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Prospective Students,
Doctoral (Ph.D.) Program in Nursing

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program prepares scientists to conduct research in nursing and to contribute to the body of knowledge in nursing.

Graduates of this program focus their careers on generating the knowledge base of the nursing discipline through positions as academic or clinical researchers.

"Inside UCSF School of Nursing" Event

This one-day event is offered for students considering doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in Nursing. "Inside UCSF School of Nursing" will be offered this year on Friday, March 21, 2008. The application deadline is Monday, Mar. 3, 2008.

• Instructions and Application     (Microsoft Word .doc format)
• Instructions and Application     (Adobe/Acrobat .pdf format)
  Note:  documents in Adobe/Acrobat Portable Document Format (".pdf") require the Adobe/Acrobat Reader software. For advice on issues with Adobe/Acrobat software, see our Adobe Problems information page.

UCSF/John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

The UCSF/ HCGNE (website) is one of five centers funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation to prepare leaders in gerontological nursing at both the pre- and post- doctoral levels. Interdisciplinary opportunities are encouraged and the Center is currently developing specific initiatives in the areas of geropsychiatry and palliative care.

Betty Irene Moore Doctoral Fellowships Support Tomorrow's Nursing Faculty

The UCSF School of Nursing, in conjunction with the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (www.moore.org), is pleased to announce the creation of the Betty Irene Moore Doctoral Fellowships, designed to prepare nursing faculty for positions in colleges and universities in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. (Applications for Moore fellowships will not be accepted after March 1, 2008.)

• Moore Application Information

NINR/NIH Graduate Partnership Training Program in Biobehavioral Research

UCSF is one of six U.S. nursing schools partnering with the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) to provide cutting-edge research training for outstanding doctoral nursing students. The project is part of the Graduate Partnerships Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The NINR will support competitively selected graduate scholars for up to five years, including tuition and fees, stipend, and health insurance.

• Announcement and Program Details

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to develop habits of scholarly thinking. The initial segment of the curriculum provides course work in the areas of research, nursing science and theory development (see below).

The emphasis in the middle segment shifts to course work, research residencies, and independent studies that provide a basis for the student's projected dissertation focus and the subsequent initial program of research.

The final segment of the program, preceded by the qualifying examination and advancement to candidacy, entails development of a dissertation research proposal, data collection and analysis, and the writing of the dissertation. The dissertation is a work of independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge in nursing. A key element of the program is faculty advisement. The program entails approximately four years of academic work.

Notes:  The curriculum is subject to periodic revision at the discretion of the faculty. Images and voices of students in selected courses may be video-transmitted to other locations as a part of the distributed learning program. Students may be involved in patient research as well as in research on school programs, aggregate (non-personally-identifiable) student information may be reported as part of this research.

Research Opportunities

Course work in research design, data collection and measurement, and advanced research methods provides grounding for both basic and translational research. Preparation in statistical techniques appropriate to the conduct of nursing investigation is entailed. In addition, the student participates in two research residencies as part of an ongoing investigative team.

Nursing Science

Content in philosophy of nursing science enables the student to reflect on the origins of scientific questions and methods, and to articulate a stance with regard to sources of knowledge, modes of inquiry, and models of scholarship. Course work in nursing science provides the student with a framework for understanding the history and development of nursing science; linking theory and practice to research; and thinking critically about research studies in the student's area of interest. Advanced Nursing Seminars allow students to see the articulation of theory and methods with substantive areas of nursing research.

Theory Development

Theory courses focus on the examination of extant theories in nursing and health sciences as well as relevant theories in biological, social, and behavioral sciences. Studies in this area enable the doctoral student to critique, use, test, and develop theory from a nursing perspective.

Research Training Resources

The School of Nursing and UCSF campus provide a rich environment for developing the skills and depth of experience necessary to the development of researcher expertise. The wide spectrum of faculty research within the School of Nursing is described below. Statistical consulting and computing resources are available through the School of Nursing's Office of Research, Evaluation, and Computer Resources.

Multiple research-related opportunities are available through the school's Center for Symptom Management, The International Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Clinical Training in Nursing, and the Institute for Health and Aging. In addition, the campus offers many opportunities for multidisciplinary and collaborative research experience. Many multidisciplinary group seminars and conferences are offered on a daily basis.

