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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The PhD Program in Nursing is research intensive:

  • Students are matched with and mentored by internationally recognized faculty researchers.
    See our Research Areas & Faculty Research.
  • Students learn research methodology through hands-on immersion experiences in collaboration with faculty research teams. See our Current PhD Students.
  • Full-time students will receive full funding to cover tuition, fees, health insurance and monthly stipend.
  • Part-time students are eligible for federal funding through Nurse Faculty Loan that can be used to pay tuition, fees and other reasonable educational expenses.
  • Opportunities for interprofessional education and research experiences.
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Learn more about the PhD Program Visit our PhD Virtual Open House.
Talk with our faculty and staff.
Next Open House: March 21, 2024
From 6 to 7 PM Central Time (CT)

Program Information

  • Admission Requirements

    Prospective students must:

    • Prospective students should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or its equivalent (e.g. Master’s Entry to Nursing) from a U.S. regionally accredited educational institution or an international equivalent. Applicants holding a degree in a non-nursing health-related discipline with a comparable level of education and professional certification will be considered on an individual basis.
    • Prospective international students must demonstrate English language proficiency.
    • Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
    • Complete and submit a formal application to the PhD Program to include*:
      • Applicants should submit an official transcript from every college or university they have ever attended (even if for only one semester). Transcripts may be emailed electronically by the issuing institution to the UAB Graduate School at gradschool@uab.edu or mailed to:
        • UAB Graduate School
          LHL G03
          1720 2nd Ave. S.
          Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
      • Three (3) letters of recommendation: Letters should be from previous faculty (preferably within the past 5 years), supervisors, or healthcare professionals (excluding family members). It is highly preferred that at least one letter is from an individual with a research-focused doctoral degree.
      • A current Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume).
      • A written personal statement/essay and/or completed essay questions as directed in the application process.
    • Applicants will be invited to an interview if chosen by the admissions committee.

    * Previous UABSON students that completed in the BSN Honors program within the last 3 years may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact the UAB Office of Student Success at sonadmissions@uab.edu.

  • Application for Admission/Application Deadlines

    Application Deadline

    Entry Date: Fall 2024

    Application Opens: Mid-August 2023

    Priority Admission Deadline: January 1, 2024

    (Domestic and International Applicants)

    Decisions for those who have submitted a complete applications by the Priority Admission deadline will be made by March 2024.

    Applications submitted after the Priority Admission Deadline will be considered on a space available basis up to May 1, 2024.

    Application Process

    Click here to apply for admission to the PhD Program.

    Click here for detailed application instructions.

    Previous UABSON students that completed in the BSN Honors program within the last 3 years may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact the UAB Office of Student Success at sonadmissions@uab.edu.

  • Program Outcomes

    Upon completion of the PhD program, students will be able to:

    Develop nursing science:
    1. Mastery of a body of knowledge and the nursing discipline.
    2. Critiquing and integrating difference science perspective and generating new ideas.
    3. Conducting culturally competent, ethical, and original research.
    4. Disseminating research findings to drive policy and nursing practice.
    Steward the Discipline:
    1. Disseminate science via publications and presentations.
    2. Weave theoretical/scientific underpinnings into all efforts to integrate research, teaching and service.
    3. Practice knowledge and culture of nursing.
    Educate the Next Generation:
    1. Participate in the global scholars’ community.
    2. Participate in team science.
    3. Provide mentorship and education to others.
  • Sample Full-Time Program of Study**

    Full time students are required to be registered for a minimum of 9 hours each semester.

    Year 1
    Fall NUR 751Q Philosophical Foundations of Science 3
    NUR 753Q Nursing as a Scientific Discipline 2
    NRM 752Q Responsible Conduct of Research 3
    NST 778Q Data Management 2
    Spring NRM 750Q Foundations of Quantitative Research 3
    NUR 755Q Critical Analyses of Theories, Models and Frameworks 3
    NUR 759Q Writing a Career Development Grant Proposal 1
    NST 758Q Inferential Statistics I 3
    Summer NRM 798QL Research Immersion 3-6
    NRM 780Q Application of Research Design Principles I 3
    NUR 760Q Scientific Dissemination 1
    Elective Substantive Core 3
    Qualifying Exam
    Credit Hours 30-33


    Year 2
    Fall NRM 781Q Quantitative Measurement 3
    NST 779Q Statistical Modeling I – Linear Models 3
    NRM 783Q Foundations of Qualitative Research 3
    Spring NRM 782Q Application of Research Design Principles II 3
    NUR 758Q Research & Health Policy 3
    Elective Substantive Core 3
    Summer NRM 798QL Research Immersion 3-6
    NST 780Q Statistical Modelling II – Topics in Multivariate Analysis 3
    NUR 797Q Writing the Dissertation 3
    Credit Hours 27-30


    Year 3+
    Fall Independent Study with Mentor Comprehensive Exam 9
    Dissertation Proposal & Defense
    IRB Application
    Spring NUR 799Q Dissertation Research 9
    Summer NUR 799Q Dissertation Research 9
    Credit Hours   27  
    *Minimum of 87 credit hours required

    * All students are required to attend an annual Summer Intensive.

