Posted: May 11, 2009
Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426
Nineteen students are receiving the first doctorate in nursing degrees this month to be awarded by four universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
The doctorate of nursing practice programs are offered by Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University Moorhead; and Winona State University.
“It is gratifying to see that this program, begun in 2007, has been so successful,” said Linda Baer, the system’s senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs. “We know Minnesota has a shortage of nurses with advanced degrees. These programs educate nurses who have master’s degrees so they have the theoretical foundations, applied skills and practical expertise needed for faculty positions and leadership roles within the health care industry.”
In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature authorized the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to offer applied doctorate degrees in six areas: business, nursing, audiology, physical therapy, education and psychology. Five other doctorate degree programs in these areas have begun or will start this fall. They include programs in counselor education and supervision, school psychology and educational leadership at Minnesota State University, Mankato; and programs in education leadership and higher education leadership at St. Cloud State University.
Applied doctorate programs are different from traditional Ph.D. programs because they focus on practical methods and research. Often, they can be completed more quickly than traditional Ph.D. programs.
