General Information and Requirements
The Decker School of Nursing's PhD program in nursing prepares graduates:
- For research and active scholarship in nursing that will extend the knowledge base of nursing and improve the delivery of healthcare for rural and other vulnerable populations
- To conduct research and develop theory related to these populations
- To design future practice models, direct the development of policy initiatives and effect meaningful change within healthcare delivery systems
Our doctoral program makes it easier for post-MS students to finish the coursework for a PhD in just two years of full-time study. PhD courses are held on Fridays, making it easier to fit the program into a busy schedule.
Curriculum
PhD program requirements can be found below. In addition, visit our Google drive for curriculum plans and worksheets for our full-time and part-time options.
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Curriculum plan, full-time students admitted fall 2020
For a complete description of the nursing courses, see the schedule of classes.
Year 1
Fall
Credits
NURS 608: Advanced Methods and Quantitative Analysis
3
NURS 609: Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations of Nursing
3
NURS 640: Health Disparities Across Populations
3
NURS 690: Research Seminar I
3
Fall semester total
12
Spring
NURS 602: Conceptual Analysis of Nursing Phenomena
3
NURS 621: Rural Theoretical Frameworks
OR
NURS 622: Vulnerable Populations, Theoretical Frameworks3
NURS 634: Health Policy Formulation
3
NURS 660: Leadership in Nursing Education
3
Spring semester total
12
Year 2
Fall
Credits
NURS 604: Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research
3
NURS 623: Theoretical Frameworks, Health Promotion
OR
NURS 624: Theoretical Frameworks, Chronic Illness3
NURS 633: Advanced Health Systems and Policy
3
NURS 691: Research Seminar II
3
Fall semester total
12
Spring
NURS 603: Advanced Statistics: Multivariate
3
NURS 605: Measurement of Nursing Phenomena
3
NURS 607: PhD Dissertation Seminar
3
NURS 661: Teaching Practicum (required if student has no teaching experience)
0–2
Spring semester total
9–11
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED PRE-DISSERTATION
45–47
Remaining semesters
Comprehensive exam/proposal defense
0–1
NURS 698: Pre-dissertation
1
NURS 699: Dissertation (after comprehensive exam and proposal defense are complete)
1
Remaining semesters total
2–3
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR PHD DEGREE
46–48
PhD Candidacy Requirements
Students are admitted to PhD candidacy upon satisfactory completion of:
- Required coursework
- University Graduate School residency requirement
- A comprehensive examination
- Successful defense of the dissertation proposal
- A teaching requirement
Application Criteria
All students wishing to pursue a doctoral degree at the Decker School of Nursing must satisfy the general conditions and procedures for graduate admission to Binghamton University. Further, they must adhere to all policies outlined in the Graduate School Manual.
In addition, the following are required and will be evaluated for admission:
For complete information about application criteria and other requirements, applicants should review the Academic Guide (formerly, the Bulletin). The rules and regulations posted in the Academic Guide at the time of a student's matriculation into the University are the ones to which that student is held.
- A baccalaureate degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE- or CNEA-accredited school of nursing program
- GPA of 3.0 or better
- One paper that demonstrates the student's ability to analyze and/or synthesize nursing phenomena
- Two recommendations for doctoral study
- A statement of research interests and professional goals, including possible Decker School of Nursing PhD faculty members whose current research may coincide with the applicant's background and interests
- A current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the U.S.
- Prior to beginning clinical experiences in a New York clinical facility, students must submit a copy of their current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in New York; this is required by the New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions
- Completion of a statistics course (within five years)
- Résumé or curriculum vitae, including employment and education history
- A progressive record of continued development in nursing practice and scholarship
Additional criteria for international students
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- In addition to having a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the U.S., international students must also provide proof of a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in their home country.
- Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic scores), International Student Financial Statement Form and supporting financial documentation (such as official bank statements or official scholarship or sponsorship letters are required. Details are on the Graduate Admissions International Students Requirements webpage.
Application Procedures
Spring applicants may only choose a part-time option for the first semester due to prerequisite requirements.
Complete instructions for applying to Binghamton University are available on the Graduate Admissions How to Apply webpage. If you have questions about submitting your application, call 607–777–2151 or email gradadmission@binghamton.edu.
If you have a felony or child abuse conviction
Students who have a felony or child abuse conviction are advised that their prior
criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of the Decker
School of Nursing and/or to meet licensure requirements for nursing or advanced practice
licensure. If you have concerns about this, you are advised to contact the Decker
Division of Advising and Academic Excellence, the graduate nursing program director
or the Decker College Dean's Office. You are required to report felony convictions
while enrolled in the Decker School of Nursing as it may change your progression and
ability to be placed in a clinical agency. To learn if felony/child abuse convictions
will negatively impact your ability for licensure, check with the State Board of Nursing in the state in which you plan to practice.
Program Coordinator
Ann E. Fronczek, PhD, RN
Associate Professor and Director UG and PhD Programs
Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences
