2025-2026 University Catalog
Nursing/Gerontology, PHD
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About the Program
Purdue University’s School of Nursing offers an on-site Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) degree. As one of only two PhD in Nursing programs in the state of Indiana, this PhD program is designed to prepare the next generation of nurse scholars and scientists for a career in innovative and translational research through the use of interprofessional collaboration and teams. The PhD in Nursing emphasizes optimization of health care delivery through two foci: innovative care and innovations in healthcare delivery systems. Unique features of this program include: face-to-face instruction and mentorship from expert faculty, along with experiences in transdisciplinary coursework and research selected from the rich and diverse expertise on the Purdue campus. PhD graduates competently and confidently conduct rigorous research to expand nursing science and translate findings to the bedside, lead others influenced by exemplary interdisciplinary research experiences, and identify problems in healthcare delivery, bringing theory, existing evidence, and scientific methods to develop innovative solutions to healthcare challenges. The program provides opportunities for partnering with an array of institutes and departments across the University, including the Center on Aging and the Life Course (CALC), Department of Sociology, Purdue Extension, Department of Psychological Sciences, The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University, College of Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Computer Science, and Purdue Homeland Security Institute. Dual-Title PhD in Gerontology: Students may enroll in the groundbreaking dual-title PhD in gerontology. This degree program links the disciplinary depth of a traditional PhD with the interdisciplinary breadth of gerontology. Students are admitted through and meet all course requirements in their home department, while taking courses in aging in at least three disciplines and focusing their dissertation on an aging related issue or problem. Program Website: Nursing Program Website: Gerontology Program Requirements
90 Credits Required(30 credits from a Master’s or a professional degree such as a DNP may be applied.) Required Courses (60-90 credits)*
*Students will take 60 credits of coursework if entering the program with 30 credits of coursework from a Master’s degree, or 90 credits if entering the program without a Master’s. If a student has taken an equivalent health policy course in the master’s program, they may substitute an elective or statistical course in lieu of this. Mentors will advise students on additional statistical and/or electives to take based on their dissertation studies. Core Courses (13-21 credits)*
*Students will take 13 credits (courses only in the “Post-Master’s Core”) if entering the program with a Master’s degree, or 21 credits (all courses below) if entering the program without a Master’s. Research Courses (13-22 credits)*
*Students will take 13 credits (courses only in the “Post-Master’s Core”) if entering the program with a Master’s degree, or 22 credits (all courses below, with a choice between NUR 510 or HK 465) if entering the program without a Master’s. To fulfill this credit requirement, all students must also take an Advanced Quantitative Statistics course, a Qualitative Methods course, and an additional Methods course. Electives (12-18 credits)*
*Students will take at least 12 credits of electgives if entering the program with a Master’s degree, or 15-18 credits if entering the program without a Master’s. With approval from their advisor and committe members, students should choose electives to build a plan of study which reflects their interests, scientific passions, and training in transdisciplinary work. Students may take DNP electives, which will allow them to take online or hybrid courses with fellow Purdue DNP students. There are many other options for students to explore: Health Policy/ Economics; Health Behavioral Theory/Health Behavioral Change; Gerontology/Optimal Aging; Health Promotion; Health Outcomes/Utilization; Healthy Families; and Organizational Change. Dissertation Research (27-30 credits)
After passing both the oral and written preliminary examination phase of the doctoral program, the student enters into the dissertation phase. The transdisciplinary research carried on as part of the doctoral work is expected to make a definite contribution to the field of nursing. Therefore, students must prepare a dissertation that shows the results of their research and successfully defend the dissertation by demonstrating to their PhD Advisory Committee that they have the capabilities for which the Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded. Geronotology Requirements for Dual Title
Requirements for Interdisciplinary Program (18 credits)
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will: - Develop new knowledge that impacts health, using theory-based, high-quality scientific methods while adhering to the highest standards of scientific integrity. Synthesize research findings in the context of prior understanding of phenomena.
- Provide leadership to advance nursing, including research, theory, education and healthcare delivery.
- Apply principles of collaboration to generate scientific knowledge to improve practice, policy and healthcare outcomes.
- Disseminate research findings through presentation, publication and professional discourse to a wide range of global stakeholders including the academic community, health service professionals, policymakers and healthcare consumers.
Additional Information
Preliminary Examination: The purpose of the preliminary examinations (both written and oral) is to determine mastery of the three areas of coursework: nursing, research, and electives. Successful students should be able to demonstrate both breadth and depth of content knowledge and the ability to integrate, synthesize and apply this knowledge. After the majority of the coursework has been completed (to be determined by the chair and/or committee), the student will then sit for a written preliminary examination. A full-time student may sit for the examination as early as the second semester of their second year of full-time study. The written examination questions will be agreed upon by the committee members and consist of six questions that assess the mastery of materials from the core nursing and research courses and the area of specialization (electives) that the student has chosen. The student may select four of the six questions to respond to. These questions will require that the student can demonstrate the ability to synthesize relevant content and apply it within their own research context. Topics may include, but are not limited to, knowledge development, research methods, substantive knowledge, theoretical frameworks, ethical judgment, nursing/health care issues, and health policy. Student responses should integrate content from these areas. After the written examination has received a positive review, an oral preliminary examination will occur with the student and their committee. Clarifying questions and additional discussion will occur during this oral examination. Additional topics related to the program objectives and the student’s coursework may be discussed during the oral portion of the examination. To prepare for the oral examination, the student should reflect on written answers and devote effort in identifying weaknesses in these responses and researching more accurate, in-depth responses and discussion. While the oral examination is not a dissertation proposal defense, general areas related to the student’s dissertation topic may be posed. GPA Requirements
Students are expected to maintain at least a GPA of 3.0 (B) in order to remain in good academic standing. The minimum acceptable passing grade for graduate courses is a B. Students will undergoacademic review if they have a GPA of less than 3.0 or earn a grade of less than B in a course. Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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