Nursing was an integral part of the Parker Memorial Hospital Training School, which served as the University’s first hospital in 1901. Although a nursing program was not officially established until 1920 within the School of Medicine, MU graduated its first nursing class in 1904. Sixteen years later, the Curators approved a Graduate Nursing designation. Today, the Sinclair School of Nursing provides a rich and rewarding learning environment for our students. Our faculty include knowledgeable and skillful teachers, respected scholars and researchers in the nursing profession, and experienced, caring practitioners. The master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC, 20001, 202-463-6930.
On Campus Requires Campus Visits
The MU Sinclair School of Nursing (MU SSON) is one of a handful of PhD programs in the U.S. open to nurses and non-nurses. The interprofessional aspect of our PhD program is made possible by the wide range of academic backgrounds our MU SSON faculty have and well as our strong, interdisciplinary research connections across the campus including but not limited to biostatistics, education, family and community medicine, health informatics, human development and family science, journalism, public health, social work, and veterinary medicine.
MU SSON offers a challenging and yet enriching PhD program with two options: Online PhD Option and International Residential PhD Option. The PhD curriculum, program requirements, and program outcomes are the same whether you choose the Online PhD option or the International Residential Nursing PhD option. Only the method of course delivery varies.
Our doctor of philosophy in nursing (PhD) program prepares clinical scholars, educators, and researchers for leadership roles in a variety of academic, industry, and healthcare settings. Because the knowledge and skills needed to produce excellent health-related research is not discipline specific, the PhD program does not require a prior degree in nursing. Indeed, we have had PhD students with academic preparation in health administration, health education, medical ethics, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, public health and social work.
Applications for the PhD Program are due January 1 for early acceptance and March 1 for regular acceptance. All students begin coursework the summer following program acceptance and are required to attend the N7087 Leadership and Technology Institute On-Campus Days.
All international admissions are initially the responsibility of the MU Coordinator of International Student Programs. The PhD Program Committee of the School of Nursing may not act upon any international application for admission until the applicant has been cleared through the office.
Non-native English speaking applicants need documentation of English-language proficiency, demonstrated through a satisfactory Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score within the last two years.
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Depending upon English-language proficiency, you may be required to enroll in English Language Support Program courses along with a reduced academic course load. You must pass these courses within the first calendar year of enrollment.
PhD applicants entering with a bachelor’s degree: Bachelor’s degree in nursing from NLNAC, ACEN, CNEA or CCNE-accredited school OR equivalent for non-nurse applicants; 3.3 minimum GPA (4.0 scale).
PhD applicants entering with a graduate degree: Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from NLNAC, ACEN, CNEA or CCNE-accredited school OR equivalent for non-nurse applicants; minimum 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale).
Test Type | Verbal | Quantitative | Analytical |
GRE | 153 | 144 | 4.0 |
Note: As of April 2016, a graduate level statistics course is no longer required as a prerequisite for the PhD program.
The MU SSON PhD program uses a comprehensive, holistic review process. In a holistic review process, we consider the applicant as a whole individual, not merely select parts, such as GPA or GRE test scores. In doing so, we evaluate applicants based on who will contribute to the MU SSON’s academic community in meaningful ways.
Holistic review takes into account factors such as a research mentor match, academic and professional goals, student’s strength of undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework, grade trends, special circumstances, and ability to enhance the diversity of the program. By evaluating the applicant from a holistic perspective, we take the time to get to know applicants as people, not as numbers.
Requires Campus Visits
The distance mediated Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares graduates to fulfill and excel in advanced nursing practice roles requiring advanced skills in Nursing Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist in delivery of health care to individuals, communities and populations.
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
Requires Campus Visits
The distance mediated master of science (MS(N)) program prepares graduates to fulfill and excel in advanced nursing practice roles requiring advanced skills in Nursing Education, Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist in delivery of health care to individuals, communities and populations.