The overall goals of research programs in the Department of Family Health Care Nursing are to promote health and optimal development of children, women and families; to prevent illness in these populations; and to develop interventions that address their responses to health and illness. The focus of study may be individuals, family member dyads or the family unit, often from multiethnic backgrounds. To this end, research programs address the following: cardiovascular health and illness in vulnerable populations such as women and the elderly; reproductive health of women; fatigue and sleep disturbances in women; women's symptom management strategies; midwifery processes of care that support the health of women throughout their life span; health and risk-taking behaviors in children; children's psychobiologic responses to stress; child care health; vulnerable adolescent populations; family violence; family processes and health in the presence of chronic illness; and issues relating to palliative/hospice care and bereavement.

Doctoral education in the Department of Community Health Systems Systems focuses on the many facets of health and illness in the community, including health promotion and disease prevention; care and management of chronic illness; the management related to mental, physical, environmental and occupational health and safety; and health care delivery systems, including patient safety, human resources, care of vulnerable populations and communities, such as the homeless, disadvantaged, and underserved, and dissemination of best practices.

Within this context of community, faculty research focuses on care of people with psychiatric illness, including those suffering trauma or abuse; workers at risk for injury or living with disability; individuals with chronic diseases, such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and HIV infection; incarcerated persons; and ethnic and immigrant minorities. Areas of faculty research address major community health issues at local, national and global levels.

Doctoral study in the Department of Physiological Nursing is closely tied to the areas of faculty research. The unique research focus of the department is on physiological and behavioral responses to illness/disease and its treatment. These responses include but are not limited to dyspnea, mucositis, pain, fatigue, cardiac rhythm disorders, nutritional alteration, aging, wound healing, and end of life issues. Faculty research focuses on clinical problems related to cardiovascular, oncology, gerontological, and critical care/emergency/trauma nursing.

For information on Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, visit their site at http://www.ucsf.edu/medsoc; also see the affiliated Institute for Health & Aging web site.

Applications

After reviewing the deadlines, requirements, and prerequisites of the program (see below), you may begin the application process.

• Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Requirements for admission to the doctoral program (for applicants with either BSN or MS degrees) are:

1. An undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2.
2. If a graduate (master's) degree has been earned, a Grade Point Average of 3.5 is expected.
3. Completion of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test within the last five years prior to application. The GRE score should indicate strong verbal, quantitative, and analytical potential.
4. Comprehension of basic statistics is essential. A prior statistics course is required; a recent course is desirable.
5. Completion of a research course equivalent to the N 262A "Research Methods" course at UCSF.
6. Evidence of capacity for original scholarship and research in nursing.
7. Congruence of applicant's goals with the program's goals and the resources of the School and University.
8. Evidence of the ability to communicate in a scholarly manner, both orally and in writing.
9. Evidence of licensure as a registered nurse.
10. Preferred:  one year of professional nursing experience.
11. Computer literacy is highly recommended (especially competence in word processing skills and the internet).

Admission Requirements for International ("Foreign") Applicants

International applicants to the doctoral program are encouraged to write to the Nursing Student Affairs Office asking for an informal evaluation before filing a formal application. A statement of goals of study, past educational experience, and professional work experience should accompany the request for informal evaluation. Requirements for admission are:

1. Completion of college or university work equal to the unit requirement for a baccalaureate degree and a scholastic record comparable to that reflected by a 3.0 GPA. All non-English transcripts must be translated into English by a certified translator.
2. If a graduate (master's) degree has been earned, a GPA of 3.5 is expected.  One prior degree must be in nursing. All non-English transcripts must be translated into English by a certified translator.
3. Completion of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for graduates of foreign schools whose academic language is not English. If the language of instruction at the undergraduate institution(s) was English, the TOEFL is not required. The minimum score on the internet-based TOEFL is 80 (22 is the minimum score for the writing section's zero to 30 scale). Please note that written verification from the institution regarding the language of instruction may be required. If one year of full time course work has been completed at an accredited college or university in the United States, the TOEFL requirement may be waived. Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
4. Completion of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test within the last five years.
5. Comprehension of basic statistics is essential. A prior statistics course is required; a recent course is desirable.
6. Completion of a research course equivalent to the N262A course at UCSF.
7. Evidence of capacity for original scholarship and research in nursing.
8. Congruence of applicant's goals with the program's goals and the resources of the School and University.
9. Evidence of the ability to communicate in a scholarly manner, both orally and in writing.
10. International students need to be licensed as registered nurses in their country of origin, if licensure is available. If they are going to perform direct patient care activities locally, they will need to obtain California registered nurse licensure also.
11. Computer literacy is required.
12. A minimum of one year of professional nursing experience is preferred.

