University of Kansas School of Medicine

What you'll study

Coursework is concentrated on research skill-building delivered through didactic courses, seminars and applied experiences. Degree requirements include 50 credit hours of coursework plus at least 15 dissertation credit hours; students entering from a DNP complete 29 coursework credit hours plus dissertation. The oral comprehensive exam is held at the dissertation proposal defense. Students must demonstrate competency in research skills and responsible scholarship.

Entry requirements

Applicants may enter the PhD program after completing one of the following: a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Master’s degree in nursing, or a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN).

Career prospects

Graduates commonly move into nursing education, research and administration: 75% of program alumni have been employed as faculty, researchers or administrators in nursing education. The remaining graduates have taken roles such as directors of research in hospitals and health systems, positions in pharmaceutical research, clinical practice, the National Institutes of Health, consultation, professional writing, and nursing administration in various agencies.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Doctoral students typically explore funding through institutional graduate assistantships, research grants tied to faculty mentors, and external fellowships; prospective applicants should discuss funding and scholarship opportunities with program admissions and potential faculty mentors.