To be considered for admission to the Sinclair School of Nursing’s master’s degree program, students must meet the following requirements:
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
100% Online
The goal of the Master’s of Science in Care Management is to educate health care professionals to improve health outcomes, enhance care quality, and reduce health care costs. Graduates will provide care management to diverse people across the life span using principles and approaches that include facilitating delivery of health care to individuals/family, engagement of individuals/family in care plan design, and implementation resulting in high quality, high value, cost effective care using a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
To be considered for admission to the Sinclair School of Nursing’s MS Care Management program, students must meet the following requirements:
Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores
100% Online
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 15
Certificate description: The graduate certificate in Participatory Health Research confirms the completion of graduate level training in the rationale, theoretical underpinnings, methods, and applications of participatory approaches for health and health systems. This methodology strives to develop equitable partnerships among host communities, stakeholders, policy makers, health care providers and researchers in an effort to work together to develop strategies and interventions that will enhance the health of a population.
Certificate web site:
http://nursing.missouri.edu/academic-programs/certificate-participatory-health-research/
100% Online
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 21.5
Certificate Description: Student who pursue the AGCNS will be prepared as expert clinicians to provide direct patient care from wellness through acute care with a focus on complex and vulnerable adult and older adult populations. The AGCNS student will also be prepared to influence care outcomes by acting as a resource and providing expert consultation for nursing staff and other health professionals by implementing evidence-based practice initiatives to support improvements in health care delivery systems.
Certificate Web site:
https://nursing.missouri.edu/academic-programs/
A holistic review process is utilized for admission, however, students interested in the Graduate Certificate program should meet the following admission criteria:
100% Online
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 15
Certificate Description: Student who pursue the Care Management certificate will Communicate, collaborate, and engage with individuals, families, health care professionals, and health care systems to help facilitate high quality and care in all settings.
Certificate Web site:
https://nursing.missouri.edu/academic-programs/
A holistic review process is utilized for admission, however, students interested in the Graduate Certificate program should meet the following admission criteria:
100% Online
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 18.5
Certificate Description: Students who pursue the Family Nurse Practitioner area of study will be prepared to deliver evidence based comprehensive primary healthcare to individuals of all ages, from birth through older adulthood. he FNP role includes the diagnosis and treatment of common acute and episodic health problems as well as the management of chronic diseases. The student will utilize current research to provide health education to individuals and families and demonstrate expertise in health promotion and disease prevention. In addition, the student will be prepared to work independently and collaboratively to integrate advanced knowledge in the delivery of care to all populations including rural and other underserved communities.
Certificate Web site:
https://nursing.missouri.edu/academic-programs/
A holistic review process is utilized for admission, however, students interested in the Graduate Certificate program should meet the following admission criteria:
100% Online
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 21.5
Certificate Description: Student who pursue the PCNS will be prepared provide direct patient care from wellness through acute care with a focus on complex and vulnerable pediatric populations. The Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist student will also be prepared to influence care outcomes by acting as a resource and providing expert consultation for nursing staff and other health professionals by implementing evidence based practice initiatives to support improvements in health care delivery systems.
Certificate Web site:
https://nursing.missouri.edu/academic-programs/
A holistic review process is utilized for admission, however, students interested in the Graduate Certificate program should meet the following admission criteria:
100% Online
Stand Alone: Yes
Total Credit Hours: 18.5
Certificate Description: Students who pursue the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner area of study will be prepared as expert clinicians to deliver evidence based advanced primary mental health care to individuals of all ages (e.g., children, adolescents, adults) and their families in a variety of healthcare settings, including in rural and underserved populations. The student will engage in independent and interdependent decision-making, managing psychotropic medications, and delivering psychotherapeutic, and psychoeducation interventions.
Certificate Web site:
https://nursing.missouri.edu/academic-programs/
A holistic review process is utilized for admission, however, students interested in the Graduate Certificate program should meet the following admission criteria:
The minor is open to graduate students in the Sinclair School of Nursing as well as nurses interested in teaching in a school of nursing who are graduate students in other departments on campus (e.g. Health Education, Public Health, Health Management and Informatics, Human Development and Family Studies, etc.). Graduate nursing students who already have a MS in Nursing Education or a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education will not be eligible for a graduate minor in nursing education as their prior graduate coursework is substantively identical to the required courses.
The graduate minor in nursing education consists of a minimum of 10 graduate credit hours of nursing education coursework.
All students are required to take two core courses for graduate minor:
After completion of the two core courses, students will complete a faculty supervised 4 credit teaching nursing practicum. Students may select from two practicum courses which best meet their learning needs and professional goals:
These aforementioned courses also can be supplemented by problems courses.