offer the mentoring and faculty support of skilled nurse educators you need to succeed.
We’re here to talk about everything Wilkes, everything nursing and anything you need to make the right choice for your career. We'll even help with the application process. Click the link below to start the conversation. We can’t wait!
Out-of-State Students
The online nursing programs prepare graduates to take the national board certification exam appropriate to their chosen NP concentration. For ABSN, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). If you are a resident of another state, please see our full list of state authorizations to determine whether our program fulfills requirements for licensure in your home state.
For more than 80 years, Wilkes has been dedicated to the success of our students through academic excellence, educational access and return on investment. Some of the nation’s leading publications and renowned organizations have recognized this commitment. We are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our students, and that includes clinical placement.
To proceed with the Associate Degree in Nursing (R.N.) to M.S.N. program, you are required to have an associate’s degree in nursing and hold a current unencumbered R.N. license.
If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us.
To proceed with the M.S.N. program, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and hold a current unencumbered R.N. license.
If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us.
To proceed with either the D.N.P., Ph.D. or the Post Graduate A.P.R.N. Certification programs, you are required to have a master’s degree in nursing and hold a current unencumbered R.N. license.
If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us.
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