Nursing Science (PhD)
Department website: http://nursing.utexas.edu
This program emphasizes the acquisition of a sound foundation in nursing science and research methods as a basis for developing new nursing knowledge. Graduates of the program typically enter positions in academic nursing, research, or executive leadership in health care agencies. Some prepare to make contributions to the development of nursing theory or health policy.
This program is designed for the student who desires a career as a nurse scientist.
Practicing nurses and nursing students are held to high standards of competence to perform responsible and safe care. Successful completion of the nursing program requires that students demonstrate an ability to perform several essential skills effectively and safely. Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as ethical comportment. Students considering this major must meet the required standards.
Alternate Entry
The alternate entry program is designed for the student who has no previous degrees in nursing, who desires a career as a nurse scientist, and who holds a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing. Alternate-entry Ph.D. students may choose to complete a Master of Science in Nursing degree en route to the Ph.D.
Graduate Handbook
Graduate handbook information is updated and maintained by each program. Graduate handbooks are available within each program's office and online. Please contact the program with concerns or questions.
Admission
All students are expected to complete an approved upper-division statistics course prior to the first semester of enrollment.
The entering student must be a registered nurse who holds either a bachelor's or a master's degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or a recognized degree from a foreign academic institution. The student who holds no master's degree or a master's degree in another discipline will be required to complete prescribed graduate bridge courses in nursing as a condition of admission. Bridge courses are not counted toward degree requirements. These students may also choose to complete a Master of Science in Nursing degree en route to the Ph.D.
Factors considered in the admission decision include a grade point average of at least 3.00 in upper-division and graduate coursework; information derived from academic and professional references; the applicant's interview; professional background; congruence of the student's research goals with the expertise of the nursing faculty; and proficiency in the English language. The composite picture presented by these factors is an important part of the holistic admission review and decision.
Alternate Entry
Prerequisite courses in upper-division statistics and the natural and behavioral sciences must also be completed before enrollment.
Of the required prerequisites, the courses in anatomy and microbiology must be completed by December 31 of the application year. All students must be fully compliant with program requirements, including but not limited to completing all seven required prerequisite courses and clearance of a background check from the Board of Nursing before beginning the alternate entry pre-licensure summer courses. All pre-licensure courses must be completed with a grade of at least C to progress in the alternate entry curriculum.
Factors considered in the admission decision include a grade point average of at least 3.00 in upper-division and graduate coursework; information derived from academic and professional references; the applicant's interview; professional background; congruence of the student’s research goals with the expertise of the nursing faculty; and proficiency in the English language. The composite picture presented by these factors is an important part of the holistic admission review and decision.
Licensure
Alternate Entry
The alternate-entry student is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination to become a registered nurse in the state of Texas after completing 38 hours of foundation courses.
Minimum Hours Required: 57
Average total hours for program: 57-90
Average total hours for Alternate Entry program: 92-128
Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | ||
| Program core (advanced theory, analytical, and research methods and skills) | ||
| Seminars/supporting hours in a focused area of study | ||
| Hours chosen from: Research practicum | ||
| Nursing Research Practicum | ||
| Nursing Research Practicum | ||
| Research Practicum I | ||
| Research Practicum II | ||
| Research Practicum III | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation (students may take any credit hour combination of Dissertation equaling 6 credit hours) | ||
| Master's level bridge coursework (for those who enter the program with a bachelor's degree in nursing) | ||
| All students in this program must also follow these requirements and policies: | ||
| Graduate Nursing Requirements | ||
| Graduate University Requirements | ||
Additional Requirements and Policy
All students must pass a doctoral preliminary examination in their second year before entering candidacy for the degree. Established milestones must be completed for students to progress and complete the degree. Students complete the program in five years, including dissertation.
Alternate Entry Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | ||
| Accelerated foundation hours (all major clinical areas of nursing) | ||
| Masters-level bridge coursework (advanced theoretical and research knowledge and a deeper understanding of professional issues) | ||
| Program core (doctoral-level advanced theory, analytical, and research methods and skills) | ||
| Seminars/supporting hours in a focused area of study | ||
| Hours chosen from: Research practicum | ||
| Nursing Research Practicum | ||
| Nursing Research Practicum | ||
| Research Practicum I | ||
| Research Practicum II | ||
| Research Practicum III | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Dissertation (students may take any credit hour combination of Dissertation equaling 6 credit hours) | ||
| All students in this program must also follow these requirements and policies: | ||
| Graduate Nursing Requirements | ||
| Graduate University Requirements | ||
Additional Requirements and Policy
The student must pass foundation year courses and have an unencumbered nursing license to enroll in graduate nursing courses beyond the first semester of courses following the foundation year.
Established milestones must be completed for students to progress and complete the degree, including passing a doctoral preliminary examination before entering candidacy for the doctoral degree. Students complete the program in six years, including dissertation.