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Program at a Glance

Program
Doctorate
College(s)
College of Nursing
Department(s)
Nursing
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The Doctor of Philosophy program in Nursing is designed to prepare students for positions as faculty members, leaders in the application of innovative technologies to education and/or clinical care, executive leaders in healthcare systems, and scientists who contribute to the body of nursing knowledge through their research. The BSN to PhD track is designed to support students in completing the PhD in a timely fashion to provide for a longer research career.

The PhD in Nursing program prepares nurse scholars to possess a body of knowledge about theory, processes, and methods of inquiry in the discipline of nursing. The program allows students to contribute to disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge in nursing and healthcare on the basis of sound conceptual, methodological, and ethical decision-making. Students in the BSN to PhD track will have focused support in grant writing for programs such as the National Research Service Award (NRSA). Although courses will be offered online, students are expected to actively engage in research activities with faculty, which may require on-campus time.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the PhD in Nursing Program, graduates will be able to:

  • Conduct research to generate a body of knowledge and test theories that advance nursing science.
  • Develop a program of scholarship that integrates research, teaching, leadership, and service to the profession.
  • Contribute to interdisciplinary solutions that advance health care in a global society.

For the BSN to PhD track, total graduate credit must equal or exceed 72 credit hours. Students take 42 credit hours of required courses that focus on foundation knowledge development and research methods, 15 dissertation credit hours, 9 credit hours of supporting courses, and 6 credit hours of elective courses allowing students to gain additional expertise in the area chosen for their dissertation. Details about this program are located in the Nursing PhD Handbook.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit http://global.ucf.edu/. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at 407-823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Application Deadlines

Fall
March 1
Fall
January 15

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University of Central Florida Colleges