South Carolina Nursing Doctorate Degree Programs

Clemson University: PhD in Nursing Program Review
Clemson University, 109 Daniel Dr., Clemson, SC 29631
This is a public research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. More than 17,000 students enroll at Clemson University each year. The university is named for Thomas Green Clemson who spearheaded educational and economic development in South Carolina.

Clemson University offers a PhD in Healthcare Genetics, a terminal qualification ideal for healthcare practitioners including nurses. The nursing PhD program is interdisciplinary in nature as students will receive direction from faculty in several academic disciplines including genetics, political science and psychology. Students in the PhD in Healthcare Genetics will further specialize by choosing from one of three roles-interventionist, ethics and health policy or bench science.

Admission requirements for the PhD in HealthCare Genetics include a 3.0 GPA, two letters of recommendation and a satisfactory score on the GRE. Acceptable scores on the GRE include a 3.5 on the writing section and 450 each on the verbal and quantitative sections. Students who have taken the GRE prior to its most recent scoring change should consult the program for acceptable scores. Additionally, prospective students may contact the program about possible early entry dates for admission to the program.

Career options for students in PhD in Healthcare Genetics option are numerous and include becoming a research scientist, conducting genetics research and working in bioethics. Nurses are particularly suited to careers in education and teaching.

Medical University of South Carolina: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

Medical University of South Carolina

171 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29425

Established in 1824, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) offers a variety of programs in healthcare. The university began as a private college solely for the purpose of educating physicians. Students at MUSC will benefit from learning in a joint hospital/academic setting as the university is part of a medical system that includes a hospital. Medical University of South Carolina offers online PhD in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice doctoral degree programs.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Medical University of South Carolina is specifically designed for bachelors or masters prepared nurses. The DNP program awards both a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Career options for graduates of the DNP program at Medical University of South Carolina include working in nursing schools, hospitals and research centers. General admission requirements to the DNP program include a BSN for the post bachelors entry or a BSN and MSN for post masters entry. A minimum 3.0 GPA is recommended for applicants to the DNP program.

Students in the PhD in Nursing program are prepared to explore needs of individuals and communities, specifically as needs relate to vulnerable populations. BSN to PhD and MSN to PhD entry options are offered in the nursing PhD program. A minimum GPA of 3.5 or better is the preferred GPA for applicants. Nursing PhD applicants should have a BSN from a program accredited by a nursing body, either the CCNE or NLNAC.

University of South Carolina: DNP & PhD in Nursing Program Review

University of South Carolina

USC College of Nursing
1601 Greene Street
Columbia, SC 29208

The University of South Carolina (USC) is one of the leading universities in South Carolina. The university was founded in 1805 and offers over 300 academic programs. Over 30,000 students are served on the Columbia campus of the university. There are several other campuses of the University of South Carolina including Aiken, Beaufort and Lancaster.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at the University of South Carolina trains nurses to develop and evaluate theories in the field of nursing. Three entry pathways are offered into the nursing PhD program. Bachelors prepared nurses, Masters prepared nurses, and nurses with a masters degree in a field other than nursing are eligible to apply to the PhD in Nursing degree program. Admission requirements to the doctoral nursing program include satisfactory GRE scores, an admission interview, three letters of recommendation and writing samples.

As with the nursing PhD, the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program admits both bachelors and masters prepared nurses. The DNP for masters prepared nurses is a clinical program for nurses with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification. Students in the DNP for bachelors prepared nurses choose from an Acute Care or Family Nurse Practitioner specialization. Admission requirements include letters of recommendation from nurses with a doctorate degree, satisfactory GRE scores and an interview.