Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in
Nursing Science

Entry is only available in the summer semester. Applications open on Sept. 10, and the priority application deadline is Nov. 1. All applications must be submitted by April 1 if enrollment is desired for that summer. Applicants must register for courses within two years of acceptance into the Joint Ph.D. Nursing Science program. All admissions are approved by the Joint Ph.D. Oversight Committee.

Requirements

• A minimum graduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Official transcripts must be sent to the University Graduate College.
• Resume or curriculum vitae.
• Three (3) letters of reference from professionals or professors who can adequately evaluate the applicant and the applicant’s previous work or potential for success. Two of the letters are strongly preferred to be by nurses with doctoral degrees.
• Scientific Writing Sample — This sample of your written work should demonstrate your intellectual ability (such as logic, critical thinking, analysis or synthesis) and your technical writing skills (composition, grammar, references, citations). For example, you could submit an academic paper, essay, published article or professional report written by you. If someone other than you contributed to this document (including editing), explain your contribution and the contributions of others.
• Statement of Purpose — In four double-spaced pages, respond to the following:
  • Why do you want to pursue a Ph.D. in Nursing Science?
  • What professional goals do you hope to achieve during and beyond your Ph.D. program?
  • Describe prior experiences that have prepared you for doctoral study (e.g., research, presentations, publications, leadership roles in practice, education or professional organizations).
  • What are your research interests?
  • How might research in this area advance the science of nursing?
• R.N. Licensure Requirement —
  • Applicants must have an active, unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the United States. Applicants holding equivalent certification or licensure outside of the U.S. will be considered case by case.
  • Applicants who are not yet licensed will be considered for conditional admission, but proof of licensure must be submitted before completing 12 credit hours of Ph.D. coursework.
• Transfer applicants — Evidence of good academic standing at the current institution. Determination of whether credits may be transferred will be based on evaluating the comparability of the requested transfer course to the Ph.D. course and university policy and will be completed after admission.
• Interview: After reviewing the completed application and at the request of the Oversight Committee, applicants will be asked to do a personal consultation with the members. Research interests, professional involvement and motivation for completing doctoral study in the Ph.D. program will be assessed.

Official transcripts from each University or college attended must be sent to:

UAH Graduate Admissions
301 Sparkman Drive SSB, Suite 222
Huntsville, AL 35899

You will receive a written admission notification from the Deans of the Joint Ph.D. upon admission. You will also receive a letter from the graduate advisors at both UA and UAH outlining the requirements for entry into the Ph.D. program. Admission is contingent upon providing documentation of a background check and drug screen, and results being acceptable to the admission committee.

Contact Vickie Samuel at 205-348-8163 or vickie.bama@ua.edu regarding any additional questions about the application process.