Program Information

Ph.D. Program Director: A. R. Starkweather
Complete faculty listing by department: Follow this link.

The College of Nursing’s Ph.D. program prepares scientists, scholars, advanced practitioners, and leaders in nursing. Comprehensive research and practice preparation is achieved by pairing students with faculty. Students have access to an array of faculty members for interdisciplinary study, clinical practice, and research. Individually directed dissertation research is a major aspect of the Ph.D. program. Research in the College includes aging and health, women’s health, bio-behavioral interventions, and health policy.

Progression in the program depends on the student’s ability to meet academic standards and clinical competencies as defined by College policy.

To be considered for admission to the Ph.D. program, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

• A BSN or master’s degree in nursing from a CCNE/NLN AC accredited program.
• International students or students whose native language is not English are required to pass one of the following tests with a satisfactory score of:
  •  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
    • Computer-based: 213
    • Paper-based: 550
    • Web-based: 80
    • iBT Speaking  Component: 26
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
    • Overall score: 6.5
    • Speaking Component: 7
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB):
    • Overall score: 79
  • Successful completion of the University of Florida English Language Institute Program.
• International students or students whose native language is not English with unsatisfactory scores on the TOEFL, and TOEFL iBT Speaking Component, IELTS, or MELAB; unsuccessful completion of the UF English Language Institute Program; or an unacceptable score on the verbal part of the GRE must achieve an acceptable score on an essay administered by the Academic Written English Program at UF.
• Current licensure (or eligibility) as a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida.
• Availability of a primary mentor who is a College of Nursing faculty member with expertise consistent with the students’ research focus area.
• Students must be either a U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident or hold a valid visa.

Please see our website for more information: https://nursing.ufl.edu/admissions/

Degrees Offered with a Major in Nursing Sciences

• Doctor of Philosophy
  • without a concentration
  • concentration in Clinical and Translational Science

The PhD in Nursing Sciences prepares nurse scholars to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundations of nursing practice and health care delivery. It is also the gateway to a career in nursing education, where qualified faculty members are greatly needed to alleviate a growing nursing faculty shortage. Our program offers comprehensive research preparation with one of the strongest cores of nursing research faculty in Florida. The UF College of Nursing offers two options for research-focused doctoral studies in nursing. Select a program to learn more. https://nursing.ufl.edu/admissions/

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

College of nursing courses

Nursing sciences

Upon completion of the program, the PhD graduate is expected to engage in the following:

• Research: Synthesizes and generates knowledge for the discipline of nursing.
• Scholarly Activity: Disseminates findings to researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders in healthcare.
• Leadership: Assumes leadership and advocacy positions to advance healthcare.
• Ethics: Synthesizes ethical issues and standards related to science and knowledge development.
• Collaboration: Develops and engages in interdisciplinary teams within the scientific and healthcare practice communities.