Program Overview
Nursing (PhD) BSN to PhD
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.
Program Description
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 independent nursing research within an interdisciplinary context to advance nursing science and practice.
- Develop a body of knowledge that supports theory development and testing to contribute to the advancement of nursing science.
- Develop a program of scholarship that integrates research, teaching, leadership, and service to the profession.
Track Prerequisites
- A Bachelor's Degree in nursing from an accredited institution or the equivalent.
- Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Florida.
Degree Requirements
Foundation Areas
9 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- NGR7115 - Philosophical Foundations of Nursing Science and Development of Nursing Knowledge (3)
- NGR7123 - Theory in Nursing Science (3)
- NGR7952 - Scientific Writing for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (3)
Research Methods
33 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following:
- NGR7807 - Research Approaches and Designs for Nursing and Healthcare (3)
- NGR7815 - Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research and Healthcare I (3)
- NGR7817 - Quantitative Methods for Nursing and Healthcare I (3)
- NGR7818 - Quantitative Methods for Nursing and Healthcare II (3)
- NGR7812 - Advanced Study Design and Methods (3)
- NGR7823 - Psychometrics and Measurement for Nursing Research (3)
- NGR7916 - Research Grants Process and Proposal Writing (3)
- NGR7932 - Nursing Research Grants Process and Proposal Writing (3)
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
- NGR7919 - Doctoral Research (1 - 99)
Supporting and Elective Courses
15 Total Credits
- Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: Students must take three courses (9 credit hours) of supporting course work. The supporting course work is designed to permit students to gain additional expertise and knowledge in the area chosen for the dissertation. These courses may vary from student to student depending upon individual needs or objectives.
Dissertation Research
15 Total Credits
- Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: NGR 7980 - Dissertation Research
Admission to Candidacy and Examinations
0 Total Credits
- The process for candidacy will start with the appointment of the dissertation committee including the external member. The Candidacy Examination has both written and oral components. When these are completed successfully, the student becomes a doctoral candidate and is eligible to enroll in dissertation credits.
Grand Total Credits
72
Application Requirements
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans.
Financial Information
For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies.
Equipment Fee
Full-time students in the Nursing PhD program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay $45 each semester.
Independent Learning
The dissertation satisfies the independent learning experience.