Students in the UMKC PhD in Nursing program take advantage of distance learning using the latest technology platforms.  Classes are on-line, synchronously and asynchronously, with the exception of the two summer Research Institute courses and some collaterals.  Students apply to start in a summer semester and will come to campus their first and second summers.  The dates for the Research Institutes 2010 are:

Graduates of this program will be prepared to: (a) serve as leaders in nursing and health care, and (b) function as nurse scientists to advance the body of knowledge that guides the practice of nursing and contributes to interdisciplinary knowledge.

Development of the overall program was guided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) quality indicators for doctoral education. Students may be admitted to the program either post-BSN or post-MSN, and progress through the program on either a full-time or part-time basis. Students develop a plan of study and undertake coursework that supports their research area. Within that plan of study, students take 12 credit hours of coursework in a collateral field of study (i.e., outside the discipline of Nursing) that supports their research interests. Throughout the curriculum, students are expected to engage in scholarly activities, including grant writing, research presentations and manuscript submissions.

PhD education is predicated on a strong mentoring relationship between the student and faculty throughout the curriculum. Students work with a faculty mentor/adviser throughout the program and together they establish a Supervisory Committee which formally approves students’ individual plans of study, is responsible for their comprehensive examination and transitions students into their Dissertation.

Internet-Based Learning in the Health Professions

Students may apply to the program as either post-B.S.N. or post-M.S.N. students. All application materials are due each year by February 1 for a summer admission. Applicants will be evaluated for Doctoral nursing studies according to the following criteria:

• Faculty/Mentor research match – applicants should contact the PhD Program Chair in advance of the application due date for advise and direction on securing a mentor match prior to submitting the application;
• Grade point average;
• Graduate Record Examination; and
• Three letters of reference.

PhD Coursework PhD Sample Full-Time Plan of Study PhD Sample Part-Time Plan of Study PhD Matriculation Forms Frequently Asked Questions PhD Program Outcomes GRE Help for local Kansas City Applicants