Prospective international doctoral students should also review the following information:

• Information for Prospective Students from Other Countries
• International Students and Scholars Office

Entry with Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The criteria for admission to the doctoral program for persons with BSNs will be the same as for applicants with MSNs. The usually shorter career trajectory and lack of previous graduate training will be taken into account in evaluating past accomplishments. A personal interview may be required to assess (1) vision for and commitment to nursing, (2) attitudes toward learning, knowledge, and science, and (3) clarity of focus of study. The applicant must have been in professional practice a minimum of one year at the time of enrollment. Should the student enrolled in the doctoral program wish to earn a master's degree, it will be awarded after the student has successfully completed 36 units of academic work, 8 units of postgraduate professional work, and the master's comprehensive examination. The completed academic units must meet the faculty requirement for specialization in the student's area.

Application Review Process and Documentation

Interested persons and potential applicants are urged to talk with faculty by telephone or to make appointments to discuss in person their questions or interests in doctoral study. The Student Affairs Office will supply names of faculty with academic interests in specific areas.

For best results in screening, Prospective PhD Students should submit their applications before December 15th (see Application Procedures website for details).

Screening for admission of completed applications begins in January.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, Applications will be accepted until February 1st for areas that are still open.

Earlier applications may have preference for admission and for scholarship funding. The School of Nursing reserves the right to process and admit applicants after the published deadline.

Please be reminded that incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Admitted doctoral students will begin their program (start taking classes) during fall quarter (September) only.

Application Management. Applications are reviewed by the School of Nursing and also by the Graduate Division. Inquiries concerning admission status should be addressed to the Nursing Student Affairs Office.

Application Components. All parts of the on-line application (except the areas marked "Voluntary" or "Optional") must be fully completed as directed. A green check-mark symbol will indicate which sections of the application are completed. A résumé and/or curriculum vitae ("cv") will be included, a copy must be converted to PDF format and uploaded to the UCSF server.

Transcripts. Two official original transcripts must be sent directly to Nursing Student Affairs (see address above) from each college, university, and nursing school attended. Transcripts should be endorsed by the proper authority and final college transcripts should include a statement of good standing or honorable dismissal from the last college attended. A preliminary transcript should show work in progress.

Letters of Reference. Four letters of reference are required: (1) two provided by the most recent employer(s), preferably nurses; (2) one, if you have graduated in the past five years, from a college professor / instructor who can assess your performance and judgment in the are a in which you wish to study; and (3) one or two from individuals, not relatives, who are well acquainted with your professional preparation and experience. The letters should be sent to the Office of Student Affairs, School of Nursing. Additional references might be requested.

Applicants to the doctoral program should have all references address the following areas, as appropriate: (1) research, (2) leadership, (3) creativity, (4) self-direction in learning, (5) writing, (6) teaching, (7) relationship to applicant, and (8) clinical practice.

All references must be submitted on the reference forms included in the application packet.

Examinations. Applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. International applicants whose academic language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for more information on the administration of these tests. Request that your score(s) be sent to UCSF's institutional code number R·4840, department code #0610 (GRE) or #43 (TOEFL).

Applications will not be reviewed until all documentation has been received (including test scores in particular).

Instructions and Directions. For complete information on our on-line (web) applications, please review the Application Procedures and the On-Line Instructions web sites which explain and illustrate the entire process from start-to-finish.

Screening. Screening for admission occurs at two separate units: the Graduate Division and the School of Nursing. Evaluation is on academic qualifications and preparation for advanced graduate study. A personal interview is optional and may be initiated by the faculty or applicant.

The School of Nursing Doctoral Admission Screening Committee screens reviews the completed applications for admission to the program. They consider all application materials to determine the candidate's appropriate fit with the goals of the doctoral program, including health care needs of specific populations. Review is based upon the following considerations: applicant's academic and professional (nursing) qualifications; congruence of applicant's educational goals with institutional and faculty resources; application strength compared to other applicants.

A roster of accepted applicants and alternates for acceptance is established. The Committee forwards recommendations as soon as possible to Graduate Division.

