University of West Georgia School of Nursing ranked 31st in the nation for "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs" (U.S. News & World Report, 2020).

60 hours

UWG's online EdD in Nursing Education is designed to prepare nurse educators for the 21st century. The 100% online program will enable students to earn a doctorate degree that will prepare them to train future nurses, helping address a critical shortage in the state, region and nation. This is one of only a few such programs in the nation!

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog.

  • Overview

    The program includes a total of 60 semester hours including 12 dissertation credit hours. Through structured activities and facilitator-guided dialogue, learners will gain an understanding of the doctoral program goals, structure, and culture. Students will develop strategies for successfully engaging in doctoral learning and building an effective doctoral community. Classroom instruction will be delivered through asynchronous communication. Communication between the professor and students will be promoted within the university's course management system. Objectives: The major objectives of this doctoral program are to: Demonstrate advanced nurse educator competencies to enact increasingly complex faculty and leadership roles. Facilitate curriculum design, development of courses, and evaluation of program and learner outcomes using evidence-based strategies. Function as a change agent, innovator, and leader with the continuous pursuit of quality improvement in the nurse educator role. Advance the scholarship of nursing education. Conduct, evaluate, and synthesize theoretically guided research to further pedagogical knowledge in nursing education.

    The Doctorate of Education in Nursing Education Program Website includes other vital information.

    Contacts

    School of Nursing
    678-839-6552
    nurs@westga.edu

    Ms. Embry Ice (Pre-enrollment advisor)
    eice@westga.edu
    678-839-5115

    Program Location

    Online

    Method of Delivery

    100% Online Asynchonous. A mandatory two-day, on-site orientation seminar is required before the first semester. A one-day mandatory dissertation orientation is required the semester prior to comprehensive exams (varies based on part-time or full-time track).  On-site attendance for one of the students dissertation defenses is also recommended.

    Accreditation

    The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

    Credit and transfer

    Total semester hours required: 60
    Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 6
    A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team (transfer@westga.edu). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.

  • Cost

    This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.

    Save money

    UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.

    Details

    • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
    • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
    • Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
    • Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
    • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
    • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
    • For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website

    There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

  • Courses

    Coursework

    Full-Time Plan of Study [PDF, 76 KB]

    Part-Time Plan of Study [PDF, 84 KB]

    General

    • NURS-9001 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing Education

      This course is designed is to prepare doctoral students for current and future movement in nursing education. The course emphasizes the development of complex competencies to meet the educational needs of a rapidly developing global society.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9003 - Principles of Qualitative Inquiry: Design and Methods

      Principles of qualitative research methodology will be explored including philosophical frameworks, an introduction to qualitative methodologies, rigor, and data collection and analysis strategies

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9004 - Teaching the Adult Learner

      This course examines theories of pedagogy and andragogy and practical application in the adult education process. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9005 - Nursing Theory in Nursing Education

      This course includes the opportunity for analysis and evaluation of concepts related to theory development and an exploration and analysis of middle range theories. Additionally, the course will include an examination of nursing theory and its link to the research process and best practices in nursing education. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9006 - Educational and Healthcare Policy Analysis

      Must be admitted to the EdD in Nursing Education program as a prerequisite to register for this course. This course is an advanced study of policy and its impact on nursing education and health care. It is designed to enable nurse educators to become more knowledgeable, effective, and responsible participants within the political context of the academic and health-care settings.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9007 - Applied Statistical Methods in Nursing

      This course provides the student with the opportunity to examine statistical methods for nursing and educational research. Emphasis is on the utilization and interpretation of descriptive and inferential statistics.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9008 - Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Education

      This course provides an overview of philosophical, ideological, and/or theoretical constructs that have influenced nursing education. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9009 - Curriculum: Theory and Practice

      This course provides an opportunity to develop and analyze nursing curricula based on the interpretation, evaluation, and synthesis of current and historical literature.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9011 - Ethics in Educational Leadership

      This course is designed to provide the student the opportunity to analyze ethical theories and to apply these theories to nursing education. Ethical issues in health care, higher education, and nursing education provides the focus for the learner to explore the guiding principles of ethical decision making. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9012 - Nursing Education Synthesis

      This course provides the student with opportunities to synthesize the roles, processes, and functions of an educator within higher education.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9013 - Nursing Education Leadership for Diversity for the 21st century

      This course explores the application of leadership theories within a culturally diverse society in the context of a quality caring curriculum. Students are challenged to develop a global perspective and appreciation of the cultural complexity and diversity within healthcare and educational settings. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9014 - Methodology Development

      This course will provide a critical examination of detailed knowledge of methodology as it relates to the field of research in quality caring nursing education.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9016 - Distance Education in Nursing

      This course provides a focus on current issues and challenges for the distance education professional in nursing education through the design and evaluation of online learning environments. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9018 - Advanced Research Methods

      This course provides an opportunity for students to build upon previous content addressed in the NURS 9002, NURS 9003, and NURS 9007 courses and focuses on the design and development of a quantitative or qualitative research study prospectus.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

    • NURS-9019 - Comprehensive Exam

      This course will assess the student’s ability to demonstrate, through scholarly writing, knowledge synthesis of doctoral coursework and readiness to begin the doctoral dissertation. The course will contain the comprehensive exam for the program and the comprehensive exam will be INDEPENDENTLY written. The comprehensive exam may be repeated only once within the course. Failure of the second comprehensive exam attempt will result in an unsatisfactory in the course and dismissal from the program.

      View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

  • Faculty
  • Admissions

    Guidelines for Admittance

    • All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
    • Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
    • International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
    • Official transcripts from a regionally or nationally accredited institution are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.

    Program Specific Admittance Guidelines



    • Earned Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited program.
    • G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all graduate nursing courses. 
    • Official transcript from each college or university attended.
    • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional and academic abilities.
    • Sample of academic writing limited to 5 pages (An academic paper presented in a previous graduate course that demonstrates knowledge of an area, powers of organization, command of language, and communication skills.)
    • Current unencumbered RN license in the United States.
    • Professional resume.

    Application Deadlines

    This program admits only for the fall semester each year. 

    *A review of applications will begin after February 1st and will continue until the cohort of students for the EdD in Nursing Education program is full.

    Admission Process Checklist

    Please submit all transcripts to:

    UWG Graduate Admissions
    Mandeville Hall
    1601 Maple Street
    Carrollton, GA 30118

    Contact

    The School of Nursing Website includes a program handbook, directory of instructors and their credentials, as well as other vital information.

    School of Nursing
    678-839-6552
    nurs@westga.edu

    Contact
    Ms. Embry Ice (Graduate Studies Associate)
    eice@westga.edu
    Phone: 678-839-5115
    Fax: 678-839-6553

    Graduate Admissions
    graduate@westga.edu
    678-839-1394

  • Dates

    This program admits only for the fall semester each year. Application deadlines can be found on the Deadlines page.

    *A review of applications will begin after February 1st and will continue until the cohort of students for the EdD in Nursing Education program is full.

    Specific dates for Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP.

  • Objectives

    The major objectives of this doctoral program are to:

    • Demonstrate advanced nurse educator competencies to enact increasingly complex faculty and leadership roles.
    • Facilitate curriculum design, development of courses, and evaluation of program and learner outcomes using evidence-based strategies.
    • Function as a change agent, innovator, and leader with the continuous pursuit of quality improvement in the nurse educator role.
    • Advance the scholarship of nursing education.
    • Conduct, evaluate, and synthesize theoretically guided research to further pedagogical knowledge in nursing education.