The University Of Texas At Austin: What Starts Here Changes The World
The School of Nursing
 
 

PhD

All degree plans are in PDF Format.

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing Doctoral 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. This program requires that students hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing* and/or a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

Each student selects a focus area based on her/his nursing background, interests, and goals. The focus area provides a broad structure for the student's individualized course of study. Courses from nursing and from non-nursing disciplines offer options for tailoring the program of study to a student's particular focus area. The program is designed to help students identify a dissertation topic, apply for research funding, and begin a lifelong research career.

* Registered Nurses holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree may apply directly to the Doctoral Program in Nursing (BSN to PhD) rather than the Master of Science in Nursing program. This option is for those interested in research and nursing faculty positions. Students accepted to the program must complete three Master’s level core courses.

Course of Study

Program requirements for the PhD in Nursing include core courses and other courses to ensure preparation in a focused area of study. 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.

Integrated Scholarly Portfolio

The Integrated Scholarly Portfolio is an option for all doctoral students.  An Integrated Scholarly Portfolio provides students with a framework for beginning their research careers and also provides for additional recognition upon completion of the Ph.D.  At the completion of the doctoral program, students are recognized for their accomplishments in an elected area of expertise. This expertise is evident in their ability to conduct research, to communicate information to a variety of audiences, and to provide service to the profession and community. The interrelationship among these manifestations of expertise is inherent when research results are communicated in manuscripts and in oral presentations that have been reviewed by peers, mentors, and referees. These requirements are not the sole responsibility of the student or of the advisor, but are a combined effort of all those involved in the doctoral program.

These things must be completed at the time of graduation:

Demonstrated research experience (such as being a Research Assistant, receiving an NSRA Fellowship Award, etc.)

Scholarly activities such as:

  • Presentation of a poster or paper at a research/professional conference
  • Publications: Peer-reviewed manuscript in review, in press, or published
  • Grant proposals

Service to the University, School of Nursing, or profession. Service activities might include but are not limited to mentoring new students, serving as an elected officer, participation on Boards or committees, and/or volunteering to assume leadership activities to accomplish organizational goals.)

In addition to the above, students must complete the following at the time of graduation:

  • Two peer reviewed manuscripts in review, in press or published articles in peer-reviewed journals, one of which must be a data-based paper.
  • Submission and/or receipt of grant application to support dissertation.
  • Draft manuscript related to dissertation.
  • Poster or paper abstract of dissertation in review.

Other Degree Requirements

Doctoral Qualifying Examination
Doctoral Candidacy

Admission

Please see Admission Requirements and Application Procedures for detailed information on the admission process for the PhD program.

For further information or to schedule an appointment about the Graduate Program, contact Rudy Ortiz, Graduate Program Coordinator.

Philosophy

"In doctoral education the emphasis is on original research and theory development related to nursing phenomena. Nursing phenomena are studied intensively 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

Highlights of the Doctoral Program

  • UT Austin offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary study (doctoral portfolio programs) in fields such as gerontology, Mexican American studies, and women's studies.
  • UT Austin’s School of Nursing received “Best School Of Nursing for Men” Award by AAMN.
  • Internationally recognized nursing faculty with over $17 million in NIH research funding.
  • The School of Nursing at The University of Texas at Austin is ranked in the top 20 of the country's 200+ accredited graduate nursing programs. It is the highest ranked US nursing school located on the campus of a non-health-science institution.
  • Nursing faculty at UT Austin have diverse backgrounds in preparation and experience.
  • Thirteen of the current 26 graduate nursing faculty are Fellows in the prestigious American Academy of Nursing.
  • Approximately 55 doctoral students are currently enrolled in nursing.
  • The doctoral program emphasizes development of a sound foundation in nursing science.
  • Participation in faculty research projects is an integral part of the doctoral program.

Frequently Asked Questions

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