Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Program is based on a holistic review of applicants. Consideration of multiple criteria is used to determine admission. The School of Nursing faculty believe that the student-centered learning environment is enhanced by differences in educational backgrounds, language and expression, social, ethnic, and racial diversity of students. From such differences evolve innovation of thought and perspective, a synergy of talent and capability, and, ultimately expansion of our intellectual capacity and range of problem-solving possibilities. Building and maintaining an academic environment which is inclusive to all will help insure the future diversity of our academic program and profession.
Factors that are included in consideration of applicants are:
- Bachelors or Masters in Nursing
- Basic statistics course
- Licensure as a Registered Nurse in Texas
- Ability to obtain professional liability insurance coverage
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Immunizations
- Current health insurance
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to pass criminal background check
- Professional goal statement / essay (see attached criteria for new essay)
- Personal Interview
- Grade Point Average of "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher preferred
- 1,000 on the Graduate Record Examination General (Aptitude) Test (verbal and quantitative sections) preferred -or - 400 on the Miller Analogies Test (Scores not more than five (5) years old)
- Four (4) professional references who can evaluate applicant’s qualifications for doctoral education in nursing
- Race / ethnicity
- Employment history / work experience
- Educationally &/or economically disadvantaged
- Additional language proficiencies
Statement of Goals and Research Interests:
You are asked to write a two-part essay. Please address each bulleted item using the requested format.
Part I – The Admissions Committee is interested in your background and preparation for doctoral study.
- How has your background prepared you for doctoral study?
- What personal and/or academic strengths and weaknesses do you have that may affect your doctoral studies?
- Discuss how having a PhD in Nursing degree fits your career plan.
The PhD in Nursing program at this School of Nursing prepares clinical nurse scientists. The PhD is a research degree. Having a research idea is an important first step. You may change, modify or enlarge your topic during your program of study.
Part II – Tell the Admissions committee about your research interests.
- Prior work, if any, on the topic of interest.
- Any relevant readings (literature) on your topic that would be important to your research.
- Visit the School of Nursing website to learn about the research interests of our faculty. Identify any faculty whose research fits with your research interest. ( http://nursing.uthscsa.edu - faculty )
- Attach any of your published abstracts /publications.
The essay should be approximately 2 double-spaced, typed pages. Please include any references on a separate page.