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Nursing Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Help empower nursing professionals to find success in their roles with an online PhD in Education, Nursing Education from Capella University. In this program you’ll learn to design and lead effective nursing education programs.
Your coursework and in-person learning experiences will help you become a change agent, ready to introduce fundamental, well-documented improvements to nursing education. And you’ll develop the capacity to lead continuous quality improvement as a nurse educator.
Classes start February 7
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a Glance
- Online & in-person
- 6 Core courses
- 8 Specialization courses
- 3 Elective courses
- 3 Virtual Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
- 77 Coursework credits
- 16 Maximum transfer credits
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$745 per credit, 77 coursework credits, 16 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Comprehensive exam
$2,235 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,235
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,235 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,235
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2021–22 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2021. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 4 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 4 quarters |
$8,940.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$62,804.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$57,804.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 19 quarters |
$60,304.00 |
Completes dissertation in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 6 quarters |
$13,410.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$67,274.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$62,274.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 21 quarters |
$66,744.00 |
Completes dissertation in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $745/credit 14 quarters |
$51,629.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,235.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,235/quarter 8 quarters |
$17,880.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$71,744.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$66,774.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Scholarship Savings* 23 quarters |
$69,244.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
The PhD in Education, Nursing Education program can help you prepare to teach the next generation of nurses from the perspective of a scholar and experienced practitioner.
| ED8360 |
The Nurse Educator: Faculty Roles and Responsibilities
This course presents the history of higher education nursing programs and the roles and responsibilities of nurse educators in higher education and clinical settings. Topics include clinical site responsibilities, professional and staff development, the importance of student preceptors and mentors, educational program requirements and evaluation, and legal and ethical issues. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED8355 * |
Curriculum Design and Evaluation in Nursing Education
Learners research nursing curriculum elements and model construction. Learners also evaluate the accreditation process and the influence of accreditation requirements on curriculum development. Learners synthesize learning concepts and the components of curriculum and analyze curriculum models that will help learners create successful learning outcomes. Prerequisite(s): ED8350, ED8360. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED8365 * |
Teaching Strategies in Nursing Education
In this course, learners examine nursing education teaching and learning theories, and analyze teaching strategies in classroom and clinical settings, including use of simulations. Learners also analyze instructional strategies for teaching in face-to-face and online environments. Prerequisite(s): completion of or concurrent registration in ED8355. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| ED8370 * |
Nursing Leadership and Professional Practice
Learners in this course explore the grants process within the context of nursing leadership. Learners develop the skills needed to identify specific needs and grant opportunities as well as cultivate specific organizational and professional support for grant activities. Additionally, learners critique various grant proposals and write elements of a proposal. Prerequisite(s): ED8355, ED8365. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
Our PhD in Education, Nursing Education program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced roles as nurse educators in higher and adult education. The curriculum presents nursing concepts and theories and provides learners with essential knowledge and skills in curriculum development and evaluation, teaching strategy, and scholarship.
On successful completion of this degree program, you should be able to:
- Facilitate learning
- Facilitate learner development and socialization
- Use assessment and evaluation strategies
- Engage in scholarship
- Participate in curriculum design and evaluation of program outcomes
- Function as a change agent and leader
- Pursue continuous quality improvement in the nurse educator role
- Function within the educational environment
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Nursing Education.
Related job titles to explore*
- Dean or associate dean of nursing program
- Nurse educator
- Full-time faculty of nursing courses
- Nursing instructor
- Nursing education curriculum specialist
- Nursing department chair
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Health care system
- Hospital
- Community and technical college
- Medical center
- Community health agency
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions .
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Doctoral Guide
Wondering about the differences between PhDs and professional doctorates? What are the unique features of online and traditional doctoral programs? Read on to learn more and find the right program for you.
Doctoral Journey
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.