COURSE STRUCTURE & CURRICULUM
Our program is designed to be flexible in meeting your learning needs. The curriculum is implemented using a fall and spring semester distance learning approach complemented by on-campus summer sessions. A non-distance learning option is available for international students. Whether you are on campus or at home, the College provides you with a personalized experience -- one of the hallmarks of a Villanova Nursing program.
Fall and Spring classes are delivered synchronously via distance learning and most are scheduled between 4:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
Summer semester classes are taught on the Villanova University campus. All students are required to attend the summer sessions while they are enrolled in course work. Designed as a 46-credit program, the length of the program will vary depending on previous education, currency of graduate education and individual needs.
Students begin the FCN PhD Program at the beginning of Summer Session I, starting the Tuesday after the Memorial Day holiday. Summer Session I is a two-week on campus experience.
Graduates of the PhD program will be able to:
- Conduct research that generates, tests, refines or extends theory and knowledge relevant to culturally competent nursing and nursing education.
- Evaluate critically and synthesize research findings for building knowledge that advances culturally competent nursing and nursing education, and use that knowledge in education, research, advocacy, policy development and leadership.
- Assume the role of academic nurse educator with the ability to design varied learning opportunities in clinical and didactic settings using diverse teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse populations.
- Possess the skills and knowledge to collaborate with other disciplines in health research and preparation of culturally competent health care providers responsive to the needs and concerns of a global society.
- Collaborate with others to improve health care and advance policy for vulnerable and at-risk populations.
- Advance the science of nursing education to improve education outcomes for learners, across all levels.