Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program at Florida State University. Our mission is clear: to prepare the next generation of nurse scientists and academic leaders equipped to solve our nation's most pressing healthcare challenges. Grounded in high-impact research, our curriculum centers on eliminating health disparities and designing targeted interventions that directly improve outcomes for vulnerable and underserved populations. Admissions for the upcoming cohort open this fall under a rolling admissions model. Once your application materials are fully submitted, our admissions committee provides a decision within two weeks. Because cohort size is intentionally limited to ensure intensive faculty mentorship, early application is strongly encouraged. Take the next step in advancing nursing science: Reach out directly today to discuss your research trajectory, review application requirements, or schedule an individual or small-group Zoom consultation.

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Overview

Anchored within a research powerhouse ranked #1 in Florida and among the top public nursing schools nationally in NIH funding, the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program at Florida State University prepares visionary nurse scientists to spearhead high-impact discovery. Our doctoral scholars engage in rigorous, federally funded research environments, drive transformative interdisciplinary breakthroughs across healthcare, and translate findings through tier-one scholarly dissemination to redefine clinical practice and health policy.

Why Choose a Ph.D. in Nursing from Florida State University?

Florida State University is a Carnegie R1 Very High Research Activity institution, providing an elite environment for scientific innovation. Our faculty are nationally recognized leaders who mentor doctoral scholars at the forefront of discovery, implementation science, and scholarly dissemination. Leveraging state-of-the-art research infrastructure and high-impact cross-campus collaborations, Ph.D. students work alongside world-class investigators across disciplines. A Ph.D. in Nursing Science from FSU equips you to design, fund, and direct an independent program of research—positioning you to lead at the highest levels of academia, healthcare systems, and national research policy.

Admission Requirements

Standard Admissions

1)    A Bachelor of Science degree in nursing with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2.
2)    MSN/ DNP with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. Please see the Ph.D. Handbook for further information regarding transfer credits.
3)    We have an approved GRE waiver. This means that you do not have to take the GRE to apply to enter our program.
4)    Eligibility for licensure in Florida. Unencumbered RN licensure prior to candidacy.
5)    Evidence of writing skill based on the applicant’s admission essay reflecting on the student’s reasons for seeking a Ph.D. in Nursing and their associated aspirations related to contributions to nursing science.
6)    Evidence of skill in oral communication based on interview by the potential Major Professor and Ph.D. committee.
7)    Three professional letters of reference which reflect on the applicant’s potential for a career as a Nurse Scientist.

Learning Outcomes

Research and Knowledge

⦁   Integrate nursing and other healthcare theories into the student’s program of research
⦁   Conduct original research
⦁   Critique and integrate different scientific perspectives in the conduct of original research
⦁   Lead research teams and participate in team science in collaboration with other disciplines

Leadership

⦁   State the evolving roles and responsibilities of a nurse scholar
⦁   Assume leadership in the conduct of culturally appropriate scholarship that integrates Social Determinants of Health
⦁   Lead in advancing the discipline through scholarly contributions and science
⦁   Provide career and research mentorship to others

Health Policy

⦁ Generate and disseminate knowledge and theory relevant to health policy
⦁ State the influence of politics and policy on knowledge generation

Values

⦁   Apply the history and philosophy of science during the development of research deliverables.
⦁   Structure research deliverables that include the evolving nature of the nursing discipline
⦁   Utilize professional and research ethics and judgment in the conduct of research

Dissemination and Grantsmanship

Communicate research through publications and presentations for professional, interdisciplinary, and lay audience

Summer Intensives

Summer intensive sessions require in-person visits to Florida State University College of Nursing main campus located in Tallahassee, Florida. Each will span 4 days and will include extensive class work, presentations and opportunities for direct faculty and student contact.

1) Year-1: This session will center around the course entitled “Literature Synthesis for Nursing Science”. The goal will be that students will receive classroom sessions and direct interactions with faculty to facilitate their compilation of the beginning stages of the literature review that will eventually support the dissertation.

2) Year-2: This session will focus on the course entitled “Preliminary Exam Preparation”. During this intensive session students will receive classroom sessions and guided faculty support as they prepare for their preliminary examination.