For more information or to register for the virtual open house please email Dr. Linda Warren at:
Who is eligible?
The Ed.D. in Nursing Education is a collaborative program between Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) and Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). The purpose of the program is to address the workforce needs in Connecticut and nation-wide by addressing the critical need for nurse educators. Every course, assignment, video conference, residency presentation or practicum experience throughout the program is designed to prepare students for the nursing faculty role.
What are the admission requirements?
- Graduate Application for the Ed.D. in Nursing Education program
- Master’s degree in nursing, with an overall GPA of at least 3.0, from a regionally-accredited institution
- Official transcripts of all prior undergraduate and graduate level coursework
- Two (2) current references from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic ability, professional achievements, and potential for success in doctoral studies. At least one (1) letter of reference should be from academic source.
- Current RN license
- Current resume/CV highlighting professional experience, scholarship, and service activities. Please limit document to five (5) pages.
- Personal statement (document should not be more than 3 pages – single spaced) describing the following:
- reasons for seeking admission to the Ed.D. program
- professional goals
- research interests
- potential contributions to field of nursing education
Can potential students from all states apply to the program?
Yes, we can admit students from every state in the United States. Massachusetts and California are currently revising their online program authorizations, so check with the School of Graduate Studies, Research, & Innovation for further information if you reside in these two states.
Is this a totally online program?
An online orientation will be held at the beginning of year one. In years two and three an online program will be held at the beginning of the Fall semester. Residencies occur in August before the fall semester begins. We also have evening video conferences typically scheduled once every week or every other week.
What financial aid is available to students?
The Ed.D. in Nursing Education program has been fortunate to receive funding for students through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, although these is no guarantee that funding will be available in any given year. The program offers partial loan forgiveness for borrowers that graduate and serve as full-time nursing faculty for the prescribed period of time. There are other loan opportunities for graduate students. Check with the office of Financial Aid at WCSU or SCSU for more information about funding opportunities.
Can students take one course per semester?
Students progress through the program in a cohort model, taking two courses every semester including courses in the summer and intercession. Most students complete the program in about three and one half years. Since we admit students every other year into the program, courses are only offered once every two years.
Is there a full time and part-time option?
The program is part-time only.
Is a dissertation required?
Yes, students complete a dissertation on topics related to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Is the program accredited?
This program has been licensed by the Connecticut Board of Regents and approved by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
What are the tuition and fee costs?
Tuition and fee costs are updated every academic year. Check the
Student Accounts page for updated tuition and fees.
Is it a year round program?
Yes. Students take two courses in the fall and spring semester, one course in the intercession, and usually one to two courses in the summer.
Are there practicum requirements?
Yes, students must participate in an educational practicum during the fall semester of the second year of the program. Teaching Practicum requirements are 120 hours for the Practicum course (approximately eight (8) hours/week). Practicum experiences are in schools of nursing at the BSN level and above, and are generally arranged in the state of residence of the student.
