A minimum of 72 credits beyond the baccalaureate is required; at least 42 credits must be completed at  MU. Our curriculum is divided into foundational and specialty cores and electives. Below is an overview of curricular components.  

Foundational  Graduate  Core

 (7 Credits Required BS-PhD) 

These foundational courses develop graduate students’ scholarly writing skills, introduce advanced nursing roles, and explore public health, social determinants of health, and health policy. Students gain essential tools for evidence-based practice and for engaging in policy. 

N7050 Introduction to Scholarly Writing 
N7110 Advanced Nursing Roles & Professional Communication 
N8170 Public Health, Sociocultural Issues, & Health Policy

Philosophical,  Theoretical,  &  Scientific  Basis 

 (10 Credits BS-PhD; 6 Credits Others) 

These courses provide students with the philosophical, theoretical, and scientific foundation on which to build a program of research. Upon course completion, students will have a basic understanding of philosophy of science; be able to analyze, apply and evaluate a variety of nursing and non-nursing theories; adapt conceptual models and conduct a systematic literature review in their research interest area. 

N7160 Scientific Foundations for Health Sciences (BS-PhD) 
N9100 State of the Science 
N9120 Philosophical & Theoretical Basis for Research

Optimizing Community & Population Health Core 

 (3 Credits) 

This course introduces research through social determinants of health lens, focusing on how social and environmental factors influence health outcomes across populations. Students explore theoretical frameworks, research tools, and policy strategies to support inclusive and impactful health research. 

N9450 Social Determinants of Health

Statistics Core

 (6 Credits Minimum) 

Students take these courses to prepare them to critically evaluate research literature, analyze quantitative data , and interpret statistical findings. Students are expected to take a minimum of an introductory and intermediate statistics course.  

N7010 Biostatistical Foundations for Health Researchers 
N8020 Intermediate Statistics for Health Researchers

Emerging Areas of Science & Technology Core 

 (3 Credits) 

This course introduces the foundations of health informatics and data science, emphasizing their roles in supporting health research. Students gain an understanding of informatics methods, applications, and ethical considerations, and learn how to collaborate effectively across disciplines to apply data-driven approaches in health studies—no programming experience required. 

N9230 Foundations of Informatics & Data Science for Health Researchers

Research Design, Ethics &  Methods  Core

 (15 Credits BS-PhD; 12 Credits Others) 

These core research courses prepare students to conduct ethical, rigorous health research using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Students learn responsible research practices, explore various study designs, and develop skills in grant writing and interdisciplinary collaboration. Emphasis is placed on methodological integrity, inclusive inquiry, and practical application in health-related research.  

P_Hlth 7952 Research Methods in Public Health OR N8910 Translational Evidence-Based Nursing Practice (BS-PhD) 
N9131 Responsible Conduct of Research in the Health, Social, & Biomedical Sciences 
N9132 Writing Research Grants: Skill Building 
N9410 Quantitative Research Design & Methods 
N9420 Qualitative Research Design & Methods

Individualized Specialty Core

 (30 Credits BS-PhD; 27 Credits Others) 

These individualized specialty core courses provide students with hands-on experience in research, teaching, and advanced coursework tailored to their focus area. Through mentored practicums, students refine research and teaching skills, engage in scholarly dissemination, and explore future academic or professional roles. Students also take courses in interdisciplinary collateral areas and advanced statistics or research methods to support their dissertation work.  

Faculty Mentored Research & Teaching Practica 
N8900 Research Practicum (BS-PhD) 
N9710 Advanced Research Practicum & Role Exploration 
&/OR N8954 Distance Mediated Teaching Practicum 
N9090 Research in Nursing & Health (Dissertation Research)

Additional Credits Required (9 Credits; See Sample Plans of Study) 

Advanced Statistics OR Advanced Research Methods (3 Credits)

Research Focus Area OR Interdisciplinary Collateral (3 Credits)

Additional course from any of these options (3 Credits)

Professional Identify & Role Core

 (6 Credits BS-PhD; 4-6 Credit Others) 

These courses prepare students for leadership, teaching, mentoring, and career development in academic and professional settings. Students are required to attend annual on-campus immersions focused on research skill-building and professional development , including job search preparation. Coursework supports long-term career planning, effective research communication, and exploration of various career paths. 

N8844 Leadership in Nursing & Healthcare Settings  
N8945 Teaching, Learning, & Mentoring Strategies 
N9500 Career Transition Strategies for PhD Students

Electives 

 (0 Credits Required) 

Students have the option of pursuing elective courses within the School of Nursing as well as across the campus based on their professional goals. A unique option for our students is to obtain a transcripted graduate minors or certificates in selected nursing or collateral areas. School of Nursing graduate minor and graduate certificate options include: 

Online, interdisciplinary graduate certificates Online Graduate Certificates of relevance to nurses and healthcare professionals are available in the following areas:  