Nursing (Leadership), Ph.D. (online)

The purpose of this online 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 Ph.D. program offers two tracks 100 % online: Post-Masters and BSN to Ph.D. The Post-Masters track requires 48 hours credits during a minimum of 24-30 months of full-time study. The BSN to PhD track requires 60 hours credit during a minimum of 36-42 months of full-time study. Both full-time and part-time is available.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the online 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 and College of Nursing and Health Professions.
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 (online or 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 online 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 virtual residency requirement, which may be met by continuous online 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 schools the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The school 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 school.