MSN-PhD
The MSN-PhD program is for students who possess a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and who want to pursue an advanced practice MSN degree in conjunction with our PhD program.
You will apply to both our MSN and PhD programs at the same time, and if accepted into both, have a place held for you in the PhD program while you complete the MSN. Most of our students successfully defend their dissertation after their fourth year with us, though MSN-PhD students have up to eight years to complete their work.
Funding
All doctoral students, international or domestic, are funded for their first four years of doctoral coursework, September - May (effective for PhD students admitted for Fall 2018 and later), including financial coverage for tuition, all fees, student health insurance, and a living stipend. Please note that for international students, this support does not cover any mandated English language training that is required before you are able to begin the program.
For MSN-PhD students, funding for your PhD won’t start until you finish your master’s degree.
Research support
Upon admission, you’ll be paired with two standing faculty members for mentorship and guidance. All standing faculty members have appointments in at least one of Penn Nursing’s four research centers which can also provide support services to you in your work.
How to apply
For details on our application process, see the MSN-PhD Admissions page.