Printer FriendlyAbout the Program
The Ph.D. Program in nursing prepares nurse scholars in health promotion. Graduates function as researchers, clinicians and educators who demonstrate leadership in health promotion, professional, political and social arenas. The Ph.D. Program in Nursing is offered in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Boston. The Ph.D. program on the Lowell campus is focused on Health Promotion as it affects diverse individuals, families, groups and communities. The program on the Boston campus is focused on policy as it affects the health of the urban family and the elderly.
Career Opportunities
The Health Promotion option of the Ph.D. program focuses on the development of nurse scholars who will:
- Demonstrate leadership roles as researchers, clinicians and educators,
- Advance knowledge in the area of health promotion and
- Improve the health of diverse populations through the development, implementation and evaluation of health promotion strategies and programs.
Admissions and Degree Requirements for the Ph.D. in Nursing
Students wishing to apply for admission to the program must submit a graduate admission application form. Online applications are accepted. Applications must be received by April 1 at UMass Lowell’s Graduate School for admission to the following fall semester. There may be spring semester admissions.
Admission requirements include:
- A master's degree in nursingwith a minimum G.P.A. if 3.3*,
- Current Massachusetts R.N. license or eligibility,
- A minimum of two years of professional nursing experience,
- An official report of scores on the Graduate Record Exam,
- Two official transcripts of all previous work (graduate and undergraduate),
- A personal statement about the applicant’s interest in the program and career goals, and
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least two from individuals who can assess the applicant's academic preparation for advanced graduate work.
* Applicants who hold a non-nursing master's degree, who have established professional records in nursing and who show potential for success in the Ph.D. program will be considered for admission on an individual basis.
International Applicants
Applicants who are from outside of the United States, who hold a nursing master’s degree, have established professional records in nursing and who show potential for success in the Ph.D. program will be considered for admission on an individual basis.
The Ph.D. Admission Committee is chaired by the Ph.D. Program Director and comprised of core faculty who teach in the program. The Ph.D. Admission Committee will interview applicants and make the decision.
Degree Requirements
The program requires a total of 60 semester credits beyond the master's degree. The distribution of these credits is displayed in the Graduate Catalog, along with a sample course of studies.
Students must pass the Nursing Qualifying Examination at the completion of the first thirty-six credits (36 credits) of required course work before enrolling in subsequent courses. The Nursing Qualifying Examination assesses the student’s command of the health promotion core, research methods, and the cognate area. Upon successful completion of the Nursing Qualifying Examination and all required course work, the student will be designated as a PhD candidate in Nursing.
Dissertation planning may be initiated in the first year. The formal dissertation work begins following successful completion of the qualifying examinations. At this time a dissertation committee is formed to direct the student's research. In order to complete the requirements of candidacy, the student must submit and successfully defend a formal proposal for approval by the dissertation committee.
The dissertation requirement is designed to demonstrate that the student has:
- acquired a substantial body of knowledge related to the selected field of study,
- conducted an original research sutdy,
- developed the ability to use appropriate research methods and
- contributed to the advancement of nursing knowledge related to health promotion.
More information, including a sample course of study, is available in the Online Academic Catalog.
Doctoral Student Handbook (pdf)