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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing

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The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing degree program will prepare the candidate to conduct independent research, collaborate as a scholar and leader, and educate for improving health and health care globally.

Students will be admitted to the Ph.D. in Nursing degree program on full time status or part time status. Entry into the Ph.D. program is an earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program. Graduation from an accredited Master's in Nursing program will also be considered for admission.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree program courses are delivered online.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Full Time Curriculum

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Part Time Curriculum

If you have questions after looking through the School of Nursing website, please see PhD Application Tips or Graduate Frequently Asked Questions for more information

Goals and Outcomes

Goal

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing degree program is designed with a research emphasis dedicated to extending nursing science and improving the delivery of health care for rural and vulnerable individuals, families and communities within existing cultural, geographical, and health care context. An interprofessional research focus will provide an opportunity for students to learn by collaborating with other professionals, and prepare graduates for leading change and advancing health and health care systems.

Program Outcomes

Each student will complete a core curriculum and work closely with interprofessional faculty advisors to complete an individualized course of study, which includes individual student goals and develops the foundation for a program of research. Students will complete the coursework and dissertation through online technologies integrating an interprofessional/multidisciplinary approach to:

  1. Communicate scientific knowledge through mentorship, collaboration, and dissemination.
  2. Create original research that contributes to scientific nursing knowledge.
  3. Contribute to the development of methodologies congruent with the broad concerns of the nursing discipline.
  4. Contribute to the discovery, application, and integration of nursing and interprofessional knowledge and leadership.

 Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Student Handbook

Finances

Cost of Attendance

Costs for tuition and fees at ISU are listed on the Cost of Attendance web page on the Finance and Administration website.  Our online Graduate Programs qualify for "Resident Tuition" rates. 

Professional Fees

In addition to ISU tuition and fees, a professional fee is assessed for all undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Nursing. Professional fees for the nursing programs are used to support faculty salaries, instruction support services, durable & disposable equipment and supplies, faculty and staff program travel, capital equipment and a reserve for maintenance and purchase of major capital items.

Current Professional Fees

The list of current professional fees for all School of Nursing programs can be found here on the Professional Fees page.

Scholarships

Idaho State University Scholarships

The School of Nursing annually awards over $100,000 in scholarships, and the School of Nursing scholarship application is available annually in April in the Bengal Online Scholarship System (BOSS).
Please see the Scholarship Office website for more information about scholarship opportunities available through ISU.

Travel Nursing

Nursing Education Scholarship awarded by Travel Nursing career organization.
Amount: $1,000.
Requirements: Accepted to or currently attending a full-time nursing or medical program at an accredited institution.
Travel Nursing Scholarship.

Nursing Scholarship

CampusRN has $15,000 in Scholarships Available to Nursing & Allied Health Students.

Career Opportunities

Nurse Careers

Search Thousands of Entry Level Jobs, Externships, & Scholarship Opportunities on CampusRN.

Faculty Openings

Apply for opportunities to teach right here at the Idaho State University School of Nursing. 

Nursing ALD

Browse their Free Job Board, Publications and Events

Admission Requirements

The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

  1. Earned Bachelor of Science (BS in Nursing or BSN) from program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or other nationally recognized accrediting body for nursing education. Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited program will be considered.
  2. Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS or BSN) program or ≥ 3.5 GPA based on previous 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.
  3. English Proficiency Exams: The SON Ph.D. in Nursing Program adheres to the ISU Graduate School policy for those students who have not graduated from an accredited college or university in the United States (at the undergraduate and/or graduate level) and whose native language is not English.
  4. Completed application, preferably before January 15. Applications for Fall Admission are reviewed in the order they are received and accepted on a rolling basis until class filled.
  5. Verification of valid and current unencumbered Registered Nursing license.
  6. Completion of a preadmission interview by the School of Nursing Ph.D. Admissions Committee. If the applicant resides at a distance over 300 miles, an interview by video conference may be arranged.
  7. Mandatory attendance at the orientation for the Ph.D. program to be held on the ISU Pocatello campus in August of the year of admission.

    The GRE is not required for admission.
    The School of Nursing Ph.D. Admissions committee will make the final recommendation regarding admission. This decision will be based on evaluation of established application and admission requirements. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. 

    Online Application

    Apply to Idaho State University
    All application materials are submitted in one application through the Graduate School. We will begin evaluating applications in January and applicants will be notified of admission decisions by the end of May 2024.

    Application Status
    Fall 2024 Admission Open
    Fall 2025 Admission Opens September 1, 2024

    Application Requirements

    The student must apply to and meet all requirements for admission to the Graduate School. In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the following are required:

    1. Submission of official transcripts from each institution at which they have taken any post-secondary work directly to the Graduate School. Evidence of a completed BS in Nursing or BSN from an accredited nursing program must be listed in official transcripts.
    2. Submission of a professional essay (3-4 pages) describing education, research, clinical and life experiences that prepare the applicant for the Ph.D program, and how this preparation will facilitate career goals. Present a summary of your experience, nursing philosophy, and interest in higher education. Describe experiences which have motivated you to pursue a PhD degree in Nursing. Present clearly stated goals for a career path following completion of the PhD degree. Describe research focus of interest, and ideas related to conducting research in this particular area.
    3. Submission of a writing sample (professional paper).
    4. Three professional references attesting to the applicant's capacity and potential for doctoral study using the form provided on the application site.  At least one reference should be from an academic source and one from a professional clinical site.
    5. Submission of professional vitae or resume.

    Selection Process for the Ph.D in Nursing Program

    Review of complete applications begins in January for Fall Admission. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received and accepted on a rolling basis until class filled. All application and admission requirements as posted on the website for the Ph.D. degree program apply. Notification of successful applicants for admission and alternates will be announced in May for Fall Admission of any year.

    More Information

    Questions related to this degree program should be addressed to:

    Omotayo Omotowa, PhD, MPA, MA, MSN, RN

    Interim PhD Coordinator, Clinical Associate Professor

    Office: Idaho Falls

    208-282-1117

    omotomot@isu.edu

    Professional Profile

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    Andrea Lovelace

    Program Admissions and Records Specialist for Grad Programs

    Office: Pocatello

    208-282-2325

    andrealovelace@isu.edu

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