Post-BSN Nursing PhD
Online Courses.
Hands-on Research with Experts.
UCF’s innovative BSN to PhD in Nursing degree track allows nurses to go straight from a bachelor’s degree to a nurse scientist doctorate without a master’s degree. This means fewer classes, lower cost and a faster time to degree. As a result, you get to spend more time in a research career to positively impact nursing and patient care.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in nursing is designed to prepare nurse scientists for a variety of roles. These include faculty member in a research-focused university, leader for nursing research in a healthcare system, or an executive leader with a research focus.
The doctoral program in nursing prepares scholars to possess a body of knowledge about theory, processes and methods of inquiry in the discipline of nursing. The program allows students to contribute to disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge in nursing and healthcare from the basis of sound conceptual, methodological, and ethical decision-making.
In addition, students will receive focused support in grant writing for programs, such as the National Research Service Award (NRSA).
Exclusive PhD Funding Opportunities
In addition to UCF graduate fellowship opportunities for full-time students, there is exclusive funding available for students planning to obtain a nursing faculty position after graduation and help address the nationwide shortage of doctorally prepared nursing faculty.
- UCF Graduate Fellowships – More than $2M in fellowship funding awarded annually
- Nurse Faculty Loan Program – Federal loan forgiveness program for nursing PhD students
- Nurse Faculty PIPELINE Funding – $150K awarded annually to cover tuition and fees
| Deadlines: | Apply by March 1 for Fall |
| Program Length: | Full- or part-time (12 semesters) |
| Program Type: | Online courses with 2 intensives per year |
| Credit Hours: | 72 (effective 2020-2021) |
* If interested in university Fellowships, apply by December 1.
Online PhD Program in Florida for Nurse Scientists
BSN to PhD = Less Time and Money to Degree
Years of PhD Graduates
To apply to this program, you will need to meet the following:
- You fulfill the general UCF graduate admissions requirements (see Admissions section of the UCF Graduate Catalog).
- You are a licensed RN in Florida.
- You have a BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
- Your research interests match faculty expertise.
Please note: Online programs may not meet immigration requirements for students holding an F1 or J1 Visa to maintain status. If you have questions, please contact UCF Global at global.ucf.edu or call 407-823-2337.
The UCF Nursing BSN to PhD curriculum is delivered online with two multiple-day onsite intensives per year.
The program requires a minimum of 72-credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This includes:
- 42 credit hours of required courses that focus on foundational knowledge development, and research methods and experiences;
- 15 dissertation credit hours; and
- 15 credit hours of supporting courses and electives that develop student expertise in the area chosen for their dissertation. PhD students are encouraged to seek out interdisciplinary supporting courses.
While coursework is conducted completely online, students are expected to participate extensively in research with faculty on campus or through immersion in a project with a nurse scientist approved by the student’s advisor.
Yes, you may pursue the Nursing PhD program at UCF from any location, both within or outside of Florida.
Note the Nurse Licensure Compact does not apply to PhD programs.
Visit our Doctoral Admissions page for details on the application process and requirements.
Please note: The College of Nursing accepts the most qualified students based on evaluations of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations and match of UCF research areas with applicant’s career goals.