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School of Nursing | Academic Programs | Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

The UNCG School of Nursing proudly offers an esteemed PhD in Nursing program that cultivates nurse scholars and researchers who will shape the future of healthcare.

Program Overview

Our program emphasizes rigorous academic training, advanced research methodologies, and scholarly excellence, preparing graduates to contribute to nursing science and improve health outcomes on a global scale. The PhD in Nursing program is delivered online, with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Students will be invited to campus two times per year for intensive interaction with School of Nursing faculty members. If students are unable to travel to campus, a synchronous online experience will be offered. 

BSN TO PHD PATHWAY 

UNCG’s BSN to PhD pathway is designed for Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN)-prepared nurses interested in careers as nurse scientists. This research-focused program is 60 credit hours, including 12 dissertation hours. The BSN to PhD pathway offers synchronous and asynchronous online courses. The program can be completed in four years full-time, with a part-time option also available. PhD-level courses begin in the very first semester.

DNP TO PHD PATHWAY 

Do you have your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree but now desire a research-focused PhD degree? UNCG School of Nursing offers an individualized DNP to PhD Pathway, where you can earn up to 12 credits toward your PhD. This means you will need only 39 credits (27 credits of coursework and 12 hours of dissertation work) for your PhD in Nursing.  

APPLY NOW – Applications due by March 15. After this date, applications may be considered if a seat is available.

PHD NURSING PROGRAM GOALS 

The PhD program prepares graduates for the following: 

  1. Practice as nurse scientists to advance the discipline and nursing profession through scholarly inquiry. 
  1. Assume leadership roles in promoting optimal health for ethnic minorities, women, children, and older adults. 
  1. Meet the academic and healthcare industry needs for nursing scholars in North Carolina and the nation. 

WHY CHOOSE OUR PROGRAM?

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover a broad spectrum of nursing science, advanced research techniques, and theoretical frameworks.  
  • Research Opportunities: Engage in cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with experienced researchers. Our program offers ample opportunities for students to conduct meaningful research that addresses critical issues in healthcare. 
  • Flexible Learning Options: Our program offers flexible scheduling and online course options to accommodate the needs of working professionals. Students can balance their studies with their personal and professional responsibilities.  
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Utilize our advanced research facilities and resources, designed to support high-quality research and innovation in nursing science. 
  • World-Class Faculty: Learn from distinguished faculty members who are leaders in nursing research and education. Our faculty are committed to mentoring students and guiding them toward achieving their academic and professional goals. 
  • Choose UNCG for your PhD in Nursing and embark on a journey of research excellence! 

“Choosing UNCG for my PhD in Nursing was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, preparing me for a future in nursing research.”

-G.H., a PhD in Nursing Student 

PROGRAM DETAILS 

    Applicants must have the following credentials: 

    • Upon admission to the PhD program, students are expected to submit a current unrestricted RN license. International students must submit a nursing license from their home country validated by CGFNS.  Even though not required, Ph.D. students are recommended to obtain RN licensure in North Carolina in the event that the license is required for research assignments or, assistantships or dissertation data collection. 
    • Satisfactory TOEFL scores for international applicants. 
    • An inferential statistics course within the past five years or permission by the Program Director.  
    • A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in nursing from a school accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. If your master’s GPA is 3.2 or greater you do not need to take GRE. If your master’s GPA is lower than 3.2, please contact the Director to discuss. 
    • In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a 300-word statement of research goals in doctoral program related to promotion of optimal health for ethnic minorities, women, children, or older adults. 
    • Selected applicants must participate in an interview with the Graduate Nursing Faculty. 
    • Please refer to the preceding enrollment requirements for all graduate nursing students.

    Applicants must apply through the Graduate School online portal and pay the appropriate application fee. 

