Our PhD in Nursing Science program prepares nurse scientists to contribute to empirical knowledge and scholarship in nursing science. Our program prepares nurse scientists capable of performing in a range of health-related professional roles and able to function in interdisciplinary teams. Our graduates provide leadership to community, professional and scientific organizations. The PhD program provides scientific knowledge that can then be translated into practice.
Dr. Rinaldi discusses her research interests in neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Dr. Cousin discusses her research in exploration of gratitude in cardiovascular health.
Dr. Koerner discusses her research interests in family mental health during and after pregnancy.
What is the difference between the PhD in Nursing Science and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?
The USF College of Nursing highly values the support and development of a unique and diverse community of scholars and is committed to recruiting a diverse pool of applicants who are highly motivated to achieve the PhD in Nursing Science objectives. Admission to the program is based on a number of factors that measure a student's potential for academic success at the doctoral level in alignment with our research pillars. Explore our research pillars and meet our team of researchers.
Important Information:
All admitted nursing students are required to complete a background check, immunization verification, and drug screening. Additionally, students will be required to provide proof of current health insurance. Admitted students will be provided with the steps to complete this process.
To learn more, please consult the Graduate Catalog.
There are three entry points to the PhD program:
Specific requirements are determined on an individual basis by the student’s supervisory committee. Students are to meet with faculty mentor for individual program planning after being selected for admission.
Curriculum Overview
Format: We offer live classes on the Tampa campus every Monday each semester in conjunction with Canvas for online learning. Please see our PhD Program Plans for more information.
Teaching Certification: PhD students who take the 13 credit hour Nursing Certificate Program are eligible to sit for the certification exam offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) program. Students who have master’s degrees in nursing would be eligible to sit for the certification exam after completing 9 nursing education credit hours. Students who hold bachelor’s degrees would sit for the exam after being awarded their PhD degree.
Please review the USF College of Nursing Student Handbook for more details about the PhD in Nursing Science academic policies, procedures, and standards.
Applicants who meet the admission requirements should complete the steps below to successfully apply:
1. Submit a Graduate Admissions Application
2. Submit a NursingCAS Application
Interview Requirement: In addition to fulfilling the application requirements, a personal interview with faculty members of the PhD Admissions, Curriculum, and Academic Affairs Committee will be required.
Learn more by viewing the graduate information session and application workshop.
International Applicants
Priority admission and consideration for financial support will be limited to those meeting the priority deadline of December 15th
Assistant Professor, University of South Florida College of Nursing
Assistant Director, Biobehavioral Lab
Instructor, Morsani College of Medicine
Associate Professor
Professor
Louis and Leona Hughes Endowed Chair in Nursing Science
Learn more about Dr. Visovsky's research!
Gordon Keller Professor
Professor and Lyall and Beatrice Thompson Nursing Professorship in Oncology
Professor Research Methodology and Biostatistics Core