PhD, Nursing

The PhD program prepares nursing scholars who will generate and transmit knowledge that is fundamental to the discipline of nursing and to nursing practice. The full scope of nursing concerns related to direct, indirect, and institutional care, as well as the social and policy factors shaping that care, are within the purview of the degree preparation. The central focus of the program is on preparation of scientists who will conduct nursing research; develop theory and contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing and the health sciences; and disseminate research findings through scholarly publications and presentations, including classroom teaching.

The curriculum is designed to develop habits of scholarly thinking about problems relevant to the discipline of nursing. 

• The initial segment of the curriculum provides coursework in the areas of research, nursing science and theory development.
• The emphasis in the middle segment continues to be coursework, with the addition of research residencies, cognates and independent studies that provide a basis for the student's projected dissertation focus and the subsequent initial program of research.
• The final segment of the program, preceded by the qualifying examination and advancement to candidacy, entails development of a dissertation research proposal, data collection and analysis, and the writing of the dissertation. The dissertation is a work of independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge in nursing. A key element of the program is faculty advisement.  

Prospective Students

In-state tuition and fees are fully covered for the first three years. In addition, for PhD students entering in the fall of 2024, a stipend of $22,000 will be provided to students to assist with living expenses in the 2024-2025 academic year, $18,000 for the 2025-2026 academic year, and $18,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Additional financial support from scholarships, grants and employment may be available in subsequent years. (Stipends are subject to change in future admissions cycles, depending on funding availability.)

Learn about application requirements and the admissions process.

Duration

The PhD program entails approximately four years of academic work, though it is possible to complete it in three.

Objectives for PhD Graduates

Curriculum Details

The curriculum is subject to periodic revision at the discretion of the faculty. Please see the UCSF Course Catalog for detailed information about each course.