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Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is a research-based program designed to prepare scholars for a lifetime of systematic inquiry and knowledge development. The curriculum integrates a wide body of knowledge in the area of wellness promotion and health maintenance, and incorporates two main areas of research: health of the family and community and international health. Additional nursing education content incorporates educational theories into the larger context of health education and academic preparation.

Graduates of this program are nurse scholars, educators, and researchers who are prepared to pursue systematic research inquiry to improve the health of society and prepare the future generation of nurse clinicians and academicians.

The main outcome objectives of the program are to prepare graduates:

Learn more about the program and our faculty.

“As a CNS in gerontology, I see the need for well-trained nurses. With my love for nursing and teaching, pursuing a PhD and becoming a professor seemed natural. After studying at two other institutions, neither one compared to APU’s unique approach. The team effort between the faculty, students, and staff produces a calming effect that makes learning powerful and meaningful rather than competitive.”

Patti Shakhshir, PhD
CNS Coordinator for Pain Management, Upland, CA

School of Nursing Accreditation

Azusa Pacific University receives accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

University Reputation

Azusa Pacific University held its place in the most prestigious category of U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2013 rankings, placing in Tier One at No. 179 in the National Universities category. In addition, The Princeton Review named APU as 1 of 121 institutions in the 2012 Best Colleges in the West for the seventh consecutive year.

Note: This information is current for the 2012–13 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.