Doctor of Philosophy
PhD Program
The goal of the UCLA School of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program is to develop the foundation of knowledge upon which the practice of the profession is based. The program aims to develop nurse scientists who can conduct research and generate theory that incorporate the influence of the biologic, psychosocial and physical environments on health and healthcare. Areas of focus and interest include, but are not limited to, health of diverse and vulnerable populations, older adults and persons with chronic and communicable diseases.
UCLA School of Nursing PhD students are guaranteed full in-state tuition support funding for the first four years of their program. A non-resident supplemental tuition (NRST) fee grant is offered to non-resident students in the first year only. Additionally, there are funding opportunities that can provide up to $30,000 in annual financial support to be allocated towards room, board, and ordinary living expenses, in addition to full tuition and fee coverage. To explore these funding options, please review the Scholarships & Fellowships section. SON PhD students are prioritized for graduate housing at UCLA
The Faculty Research Directory can provide more information regarding faculty research pursuits.
Admission
Admission to the Ph.D. program is given to graduates of accredited degree programs in nursing who fulfill the admission requirements listed below, show promise for doctoral level research and publication and whose area of research is compatible with research expertise of our faculty.
Applicants must provide evidence of the following:
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A master's degree in nursing; a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a master's degree in a non-nursing field or a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Degrees must be from an accredited program satisfactory to the School of Nursing and to the Graduate Division. Students accepted with deficiencies are required to complete appropriate master's-level courses.
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A scholarship record satisfactory to the Graduate Division and to the School of Nursing with a minimum grade-point average of 3.5.
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Status as a licensed registered nurse; evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse in the U.S. or in your home country.
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A Biostatistics course with content equivalent to Biostatistics 100A or Biomathematics 170A (equivalent of four quarter units), this course must have been completed within the last three years. Approved Biostatistics Course
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A graduate-level nursing research course with content equivalent to Nursing 204. Accelerated pathway applicants must have completed an undergraduate level research course. Approved Nursing Research Course
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Three letters of reference affirming the applicant's potential for scholarly, investigative and creative endeavors in nursing.
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Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with minimum score of 87 on the Internet-based test, 220 on the computer-based test or 560 on paper-based test, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with overall band score of 7 for International applicants from countries with a native language other than English.
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Example of a scholarly nursing paper and/or creative works.
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A statement of educational objectives, specific focus of research, and program and career goals.
- Curriculum vitae.
If you are an International applicant, please contact Mark Covin, Director of Recruitment, Outreach & Admissions prior to applying for admissions.