Hampton University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines a family/family-related research core, research methods, cognate options, and dissertation research. Core family research courses total 20 semester hours and include:

• NURO 704 Introduction to Online Learning/Scientific Writing (2)
• NURO 710 Family/Family Related Research: Historical and Cultural Perspectives (3)
• NURO 711 Family/Family Related Research: Philosophical, Conceptual and Theoretical Perspectives (3)
• NURO 712 Family/Family Related Research: Theory & Concept Analysis (3)
• NURO 713 Family/Family Related Research: Leadership, Policy, and Ethics (3)
• NURO 718 Analysis & Evaluation of Theory Generating & Theory Testing Research (3)
• NURO 717 Family/Family Related Research: Instrument Development (3)

The doctoral research core (15 hours) includes statistics and mixed methods options:

• NURO 670 Statistics for Health Professionals (3)
• NURO 714 Quantitative Methods I (3)
• NURO 716 Qualitative Methods I (3)
• NURO 715/719 Quantitative Methods II or Qualitative Methods II (3)
• NURO 725 Grantsmanship and Publications (3)

Cognate options (9 hours) allow further concentration. Family/family-related cognate courses include NURO 720, 721, 722, 723, 724 and NURO 799 (Independent Study). An alternate Nurse Educator cognate is available with courses such as NURO 726 through NURO 733, including curriculum development and an advanced internship.

Dissertation research is carried out across four dissertation research courses (NURO 801–804, 4 credits each) plus a comprehensive exam (NURO 800) and a dissertation defense (NURO 805).

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program and have a graduate GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Required application materials include a completed online application, a 3–5 page personal statement detailing rationale for applying, goals, expectations, prior research and a potential dissertation interest, a current CV listing education, research/scholarly activity and service, and a valid nursing license in any U.S. state at admission. Three professional letters of recommendation on letterhead, a personal interview with a doctoral faculty member (at the applicant’s expense), approval by the School of Nursing Graduate Admissions committee, and a copy of State or Federal ID are also required. Official transcripts should be sent as directed; unofficial/opened/scanned transcripts are not accepted.

Career prospects

The programme prepares graduates for advanced roles that rely on doctoral-level research skills and the ability to design and conduct family-focused nursing research. Typical pathways include academic research and faculty positions, leadership in nursing research projects, and roles requiring rigorous methodological expertise to inform policy or program evaluation.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Applicants may apply for U.S. federal student aid via FAFSA (School Code: 003714). The published cost per credit is $695; courses run in 8-week sessions. Prospective students should contact the university’s financial aid office for details and eligibility.