DNP-to-Ph.D. in Nursing Bridge Program
Preparing DNP-educated nurses as expert researchers who generate and advance nursing science.
Deadline to apply is March 1, 2027
There exists a well-documented significant shortage of nurses who are prepared with a research doctorate. Additionally, schools of nursing are experiencing a significant shortage of faculty nationwide who are prepared with research doctorates, limiting student capacity at a time when the need for professional registered nurses has only increased.
The DNP-to-Ph.D. in Nursing bridge program is for the nurse who has completed the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and seeks the skills and competencies to integrate nursing knowledge with that of other health care disciplines to create, conduct and generate new knowledge.
Our hybrid (on-campus and online) program is designed to integrate the practice doctorate curriculum with that of the research doctorate.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for admission to TCU graduate school, TCU Nursing requires the following for admission to its DNP-Ph.D. in Nursing bridge program.
- 3.5 grade point average (GPA minimum)
- Completed a course in statistics with a letter grade of B or higher
- Completed a graduate level research course
- Completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from an accredited DNP program; includes DNP, DNAP or DNP-A
- Completed a DNP project
- Three letters of recommendation; two must be academic references with at least one from a previous graduate program faculty member or administrator
- Letter discussing research interest area(s) and professional goals
- A current license to practice as a nurse in the United States
- A curriculum vitae
Applicants who do not meet the 3.5 GPA requirement but have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on prior graduate level coursework may be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis.
Program Requirements
- Grade of B or higher is required in all coursework.
- Grade of F in any course will be grounds for dismissal from the program.
- Complete a minimum of four consecutive semesters of full-time graduate study at TCU.
- Register in at least one hour of dissertation.
Pass a written and oral comprehensive examination with an examination board of faculty.
Successful completion of the written and oral comprehensive examinations.
Successful completion of an original research project.
SEE CURRICULUM IN COURSE CATALOG
Where Can a Ph.D. in Nursing Take You?
With a Ph.D. in Nursing, you can go beyond applying the evidence to creating the knowledge that moves nursing and health care forward. Your degree can prepare you for roles such as:
- Nurse scientist or nursing researcher — Lead research that advances nursing practice, patient care and health outcomes.
- Nursing professor or faculty researcher — Teach and mentor future nurses while building your own research program.
- Academic nursing leader — Advance into leadership roles such as program director, department chair, associate dean or dean.
- Healthcare research leader — Guide research, innovation and evidence-based practice within hospitals and health systems.
- Health policy researcher or advisor — Use research to inform health policy, standards of care and decision-making.
- Government or public health researcher — Conduct and lead research within government agencies and public health organizations.
- Industry research leader or consultant — Apply nursing and research expertise in health technology, pharmaceuticals, consulting and other health-related industries.
For additional questions, please email DNPtoPhD@tcu.edu.