About PhD Program,
The PhD program prepares nursing scholars who will generate and transmit knowledge that is fundamental to the discipline of nursing and to nursing practice. The full scope of nursing concerns related to direct, indirect, and institutional care, as well as the social and policy factors shaping that care, are within the purview of the degree preparation. The central focus of the program is on preparation of scientists who will conduct nursing research; develop theory and contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing and the health sciences; and disseminate research findings through scholarly publications and presentations, including classroom teaching.
The curriculum is designed to develop habits of scholarly thinking about problems relevant to the discipline of nursing.
The initial segment of the curriculum provides coursework in the areas of research, nursing science and theory development.
The emphasis in the middle segment continues to be coursework, with the addition of research residencies, cognates and independent studies that provide a basis for the student’s projected dissertation focus and the subsequent initial program of research.
The final segment of the program, preceded by the qualifying examination and advancement to candidacy, entails development of a dissertation research proposal, data collection and analysis, and the writing of the dissertation. The dissertation is a work of independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge in nursing. A key element of the program is faculty advisement.
Prospective Students
In-state tuition and fees are fully covered for the first three years. In addition, for PhD students entering in the fall of 2024, a stipend of $22,000 will be provided to students to assist with living expenses in the 2024-2025 academic year, $18,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year, and $18,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Additional financial support from scholarships, grants and employment may be available in subsequent years. (Stipends are subject to change in future admissions cycles, depending on funding availability.)
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Students should have either a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale, verified by official transcripts) or a Master’s degree in Nursing (minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, verified by official transcripts)
If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, verified by official transcripts, is required. The usually shorter career trajectory and lack of previous graduate training will be taken into account in evaluating past accomplishments. An interview may be required to assess (1) vision for and commitment to nursing, (2) attitudes toward learning, knowledge and science, and (3) clarity of focus of study. If the student enrolled in the doctoral program wants to earn a master’s degree, it will be awarded after the student has successfully completed 36 units of academic work, 8 units of postgraduate professional work, and the master’s comprehensive examination. The completed academic units must meet the faculty requirement for specialization in the student’s area.
Applicants should first contact School of Nursing faculty to discuss their questions or interests. It is important that the research interests of the applicant match the expertise of faculty in the School of Nursing. To identify at least one faculty member who shares a similar research focus, visit UCSF Profiles and in the search tool, enter your research topic and select the School of Nursing. The Student Affairs Office can also supply names of faculty with academic interests in specific areas. We recommend interested applicants contact faculty to discuss their interests in doctoral study, and ask questions before submitting an application.
PhD Funding Coverage,
In-state tuition and fees are fully covered for the first three years. For out-of-state students, the out-of-state tuition is covered for the first year. In addition, for PhD Nursing students, a stipend of $22,000 will be provided to assist with living expenses in the first year of study, $18,000 in the second year, and $18,000 in the third year. Additional financial support from scholarships, grants and employment may be available in subsequent years. (Stipends listed are for students entering in the 2024-25 year. Stipends are subject to change, depending on funding availability.)
Graduate education is a financial investment and we recognize that students may need support. The UCSF School of Nursing’s Student Funding Office is here to help.
The Student Funding Office provides many services to nursing students and the School’s departments. These include:
Administrative and counseling services
Offering scholarships, grants, traineeships, academic appointments, nursing faculty loans, and a loan repayment program to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents. To explore the range of opportunities available, visit the “Types of Funding Opportunities” and “Scholarships” tabs below.
Publishing upcoming deadlines for student funding opportunities
Providing internal and external scholarship applications
Participating in the application process or administration of some campus awards
Coordinating and administering regional and federal fellowship and scholarship programs that require graduate school involvement
Managing and awarding fellowship monies from private gifts
Coordinating the Jonas Scholars, Cancer Federation Inc. scholarships and other programs
A special note for doctoral students: In-state tuition/fees and a stipend are covered for our PhD students for the first three years. Students must be enrolled full time and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to receive support. (Other requirements for continued funding PhD scholarships are outlined in the scholarship offer letters.) For the fourth and fifth years, funding support is contingent on the availability of scholarship and grant funding. PhD students should stay engaged with their faculty advisors, the Student Funding Office and the Graduate Division to learn about available funding opportunities.
Students are encouraged to seek a variety of financial support.
Application Requirement,
GRE
Official Transcripts
Statistics
Research
English proficiency for non-native English speakers:
RN Licensure
RN Experience
Goal Statement
Personal Statement
Recommendations
Résumé or curriculum vitae
Application fee (subject to change)
Application Deadline,
Dec 01, 2024
Application Fee,
- $120 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and $140 for international applicants.
