The PhD in Nursing program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours for post-master’s students and 81 credit hours for post-baccalaureate students (60 of the 81 are specific to the PhD Program in Nursing). Post-baccalaureate students can dually enroll in a master’s degree while in the PhD program, which may result in additional credit hour requirements. Students desiring dual degree enrollment must apply separately and be admitted to a specific M.S in Nursing specialty track. The Master of Science in Nursing Science track is specifically designed for post-baccalaureate PhD students who desire a non-clinical, research-focused master’s degree. Post-baccalaureate student not completing a master’s degree must fulfill the remaining 21 credits in a manner that is coherent and consistent with the student’s overall plan of study.
Credit hour enrollment minimums per semester are established by the Graduate School and described in detail in the Grad School Handbook. Importantly, a student must be registered for at least three graduate credit hours the autumn or spring semester or summer term in which the candidacy exam is taken, the proposal is defended, and when graduation is expected. Students are responsible for maintaining credit hour enrollment in alignment with their curriculum plan, funding source, and immigration requirements. Under-enrollment may jeopardize program progression, funding, and visa status.
The PhD program requires a minimum of three years to fulfill credit hour requirements for post-master’s full-time students and at least four years for post-baccalaureate full-time students. Most full-time students need one to two additional semesters of Dissertation Seminar to complete all degree requirements with the level of rigor expected of PhD graduates. Part-time study is possible for post-master’s students, although full-time study is strongly recommended. Part time students are required to enroll as full-time students Time-to-degree for part-time students is variable and student-dependent.
All students (including part-time students) should be aware of the College of Nursing Residency Requirements (both pre-candidacy and post-candidacy):
- Pre-candidacy: Students must be enrolled fulltime for two consecutive semesters, or one semester and a summer term leading up to candidacy. Full-time enrollment is defined as follows for the purpose of this requirement:
- For students receiving funding from the university (fellowships) or College of Nursing (as GRAs or grant funding, as an example): 12 credits in the autumn and spring semesters, 8 credits in the summer.
- For students attending full-time but paying for their own tuition and fees: 12 credits in autumn and spring in autumn and spring semesters, 8 credits in the summer.
- For students attending part-time but paying for their own tuition and fees: 8 credits in autumn or spring semesters, 8 credits in the summer.
- Any questions about this requirement should be directed to the PhD Program Director or Program Manager.
- Post-candidacy: A minimum of six graduate credit hours over a period of at least two semesters or one semester and a summer session after admission to candidacy
Post-master’s students may request to transfer external credits to fulfill specific course requirements. A transfer of credit does not reduce the total number of credits required to be taken at Ohio State for PhD degree completion. Requests to transfer credit must be submitted during the first semester of the program. Contact the PhD Program Manager for additional information.