Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Delaware is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to provide high-quality patient care in a variety of clinical settings. This comprehensive program combines rigorous classroom instruction with extensive hands-on clinical experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern nursing practice. Students will engage in coursework covering anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing theories, and evidence-based practice, alongside courses in ethics, leadership, and community health. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills to ensure students can effectively collaborate within multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

The program provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience through clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, and specialized care facilities. These experiences are supervised by experienced faculty and registered nurses, providing students with real-world exposure and mentorship. The curriculum also incorporates simulation labs and state-of-the-art technology to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the complexities of patient care in diverse settings. The University of Delaware's Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring quality of education and professional standing.

Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed registered nurses. The program supports students in career advancement opportunities, including pursuing graduate education such as master's and doctoral programs. With a commitment to community service and healthcare innovation, the University of Delaware prepares its nursing students to be compassionate, competent, and ethical healthcare professionals committed to improving health outcomes across populations. The program fosters leadership, advocacy, and lifelong learning, aligning with the university's mission to develop responsible global citizens capable of addressing the evolving needs of healthcare systems worldwide.

The PhD in Nursing Science program requires 41 credit hours of coursework plus 9 credit hours of dissertation. Students are required to work with their advisor to develop a plan of study. The initial plan must first be approved by the academic advisor and then the PhD in Nursing Science Program Committee by the end of the first semester of study in the program. In addition to coursework, degree completion requires successful completion of a written comprehensive examination, successful defense of the dissertation proposal and successful defense of the dissertation. Please refer to the Graduate Program Policy Manual for more specific details about these processes and selection of examination and dissertation committees. Students are expected to complete the program in seven years. 

Core Courses (13 credits)

• NURS 810: Philosophical and Theoretical Basis of Nursing Science
• NURS 849: Philosophy Theory & Curriculum in Nursing Education
• NURS 843: Policy & Finance for Health Care Delivery
• NURS 839: Nurse Scientist Seminar I
• NURS 850: Dissertation Proposal Seminar
• NURS 870: Writing for Dissemination 

Research/Methods/Analysis Courses (16 credits)

Statistics from EDUCATION, PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY 

• NURS 812: Responsible Conduct of Research
• NURS 814: Advanced Quantitative Research in Nursing Science
• NURS 816: Advanced Qualitative Research in Nursing Science
• Research Methodology Course: Course offered by other departments and is relevant to student’s research focus, determined with academic advisor and with approval of course faculty.

Cognate Electives (12-24 credits)

Electives taken to build substantive knowledge in area of dissertation topic. Electives are intended to enhance and broaden the student’s scholarly involvement, build an inter-professional team of advisors, and contribute to successful completion of the dissertation, determined with academic advisor and with approval of course faculty.

Pre-Candidacy Study NURS 964: (3-12credits P/F) 

Research and readings in preparation of dissertation topic and/or comprehensive examination for doctoral students before admission to candidacy but after completion of all required course work

Dissertation (9 credits)

• NURS 969: Doctoral Dissertation
• NURS 999: Dissertation Sustaining (if needed)

PhD in Nursing Science admission requirements originate at two levels: the University and the School of Nursing. The University-level requirements may be found in the Graduate Admissions section. Admission decisions will be made by the PhD Program Committee of the School of Nursing (SON). Students will be admitted to the program based on enrollment availability, identification of an appropriate and available faculty advisor and their ability to meet the following minimum recommended entrance requirements.

• A baccalaureate in nursing degree from an accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0) 
• Official results from the TOEFL or IELTS exam taken within the last 2 years (for non-native English speaking applicants only); it is required that all students in the program be proficient in both the verbal and written English language. 
• TOEFL for International Applicants 
• A written statement of goals and objectives (Application Personal Statement) that clearly identifies the applicant’s research and curriculum interests and describes how admission to the program will facilitate his/her professional objectives. 
• The Personal Statement should indicate how the applicant’s research interest, topic and/or proposed research question is consistent with the research expertise of a SON faculty member.
• See College of Health Sciences Research Programs & Faculty, SON faculty profiles online and the SON Research web page clicking on each of the research foci to identify potential research mentors.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact SON faculty and discuss research interests before submitting an application.
• Answers to the required questions on the application Personal Statement will serve as the critical writing sample and demonstration of competence in written communication and ability to critique and synthesize the literature on a specific topic related to the applicant’s research interest, topic and/or proposed research question. 
• Three letters of recommendation from an academic, employer and/or other professional sources who can address the scholarship potential of the applicant. Reference persons identified by applicant will be notified electronically to submit a letter and complete a Graduate Recommendation Form AFTER the application has been submitted; therefore, allow ample time before the application deadline for reference persons to submit their letters/complete form. Letter of recommendation should include explicit examples of applicant's abilities that substantiate the ratings on the Graduate Recommendation Form. Letters of recommendation and Graduate Recommendation Form ratings must be received by the application deadline.
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license
• A curriculum vitae or resume 
• A minimum of 3 credits undergraduate level statistics. A minimum of 3 credits graduate level statistics earned within the last five years

Scholarships

• Funded Graduate Assistantship or Research Assistantship contract roles
• Jeanne K. Buxbaum Scholars: Gerontology focus 
• PhD in Nursing Science students: SON supported
• UD Graduate Office scholars & fellows, dissertation fellows 
• Faculty research grants Pre-doctoral fellowships & nursing organization research awards 

The University of Delaware offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to prepare students for successful careers in nursing practice, leadership, and healthcare improvement. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, clinical judgment, and evidence-based practices essential for providing high-quality patient care. Students enrolled in the program gain extensive hands-on experience through supervised clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and specialty care facilities. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and nursing theory, integrated with practical skills in patient communication, safety, and ethical decision-making. The program also fosters understanding of healthcare policies, cultural competence, and interdisciplinary teamwork, equipping graduates to work effectively within complex healthcare systems. The faculty members are experienced professionals committed to mentoring students and supporting their professional growth. The University of Delaware's location offers proximity to major cities and healthcare institutions, providing ample opportunities for internships, research projects, and community engagement. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and to pursue advanced education or specialized nursing certifications. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring students are ready to meet the evolving needs of healthcare and contribute positively to patient outcomes.