Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Objectives for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD and AE PhD) Program

The graduate of the PhD program in nursing is expected to:

1. Conduct research to advance knowledge and practice in nursing and healthcare.
2. Develop, test, and refine theories for nursing and healthcare.
3. Participate as a scholar in the advancement of theoretical, ethical, and practice aspects of nursing and healthcare.
4. Participate as a scholar in transdisciplinary teams to advance the science of nursing and healthcare.
5. Assume leadership roles in practice, education, and policy arenas to promote high quality and innovative health care, especially in underserved populations.
6. Accept responsibility and accountability for disseminating knowledge.

Program requirements for the PhD in Nursing include core courses and other courses to ensure preparation in a focused area of study. The PhD program prepares nurse researchers to make significant contributions to nursing knowledge and nursing practice through ongoing scientific inquiry and the dissemination of research findings.

Degree Plans (All files are in PDF format.)

• BSN to PhD Program of Work
• BSN to PhD Sample Schedule
• PhD Program of Work
• PhD Sample Schedule

There are various avenues for support during the doctoral program. Every student who applies by the November 1 deadline and is accepted into the PhD program, will be considered for a one-year Fellowship. Those applying after the November 1 deadline may also be considered for financial support. Monetary amounts range from $7,000 - $25,000, based on admission scores and full time/part time status. Competitive continuing fellowships are available after year one, based on timely academic progression and scholarly activities. Other small scholarship opportunities (usually $1,000-$2,000) may be available yearly through the School of Nursing. Doctoral students may work as Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, and Assistant Instructors. These appointments have tuition and benefits assistance based on appointment hours/week.

Additionally, US citizen and permanent resident doctoral students can apply to the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). The NFLP is a loan-cancellation program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professions. This program allows nursing schools to provide financial loans to students enrolled in advanced degree nursing programs and who intend to teach in a nursing program after graduation. This is not a need-based loan program; however, students must complete a FAFSA. For more information, visit UT Financial and Administrative Services - Nursing Faculty Loan Services page.

• UT Austin offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary study (doctoral portfolio programs) in fields such as gerontology, Mexican American studies, and women's studies.
• Internationally recognized nursing faculty with over $10 million in NIH research funding.
• Nursing faculty at UT Austin have diverse backgrounds in preparation and experience.
• Thirteen of the current 26 graduate nursing faculty are Fellows in the prestigious American Academy of Nursing.
• The doctoral program emphasizes development of a sound foundation in nursing science.
• Participation in faculty research projects is an integral part of the doctoral program.

All students interested in applying for graduate study in Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin must meet the admission requirements established by the University’s Graduate School and the School of Nursing. Applicants are expected to be graduates of accredited colleges or universities. Below are the minimum requirements for admission.

1. Degree: A bachelor's or a master's degree in nursing from an acceptable accredited program or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution.
2. GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or comparable GPA in upper-division work (junior- and senior- level courses) and in any graduate work complete.
3. Recommendations: 3 required
4. Statement of Purpose
5. Curriculum Vitae/resume
6. Nursing License: Current RN licensure, if admitted.

All students applying for formal admission to the PhD program must complete the online application and submit the following application materials by the November 1 deadline.

Application for Admission

Complete online application using the Graduate School Application for Admission and pay the application fee. Select program start date fall 2025. The application is only open between September 1st and November 1st. The application is only open between September 1st and November 1st. The online application is data entry only. All supporting application documents are uploaded on the My Status page, approximately 72 hours after the application is submitted and paid.

*Recommendation: Complete the online application, at minimum, 2 weeks before the November 1 deadline, ensuring all documents are provided by the application deadline.

Supporting Documents

1. Official transcripts dated one year or less, from all four-year institutions attended.
2. Official transcripts dated one year or less, for Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), if applicable. 
   1. See PhD Application Checklist (PDF) for transcript upload procedures.
3. Curriculum Vitae/resume.
4. Personal Statement: Maximum two (2) pages. Readable font, 12-point, double spaced, 1-inch margins)
5. Recommendations: 3 required / 3 maximum
   1. Using our secure, personalized form, three (3) professional recommendations that attest to the applicant's academic ability, professional competency and personal character must be submitted electronically by each recommender.
   2. Written recommendations are not accepted.
6. Official TOEFL or IELTS scores taken within the past two years (for International Applicants only). 
   1. See the International Students webpage for English language requirements.

For additional details on how to prepare your graduate application materials and personal statement instructions, please view PhD Application Checklist (PDF).

Visit the Graduate Admissions webpage for additional information.

All materials must be submitted electronically to the My Status Check page which is available approximately 72 hours after completion of the Graduate School Application for Admission.

The School of Nursing Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee (GAPC) begin preliminary admission reviews after the November 1st deadline. All application materials are required to be submitted by the program’s application deadline; files that remain incomplete will not be reviewed or acted upon by GAPC.

If admitted, applicants will be notified of the admission decision by March. Decisions are communicated in the following ways:

1. Offers of admission are sent via email by the School of Nursing.
2. Official e-letters from the Graduate and International Admission Center notifying you of the admission decision of the Office of Graduate Studies are available on the application Status Check page.

NOTE: Email is the official means of communication for all university business.

If not admitted, applicants will be notified by the GIAC only.

Please feel free to email Graduate Student Services Office if you have questions about the admission process.

All files are in PDF format.

• BSN to PhD Program of Work
• BSN to PhD Sample Schedule
• PhD Program of Work
• PhD Sample Schedule
• Choosing a Quality PhD Program
• PhD Application Checklist
• PhD FAQs