Online Doctorate in Education: Teaching and Learning in Higher Education with Nursing Concentration

Featuring Online Coursework and Three In-Person Residencies

In an accelerated, online format, the program consists of 54 credit hours to be completed in three years. Each course is taken one at a time, 7 weeks in length, with the exception of more concentrated courses that include a residency.

Year 1: 18 credit hours in adult learning, 2 residencies and beginning dissertation research 
Year 2: 18 credit hours in student success, nursing instruction, research and Ireland residency 
Year 3: 18 credit hours in policy, nursing instruction and dissertation completion  
  
Residencies consist of a weekend on campus at the beginning of the program, a week on campus the following summer, and a week at the University of Limerick in Ireland the following year. The program is “all inclusive” as textbooks are included at no additional cost to students.

At the first residency, meals are included. At the second residency, meals and lodging are included. 

For the third residency, air travel, lodging, sessions at UL, educational-cultural tours, airport transfers, and most meals are included at no cost to the student. 

Unlike other universities, GMercyU supports students in dissertation research from day one. Our dissertation chairs are limited to no more than five advisees, while many other universities assign 20 or more advisees to each faculty member.

By starting the dissertation early, providing the guidance of an expert methodologist, and making dissertation advisement personal and student-centered, our model yields a graduation rate far higher than national norms.

With 10 years of experience in accelerated doctoral studies, our faculty is uniquely prepared to deliver this distinctive initiative.

A minimum of 54 credits is required for this degree with certification.

Doctorate in Education Foundation Courses - 15 credit hours

Teaching and Learning in Higher Education - 12 credit hours

Dissertation Courses - 12 credit hours

Nursing Education Concentration Courses - 15 credit hours

This program is for nursing professionals who hold an MSN degree and want to become effective nurse educators or academic leaders, or other take on other instructional roles at U.S. and international colleges and universities, where doctorally prepared candidates are preferred for faculty positions, tenure, promotion, and advanced career opportunities. It can also prepare you for leadership positions and numerous roles in healthcare organizations.

In our program, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge, and disposition associated with effective college teaching and scholarship. This degree includes a focus on applied research, nursing college student engagement, course and program development, and innovation in educational healthcare.