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The School of Nursing
 
 

Alternate Entry PhD

The Alternate Entry Doctor of Philosophy (AE PhD) degree is designed for those who hold baccalaureate or graduate degrees in disciplines other than nursing.

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing AE PhD program prepares students to become researchers and to assume advanced leadership roles in nursing and health care delivery. A combination of conceptual approaches, challenging interactions in seminar discussions, and work with active researchers produces a stimulating environment for scholarly development.

Each program of study allows an individualized plan of coursework consisting of prescribed graduate level RN foundation courses, and master’s level courses.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

The AE PhD program requires the completion of nine (9) prerequisite courses prior to enrolling in the program. The prerequisite courses include:

Prerequisite courses for AE PhD program
Courses Credit Hours
Human Anatomy 4 - including lab
Human Physiology 4 - including lab
Chemistry I 3
Microbiology 2
Genetics 2
Pharmacology* 3
Human Growth & Development 3
Nutrition 3
Statistics 3

*Please note: The requirement for the Pharmacology prerequisite course has recently changed. The School of Nursing will now accept Pharmacology from both four-year institutions and community colleges.

Please see AE PhD Prerequisites (PDF format) for additional details on the required prerequisite courses, including course numbers at various institutions and online course options.

Course of Study

  • The Foundation Year: The AE PhD program is designed to satisfy RN licensure requirements and train students specialty nursing roles. The first year of the program is an intensive, full-time series of foundation courses. The AE foundation courses are accelerated, specially designed graduate courses that include content and experiences that are required to take the Registered Nurse licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) and that are required for graduate-level study in nursing. All foundation courses must be completed before students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The sequence of AE MSN foundation courses begins in the first summer session, and full-time enrollment during the foundation sequence is required.

Upon passing the NCLEX-RN and getting licensed, the student is eligible to work as an RN in Texas only. The remaining years of the program focus on the coursework required for the PhD in Nursing in the student's focused area of study.

Program requirements for the AE PhD in nursing include core courses and a focused area of study beyond the foundation year, plus a dissertation. The PhD program prepares nurse researchers to make significant contributions to nursing knowledge and nursing practice through ongoing scientific inquiry and the dissemination of research findings.

Admissions

Please see Admission Requirements and Application Procedures for detailed information on the admission process. A portfolio in Gerontology may also be completed. Please visit Gerentology Protfolio for additional information.

Alternate Entry PhD (AE PhD) Program Statement

"In doctoral education the emphasis is on original research and theory development related to nursing phenomena. Nursing phenomena are studied intensively, in a specific focus area, and broadly, within the context of nursing education. As educators, we express a firm commitment to excellence within The University and, in particular, to excellence in nursing scholarship. To foster that scholarship, we share with students the responsibility to create an educational climate that reflects democratic attitudes and beliefs, stimulates intellectual inquiry and creativity, and encourages the development of students to their highest potential. We wish to be known for our intellectual excellence and our collegial manner in human relationships."

Excerpt from Philosophy Statement
School of Nursing

Dr. Carole Taxis, Graduate Advisor
Dr. Gayle Acton, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs
Dr. Pat Carter, Assistant Dean for Student and Clinical Affairs
Dr. Dolores Sands, Dean of the School of Nursing

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read the Graduate FAQs (PDF Format) for more information on the graduate programs.