Establishing a doctor of philosophy program in nursing in an historically black college or University

The planning and implementing of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at Southern University Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge, LA (SUBR), an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), are discussed. The steps for initiating this new program in Southern University School of Nursing (SUSON) are included. Background information on the university and the Graduate Nursing Program. The use of consultants, their recommendations for program development, and the SUSON's responses to these recommendations are presented. Additional information is provided about the need for offering the PhD, program objectives, strengths of the SON, the Office of Nursing Research, funded research, faculty development, the curriculum, and financial assistance for students.