    Applications must include: 

    • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. 
    • Completion of the Community Standards and Campus Safety Questionnaire. The UNC System requires all applicants to answer questions regarding community standards. 
    • A curriculum vitae or resume that contains your educational degrees and work, employment history, membership or offices in organizations, and community service activities. 
    • A list of three academic and/or professional references. 
    • A personal statement of research goals in doctoral program related to promotion of optimal health for ethnic minorities, women, children, or older adults must be attached to your application. Address the following questions in your personal statement: 
      • The 300-word statement should address: 
        • Why you want to pursue a PhD in Nursing 
        • Why you have chosen UNCG 
        • Your career goals 
        • Areas of research interest 
        • UNCG PhD faculty with whom you would like to work  
      • You should have a general idea of your research interests, as you want to make sure there are faculty here to guide you. As you progress through the program, however, your ideas will evolve as you learn more about the research process and your area of research interest. 
    • We will consider your entire portfolio, your writing skills, and whether there is a good match between your research interests and our faculty expertise. 
    • Applications are due by March 15. After this date, applications may be considered if there is a seat available.
    • Documentation of CPR certification, current liability insurance coverage as specified by the School of Nursing, and a criminal background check prior to enrollment in practicum or research experiences in education or health care agencies. 
    • The plan of study options are full-time (9 semester hours per semester) and half-time (6 semester hours per semester). The half-time plan can be completed in four years. The more intense full-time plan can be completed in three years. 
    • Seven-year time limit for completion of PhD nursing program. 
    • It is difficult to work and carry 9 hours of coursework. It is possible to take fewer than 6 hours per semester; however, it is challenging to complete the program within the 7-year limit. 
    • Health insurance is required for all students enrolling in six or more credits each semester. Students are responsible for all costs associated with their own health care. 
    • Prior to enrollment in classes, PhD students are required to complete the UNCG health history form and Parts A and B of the immunization schedule (with the exception of the meningococcal vaccine) and forward these documents to Student Health Services.

    Explore the specific degree requirements for the PhD in Nursing Program in the UNCG Catalog.

    PLANs OF STUDY 

    The program begins in August. An orientation is scheduled in early to mid-August. 

    Students Entering with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree: Full-Time (9 Credit Hours Per Semester)
    Course Semester
    Course Number – Course Title
    Credit Hours
    Semester I—Fall I
    NUR 701 – Statistical Applications for Nursing Research I
    3
    
    NUR 710 – Philosophy of Knowledge Development in Nursing
    3
    
    NUR 705 – Scientific Approaches to Advance Healthcare 
    3
    Semester II—Spring I
    NUR 702 – Statistical Applications for Nursing Research II 
    3
    
    NUR 712 – Theory Analysis in Nursing Science 
    3
    Elective
    3
    Summer I
    NUR 620 – The Business of Healthcare
    3
    Semester III—Fall II
    NUR 704 – Quantitative Research in Nursing 
    3
    NUR 782 – Health Disparities & Outcomes 
    3
    NUR 810 – Interventional Strategies to Promote Population Wellbeing
    3
    Semester IV—Spring II
    NUR 703 – Qualitative Methods for Nursing 
    3
    
    NUR 707 – Measurement in Nursing and Health Care Research 
    3
    
    NUR 790 – Directed Research 
    3
    Semester V—Fall III
    NUR 783 – Advanced Health Policy & Ethics 
    3
    
    NUR 804 – Advanced Research Methods 
    3
    Elective
    3
    Semester VI—Spring III
    NUR 799 – Dissertation 
    6
    Semester VII—Fall IV
    NUR 799 – Dissertation* 
    6
    
    TOTAL CREDITS
    60
    Students Entering with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree: Part-Time (3-6 Credit Hours Per Semester)
    Course Semester
    Course Number – Course Title
    Credit Hours
    Semester I—Fall I
    NUR 701 – Statistical Applications for Nursing Research I
    3
    
    NUR 710 – Philosophy of Knowledge Development in Nursing
    3
    Semester II—Spring I
    NUR 702 – Statistical Applications for Nursing Research II 
    3
    
    NUR 712 – Theory Analysis in Nursing Science 
    3
    Summer I
    Elective (suggested)
    3
    Semester III—Fall II
    NUR 705 – Scientific Approaches to Advance Healthcare 
    3
    
    NUR 782 – Health Disparities & Outcomes 
    3
    Semester IV—Spring II
    NUR 703 – Qualitative Methods for Nursing 
    3
    Summer II
    NUR 620 – The Business of Healthcare
    3
    Elective (suggested)
    3
    Semester V—Fall III
     NUR 810 – Interventional Strategies to Promote Population Wellbeing
    3
    Semester VI—Spring III
    NUR 704 – Quantitative Research in Nursing
    3
    
