Ph.D. in Nursing Science

• Knowledge Synthesis — As assessed by a comprehensive exam, students will:
  1. demonstrate substantive knowledge related to the body of literature and theories to inform nursing practice; and
  2. appraise and synthesize models and theories from previously conducted research.
• Research Conduct — As assessed by a successfully defended dissertation, students will demonstrate the ability to design and conduct ethical and culturally competent nursing research that is theoretically, methodologically, and analytically sound with the potential to influence health outcomes and generate new knowledge.
• Dissemination — Students will contribute to nursing science by generating new knowledge and actively disseminating research at national and/or international venues and in respected peer-reviewed journals.

We accept BSN-prepared and MSN-prepared students into the Joint Ph.D. program. Admission requirements are the same except where noted below.

We are not able to accept applications from International Students who do not reside within the United States.

Admission to the Ph.D. program is determined by the Joint Ph.D. Oversight Committee who will assess the entire composite of information gained from a variety of sources. Each applicant must meet the following criteria and/or provide:

• An application to the Joint Ph.D. Graduate Program
• Official transcripts from each university or college attended sent to:
  UAH Graduate Admissions
  301 Sparkman Drive
  SSB, Suite 222
  Huntsville, AL 35899
• A minimum graduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Official transcripts must be sent to the university Graduate College.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Three (3) letters of reference from professionals or professors who can adequately evaluate the applicant and the applicant’s previous work or potential for success. Two of the letters are strongly preferred from nurses with doctoral degrees.
• Scientific Writing Sample — This sample of your written work should demonstrate your intellectual ability (such as logic, critical thinking, analysis, or synthesis) and your technical writing skills (composition, grammar, references, or citations). For example, you could submit an academic paper, essay, published article, or a professional report written by you. If someone other than you contributed to this document (including editing), explain your contribution and the contributions of others.
• Statement of Purpose — In four double-spaced pages respond to the following:
  • Why do you want to pursue a Ph.D. in Nursing Science?
  • What professional goals do you hope to achieve during and beyond your Ph.D. program?
  • Describe prior experiences that have prepared you for doctoral study (e.g. research, presentations, publications, leadership roles in practice, education, or professional organizations).
  • What are your research interests?
  • How might research in this area advance the science of nursing?
• RN Licensure Requirement:
  • Applicants must have an active, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the United States. Applicants who hold an equivalent certification or licensure outside of the U.S. will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Applicants who are not yet licensed will be considered for conditional admission, but proof of licensure must be submitted prior to completing 12 credit hours of Ph.D. coursework
• Transfer applicants — Evidence of good academic standing at the current institution. Determination of whether or not credits may be transferred will be based on evaluation of comparability of requested transfer course to Ph.D. course and university policy, and is completed after admission.

After the first review of the application and at the request of the Joint Ph.D. Oversight Committee, applicants will be asked to successfully complete personal interviews with Oversight Committee members. Research interests, professional involvement, and motivation for successful completion of doctoral study in the Ph.D. program will be assessed.

Completed applications are reviewed by the Oversight Committee throughout the year for summer enrollment. Applications (with GRE scores, transcripts, etc.) must be completed by April 1 if enrollment in the program is desired for that summer. Applicants must register for courses within two (2) years of acceptance into the Ph.D. program, or the acceptance is void.

Upon admission, you will receive written notification of admission from the Deans of the Joint Ph.D. Program. You will also receive a letter from the graduate advisors at both UA and UAH outlining requirements for entry into the Ph.D. program. Admission is contingent upon providing documentation of a background check and drug screen and results were acceptable to the admission committee.

Students who are enrolled in the Joint Nursing Science Ph.D. program will be divided evenly between UA and UAH for administrative purposes. Applicants who are employees of either UA or UAH will be enrolled in the University of their employment because of the restriction that employee tuition waivers can only be used on the campus of the individual’s employment.

The Joint Ph.D. program requires students to visit campus for three days in the Summer each year they are in the program for an intensive experience. This is a mandatory intensive experience and all students are expected to attend.