Our PhD in Nursing Science program prepares nurse scientists to educate the next generation of nurses. Students who earn a PhD in nursing science from USF can affect the lives of millions of people by creating the science that impacts patients, families, and communities. The PhD program provides the link between practice and research. Full-time students may be eligible for scholarships and/or graduate assistantship positions.
To explore our current research initiatives and meet our team of researchers, click here.
For more details about the program, see the PhD Program Calendar and the PhD Student Handbook.
To learn more about our researchers' expertise, visit:
Nursing Science Without Limits
Check out some of our student researcher videos:
What is the difference between the PhD in Nursing Science and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?
Click here for the comparison details.
The College is committed to recruiting a diverse pool of applicants who are highly motivated to achieve the doctoral program 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.
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: for those with a BSN, MSN, and clinical doctorate. Learn more about the different requirements by consulting the Graduate Catalog.
Prospective students can also learn more by consulting the PhD Student Handbook.
Format: We offer live classes every Monday with web-based educational activities. Classes are offered every Monday throughout the semester; see our PhD Program Calendar for more information.
Teaching Certification: Beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year, PhD students 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.
Applicants who meet the admission requirements should complete the steps below to successfully apply:
Required Documentation: All documentation (e.g., transcripts, resume, certifications, etc.) must be uploaded to NursingCAS by the deadline in order for applications to be considered.
Interview Requirement: In addition to fulfilling the application requirements, a personal interview with faculty will be required.
Learn more by attending an information session and application workshop.
Term | Application Open | Deadline to Apply |
Fall 2022 |
April 15, 2021 | July 1, 2022 |
Priority Application Deadlines:
Note: The program will admit students on a space available basis after the deadline to apply.
Priority admission and consideration for financial support will be limited to those meeting the priority deadline.
NOTE: Application deadlines for Graduate Student Success fellowships, including the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship, are often prior to the priority College of Nursing deadline. Applicants should consult the pertinent funding agency as additional application materials may be required for each fellowship.
Professor and Director, PhD program
tbeckie@usf.edu
(813) 598-9162
Administrative Specialist