Loyola University Chicago

The Ph.D. in Nursing program prepares nurse scholars who contribute to the body of nursing knowledge in order to improve the health of society. Graduates of the program will be prepared to launch a program of research; expand nursing knowledge through a variety of philosophical and scientific methods; address the social, cultural, political and ethical issues related to an area of nursing scholarship; and participate in a community of scholars for the purpose of disseminating research for improving the health of society.

• Graduate Programs Schedule
• Academic Program
• Prior Graduate Credits
• Curriculum Plan
• Tradition Program (Full Time)
• Summer Program (Full Time)
• Application Requirements
• Student Handbook

Students must have a minimum of 64 semester hours to graduate, which includes advanced-standing credits earned at the master's level (grade B or higher). A maximum of 30 semester hours of advanced standing may be transferred into the university. No grades of Pass/Fail may be transferred.

Traditional: The traditional Ph.D. program is offered during the "traditional" academic year, from August to May. Full- or part-time study is possible. Students entering post-baccalaureate must complete the program (including dissertation) in eight years from the date of initial matriculation. Students entering with a master's degree must complete the program (including dissertation) in six years from the date of initial matriculation. Most courses are held at the Lake Shore Campus or at the Loyola University Health System campus in Maywood, Ill.

Summer: The Summer Ph.D. Program is particularly aimed at master's degree faculty who have not earned their doctorate and who wish to remain in a faculty position. It is also meant for master's degree-prepared nurses who hold adjunct appointments at schools and who would like to move into a tenured-line position, or who wish doctoral preparation for their service positions.

This program contains all the requirements needed to earn the degree that the traditional program requires and, therefore, rigor is not sacrificed for speed of progression. The applicant is urged to enter the program with a fairly circumscribed research idea. This will enable the program director to pair the matriculant with a faculty mentor at the beginning of the course of studies to assist the student's progress toward the dissertation.

A three semester-hour advanced educational or psychology statistics course must be taken prior to starting the program.

Prior Graduate Credits

Students entering the Ph.D. in Nursing program with prior graduate work at another university, upon recommendation of the advisor and with the approval of the dean of the Graduate School, may receive up to 30 hours of credit for their work to be used as advanced standing towards the Ph.D. in nursing.

Curriculum Plan

The Ph.D. in Nursing program currently includes five major areas of study: nursing science, research, philosophy/ethics, teaching and electives in proposed area of research. In addition to coursework, students will be required to complete a scholarly dissertation. The courses offered for the five major areas of study are provided. The faculty member works with the student to develop their individualized program.

 Traditional Program (Full-Time)

 *Also available as a part-time program.

Before initiating the application process, please contact Dr. Lee Schmidt, Doctoral Program Director, to discuss your proposed area of research interest. Dr. Schmidt can be reached at (708) 216-3573 or lschm3@luc.edu.

For admission to the PhD in Nursing Program, applicants must provide:

• A completed paper application form (The application fee normally associated with a paper application is waived)
• An official transcript from programs where baccalaureate and advanced degrees were earned
• Scores for the Graduate Record Examination (general examination)
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals with the earned Ph.D. degree and preferably at least one from a former instructor
• A statement of purpose regarding the applicant's interest in entering Loyola's program, including a summary of academic and research interests, professional goals and potential faculty mentors
• Professional vita or resume
• Copy of R.N. license
• Copy of a research or scholarly referenced paper written by the applicant
• Either a TOEFL or IELTS score report is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. For the TOEFL, a score of at least 280 on the computer-based test or 650 on the written test is required. The minimum score for the new TOEFL IBT (Internet-based test) is 114-115. For the IELTS, a minimum score of 7 is required.
• International applicants must provide a transcript evaluation from the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

Requirements for admission as a non-degree student consist of an application, application fee, statement of purpose, and transcripts. Application deadlines are July 15 (fall admission) and March 15 (summer admission).

The application and all supporting documents must be sent to Graduate Enrollment Management at the following address:

Graduate Enrollment Management
Loyola University Chicago
820 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Phone: 312.915.8950
E-mail: GradApp@luc.edu