Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science

Curriculum

Full-Time

The full-time Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science curriculum consists of 67 credits and is designed to be completed in nine semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.

Part-Time

The part-time Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science curriculum consists of 67 credits and is designed to be completed in 12 semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.

* A minimum of fourteen credit hours of NRPHD 990 are required. Credits above that amount maybe required, at three credits per semester, until the dissertation work is completed.

Research or Content-Focused Electives

A minimum of nine credits of research or content-focused electives must be taken.

• NRPHD708, Advanced Health Policy & Advocacy. 3 credit hours
• NRPHD829, Mixed Methods Research. 3 credit hours
• NRPHD840, Nursing Workforce Research. 3 credit hours
• NRPHD842, Intervention Development, Dissemination, & Implementation 3 credit hours
• NRPHD843, Palliative Care Research. 3 credit hours
• NRPHD844, Community Engaged Research. 3 credit hours
• NRPHD845, Trends in Technology Science. 3 credit hours

Additional courses may be taken as research or content-focused electives with permission of the course faculty, research mentor, and Ph.D. Assistant Dean. 

• NRPHD800, Mentored Teaching, 3 credit hours
• NRPHD841, Mentored Special Topics. 1-9 variable credit hours
• Nurse Educator Courses required for NFLP recipients if not already CNE:
  • NURSM615, Methodology of Online Teaching, 3 credit hours
  • NURSM703, Instructional Process, 3 credit hours
  • NURSM713, Curriculum Design & Development, 3 credit hours

Research Opportunities

Engage in mentored research opportunities as you collaborate with faculty members who are at the forefront of behavioral health, program development and implementation science. 

Technology Applications Center for Healthful Lifestyles (TACHL): Collaboration opportunities with TACHL, which specializes in the development, testing and dissemination of digital innovations designed to promote health, prevent disease and manage health care effectively. 

The Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization: Leverage resources from the Zucker Institute to support the commercialization of innovative research, bringing your ideas to life and maximizing their impact. 

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Submit the AACN NursingCAS application as early as possible. After fee payment and official transcripts are received, it usually takes four to six weeks to process and verify the application. The application must be verified by the application deadline to be eligible for review.
2. Review the MUSC admissions process.
3. Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application. 
4. Once both applications are complete and the AACN NursingCAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview. 

Application Requirements

1. AACN NursingCAS Application: The following materials must be submitted through the AACN NursingCAS application system, which may be accessed by clicking here. You do not need to send any of the following information directly to MUSC.
   1. Letters of Recommendation: All applicants must provide three letters of recommendation who can address academic motivation, research and scholarly potential, including one academic reference and preferably from a Ph.D. prepared nurse. 
   2. Official transcripts from all institutions attended 
   3. Personal essay: All applicants must submit a personal essay. 
   4. Curriculum Vitae: Applicants must provide an updated CV detailing relevant academic and professional experiences. 
2. MUSC Supplemental Application: All applicants must submit the MUSC Supplemental Application, which may be accessed by clicking here. 
3. Supplemental Materials: In addition to the application itself, the applicant must review supplemental materials specific to the program to which they are applying. These forms are sent via email once an application has been submitted. 
4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores: The score report of the TOEFL is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. A TOEFL score of at least 80 is required.

International Applicants

MUSC’s College of Nursing Ph.D. in Nursing Science is able to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States. 

MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process. View details at International Applicants.

Cost of Attendance

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships. 

Competencies

Upon completion of the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program, graduates should be able to:

• Apply advanced theoretical frameworks and philosophies of science to formulate researchable questions in nursing and health
• Design, implement and critically analyze rigorous quantitative, qualitative and mixed‑methods studies that advance nursing knowledge
• Communicate research findings clearly and persuasively to academic, clinical, policy and public audiences through written, oral and digital dissemination
• Collaborate across disciplines and within interdisciplinary teams to co‑create knowledge and innovate in nursing science
• Provide mentorship and leadership in scholarly settings, fostering emerging researchers and influencing the development of the nursing profession

Vision

To lead a bold new era in nursing. 

Mission

To transform health care through education, practice and research. 

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.