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PhD students are required to attend research courses on the UMKC campus in Kansas City each summer for two years. Expect the hands-on, mandatory courses to last several days.
BSN-PhD students: Review the sample plans of study to see the four master's level courses required prior to beginning the PhD course work. Once these courses are successfully completed, students will start the PhD curriculum beginning with N5603 Research Institute I. A minimum grade of "B" must be achieved in all course work. Note: Students who desire advanced clinical practice preparation - examples include nurse practitioner - should apply to the BSN-DNP program rather than applying to the PhD program.
MSN-PhD students: You will be responsible for developing your plan of study and then undertaking the course work to support that research area. The plan of study must include six credits of elective, research-related courses and 12 credits in a collaborative field of study that supports your research interests. You are expected to engage in scholarly activities throughout your courses. Examples could be grant writing, research presentations and manuscript submissions. Our PhD education is predicated on a strong mentoring relationship between the student and faculty throughout the curriculum. Your work at UMKC will be guided by a faculty mentor/advisor and a supervisory committee. The group will approve your individual plan of study and create your comprehensive examination. The group will ultimately help you transition you into dissertation work.
Successful completion of the program requires 61 credit hours of course work for MSN-PhD students and 73 credit hours of course work for BSN-PhD students.
Course planner
The chart below shows the courses offered in this program. Courses are 3 credit hours each, unless stated otherwise. The University reserves the right to change or cancel courses as needed.
Nondegree-seeking enrollment
Prior to acceptance into the program, you may enroll in up to 6 credit hours as a nondegree-seeking (in some cases, post-baccalaureate) student. Enrollment does not guarantee acceptance. Learn more about nondegree-seeking university student admissions.
State authorization
States require that the University of Missouri-Kansas City be authorized to deliver university-level distance/online education to their residents. Each state handles this process differently.
Please see our state authorization page for more information.
- Program authorized
- Program authorized with stipulations
- Program not authorized
Not authorized
Students residing in some states are not eligible to enroll in this program. See our state authorization page for a full list of states in which this program is not authorized.
Authorized with stipulations
Students residing in these states may be eligible to enroll in this program, but certain stipulations exist.
- Alabama