Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Overview

The PhD program prepares scholars and researchers to advance and provide innovative leadership in the profession. The program design allows students to focus on the study of the theoretical and empirical basis for nursing actions provided to clients/patients in a variety of clinical settings, or research which focuses on the study of nursing systems or the theoretical and empirical basis for educational, administrative and/or policy-related nursing actions. Individual research interests and career goals determine the emphasis area chosen. Depth of knowledge in the emphasis area is developed through required course work and related clinical laboratory experience, selection of support electives, independent study and dissertation research.

PhD program outcomes:

• Construct, test and evaluate conceptual models and nursing theories that reflect synthesis, reorganization and expansion of knowledge from nursing and related disciplines.
• Evaluate and apply appropriate research designs, measures and statistics to the study of nursing phenomena.
• Conceptualize practice phenomena from the perspective of nursing frameworks and theory.
• Design, conduct and communicate research relevant to nursing practice.
• Facilitate the incorporation of new knowledge into nursing practice.
• Initiate, facilitate and participate in collaborative endeavors related to the theoretical, conceptual and practical aspects of health care with clients, nurses and scholars from related disciplines.

Research opportunities for PhD students:

• Behavioral and Community Health
• Cancer Early Detection, and Treatment
• Environmental/Occupational Health and Social Justice
• Gerontology/Aging
• Health Policy
• Psychosocial Factors and Cardiovascular Health
• Substance Abuse/Addictions
• Basic Science Research in Pain and Neuro-modulation, Muscle Function, and Cancer Progression
• Physical Activity and/or Exercise in Chronic Illness and Disease Prevention

Sample Plans of Study

Post-Baccalaureate Entry Option

Students entering the doctoral program through the post-baccalaureate (BSN-PhD) entry option complete a minimum of 93 graduate credits. Students can earn a Master of Science degree upon completion of 31 to 72 credits, depending on the master’s speciality they choose. Students in the post-baccalaureate option whose master’s speciality requires more than 30 credits may use up to 15 credits over 30 from the master’s as elective credits toward their requirement, with approval from the student’s advisor and the Assistant Dean for the PhD program. The program can be completed in four to five years of full-time study and involves fewer credits than when completing a master’s and a PhDl separately.

Application is made to the BSN-PhD program; however, the applicant must identify a master’s specialty at the time of application. A doctoral-level emphasis area is identified at the end of the first year of full-time study, at which time students are assessed to determine eligibility for proceeding with PhD study.

Post-MS Entry Option

The program allows students to focus on clinical practice, nursing education, nursing administration and/or nursing-related policy. Students choose an emphasis area based on their individual research interests and career goals. They develop a depth of knowledge in their emphasis area through required coursework and related clinical laboratory experience, selection of supporting electives, independent study and dissertation research.

PHD/MBA Joint Degree Option

The University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing and the Robert G. Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore offer a joint PhD and MBA program to students seeking advanced research- and practice-based study in the fields of nursing and business administration. The 89-credit curriculum combines the elements of the PhD and MBA programs and can be completed in four years of full-time study. Students may apply to both programs concurrently or apply to the nursing program first and later apply to the MBA program when it is appropriate to begin joint degree coursework. Individuals must meet each school's admission requirements.begin joint degree coursework. Individuals must meet each school's admission requirements.

In addition to course requirements, each student must pass the preliminary, comprehensive and final oral examinations required of the PhD program. In accordance with the policies of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, Graduate School policy, students must be admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree within four years of matriculation and at least one year prior to graduation.

Admissions Requirements

Apply to the PhD Program

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All applicants to the PhD program are required to provide:

• Professional Resume
• Statement of goals and objectives
• Evidence of personal and professional qualifications from three professionals familiar with applicant's ability, work experience, contributions to nursing and potential to succeed in the PhD program.
• A photocopy of active license for the practice of nursing in at least one state in the U.S. or another country.
• A personal interview
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Post-Master's requirements for application to the PhD program also include the following:

• A master's degree with a major in nursing from an accredited nursing program or Masters in Public Health or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution
• A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all previous coursework (baccalaureate, master's and any subsequent coursework
• Official scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination. The test must have been taken within five years prior to the date of application

Post-Baccalaureate requirements for application include the following:

• A baccalaureate degree with an upper division nursing major from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or AACN accredited program
• Applicants to the post-baccalaureate entry option must submit a Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) certificate if they are not licensed as an RN in the U.S.
• Satisfactory completion of a course in elementary statistics or nursing research
• A cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Official scores on the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination

Information for International Students

Information English Proficiency Requirements and the Evaluation of Foreign Coursework »
* Scores must be received before an admission decision can be made