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 Admission Requirements and Procedures page of the 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.

A total of 48 semester hours are required for graduation, including 12 dissertation hours.

Core I - 36 hours

Requirements for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks

Core II (12 hours)

Additional Southern Miss requirements for BSN to Ph.D. track.

Additional Southern Miss requirements for BSN to Ph.D. track.

• NUR 827 – Structure and Governance in Higher Education 3 hrs.
• Support Courses (9 hrs.)

Dissertation

Required for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks. A total of 12 semester online hours is required for dissertation research (NUR 898).

Research Tools Requirements

Required for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks

The following courses meet the research tools requirements for the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:

These courses will be taken in a prescribed order not reflected here. Courses will also be taken during the summer semester.

• NUR 818 – Quantitative Research Design 3 hrs.
• NUR 821 – Qualitative Research Design 3 hrs.
• NUR 823 – Measurement in Nursing Science 3 hrs.
• Advanced Statistics 3 hrs.

Admission Requirements

The purpose of the 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 both 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 Ph.D. 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 Requirements

Admission to the online Ph.D. program depends upon sufficient enrollment, university resources, and qualifications of applicants. In addition to the criteria mentioned in Admission Requirements and Procedures, a select number of students will be admitted to the program based on the following criteria as required by the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:

1. Graduate from a baccalaureate or master’s program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
2. Minimum 3.0 GPA for the most recent nursing degree.
3. A current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
4. Curriculum vitae or professional resumé.
5. 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.
6. Cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of research interests submitted with the application.
7. Supplemental Nursing Application.
8. An interview (online or telephone).
9. Proof of recent health examination to include (a) proof of immunization against the Hepatitis B virus, (b) current tuberculosis (TB) skin test or quantiFERON G test, (c) current Tdap immunization, (d) Evidence of immunity to varicella, and (e) current MMR immunization.
10. Submit proof of a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
11. Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen.

Exceptions to the above criteria must be approved by the School Director, the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Academic Progression