Choosing a DNP or Ph.D.
Learn about the differences between the KU School of Nursing's Ph.D. and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal degree (the highest level of education you can earn)? | Yes | Yes |
| Designed for nursing practice? | Yes | No |
| Designed for nursing research? | No | Yes |
| Develops critical thinking? | Yes | Yes |
| Shapes the future of nursing? | Yes, clinically | Yes, scientifically |
| Requires a final project? | Yes, practice-based | Yes, dissertation-based |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
The DNP is a practice-based doctoral degree.
It offers sophisticated, clinically advanced experiences that help nurses actively engage in a complex, dynamic, and demanding health care field.
Skills in collaboration, innovation, and evaluation — complemented by advanced nursing practice skills — prepare nurses to shape the future of health care.
Graduates of the DNP program provide patient-centered care that is evidence-based, contribute to the development of evidence-based practice, and pursue leadership roles in a variety of settings.
DNP specialty concentrations include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Executive Leadership
- DNP Completion
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DNP PROGRAM
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program
The Ph.D. in Nursing is a research-based doctoral degree.
The KU School of Nursing Ph.D. program prepares graduates as:
- nurse scientists in faculty positions in college and university settings, health systems, or industry
- engage and lead inter- and intradisciplinary research teams
- generate and expand the theoretical, empirical and philosophical bases for nursing practice
- provide leadership to the profession
The Ph.D. program focuses on the development of critical thinking, independent decision-making, and evaluation.
Students develop expertise in research methods related to biological, social, and nursing sciences.