PhD in Nursing

Prepare for roles in research, academia, policy, and leadership - your questions can shape the future of nursing science

The focus of the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing PhD Program is on the development and transformation of scholars who will lead the discipline of nursing.

Our program is influenced by the cognitive philosophy of Bernard Lonergan, a Canadian philosopher. We engage the emerging scholar in a transformative process of wonder and discovery, self-reflection, critical thinking and genuine dialogue with other students and faculty. We emphasize the need for scholarship that addresses the broader conditions that influence human health.

The PhD program is constructed to meet the quality indicators the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends for research-focused doctoral programs. Graduates will have a strong foundation in nursing inquiry and be prepared to assume research, academic, and leadership roles in a multitude of settings.

We embrace and support inclusive pedagogy and practices within the PhD in Nursing Program in alignment with strategic goals at UMass Chan Medical School. An important part of preparing nurse scientists is to help them learn and grow as active members of a multicultural society. We do this in part by strengthening the cultural competence and empathy of our faculty, staff, and students; by committing to an inclusive and welcoming campus where all may thrive; and by fostering an environment where everything we do is strengthened by the richness of understanding that comes from a truly diverse and inclusive environment. Learn more by visiting the Diversity and Inclusion Office at UMass Chan.

EXPLORE THE CURRICULUM

Why choose Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing?

We develop and transform scholars who will lead the discipline. Our goal is to help you expand your horizons through understanding new phenomena, raising questions for scientific inquiry, applying research methods, and fulfilling a professional responsibility to nursing and society. Consider joining us if you are you looking for:

• A school devoted to graduate studies.
• A rich academic health sciences environment.
• Excellent mentoring from PhD-prepared faculty.
• A research-intensive degree that prepares nurse scientists.
• Cohort learning with small class size to support community building.
• One day/week on-site offerings for core coursework completed within 2 years.
• Engagement with faculty who understand the need for work-life balance/harmony.
• The flexibility of having some courses hybrid, limiting days you need to travel to campus.
• Access to experts and resources through the the UMass Center for Clinical and Translational Science
• Comprehensive Exam option – respond to specific essay prompt(s) or submit manuscript(s) for publication that demonstrate mastery of core course concepts and readiness to enter the dissertation phase.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the PhD in Nursing Program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the core program values in all scholarly endeavors
• Apply philosophical and theoretical principles to scholarly inquiry
• Design, conduct and disseminate independent and collaborative research
• Critique and synthesize knowledge to advance nursing science and human health
• Assume leadership roles in research, education, policy, administration and/or professional practice   

Three starting points to earn your PhD in Nursing:

• BS to PhD: Designed for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree.
• MS to PhD: Designed for registered nurses with a master's degree.
• DNP to PhD: Designed for registered nurses with a doctorate in nursing practice degree.

For January 2027 start:
      BSN to PhD applications due November 30, 2026

For September 2027 start:
      Priority applications for MS to PhD and DNP to PhD due February 1, 2027
      Rolling applications for MS to PhD and DNP to PhD due April 15, 2027

PhD Program Requirements for Applicants

• Bachelor’s/Master’s GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred
  
  
• College level statistics course with minimum grade of B-
  
  
• Two letters of recommendation from an academic or professional source
  • A professional reference should be from a supervisor or professional colleague who can speak about your experience, competence, readiness, leadership, work ethic and dedication to your work.
  • An academic reference should be from a former faculty member or advisor who can speak to your potential to successfully complete doctoral course work.
    
    
• Personal Statement (500 word maximum) addressing the following four questions:

1. 1. Why are you pursuing a PhD in Nursing?
   2. What do you see as nursing’s professional responsibility to society?
   3. How might you address this responsibility with your PhD preparation?
   4. Why is this a good time for you to being a PhD program?