This is an archived copy of the 2020-21 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

School of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Nursing Practice

                                                                                                                            

The Master of Science in Nursing degree program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

For More Information

Campus address: School of Nursing, phone (512) 471-7927 fax (512) 232-4777; campus mail code: D0100

Mailing address: The University of Texas at Austin, Graduate Student Services, School of Nursing, 1710 Red River Street Stop D0100, Austin TX 78701-1499

E-mail: nugrad@uts.cc.utexas.edu

URL: http://nursing.utexas.edu

Facilities for Graduate Work

In addition to the extensive library and computer resources of the University, certain special resources within the School of Nursing provide support for graduate work.

The Cain Center for Nursing Research. The focus of this office is the promotion of funded research by nursing faculty members. The staff provides support and consultation services and compiles information about opportunities for research funding and presentations, including some for which graduate students are eligible. The computer laboratory is used for graduate courses and is available for graduate student research projects. The research office also provides employment opportunities for graduate students interested in experience as research assistants.

The Learning Enhancement and Academic Progress (LEAP) Center. The LEAP Center is a link to a variety of services to optimize student support and development. The center contains a simulation and skills lab, where students practice basic to advanced psychomotor skills, student academic support – including individual academic counseling, academic peer tutoring, study skills workshops, and referrals to campus services, and a Computer Testing Center.

Clinical research and practice sites. The School of Nursing has access to a wide variety of private practice, community, and state facilities for field research and clinical placement. These include all major health care facilities in Austin and in several surrounding communities.

Areas of Study

Graduate work in the School of Nursing may lead to the Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Philosophy, or post-master’s Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certificate. The master’s degree program is designed to give students the theoretical, analytical, and clinical knowledge and skills needed for specialized nursing practice. Those preparing for advanced practice should choose either the clinical nurse specialist track, with a concentration in adult-gerontology nursing; or the nurse practitioner track, with a concentration in family, primary care pediatric, acute care pediatric, or psychiatric mental health. Students preparing for a career emphasizing leadership in the emerging health care system should choose the leadership in diverse settings track. 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program emphasizes leadership in the clinical area through the application of evidence-based practice and knowledge to solve problems and create a culture of change through leadership. Graduates of the program typically enter clinical leadership positions in health care institutions and faculty positions in schools of nursing. The Doctor of Philosophy program emphasizes the acquisition of a sound foundation in nursing science and research methods as a basis for developing nursing knowledge and scholarship. Graduates of the PhD program typically enter positions in nursing education, research, or executive management of health care agencies. Some prepare to make contributions to the development of nursing theory or health policy.

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certificate program is a post-master’s nursing program for students wishing to complete coursework necessary to sit for national certification as an Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner1, or Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Graduate Studies Committee

The following faculty members served on the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) in the spring 2020 semester.


Gayle J Acton
Heather A Becker
Richard Allen Brown
Jane Dimmitt Champion
Heather E Cuevas
Valerie Danesh
Alexandra A Garcia
Tracie C Harrison
Elizabeth M Heitkemper
Ashley M Henneghan
Sharon D Horner
Karen Johnson
Shelli Kesler
Miyong Kim
Jung Kwak
Nico Osier
Kavita Radhakrishnan
Donna L Rew
Alexa M Stuifbergen
Gayle M Timmerman
Deborah L Volker
Lorraine O Walker
Michelle L Wright
Bo Xie
Linda H Yoder
Cara Young
Julie A Zuniga