The South Carolina Experience
“I’m earning my DNP because I want to be considered an expert in my field, and I foresee changes in the nursing industry. It’s imperative for nurses to be active in the field and collaborate with physicians to provide optimal patient outcomes.”
Samantha Tojino, DNP student
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
The PhD in Nursing Science at the University of South Carolina prepares you for a research career in a variety of academic and health care settings. Our graduates are productive nursing scientists and scholars committed to improving the health and nursing care of patients and communities through interdisciplinary research collaborations. Pathways to the Ph.D. program include BSN, MSN or a master’s degree in another field.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP program at the University of South Carolina prepares you to be an advanced practice nurse ready to assume clinical and leadership roles. APRN graduates develop skills to evaluate and assess research to improve patient care. Nurse Executive Leadership program graduates are prepared to influence health care environments through professionalism, leadership, strong communication skills and business knowledge.
DNP or PhD - Which Doctoral Degree is Right for You?
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Doctor of Nursing Practice |
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing |
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Degree Objective |
The DNP prepares nurses as clinical practitioners, executive leaders and scholars to assume advanced clinical and leadership roles. |
The Ph.D. program prepares professional nurses for research careers in academic, clinical, health systems and government settings. |
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Core Curriculum |
Leadership development, health policy and evidence-based practice for improved outcomes. |
Philosophy and theory of nursing science; research design, methods and analytic approaches; professional roles. |
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Clinical Hours/Licensure |
Current unencumbered RN or APRN licensure in the state of residence. |
Current RN license in the state or country in which research will be conducted. |
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Dissertation |
Clinical evidence project required. |
Research dissertation required. |
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Distance Learning Option |
Courses delivered online for didactic component. |
Executive-style format that includes on-campus seminars supported by online learning activities. |
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Full Time/Part Time |
Students are admitted in a cohort and follow the same program of study. |
Full-time and part-time options available. |
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Program Length |
Students can expect to graduate in 6-8 semesters. |
Full-time students can expect to graduate in |
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Career Focus of Graduates |
Using evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. |
Engagement in research and education across community, academic and clinical settings. |
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Admission Requirements |
GRE not required On-site or phone interview Writing Sample |
GRE scores within past 5 years On-site or phone interview Writing sample |
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Fellowships/Scholarships |