The Ph.D. in Nursing requires 57 credit hours. Up to 15 credits may be transferred into the program.

Please refer to the enrollment requirements for all graduate nursing students.

For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see the Guide to Graduate Admissions.

The Associate Dean for Academic Programs reviews the credentials of each applicant in collaboration with faculty from each specialty area. Exceptions to the requirements can be made on the recommendation of the faculty. The Associate Dean for Academic Programs forwards the admission recommendation to the Vice Provost for Graduate Education who makes the final decision.

Applicants must have the following credentials:

• Current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in one of the fifty states or validated credentials by CGFNS for international applicants. Residents of North Carolina must hold unrestricted North Carolina licensure as a registered nurse.
• Master’s degree in nursing from a school accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
• In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a 300-word statement of research goals in doctoral program related to promotion of optimal health for ethnic minorities, women, children, or older adults.
• Selected applicants must participate in an interview with Graduate Nursing Faculty.
• Please refer to the preceding enrollment requirements for all graduate nursing students.

Degree Program Requirements

Required: 57 credit hours

Preliminary Examinations

Preliminary examinations are required and may be taken after the completion of three-quarters of the coursework.

Required Withdrawal for PhD Students

Students will become academically ineligible to continue if any of the following occur:

• Grades of U, F, or WF for any semester hours of credit.
• Grades of C, C+, or B-in 6 semester hours.
• Degree requirements not completed within the time limit (7 academic years).