Please note, the College of Nursing will not be accepting applications to the direct entry PhD option.

Admission Requirements

With the recommendation of the unit, direct entry Ph.D. admission is available to exceptionally strong students, who show great promise in terms of academic accomplishments and potential for research.

  • A cumulative weighted average of at least 80% in the last two years of undergraduate study (i.e. 60 credit units of course work).
  • A four‐year bachelor of science in Nursing degree, or equivalent, in a relevant field of study.
  • Current registration as a nurse or psychiatric nurse.
  • Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and independent research.
  • Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
  • The equivalent of 3 credit units in each of statistics and research methods at the undergraduate level.

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

Degree Requirements

Students must maintain continuous registration in the 996 course.

  • GPS 960.0
  • GPS 961.0, if research involves human subjects
  • GPS 962.0, if research involves animal subjects

  • At least 9 credit units of course work at the graduate level must be successfully completed in the first year of the program.

A minimum of 33 credit units at the 800‐level:

  • 3 credit units in advanced statistics
  • 3 credit units in statistics (NURS 818.3, PUBH 805.3, ERES 840.3, KIN 808.3, CHEP 806.3, STAT 845.3, PSY 805.3)
  • 9 credit units (3 courses) in a cognate area
  • NURS 891.3
  • NURS 892.3
  • NURS 893.3
  • NURS 895.3
  • NURS 896.3
  • NURS 897.3
  • NURS 990.0
  • NURS 996.0
  • NURS 997.0
  • Pass a comprehdoctoral candidacy assessment examination, after completing the required course work, and prior to focusing on the research and doctoral thesis.
  • Write and successfully defend a dissertation based on original investigation.

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.