    NUR 707 – Measurement in Nursing and Health Care Research 
    3
    
    NUR 790 – Directed Research 
    3
    Semester VII—Fall IV
    NUR 783 – Advanced Health Policy & Ethics 
    3
    
    NUR 804 – Advanced Research Methods 
    3
    Semester VIII—Spring IV
    NUR 799 – Dissertation 
    6
    Semester IX—Fall V
    NUR 799 – Dissertation* 
    6
    
    TOTAL CREDITS
    60
    Students Entering with a Master’s of Science in Nursing Degree: Full-Time (9 Credit Hours Per Semester)  
    Course Semester
    Course Number – Course Title
    Credit Hours
    Semester I—Fall I 
    NUR 701 – Statistical Applications for Nursing Research I
    3
    NUR 710 – Philosophy of Knowledge Development in Nursing
    3
    Elective 
    3
    Semester II—Spring I 
    NUR 702 – Statistical Applications for Nursing Research II 
    3
    NUR 712 – Theory Analysis in Nursing Science 
    3
    NUR 703 – Qualitative Methods for Nursing 
    3
    Semester IV—Fall II 
    NUR 704 – Quantitative Research in Nursing 
    3
    NUR 782 – Health Disparities & Outcomes 
    3
    Elective 
    3
    Semester V—Spring II 
    NUR 799 – Dissertation Hours 
    3
    NUR 707 – Measurement in Nursing and Health Care Research 
    3
    NUR 790 – Directed Research 
    3
    Semester VII—Fall III 
    NUR 783 – Advanced Health Policy & Ethics 
    3
    NUR 804 – Advanced Research Methods 
    3
    NUR 799 – Dissertation 
    3
    Semester VIII—Spring III 
    NUR 799 – Dissertation* 
    6-9*
    TOTAL CREDITS
    51-54 
    *Dissertation hours are variable (minimum of 12 up to 18 credit hours) 
    Students Entering with a Master’s of Science in Nursing Degree: Part-Time (6 Credit Hours Per Semester)
    Course Semester
    Course Number – Course Title
    Credit Hours
    Semester I—Fall I 
    NUR 701 – Statistical Applications for Nursing Research I 
    3
    NUR 710 – Philosophy of Knowledge Development in Nursing 
    3
    Semester II—Spring I 
    NUR 702 – Statistical Applications for Nursing Research II 
    3
    NUR 712 – Theory Analysis in Nursing Science 
    3
    Semester III—Summer I 
    Elective (suggested) 
    3
    Semester IV—Fall II 
    NUR 704 – Quantitative Research in Nursing 
    3
    NUR 782 – Health Disparities & Outcomes 
    3
    Semester V—Spring II 
    NUR 703 – Qualitative Methods in Nursing 
    3
    NUR 707 – Measurement in Nursing and Health Care Research 
    3
    Semester VII—Fall III 
    NUR 783 – Advanced Health Policy & Ethics 
    3
    NUR 804 – Advanced Research Methods 
    3
    Semester VIII—Spring III 
    Directed Research 
    3
    Elective 
    3
    Semester X—Fall IV 
    NUR 799 – Dissertation* 
    6
    Semester XI—Summer III 
    NUR 799 – Dissertation* 
    6
    TOTAL CREDITS
    51
    *Dissertation hours are variable (minimum of 12 up to 18 credit hours) 
    Students Entering with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice Degree:

    Students who are admitted and enroll in the PhD in Nursing who have completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree may have up to 12 credits of course requirements waived from the 51 total credits required for the PhD. Each student’s DNP transcript will be evaluated and individualized plans of study indicating the courses to be waived will be developed based on previously completed course work in the student’s DNP program.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

    Yes, opportunities exist to work as a research assistant. This opportunity comes with tuition support. 

    The PhD program currently administers the HRSA Nurse Faculty Loan Program for students interested in careers in academia. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program offers up to 85% of tuition, fees and books in exchange for 4 years of full time teaching in nursing on completion of the PhD program. Faculty also assist students with obtaining outside scholarship report.  

    No. The faculty are committed to the majority of required courses being in a synchronous online environment as “in person” scholarly dialogue is critical to the development of nurse scientists.  

    Synchronous classes are held on Fridays. 

    Connect with us

    For general questions about the program, please reach out to:

    Susan Letvak, PhD, RN, FAAN 

    Director of PhD Program 
    336-256-1024

    saletvak@uncg.edu   

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