CPH Blog: DNP or PhD: Which Degree is Right for You?

Want to expand your nursing education, but not sure which advanced degree is the right path for you? Learn more about the difference between earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) below! No matter which program you choose, both are great options for furthering your nursing career and making an impact on public health.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The DNP degree is nursing's highest professional practice degree. Our DNP program prepares nurses for careers as expert nurse practitioners and nurse administrators. Emphasis is placed on evaluating and applying the evidence that supports practice, understanding and creating practice delivery systems based on patient outcomes, and assuming leadership roles in nursing practice settings.

Mason DNP students are trained to make communities healthier by bringing evidence into clinical practice and serving underrepresented communities through nurse-led MAP clinics. Students work alongside professors in clinical care, where they learn how to provide high-quality health care to the public and how to become confident leaders who guide teams of professionals.

DNP graduates can choose from a range of direct care career options, including:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Director of nursing
• Nurse informaticist
• Public health leader
• Nurse executive/administrator
• Nurse educator/faculty

Although the Master of Science in Nursing remains the minimum educational requirement for national certification and state licensure in advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles, the DNP is increasingly recognized for its positive impact on the nursing field and the quality of patient care. Our DNP program will expand your nursing education and skill set, helping you to meet the demands of an increasingly complex health care industry.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

The PhD in Nursing program differs from the DNP program in that it is a research doctoral degree. Rather than primarily working in the field as a practicing nurse, like DNPs do, PhD graduates pursue intellectual inquiry and conduct research. The purpose of their work is to expand knowledge and improve the health of all populations.

Mason PhD students develop in-depth knowledge in their focused area of inquiry through coursework, mentored research experience, and dissertation research. Students are trained to ask important questions and conduct ethical research in a culturally competent manner that advances nursing science and health equity.

PhD nurses can choose from a variety of career options, including:

• Nurse educator/faculty
• Nurse scientist/researcher
• Public health and public policy nurse
• Nurse leader
• Nurse informaticist

The majority of PhD nurses pursue careers in either the research or teaching fields, and day-to-day duties vary depending on their chosen career path. Although a doctorate in nursing may not be required for many of the roles listed above, the PhD could set your resume apart from others when applying for higher-level positions.

How do you choose?

Both degrees require students to think innovatively, seek improvements for the health care system, lead teams of health care professionals to success, and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving public health for all.

To put it simply, DNP students work in the field and make an immediate patient impact, while PhD students conduct research in a lab or office environment and work to solve complex questions that could radically improve the practice of nursing and clinical care.

Visit George Mason University’s website to learn more about the DNP program and the Nursing, PhD program, as well as further differences between the two degrees.