Program Overview
An Integrated Advanced Practice and Doctoral Pathway
The BSN to PhD Adult–Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program is an integrated doctoral pathway that prepares baccalaureate-prepared nurses for advanced practice and nurse scientist roles. Students develop expertise as Adult–Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists while simultaneously building the analytical, methodological, and scholarly foundation required of a PhD-prepared nurse.
The curriculum combines advanced clinical preparation with rigorous doctoral coursework in nursing science and research, culminating in the completion of an original dissertation. Graduates are prepared to provide expert care to adults across the lifespan, lead practice transformation within complex health systems, and generate new knowledge that advances equitable, evidence-based health care delivery.
Curriculum Structure
The curriculum is intentionally designed to integrate advanced practice preparation with doctoral-level scholarship in a cohesive and progressive sequence. Students build expertise as Adult–Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialists while simultaneously developing the scientific foundation required of PhD-prepared nurse scholars. Coursework advances from advanced clinical practice and systems leadership to rigorous research methodology, culminating in the design and completion of an original dissertation that contributes new knowledge to nursing science.
View the Curriculum
| Core Component | Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSN Core | 9 | ||
| MSN Core | MSNC 611 | Foundations of Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
| MSN Core | MSNC 612 | Population Health | 3 |
| MSN Core | MSNC 640 | Introduction to Health Care Information Management | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | 36 | ||
| AGCNS Component | APNC 620 | Advanced Pathophysiology | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 621 | Advanced Physical Assessment | 4 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 624 | Advanced Pharmacology | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 619 | CNS Specialty Role and Practice Foundations | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 632 | Adult-Gerontology I: CNS Practice in the Patient Sphere | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 632P | Adult-Gerontology I: CNS Practice in the Patient Sphere Practicum | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 634 | Adult-Gerontology II: CNS Practice in the Nurse Sphere | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 634P | Adult-Gerontology II: CNS Practice in the Nurse Sphere Practicum | 2 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 636 | Adult Gerontology III: CNS Practice in the Organizational/Systems Sphere | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 636P | Adult Gerontology III: CNS Practice in the Organizational/Systems Sphere Practicum | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 638 | Adult Gerontology IV: Advanced CNS Practice | 3 |
| AGCNS Component | ACNS 638P | Adult Gerontology IV: Advanced CNS Practice Practicum | 3 |
| PhD Core Component | 9 | ||
| Designed to develop analytical abilities and provide the knowledge base and skills requisite to the development of the nurse scholar. | |||
| PhD Core Component | PHDN 601 | Philosophy of Science in Nursing | 3 |
| PhD Core Component | PHDN 602 | Theory Development in Nursing | 3 |
| PhD Core Component | PHDN 697 | Seminar in Health Equity and Disparity Research | 3 |
| PhD Research Core Component | 12 | ||
| Designed to enhance the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement a program of research. | |||
| PhD Research Core Component | PHDN 607 | Applied Statistics and Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| PhD Research Core Component | PHDN 608 | Applications of Multivariate Statistics | 3 |
| PhD Research Core Component | PHDN 670 | Quantitative Designs in Research | 3 |
| PhD Research Core Component | PHDN 673 | Introduction to Qualitative Research: Background, Processes, and Approaches | 3 |
| PhD Areas of Emphasis | 12 | ||
| Four graduate courses selected by the student and advisor or their dissertation chair related to the student's specific research topic. | |||
| PhD Dissertation Component (15 units minimum) | 15 | ||
| PhD Dissertation Component | PHDN 650 | Nursing Research Seminar | 1 |
| PhD Dissertation Component | PHDN 651 | Nursing Research Seminar | 1 |
| PhD Dissertation Component | PHDN 652 | Dissertation Research | 1 |
| PhD Dissertation Component | PHDN 653 | Dissertation Research | 3 |
| PhD Dissertation Component | PHDN 654 | Nursing Research Seminar | 3 |
| PhD Dissertation Component | PHDN 695 | Dissertation | 6 |
| Total Units | 93 | ||
A Community of Mentorship and Support
What truly distinguishes our nursing program is the strong personal connection between faculty and students. We prioritize a supportive learning environment to ensure every doctoral candidate has the resources and guidance necessary to excel in their research.
When you join our program, you become part of a collaborative community of nurse scientists. Our faculty and peers walk alongside you, providing the mentorship needed to nurture your academic and professional success.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in both clinical practice and research. Career opportunities include Adult–Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist positions in hospital and health systems, academic faculty roles, and nurse scientist positions focused on improving patient outcomes, care delivery, and health equity. Many graduates also lead quality improvement and system-level change initiatives.
Most BSN to PhD programs take approximately 4–5 years to complete, depending on whether students enroll full-time or part-time. The timeline includes advanced clinical preparation, doctoral coursework in research and methodology, and completion of a dissertation.
Students can pursue research aligned with adult and gerontology populations, including areas such as chronic disease management, health systems improvement, patient safety, care transitions, and health equity. Faculty mentorship supports the development of a focused research agenda that contributes to improved outcomes across complex health care settings.
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