Program Overview
Transform Practice Into Research Leadership: BSN to PhD in Nursing
The BSN to PhD in Nursing program at USD prepares baccalaureate-prepared nurses to become Changemakers who advance nursing science and lead health care transformation. This accelerated pathway allows you to transition directly from clinical practice into an immersive, research-intensive environment where you will develop the analytical, theoretical, and methodological expertise essential to the role of a nurse scientist. Through intentional faculty mentorship, you will cultivate a program of scholarship designed to generate new knowledge, address health disparities, and influence policy and practice at local, national, and global levels.
A Direct Pathway to the PhD
USD’s BSN to PhD program offers a direct-entry pathway for registered nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and seek to become nurse scientists without first completing a master’s degree. Rather than requiring sequential degrees, this streamlined doctoral route integrates advanced research training, theoretical development, and scholarly immersion from the start of the program.
By entering doctoral study earlier in your academic trajectory, you accelerate your preparation for careers in research, academia, health policy, and systems leadership, positioning yourself to contribute to nursing science and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.
Program Details and Curriculum
Total Units: The program requires a minimum of 84 units of course work.
Focus Areas: Required courses primarily focus on leadership, nursing science, and research.
Emphasis Courses: Students select 9 units of emphasis courses to support the focus or design of their dissertation.
Full-Time Status: Enrollment in 6 units per semester is considered full-time, with additional offerings available during intersession and summer sessions.
Completion Time: The degree may be completed within 4–5 years.
Residency Requirement: Students must complete 12 units of on-campus doctoral coursework within a 12-month period.
Transfer of Credit: With approval, students may transfer up to 12 units of post-master’s work; however, extension credit is not transferable.
Admission to Candidacy: This status is achieved once a student has an approved dissertation proposal.
Time Limit: Students have a maximum of two years from the completion of their course work to achieve admission to candidacy.
| Course Number and Title | Units |
|---|---|
| Nursing Leadership Component | |
| MSNC 610 Specialty Role and Practice Foundations | 3 |
| MSNC 611 Foundations for Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing | 3 |
| MSNC 612 Population Health | 3 |
| MSNC 612P Population Health Practicum | 2 |
| MSNC 613 Transformational Leadership | 3 |
| MSNC 615 Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, and Pharmacology in Patients and Populations | 4 |
| MSNC 615P Advanced Nursing Clinician Practicum | 2 |
| MSNC 640 Health Care Information and Communication Management | 3 |
| MSNC 655 Systems-Based Practice | 3 |
| MSNC 655P Systems Management Practicum | 4 |
| MSNC 656 Management of Quality and Safety | 3 |
| MSNC 656P Management of Quality and Safety Practicum | 3 |
| PhD Core | |
| PHDN 601 Philosophy of Science in Nursing | 3 |
| PHDN 602 Theory Development in Nursing | 3 |
| PHDN 697 Seminar in Health Equity and Disparity Research | 3 |
| PhD Research Core | |
| PHDN 607 Applied Statistics and Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| PHDN 608 Applications of Multivariate Statistics | 3 |
| PHDN 670 Quantitative Designs in Research | 3 |
| PHDN 673 Introduction to Qualitative Research: Background, Processes, and Approaches | 3 |
| PhD Area of Emphasis | |
| Three graduate courses selected by the student and advisor or their dissertation chair related to the student's specific research topic | 9 |
| PhD Dissertation Research | |
| PHDN 650 Nursing Research Seminar | 1 |
| PHDN 651 Nursing Research Seminar | 1 |
| PHDN 652 Dissertation Research | 1 |
| PHDN 653 Dissertation Research | 3 |
| PHDN 654 Nursing Research Seminar | 3 |
| PHDN 695 Dissertation | 6 |
| Total Units | 84 |
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.
Helpful Links
Explore Academics
Discover programs designed to challenge and inspire. Find the right fit for your goals and interests.Discover programs designed to challenge and inspire. Find the right fit for your goals and interests.
Begin Your Journey
Take the first step toward your future. Our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Fund Your Future
We’re here to help make your education affordable. Learn more about scholarships, grants, and payment plans.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Our BSN to PhD track is specifically designed for Registered Nurses to transition directly into doctoral study without first earning a Master’s degree. While prior formal leadership titles (such as Manager or Director) are not required for admission, we seek applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and a clear vision for how they wish to influence the future of healthcare.
As a PhD student at USD, you will move beyond clinical practice to focus on original scholarship. Your work will involve identifying a gap in healthcare knowledge, designing a formal research study, and completing a dissertation under the guidance of our expert faculty. Our program emphasizes nursing leadership, meaning your research will likely focus on improving healthcare systems, patient outcomes, or nursing education at a macro level.
Graduates are prepared for high-impact roles as nurse scientists, university faculty, healthcare executives, and policy consultants. While a DNP focuses on clinical application, our PhD prepares you to lead at the executive level in government agencies (such as the NIH or CDC), global health organizations, or as a Principal Investigator (PI) leading multi-million dollar research grants.
Explore What's Next
Ready to Get Started?
We’re here to help you take the next step in your nursing career.