DNP to PhD Bridge

Add research skills to your clinical expertise through Texas Woman’s University’s DNP to PhD Bridge program.

While both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) are terminal nursing degrees, the educational requirements for each differ with one focused more on clinical practice and the other focused on in-depth research.

If you are a DNP looking for greater knowledge on research methodology or aspiring to conduct original research, TWU’s Bridge program is for you.

Realizing that students have different needs and varying learning styles, TWU offers two formats for the Bridge program. At the Denton campus, the program is offered 100% online and has received the Quality Matters Implementation Plan award for online learning.

A hybrid program incorporating both face-to-face and online classes is available at our Houston campus. In both campus formats, students may attend either full time or part time.

Degree Plan

Admission Requirements

Admission to the D.N.P. to Ph.D. Bridge

Program Contact

Dr. Sandra Cesario
713-794-2110
scesario@www.melvinmacias.com

Application Deadline

Fall - February 1

Admission Requirements

  1. Current U.S. RN license (unencumbered) (Nursing credentials for International students will be assessed individually).
  2. Statistics course.
  3. Evidence of graduation from a DNP program offered by a regionally-accredited university with national certification in nursing preferred.
  4. A minimum GPA of 3.5 in the DNP program for unconditional admission.
  5. Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in last 60 hours coursework may be considered for provisional admission on an individual basis.

How to Apply

  1. Apply for admission to the TWU Graduate School.
  2. Collect and submit the following documents as separate PDF files in ONE email to the Program Coordinator with the subject line (YOUR FULL NAME)-D.N.P. to Ph.D. Bridge. Please attach all items as PDFs.
    • Letter addressing professional goals and research interest
    • Curriculum vita or resume
  3. Two academic or professional references should submit letters of recommendation as PDFs on institutional or organization letterhead to the Program Coordinator. Recommenders should include student name and "D.N.P. to Ph.D. Bridge" in the subject line.

Contact

Sandra Cesario, PhD, RNC, FAAN
Director, PhD Program
scesario@www.melvinmacias.com 
713-794-2110

Page last updated 12:09 PM, May 4, 2022