PhD in Nursing Science Program

Admission Requirements

Our program is designed for students with (1) a bachelor's degree in nursing (or BSN equivalent), including those commonly earned during the pre-specialty portion of advanced practice nursing master’s program, and (2) with a master's degree in nursing (or a related field) or a doctoral degree in nursing (or a related field).

Admission is competitive. Students are selected on the basis of their scholastic preparation and intellectual capability. Admission to our program requires research and career goals that are consistent with the school's research foci and faculty expertise. We will only accept you if we have the faculty who are actively engaged in your area of research.

Admission Requirements

  • Completion of a course of study equivalent to that required for the bachelor's degree in nursing at an accredited institution, with a minimum of a B average in undergraduate work
  • Completion of a course of study equivalent to that required for the master's degree in nursing (or a related field), with a minimum of a B average in graduate work
  • Having maintained a B average in the field of expected graduate concentration

Vanderbilt University is a participating institution in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). North Carolina is a member of SARA, and Vanderbilt is approved to offer programs and courses, such as the MSN, PMC, DNP and PhD programs, that are in compliance with SARA policies and standards.

Program Delivery and Participation Requirements

In addition, the following program delivery and participation requirements are expected of all students in our program:

  • Attend in-person all block intensives for the first two years in the program. In-person block intensives occur three times per academic year for no more than 20 days total (4-5 days each time). We do not offer financial assistance for travel expenses to block intensives.
  • Meet all program computer and technology requirements. This information will be posted on our Website for new students over the summer.
  • Participate in weekly synchronous (i.e., at a scheduled time) classes. The program is currently using Zoom for class instruction.
  • Be able to access all Websites and library resources in the United States of America to successfully complete course and dissertation work.

PhD Webinar

Our webinars include an outline of the PhD in Nursing Science Program, program format, application process, components of funding, etc. Webinars are conducted throughout the academic year, and particularly ahead of a new application cycle (which open annually on August 1). Contact the PhD Program Manager to request information on upcoming live webinars. You may also click here to view a previously recorded webinar (August 10, 2022).

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