PhD in Nursing

1. BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) licensure where clinical requirements apply.
3. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
4. Letters of recommendation (typically three).
5. Personal statement addressing research interests.
6. Research experience is recommended (especially for BSN entry).
7. Admission interview (varies by admissions cycle).

The PhD in Nursing at UTMB is a doctoral research degree designed to prepare nurses as experts in scientific inquiry, evidence generation, and scholarly leadership. The curriculum incorporates rigorous coursework in nursing science, research methods (qualitative and quantitative), ethical issues in research, and advanced theory. Students select a focus area aligned with faculty expertise and complete independent research leading to a dissertation. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, research dissemination, and the application of findings to improve health outcomes, influence health policy, and contribute to nursing education and practice. Both BSN-to-PhD and MSN-to-PhD pathways are available, allowing students to enter at different academic levels while progressing toward the same research doctorate. Students engage with faculty mentors to design and conduct original research that contributes to the body of nursing knowledge.