Students who pass the general examination are re-classified as doctoral candidates. The student must be enrolled and paying tuition the semester General Exams are taken. The Final Examination is the oral defense of the dissertation. Students who successfully defend the dissertation are re-classified as certified doctoral candidates for the degree Doctor of Nursing Science. The curriculum sequences interrelated coursework in nursing knowledge, research, and investigation of nursing phenomena with nursing education or clinical consultation.
Formal study is concluded with the successful completion of the doctoral dissertation.
Fulfillment of all clinical practice hours as specified by the curriculum. A cumulative GPA of a 3.0 or higher on all course work, with no grade lower than a B. Completion and satisfactory defense of a dissertation directed by a dissertation committee. Recommendation of the Faculty, and approval by the Admissions, Progression and Graduation Committee. Verification that all materials belonging to the Health Sciences Center and cooperating agencies have been returned through the proper procedures. These materials would include such items as library books, equipment, keys, furniture, or related items.