PhD in Nursing
Prepare for roles in research, academia, and leadership- your questions can shape the future of nursing science
Hybrid course offerings with on-campus requirements on Tuesdays only
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Prepare to steward the discipline of nursing
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Choose your area of interest
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The focus of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing PhD Program is on the development and transformation of scholars who will lead the discipline of nursing.
Our program is influenced by the cognitive philosophy of Bernard Lonergan, a Canadian philosopher. We engage the emerging scholar in a transformative process of wonder and discovery, self-reflection, critical thinking and genuine dialogue with other students and faculty. We emphasize the need for scholarship that addresses the broader conditions that influence human health.
The PhD program is constructed to meet the quality indicators the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends for research-focused doctoral programs. Graduates will have a strong foundation in nursing inquiry and be prepared to assume research, academic, and leadership roles.
We embrace and support inclusive pedagogy and practices within the PhD in Nursing Program in alignment with strategic goals at UMass Chan Medical School. An important part of preparing nurse scientists is to help them learn and grow as active members of a multicultural society. We do this in part by strengthening the cultural competence and empathy of our faculty, staff, and students; by committing to an inclusive and welcoming campus where all may thrive; and by fostering an environment where everything we do is strengthened by the richness of understanding that comes from a truly diverse and inclusive environment. Diversity and Inclusion Office at UMass Chan.
PROGRAM COSTSNurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
The NFLP provides loans to students enrolled in advanced education nursing degree programs who are committed to becoming nurse faculty. In exchange for completing up to four years of post-graduation full-time nurse faculty employment in an accredited school of nursing, the program authorizes cancelation of up to 85% of any such student loan (plus interest thereon). For further information or any specific questions contact the NFLP Project Director, Nancy Morris (508) 856-3661 or Nancy.Morris@umassmed.edu |
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Empowering Future Leaders in Nursing Research and Practice
For personalized guidance on your PhD journey, contact Nancy Morris at Nancy.morris@umassmed.edu or 508-856-3661.
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Apply Soon!
For January 2027 start:
BSN to PhD Applications due November 1, 2026
For September 2027 start:
Priority applications for MS to PhD and DNP to PhD due February 1, 2027
Rolling applications for MS to PhD and DNP to PhD due April 15, 2027
Why choose Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing?
We develop and transform scholars who will lead the discipline. Our goal is to help you expand your horizons through understanding new phenomena, raising questions for scientific inquiry, applying research methods, and fulfilling a professional responsibility to nursing and society. Consider joining us if you are you looking for:
- Cohort learning with small class size.
- A school devoted to graduate studies.
- A rich academic health sciences environment.
- Excellent mentoring from PhD prepared faculty.
- A research-intensive degree that prepares nurse scientists.
- Teaching assistant opportunities (availability varies each year).
- Cohort learning with small class size to support community building.
- One day/week on-site offerings for core coursework completed within 2 years.
- Engagement with faculty who understand the need for work-life balance/harmony.
- The flexibility of having some courses hybrid limiting days you need to travel to campus.
- Access to experts and resources through the UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science
- Comprehensive Exam option – respond to survey question(s) or submit manuscript(s) demonstrating mastery of core course concepts and readiness to enter the dissertation phase.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the PhD in Nursing Program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the core program values in all scholarly endeavors
- Apply philosophical and theoretical principles to scholarly inquiry
- Design, conduct and disseminate independent and collaborative research
- Critique and synthesize knowledge to advance nursing science and human health
- Assume leadership roles in research, education, policy, administration and/or professional practice.
Three entries to earn your PhD in Nursing
- BS to PhD: Admits students who are registered nurses with a bachelor's degree.
- MS to PhD: Admits students who are registered nurses with a master's degree.
- DNP to PhD: Admits students who are registered nurses with a doctorate in nursing practice degree.
PhD Program Requirements
GPA
- An Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred
- Master's GPA 3.0 or higher is preferred
Prerequisites
- College level statistics course, grade minimum B-
Letter of Recommendations
- Submit 2 letters of recommendation from an academic or professional source
- A professional reference should be from a supervisor or professional colleague who can speak to your experience, competence, readiness, leadership, work ethic and dedication to your work.
- An academic reference should be from a former faculty member or advisor who can speak to your potential to successfully complete doctoral course work.
Personal Statement (500 word total)
- Why are you pursuing a PhD?
- What do you see as nursing's professional responsibility to society?
- How might you address this responsibility with your PhD preparation?
- Why is this a good time for you to begin a PhD program?