Nursing (Leadership), Ph.D.

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing is to prepare scholars with expertise in selected, substantive areas who will contribute to the science and practice of nursing through systematic inquiry and theory development. Graduates will be prepared to meet state, regional, and national needs for doctorally prepared faculty in schools of nursing and other leadership positions in health-related organizations.

The college has a collaborative program with the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing. Each university grants its own degree, but there are common admission requirements and a common core of courses that may be taken on either campus. Each institution has different selected fields of study.

The college offers two track options: BSN to Ph.D. and Post -Master’s Ph.D.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the Ph.D. program depends upon sufficient enrollment, university resources, and qualifications of applicants. A select number of students will be admitted to the program based on the following criteria:

1. Completed application to The University of Southern Mississippi Graduate School.
2. Graduate from a baccalaureate or master’s program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
3. Minimum 3.0 GPA for the most recent nursing degree.
4. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections).
5. An unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
6. Curriculum vitae or professional resumé.
7. Submission of three (3) letters of reference from individuals (doctoral level nursing individuals preferred ) familiar with the applicant’s academic/professional background and experience in nursing practice, specifying in detail the applicant’s capability for doctoral study.
8. Cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of research interests submitted with application.
9. An interview (face-to-face or via telephone).
10. Proof of current CPR certification, criminal background check, hepatitis, Tdap, and MMR immunizations, and TB test or titer.
11. TOEFL or IELTS if International applicant.

Academic Progression

A sequence of courses, examinations, and a dissertation mark the students’ progression in the Ph.D. program.

1. Selection of a Doctoral Program Committee.
2. A comprehensive examination administered after all major coursework has been completed.
3. Selection of a dissertation committee which will oversee the student’s work toward the degree.
4. A final oral examination (dissertation defense) which covers the dissertation research and related fields administered at the completion of the dissertation - students should consult the Human Subjects Committee (IRB).
5. Fulfillment of the residency requirement, which may be met by continuous enrollment of
   6 semester hours for each of 4 consecutive semesters, or
   9 semester hours for each of 3 consecutive semesters, or
   12 semester hours for each of 2 consecutive semesters.
6. Fulfillment of Research Tool(s) requirements.
7. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirement specified in the front section of this Bulletin.

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education

All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The Department will require subsequent CITI training in other areas such as Human Subjects at a time closer to their dissertation. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information. Further, all faculty supervising student research, including regular or associate graduate status faculty must complete the CITI training module required by the Graduate School and their department.