Graduate Division also evaluates academic qualification and formal preparation for advanced graduate study and then officially notifies applicants of the final admission decisions.

Immunizations. Before the fall quarter begins in mid-September, accepted applicants must verify for Student Health Services their status for certain communicable diseases, e.g., tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and two of the three doses in the Hepatitis B series. The third Hepatitis B dose is provided free of charge once enrolled at the University. Students must also submit tuberculin skin test information. Visit Student Health Services at http://saawww.ucsf.edu/health on the web for more information.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is doctoral education all about at UCSF School of Nursing?

   A:   The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program (PhD) prepares students to advance the discipline of nursing science through research and theory development, contribute to the body of nursing knowledge, and provide leadership to the profession. The UCSF doctoral program offers a wide choice of areas for student research with major concentration in symptom management, chronic illness, family and women health, and health policy. Additionally, research training is available in quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry. Doctoral students have the opportunity to study with and be mentored by internationally-recognized faculty researchers.

Q:  What is the curriculum of the doctoral program?

   A:   The doctoral curriculum is comprised of three core areas: theory development, which enables the student to critique, use, test, and develop theory from a nursing perspective; nursing science, which provides the basis for understanding the links among professional practice, research, and theory; and research training which includes course work in research design, data collection and measurement, and advanced research methods.

Q:  How many course units are required?

   A:   In contrast to undergraduate and master's programs, where progress is measured in the completion of academic course units, progress in the doctoral program is marked by successful completion of the qualifying examination, the development of the dissertation proposal, data collection, writing of the dissertation, and final defense. Except for the units required to meet the residence requirements of the doctoral program, i.e., six quarters in registered student status with a minimum of four units in each of these quarters, there are no prescribed unit or credit requirements.

Q:  What is the length of the program?

   A:   Academic coursework, faculty advisement, and self-directed study provide the means to progress through the doctoral program, a course of study that entails approximately four years.

Q:  What is the cost of the program?

   A:   Total fees, including registration, educational and student health fees, are approximately $10,000 per year for California residents (there are no "per unit" fees). Fee amounts are subject to change, visit the Registrar's web site for the most up-to-date fee information at http://saawww.ucsf.edu/admission/nursingfees.html. Remember that the fees charged by the Registrar do not include books, housing, meals, transportation, supplies, or other living expenses. Almost all students live off-campus in non-University private housing. California residents do not pay the quarterly "non-resident tuition fee" (approximately $14,700.00 annually). One year of California residence qualifies the student for the resident fee in subsequent years, see residency for more information.

Q:  What is the availability of financial aid and/or scholarships?

   A:   In almost every case, financial assistance of some kind is available. Some doctoral students find that they are able to work part-time while attending school three days a week. Others concentrate full-time on their program of study and take advantage of a number of federally-subsidized loans, and traineeships, as well as Graduate Division fellowships and scholarships, non-resident tuition waivers, and research and teaching assistantships. A number of national health-related organizations provide financial support.

Q:  What can I do strengthen my application?

   A:   Application to the doctoral program includes demonstrated capacity for writing, research, and leadership. To strengthen the application, you may want to assess your abilities and experiences in these areas. Several schools, for example, offer training programs; including the UCSF-sponsored Summer Research Training Program (see the web page at http://saawww.ucsf.edu/summer). Or you can contact a faculty member directly about possible research opportunities.

Q:  What is expected of the Goal Statement (a component of the completed application)?

   A:   The Goal Statement should clearly identify the particular area of research interest and include related clinical, teaching, and/or research experience. It is important that the research interest of the applicant match the expertise of faculty in the School of Nursing, and you will want to identify at least one faculty member who shares a similar research focus. Future career goals after doctoral education also should be addressed.

Q:  What types of career opportunities exist?

   A:   Doctorally prepared leaders are needed in nursing education, administration, and research. Some of our alumni are faculty, academic administrators and deans of major schools of nursing or chief executive officers of large health facilities. Others hold high-level positions in state, federal, and international government.

Q:  What other advice do you have for potential applicants?

   A:   Schedule a meeting with one or more faculty members whose research is in your general area of interest. If a meeting cannot be arranged in person, a telephone or email exchange with the faculty member may be possible. The compendium of Faculty Research Activities on this web site will help you identify the scope of research conducted by our faculty members.

Application Information

• Application Procedures (website)

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