PhD in Nursing Sciences BSN to PHD & MSN to PHD
Discover why a PhD in Nursing Sciences is the pinnacle of the academic nursing career.
Explore your PHD path with UF
BSN to PhD
A curriculum option for baccalaureate graduates to enter directly into PhD study.
MSN to PhD
A curriculum option for students with a master’s degree to enter directly into PhD study.
Why pursue a PHD Degree?
A PhD in Nursing Sciences is the pinnacle of the academic nursing career, preparing nurse scholars to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundations of nursing practice and health care delivery. Nursing professionals who earn a PhD in nursing sciences have a wide range of career opportunities in health administration, clinical research and advanced clinical practice. The PhD is also the gateway to a career in nursing education, where qualified faculty are urgently needed to alleviate a growing nursing faculty shortage — a crisis that has eclipsed the nursing shortage itself — and to address the continued demand for nurse educators.
The UF College of Nursing has the oldest and one of the most respected nursing doctoral programs in the state. The program offers comprehensive research preparation with one of the strongest cores of nursing research faculty in Florida. Nursing doctoral students have access to expert nurse researchers, cutting-edge technological resources and a world-class health science center connected to a network of interdisciplinary health care centers.
The College of Nursing seeks to enroll a class of highly qualified students with varied backgrounds and interests. This variety enriches the learning environment and has historically produced graduates who serve all segments of society and become leaders in the profession.
WHY GATOR NURSING?
Caroline Deaterly
PhD student Caroline Deaterly shares how her mentorship experience shaped her journey to become a nurse scientist.
WHY GATOR NURSING?
Alex Carey
PhD student Alex Carey shares her path to becoming a nurse researcher.
Why Gator Nursing?
Keliy Fordham
PhD Student Keliy Fordham shares how she plans to use artificial intelligence to change clinical practice.
STUDENT SERVICES
Our Student Services team is committed to promoting the success of all students. From personalized guidance to enhancing the overall student experience, the team is here for every aspiring Gator Nurse. The Office of Student Services in a college of nursing supports students throughout their academic journey by providing resources, guidance and assistance from admission through graduation.
- Coordinates pinning or commencement events
- Supports student engagement and leadership opportunities
- Oversees recruitment, admissions and the application process
- Helps new students transition into the program
- Provides academic advising to support course planning and progression
- Connects students with tutoring, writing support and other academic resources
- Maintains official student records and handles enrollment verification
- Prepares documentation needed for licensure
- Confirms degree completion and guides students through the NCLEX process
What You’ll Experience
Upon completion of the program, the PhD graduate is expected to engage in the following:
Research
Synthesizes and generates knowledge for the discipline of nursing.
Scholarly Activity
Disseminates findings to researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders in healthcare.
Leadership
Assumes leadership and advocacy positions to advance healthcare.
Ethics
Synthesizes ethical issues and standards related to science and knowledge development.
Collaboration
Develops and engages in interdisciplinary teams within the scientific and healthcare practice communities.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
The University of Florida’s campus hosts 16 different colleges, all within walking distance from the UF College of Nursing, the Health Sciences Center and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI). These facilities provide students with unique opportunities to enroll in a variety of electives to support their dissertations and professional development, including grant writing, as well as the selection of a secondary mentor outside of nursing who can support the student’s research, scholarship, innovation and policy interests. Collaboration within interdisciplinary teams is encouraged, and there are many opportunities for interdisciplinary work.
Interdisciplinary Research Teams
CON faculty members lead interdisciplinary research teams with colleagues from medicine, pharmacy, public health, engineering, informatics and other disciplines.
Advanced Research Courses
Advanced Research courses provide students practicum experiences with these teams as well as others in order to enhance their competencies in research and scholarly activities.
Fellowship Opportunities
T32 pre and postdoctoral fellowship opportunity in translational science to reduce the impact of alcohol on HIV infection at the University of Florida.
UF Nursing research faculty and current students
PhD Research Areas
Learn more about the research areas represented at the UF College of Nursing by exploring our faculty research profiles and meeting your peers:
Research Faculty
Learn more about individual College of Nursing researchers by exploring the research faculty directory.
Current PhD Students
Meet current students in both our BSN to PhD and MSN to PhD tracks to see where they’re from, their area of research, affiliations and awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding opportunities are available for students?
- All of our PhD students receive some form of funding. Federal loans and financial aid are available for the fall, spring and summer semesters for graduate students. Multiple scholarships and assistantships are available and more information can be found here.
What is the time commitment?
- The PhD program is a full-time commitment. Students will be expected to participate in research and classwork on a weekly basis. For an example PhD class schedule for the fall, spring and summer semesters, visit here.
How do I apply?
- To apply, all applicants must submit the University of Florida Graduate Program Application AND submit a NursingCAS application.
- For complete information on how to apply, please visit the BSN to PhD or MSN to PhD homepage.
When are applications due?
- The next start date for the PhD program is Aug. 20, 2026. The final application deadline is April 1, 2026; however, preference will be given to applicants who submit all materials by March 1, 2026. Applications submitted after March 1 will be considered on a space-available basis through April 1.
- Please note: International applicants must apply by March 1 to allow sufficient time for processing of required documentation.
What is the cost per credit hour?
- Our current in-state tuition rate is $530.69 per credit hour, and the non-resident rate is $1,327.88. For a list of estimated expenses, you may visit the University of Florida Student Financial Affairs website.
Financial Aid?
- The UF College of Nursing is committed to helping you meet your educational and career goals. Explore financial aid options now.
Top 10 U.S. News & World Report ranked UF No. 6 among public universities
Six health-related colleges to collaborate with within the UF Health system
Top 10 among public colleges of nursing for NIH funding