Choosing between a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) starts with one question: What do you want to do?
Our goal is help students understand the difference between these two doctoral paths and guide you toward the degree that fits your career goals.
To generate new knowledge and advance nursing science, shaping health and health policy.
To apply evidence in practice, strengthen clinical expertise, and lead health care transformation
Research methodology, independent scholarship, and specialization in a population, setting, or human response.
Clinical expertise, leadership, and process improvement.
PhD Dissertation: Developing content expertise on a defined, specific research topic.
DNP Scholarly Project: Identifying and resolving a practice problem, grounded in a specific setting and population.
Primarily online, available full or part time.
Hybrid format, available full or part time.
About 5 years.
About 2-4 years.
Nurse scientists, nurse policymakers, and leaders in nursing organizations.
Clinical experts, educators, and leaders in nursing organizations with expertise in applying evidence into practice.
Colleges and universities, health and public health systems, and research facilities.
Clinical practice (inpatient and outpatient), nursing organizations, leadership roles, colleges and universities.
Learn more about each program and find application deadlines below.
Fill out the form below and our team will contact you.
Admissions & Recruitment
College of NursingBuilding 214Strategic & Enrollment ServicesSuite 15011 University of New Mexico
hsc-con-admissions@salud.unm.edu
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