Which terminal degree program is right for me?
Key differences between the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD | DNP | |
Purpose | To prepare nurse scientist to conduct research. | To prepare nurse leaders to apply evidence into practice. |
Graduate Expectations | Graduates are expected to advance the discipline of nursing and health care through research, education, and health policy. | Graduates are prepared to be scholars in advancing nursing practice and lead organizational system changes designed to improve health care outcomes. |
Point of Entry | – Post BS in nursing – Post MS in nursing – Post MS equivalent with a BS in Nursing |
Post BS in nursing Post MS in – Informatics – Administration – Advance Practice (CNS, NP, CRNA or CNM) |
Credit Hours | – BSN to PhD requires a minimum of 72 credit hours. – MSN to PhD requires a minimum of 60 credit hours |
39 semester hours including the capstone project |
Clinical Requirements | None | Minimum of 500 clinical hours post MS. |
Competencies | Courses focus on obtaining skills in research methods, statistics for research scientists, linking theory and research, scholarly activities, and disseminating research findings. | Courses focus on obtaining skills to translate and apply knowledge to improve systems and health outcomes. |
Final Project | Completion of a research project. | Completion of a project that translates research into practice. |
Contact Us
Location
140 Decatur St.
Room 900 Urban Life Building
404-413-1200
Mailing Address
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 4019
Atlanta, GA 30302-4019
Academic Assistance
Office of Academic Assistance
P.O. Box 3995
Atlanta, GA 30302-3995
Employment Opportunities
Accreditation and Approvals
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master of science degree program in nursing, Post-master’s certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Georgia State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
P: (202) 887-6791
F: (202) 887-8476
Memberships
Georgia State University School of Nursing is a member of the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing.