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:
- In the development, testing, and utilization of theoretical knowledge that will advance nursing science and improve health outcomes.
- For a lifetime of systematic, intellectual, and scholarly inquiry relevant to the discipline of nursing and health care.
- For careers in the academy, government, and health care to further the growth of nursing knowledge and teach the next generation of nurse practitioners, researchers, and educators.
- To develop ethical, social, cultural, and health policy for the advancement of nursing education, research, and the health of those whom nursing serves.
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.”
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.
