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Welcome to our Online Community of Excellence. . .
your potential as a nurse as you prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
a career as a nurse researcher, develop nursing knowledge and address the health care needs of diverse populations.
your passion for nursing science. Your ultimate career as a researcher may find you in academia, industry, or public health. The needs for the development of nursing knowledge and leadership abound in all these settings.
the excitement of cutting-edge nursing science. Develop your research skills by working with world-class nurse researchers in a variety of areas.
your intellectual curiosity in our state-of-the-art E-learning community. Experience the power and convenience of E-learning.
lifelong collegial relationships in an international community of students, faculty, alumni and scholars.
Why a PhD in Nursing?
- Consider a PhD if you want a career as a nurse researcher in a clinical, academic, or scientific environment.
How long will it take?
Depending upon the entry pathway, the PhD can be completed within 3-4 years of full-time study.
How much will it cost?
- Our costs are highly competitive with other doctoral programs in the U.S.A.
- You may qualify for financial aid in the form of scholarships, tuition waivers, or teaching/research assistantships.
- Tuition rates are distinguished by program. Select PhD in Nursing at the UA Bursar website
Why should I get my PhD at the UA?
- Our student-centered learning model is focused on YOU.
- Our world-renowned scholars and researchers will be your teachers and mentors.
- Our graduate nursing programs consistently rank in the top 6% nationally, according to U.S. News and World Report
- The collegial relationships you build as a student will be yours for a lifetime.
Is the online UA degree as rigorous as a traditional face-to-face degree?
- Our online PhD has the same rigor of a traditional program, but with the enhanced learning and increased student-student and faculty-student interaction that only E-learning can provide.
Am I eligible?
- If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- The MS-PhD requires a master’s degree in nursing, a cumulative graduate GPA of at least 3.5.
- Students who have not taken a graduate statistics course will be required to do so during the first fall semester of the program.
How does the program work?
As a student in our online PhD program you will:
- Periodically come to our Tucson campus for orientation and to interact with fellow classmates and faculty. A 10 day summer intensive program called RISE is required each August for all doctoral students.
- On-campus research experience and mentoring are encouraged.
- Enjoy easy online access to registration materials, the UA Bookstore, UA Libraries, and support staff.
(view a PDF of our Tri-fold Brochure) 
You can enter the PhD level of graduate study as a post-BSN student (BSN-PhD Option) or as a student who has attained the master's degree in nursing (MS-PhD Option). The doctoral curriculum is designed as a full-time three-year, 64 unit post-master's program, or as a full-time four-year 79 unit BSN-PhD program. MS-PhD students who have not completed a graduate statistics course within the past 5 years will be required to enroll in a graduate statistics course the first fall semester of the program. Only full-time students with a commitment to research are admitted to the PhD in Nursing program. Course work in nursing and other sciences are emphasized during the earlier portion of an individualized program of study. As you continue through the program, time is increasingly devoted to research conducted under the supervision of a faculty researcher.
Three research focal areas are listed below.
Understanding Mechanisms to Prevent and Treat Biological Injury
- Understanding Mechanisms to Prevent/Reduce Biological Injury
- Understanding Mechanisms to Treat Biological Injury
- Genetics to Prevent Biological Injury
View Faculty in this focal area
Reducing Risks and Promoting Health in Vulnerable Populations
Managing Consequences of Aging or Chronic Illness
Research interests of the applicant and the match with the on-going research of the faculty member should be described as in-depth and specific as possible in the Research Interest Statement within the PhD in Nursing Application.
All students will come to campus for an exciting 2-week Research Intensive Summer Experience (RISE) each year for the first three years of doctoral study. As part of the summer research immersion, you will enroll in a 1 unit of NURS 696F, Student Forum.
International students wishing to attend UA to study in-residence will be required to register for 6 units of non online courses each Fall and Spring semesters.
Admission is based on an evaluation of the following:
- BSN cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
- MS in Nursing cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above (MS-PhD program option)
- Completed online College of Nursing application including statements related to professional goals and practice interests as well as a summary of educational and employment experiences
- Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s potential to succeed in doctoral study
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary academic work
- Computer literacy
- Applicant-Faculty mentoring match
Applicants may submit other credentials which they believe reflect their abilities. A telephone interview will be conducted by members of the Doctoral Program Committee for top applicants.
PhD Application Deadline: January 15th, with notification around mid-March.
It is critical that the educational goals of the applicant be inline with faculty research interests and areas of expertise. Please review the article "Finding a Match and A Mentor in Doctoral Study" by Terry Badger, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN. Applicants must review faculty research areas to determine if a “match” is possible. Applicants are urged to contact potential faculty mentors to discuss the applicant’s goals in relation to faculty expertise. A faculty directory of research interests with some video clips of current research programs can be located on the web site under Current Faculty. The College’s web site also provides a research search tool.
International Applicants:
- Submit the UA Graduate College online application by the international deadline date
- Complete the TOEFL with a minimum score of 213
- Submit CGFNS documentation for nursing degrees earned outside of the U.S.A.
Various forms of financial assistance are available. Typically, the majority of doctoral students receives some financial assistance in the first year and then, in subsequent years as funding allows.
Technical Requirements
Please check the technical requirements for the program
Register your email address with the College of Nursing Online Student Information System to give you direct access to electronic program information and the staff of the Office of Student Affairs.
Office of Student Affairs
Location: College of Nursing, Room 112
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Phone: 520-626-3808 or 1-800-288-6158
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