Mennonite College of Nursing Launches New Ph.D. Program

Photo Courtesy to the ISU Mennonite College of Nursing

NORMAL, Ill. — The Mennonite College of Nursing has launched a new B.S.N to Ph.D. program and is the only college to offer a Ph.D. program in downstate Illinois. 

The program helps students earn their degree in as little as four years. Courses will be provided partly online but will also include mentorship and essay work. 

Seon Yoon Chung is the Associate Dean of Academics for the Mennonite College of Nursing. Chung spoke about the significance of this program to nursing students at ISU. 

“We already have our B.S.N. program, we have our master’s program and we have our Ph.D. program,” Chung said. “So none of the portions of the program are new necessarily. The difference is that before, in order to get into our Ph.D. program, you needed a master’s degree. But, with this new program, you are able to go through two programs together in a shorter amount of time.” 

Chung said that this difference will most likely increase student applications and admissions to the Mennonite College of Nursing. 

“Not only will admissions rise, but the number of students graduating with a Ph.D. degree will increase,” Chung said. “Before, the pool of applicants for this doctorate program was limited to those who have master’s degrees. But now, if you have a bachelorette degree, you can still enroll in this program and pursue a doctorate degree.” 

Applications for the fall 2022 semester will be accepted until July 15.