• Current registration as a nurse or psychiatric nurse.
• Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
• Master’s degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline
• Previous research experience, through completion of a thesis or other research experience
• a cumulative weighted average of at least a 80% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. coursework required in Master’s program)
• have completed at least one course in each of statistics, research methods, and nursing theory

For more information on language proficiency requirements, see the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.

• GPS 960.0
• GPS 961.0, if research involves human subjects
• GPS 962.0, if research involves animal subjects
• dissertation defense
• doctoral candidacy assessment

A minimum of 18 credit units including:

• 3 credit units in advanced statistics
• NURS 895.3
• NURS 896.3
• NURS 897.3
• NURS 990.0
• NURS 996.0
• NURS 997.0
• two course (6 credit units) minimum in cognate area – these 800-level courses should address student’s area of specialization and research (must be approved by the Ph.D. Advisory Committee).

Please note that students receiving a grade less than 60% in any two courses within a graduate program in the College of Nursing will be recommended to be required to discontinue by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.