    ** The Program of Study is subject to change.

  • Sample Part-Time Program of Study

    Part-time students must be registered for at least six hours each semester.

    Year 1
    Fall NUR 751Q Philosophical Foundations of Science 3
    NUR 753Q Nursing as a Scientific Discipline 2
    Elective or Independent Study – consider NTC 650 or NTC 658 1-3
    Spring NRM 750Q Foundations of Quantitative Research 3
    NRM 755Q Critical Analyses of Theories, Models and Frameworks 3
    Summer NRM 798QL Research Immersion 3-6
    NRM 780Q Application of Research Design Principles I 3
    Credit Hours 18-23


    Year 2
    Fall NUR 752Q Responsible Conduct of Research 3
    NUR 778Q Data Management 2
     Elective Substantive Core 1-3
    Spring NUR 759Q Writing a Career Development Grant Proposal 1
    NUR 758Q  Inferential Statistics I 3
    Summer NRM 798QL Research Immersion 3-6
    NRM 760Q Scientific Dissemination 1
    Qualifying Exam
    Credit Hours 16-19


    Year 3
    Fall NRM 781Q Quantitative Measurement 3
    NST 779Q Statistical Modeling I – Linear Models 3
    Spring NRM 782Q Application of Research Design Principles I 3
    NUR 758Q  Research & Health Policy 3
    Summer NRM 783Q Foundations of Qualitative Research 3
    NST 780Q Statistical Modelling II – Topics in Multivariate Analysis 3
    Credit Hours 18


    Year 4
    Fall NUR 797Q Writing the Dissertation 3
    Elective Substantive Core 3
    Spring Independent Study with Mentor Comprehensive Exam
    Dissertation proposal & defense
    IRB application
    9
    Summer Elective Substantive Core 3
    NUR 799Q Dissertation Research 3
    Credit Hours 21


    Year 5
    Fall NUR 799Q Dissertation Research 9
    Credit Hours 9
    *Minimum of 90 credit hours required

    * All students are required to attend an annual Summer Intensive.

    ** The Program of Study is subject to change.

  • Tuition and Fees

    The following tuition and fees are valid for the 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and fees and are SUBJECT TO CHANGE annually based on approval from the University of Alabama Board of Trustees and/or University.

    The estimates below are based on the costs listed at the UAB Office of Planning and Analysis website.

    Each student’s costs will vary depending upon a number of factors including state of residence, the number of credits taken in a semester, or whether the student attends class live or through a distance-accessible format. Fees vary by program and course.

    Tuition and Fees
    UAB School of Nursing 2022-2023
    Resident
    Charge ($)
    Non-resident
    Charge ($)
    International
    Charge ($)
    PhD coursework (in classroom per semester hour)5951,4961,496
    PhD coursework (distance-accessible format per semester hour)682682603
    Fees - UAB School of NursingCost ($)
    Educational Support and Technology Fee (per course)235
    Other Related Expenses (Estimated)Cost ($)
    Books and supplies (estimate per term)600
    Student Hospitalization Insurance Fee (per month) 1200
    Background Check (annual estimate)92
    1 May be waived with documented proof of equal or greater coverage.
  • Funding Your Education

    Fellowship, Traineeship, and Loan Programs

    There are a limited number of Graduate Fellowships and Traineeships that are awarded through the UAB School of Nursing that require students to meet specific requirements, and are only awarded when funds are available. When such funds are available in a particular program, students enrolled in the program will be notified and provided information on how to apply.
    Contact Katrina Staffney (email: KatrinaStaffney@uab.edu), for more information.

    Nurse Faculty Loan

    Federal Nurse Faculty Loan Funds are available to all doctoral students or MSN students who intend to assume a faculty position in a school of nursing upon completion of the degree. These funds are limited to payment of tuition and fees and other reasonable educational expenses.
    Contact JoeAnn Kennedy (email: joeann@uab.edu), for more information.

