The dual doctorate DNP/PhD program is designed for students who seek to combine leadership in advanced practice with the development of nursing science through research. Dual doctoral students from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing develop a unique focus for their research and practice. Graduates are prepared to excel in the lab, classroom or hospital executive offices.
Curriculum
Students will complete coursework in a side-by-side fashion, taking courses in both programs concurrently. An overlap of 11 credits between the two programs will be allowed. The dual doctorate program takes a minimum of five years to complete. View a Sample Program Plan.
Students will complete a DNP project and PhD dissertation, with the potential for the DNP project to serve as a pilot study for the PhD dissertation. Students would have the opportunity to complete course requirements for both the DNP and PhD in nursing degrees (55 credits) in three years, after which they would complete their proposal development, candidacy exam, proposal defense, DNP project and final PhD dissertation defense (5 DNP project + 18 PhD dissertation credits).
Financial Resources
Students in this program may apply for funding through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.
Application and Admission Requirements
Prospective students must apply to both the PhD and DNP programs, indicating their interest in the dual doctorate within the online application.
Please Note: Admission to the DNP program is determined by the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, whereas admission to the PhD program is determined by the Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies.
Additional Information
Learn more about the combined DNP/PhD Degree Requirements following completion of required courses for both programs.