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Program at a Glance

Type
Online Doctorate
College
Nursing

Costs
$327.32
Per Credit Hour
16
Week
Terms
Term Calendar
63-72
Credit
Hours
Credit Hour Clock

Costs
$1,151.72
Per Credit Hour
16
Weeks
Terms
Term Calendar
63-72
Credit
Hours
Credit Hour Clock
Most Innovative University 2022


Build a distinctive career at the forefront of the nursing field.

Healthcare is constantly evolving and in need of energetic, diverse leadership among nurses. Your PhD in Nursing will allow you to advance the field as a research scientist. UCF Online provides an avenue through which students contribute to knowledge development in nursing and healthcare on the basis of sound conceptual, methodological and ethical research.

Through UCF Online, you’ll harness your full potential and gain the skills it takes to lead the way as innovative technologies and research shift the field of healthcare. Your classroom studies and dissertation will allow you to choose a specific area of focus, conduct research and apply your knowledge of theory, processes and methods of inquiry to the field of nursing.

The curriculum, along with your dissertation, will prepare you to become a leader who contributes to the body of nursing knowledge through your research. You’ll graduate as a nurse scientist prepared to work in a variety of roles, such as faculty member in a research-focused university, leader for nursing research within a healthcare system, industry, or an executive leader with a research focus. This program can be completed online, although two multiple-day onsite intensives per year are required. Get started today to begin your journey toward a PhD in Nursing.

As a participant in the PhD program, there are two online tracks available:

Program Tracks

Requiring a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond your bachelor’s degree, this program is designed to support students who wish to complete their PhD in a timely manner and attain longer research careers. This track can be completed part-time and is designed for working professionals.

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Requiring a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond your master’s degree, this program is designed to support students who have already obtained their MSN.

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Highlights

accredited
Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Faculty Experts
Led by nationally recognized faculty who are experts in their field and actively engaged in innovative research
Faculty chairs
Our faculty include national fellows, endowed chairs and advanced certified healthcare simulation educators who are actively engaged in innovative research.

Application Deadlines

Fall

March 1

Ready to
get started?

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Application
Deadlines

Fall

March 1

Ready to
get started?

Request Info

Course Requirements

In order to earn you PhD in Nursing, you’ll need to complete up to 72 credit hours of graduate course work. While completing your PhD in Nursing at UCF, you’ll take required courses, dissertation credit hours and electives, which will allow you to gain additional expertise in areas of interest. Importantly, in order to meet program prerequisites, you’ll need to have earned your BSN or either a MSN or master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution along with being licensed as a registered nurse in the State of Florida.

Number of Core Classes

BSN to PhD Track –

You’ll need to complete 9 credit hours of foundational courses along with 33 credit hours of research methods and 15 credit hours in elective coursework. In addition, you’ll also need to earn at least 15 credit hours in dissertation research. Lastly, students will also need to complete a candidacy examination in addition to their dissertation.

MSN to PhD Track –

You’ll need to complete 9 credit hours of foundational courses along with 30 credit hours of research methods and 9 credit hours in elective coursework. In addition, you’ll also need to earn at least 15 credit hours in dissertation research. Lastly, students will also need to complete a candidacy examination in addition to their dissertation.

Courses You’ll Take Include

Explore the foundations and application of theory in nursing science.

Identify, discuss, and practice effective scientific writing elements as they apply to nursing and healthcare related disciplines; prepare a scientific manuscript for publication.

Research Approaches and Designs for Nursing and Healthcare

Examine quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying nursing and health related phenomena; ethical issues; internal and external validity; comparison of designs.

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Gain the knowledge and skills in the areas of clinical research.
  • Develop a program of scholarship that integrates research, teaching, leadership, and service to the profession.
  • Learn how to contribute to interdisciplinary solutions that advance healthcare in a global society.
Explore the full course list within the program brochure.
Download Brochure


Career Opportunities

This program will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your field. The skills gained from this program, combined with your professional experience, will enable you to grow within your field. The online PhD in Nursing program is designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these expansive fields.

18,602

Annual Job Openings

20.0%

Job Growth in the Nursing Science field between 2020 and 2030

Source: Emsi Burning Glass – economicmodeling.com

Job Titles

  • Director Of Nursing Research
  • Nurse Scientist
  • Nursing Faculty
  • Nursing Professor
  • Research Scientist

Student looking towards screen.

Why UCF Online?

UCF is one of the top supplier of graduates to the nursing science occupation. Our graduates work at top medical and education centers, including the University of Central Florida, Jack & Jill Children’s Center Inc, Orlando Health, Inc., and Association of Nursing Professional Development, Inc. With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, UCF Online offers students an innovative approach to education. Our degrees are accessible, convenient, and designed with working professionals in mind so you can receive a quality education on your terms.


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Online Support for Success

You’ve made the decision to continue your education and we’re here to help. From the moment you express interest in a UCF Online program, you’re assigned an enrollment coach to help you navigate everything from completing an application to understanding tuition and the financial aid resources available to you. Once you’re admitted, you’ll be transitioned to a personal success coach who will support you with maintaining school-life balance from the first day of classes through graduation. You’ve committed to furthering your education and we’re committed to guiding you along the way.

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Related Online Programs

Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track
Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track

Accreditation Notice

The Doctor in Nursing Science program at UCF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.