    NIOSH Training Grant

    Work-related injuries have a significant cost to employers and to public health. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) training grants support UAB School of Nursing PhD students as they prepare for a career in teaching, research, consulting or administration by completing theory, research, and occupational health courses and dissertation research on an occupational health topic. The grant provides tuition, fees, and stipend support for full-time on-campus PhD studies for students holding U.S. citizenship or permanent visas. The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing is part of the Deep South Center for Occupational Health and Safety, which offers students rigorous studies to prepare interprofessional occupational health and safety leaders in planning and implementing occupational health and safety programs.

    For more information
    JoeAnn Kennedy  |  Program Administrator
    joeannv@uab.edu  |  205.996.5213
  • Information for International Students

    NOTE: Prospective International students must first contact UAB International Admissions to determine eligibility to study in the U.S. and/or submit an application for admission to UAB.

    UAB International Admissions
    Email: IntlAdmin@uab.edu
    Phone: 205.934.4686

    The table below provides information on eligibility requirements for the PhD Program.

     PhD
    F1 or J1 Visa AcceptableRequired
    College Degree (BSN Equivalent or higher)Required
    Foreign Transcripts EvaluatedRequired
    English ProficiencyRequired
    Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the U.S.Not Required

    The School of Nursing PhD Program works closely with INTO UAB to provide international applicants with admissions support, academic preparation, English language training, and other supportive services designed to facilitate student success.

    All applicants must meet the PhD Program Admission Requirements. The following are additional requirements for International applicants.

    Application Requirements

    • Prospective students must have a bachelors degree in nursing equivalent to that offered by a U.S. regionally accredited educational institution.
    • Foreign transcripts must be submitted to UAB International Admissions for evaluation of educational credentials.
    • Completion of a formal admission interview.
    • Meet English language requirements. Scores on Tests of English Language (TOEFL or IELTS) must be submitted, and are used by to determine placement of students into pathways with English language coursework designed to support the student’s success in the PhD Program. Based on scores on Tests of English Language, students who meet all other admission requirements will be placed in one of the following pathways:
      • Requirements for Direct Admission:
        • TOEFL iBT 90 and minimum of 20 in each of the 4 test sections, or
        • IELTS 7.0 and minimum of 7.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sections.
      • Requirements for 1-Semester Pathway:
        • TOEFL iBT 80 and minimum of 18 in each of the 4 test sections, or
        • IELTS 6.5 and minimum of 6.0 in at least 2 of the 4 test sections.
      • Requirements for 2-Semester Pathway:
        • TOEFL iBT 70 and minimum of 16 in each of the 4 test sections, or
        • IELTS 6.0 and minimum of 5.5 in at least 2 of the 4 test sessions.
  • Applications of Mixed Methods Research Certificate

    The Applications of Mixed Methods Research Certificate is designed to equip students with applied knowledge and skills necessary to plan, conduct, and evaluate mixed methods research within the context of a research topic of interest. The certificate may be completed post-doctorally as a non-degree student, or the certificate may be completed by students enrolled in the PhD program in nursing.

    To achieve the graduate certificate, students must complete a minimum of 15 credits of coursework that includes: 1) the four required mixed methods courses; and 2) one elective courses.

    Click here for more program information and instructions on how to apply to the Mixed Methods Research Certificate. The Certificate is awarded through the School of Health Professions.

    Mixed Methods Certificate Courses and Offerings

    CourseCredit HoursSemester Offered
    FallSpringSummer
    AH/NRM 777 Mixed Methods Research I: Introduction to the Field (R)3X  
    AH/NRM 778 Mixed Methods Research II: Designing/Conducting a Mixed Methods Study (R)3 X 
    AH/NRM 779 Mixed Methods Applications in Community-Based Action Research (R)3  X
    AH/NRM 785 Qualitative Research; Analysis and Interpretation (E)3 X 
    NRM 783 Foundations of Qualitative Research (E)3X  
    AH 783 Writing Effective Mixed Methods Grant Proposals* (R)3  X
    (E) Elective Course. Students must take one of the three elective courses for the certificate.
    (R) Required Course. Students must complete all four required courses for the certificate.

    For more information, contact:

    Photo of Nataliya Ivankova
    Nataliya Ivankova, PhD
    Mixed Methods Research  
    Certificate Coordinator
    205.996.2422

Contact

Jacqueline Lavier

Jacqueline Lavier

M.Ed

PhD Program Manager
Office of Student Success

205.975.7529

Edwin Aroke

Edwin Aroke

PhD, CRNA, FAAN, FAANA

PhD Program Director

205.975.5700