Alverno College Launches New Hybrid Doctorate in Education Degree, Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Degree

Alverno College has partnered with Arizona-based premiere service provider Synergis Education to launch a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) degree and a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) degree. Both programs will begin enrolling students in January 2020.

Designed for working professionals who hold a master's degree relevant to their area of interest, the Doctorate in Education program offers concentration options in Higher Education Leadership and K-12 Leadership. Doctoral candidates in the Ed.D. K-12 Leadership concentration have the option to complete courses focused on the superintendent role. This innovative program combines online coursework and dissertation support with two in-person residencies. From the start of the program, students are offered direction, support and advising for the completion of their dissertations.

“Alums of the Ed.D. program will be the educational agents of change for the schools and colleges where they will serve, something we know is so greatly needed,” said Patricia Luebke, Ph.D., dean of Alverno's School of Professional Students, which includes the division of Education. “This program will further advance Alverno's legacy of preparing leaders to provide high-quality education and develop the abilities of all learners.”

The Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for graduates who hold a bachelor's degree in any field and gives them the opportunity to begin their career in nursing with a master's degree. DEMSN students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in as few as 18 months of full-time study. DEMSN graduates will be prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and are positioned to pursue post-master's certification in fields such as family nurse practitioner (FNP); psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP); adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist (AGCNS); acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP); and primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP).

“The demand for nurses is outpacing the supply, and the DEMSN will graduate highly trained nurses more quickly so that they can provide immediate impact to those most in need,” said Patricia Varga, Ph.D., dean of Alverno's JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions. “We know what will result are Alverno nurses who are compassionate caregivers and competently support innovation and adaptation in today's evolving health care systems.”

“Synergis Education has been so impressed with the leadership at Alverno College. At every level, they are dedicated to innovation and understand that need to expand access to education in high-demands fields for prospective students,” said Norm Allgood, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Synergis. “From our early conversations, to the launch of these two degree programs, we saw an opportunity to partner with an institution that has always been committed to innovation.”

Students interested in pursuing their Ed.D. online with Alverno should hold a master's degree related to their intended area of concentration and have at least three years of experience as a teacher, administrator or other educational professional. More information about the Ed.D. program is available at edd.alverno.edu.

Students interested in enrolling in the DEMSN program must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an international equivalent. More information about the DEMSN program is available at msn.alverno.edu.