Post-Master’s Online Nursing PhD
Led by Faculty Experts at UCF
Contribute to nursing’s future with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing degree from UCF. The Doctor of Philosophy program in Nursing is designed to prepare students for positions as faculty members, leaders in the application of innovative technologies to education and/or clinical care, executive leaders in healthcare systems, and scientists who contribute to the body of nursing knowledge through their research.
The PhD in Nursing program 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 on the basis of sound conceptual, methodological, and ethical decision-making.
Exclusive PhD Funding Opportunities
In addition to UCF graduate fellowship opportunities, 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 PIPELINE Funding – $150K awarded annually to cover tuition and fees
| Application Deadline: | Apply by March 1st *Admissions decisions for the PhD in Nursing program are made on a rolling basis. |
| Early Application Deadline: | November 1st (All applicants are encouraged to apply by Nov 1). *Students applying for fellowships must apply by the November deadline. *Admissions decisions for the PhD in Nursing program are made on a rolling basis. |
| Program Length: | Accelerated: 11 semesters Part-time: 15 semesters |
| Program Type: | Online courses with 2 intensives per year |
| Credit Hours: | 63 |
*Admissions decisions for the PhD in Nursing program are made on a rolling basis.
*Students applying for fellowships must apply by the November deadline.
High Quality. Low Cost.
Expertise of nationally recognized faculty.
Convenience and flexibility of UCF Online.
Now at a lower cost with reduced tuition through fee waivers for some campus-based amenities.
Distinguished UCF Faculty. Esteemed UCF Degree.
Options Designed for Working Professionals Like You.
- You fulfill the general UCF graduate admissions requirements (see Admissions section of the UCF Graduate Catalog).
- Nurse applicants must hold an RN license in the state in which they practice.
- You have an MSN and BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent (students without a MSN degree should refer to the BSN to PhD in Nursing program)
- Your research interests match faculty expertise.
The UCF Nursing PhD curriculum is delivered online with two intensives per year.
The program requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond a Post-Masters’ Nursing PhD program. This includes:
- 39 credit hours of required courses that focus on foundational knowledge development, and research methods and experiences;
- 15 dissertation credit hours; and
- 9 credit hours of supporting courses that develop student expertise in the area chosen for their dissertation. PhD students are encouraged to seek out interdisciplinary supporting courses.
View Sample Plans of Study*Students applying for fellowships must apply by the November deadline.
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 research interests.
Years of PhD Graduates
Online PhD Program in Florida for Nurse Scientists
Dissertations = Making an Impact