DNP vs PhD
In order for nurses seeking doctoral study to make informed decisions about advancing their education at UIC Nursing, it is important to understand the differences between the DNP and PhD degrees. Generally, our PhD program focuses on advancing the research and the science of nursing, while our DNP program focuses on advancing the practice of nursing. The table below offers a more comprehensive comparison of the DNP and PhD degree programs at UIC College of Nursing.
DNP vs PhD Heading link
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | PhD in Nursing | |
|---|---|---|
| Objectives | Prepares nurse leaders to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice | Prepares nurses to conduct research to advance the science of nursing |
| Focus | Nursing practice, terminal degree in practice | Nursing research, terminal degree in research |
| Credits required (Post-BSN) | Varies by focus area (60+ semester hours) | 96 semester hours |
| Dissertation | No | Yes |
| Minimum credentials | Bachelor's degree in any field and a RN license to practice in at least one jurisdiction | At least a BSN and a RN license to practice in at least one jurisdiction |
| Length | Usually 3-5 years | Usually 4-5 years |
| Tuition | Professional tuition | Graduate tuition |
| Focus areas | 12 (9 NP, midwifery, and 2 systems focused) | Individualized |
| Career focus | Advanced practice nurse or leadership position in nursing practice. Oriented toward improving outcomes of patient care and population health. | Researcher, nurse scientist. Oriented toward developing new nursing knowledge and scientific inquiry. |
| Location | Chicago, Urbana, Springfield, Quad Cities, Rockford or Peoria | Chicago |