PhD in Nursing program -- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the degree being offered? A Ph.D. in Nursing will be the degree conferred.Who is the program for? Masters-prepared nursing leaders, who want to pursue doctoral study and nursing research. A master’s degree in Nursing from an NLNAC or CCNE approved program is required for admission.
What is the focus of the program? The program is research based and focused on clinical outcomes and evidence-based nursing practice.
How long is the program? The pre-dissertation phase will be from 2-3 years; dissertation may take 1-2 years. The curriculum is a total of 46 credits.
When does the program start? A cohort group will be starting in the late Spring semester 2006, approximately April 17. Another group will start September 2006.
What areas of nursing can I research? Students will be carefully advised to identify a research concentration early in the doctoral program that will culminate in a doctoral dissertation focusing on clinical outcomes and evidence-based practice in academic, research, clinical practice, or healthcare administration/policy environments. Students will have the opportunity to work with distinguished faculty who are actively involved in programs of research dealing with a variety of topics including: stress and coping; social support; breast cancer adjustment; HIV; pain management; school age children and ADD; sibling adjustment with chronically ill children; childbearing families; breast feeding; health promotion and risk reduction; disease prevention; uncertainty in illness; cardiac conditions; and health systems.
Who is the Program Director? Dr. Wendy Budin, Associate Dean for Graduate Nursing and Research
How do I apply? An application packet can be obtained through the College of Nursing which explains the application process. Application, resume, statement of career goals, 2 letters of recommendation, writing sample, official transcripts, GRE scores, documentation of RN licensure, and application fee, are required. Interviews will be conducted for selected applicants.
Is this an “on-campus” program, or online? This is an on-campus program, with web-enhanced courses.
What is the cost of the program? Graduate credits are currently $743. per credit. Tuition is estimated at $35,000 for 46 credits, plus books, fees, and parking.
Are there assistantships available? Some Teaching and/or Research Assistantships are available through the College of Nursing.
Is there other financial aid available? Students in a doctoral program are eligible for Federal Stafford Loans up to $18,500 per year. If you are applying for September 2006, you have until March 1, 2006, to complete the FAFSA form for federal financial aid. Stafford loans are recommended as the best first choice, due to the lower interest rate compared to other loans. Students applying for either April 2006 or September 2006 can apply for Signature loans or other alternative loans that do not require the FAFSA, but will be charged a higher interest rate. .
Is there “advanced standing” for those who may have previously started a doctoral program? Transcripts will be reviewed on an individual basis in regard to the eligibility to transfer up to 6 credits and/or to be waived out of additional courses.
Can I be waived out of the GRE? No, recent GRE scores are required as part of a complete application to the PhD program.
How are classes scheduled? The majority of classes are held in the evening hours
on the South Orange campus, with some flexibility of scheduling.
What is the difference between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Doctor of Science (DNS)? Both the PhD in Nursing and the DNS are considered research focused terminal degrees. There is little difference, with the exception of terminology.
Why choose to do doctoral study at Seton Hall College of Nursing? The College of Nursing has a long history of leadership, innovation, excellence in education and practice. The faculty is recognized as one of the most distinguished groups of educators, scholars, and prolific researchers in the nation. Seton Hall is the only Catholic University in the tri-state area to offer a doctoral program in nursing.
How can I get more information? For more information contact Mary Jo Bugel, Director of College of Nursing Recruitment, 973-761-9285, or Bugelmar@shu.edu.