PhD Program in Nursing
Stewarding the Discipline of Nursing
Application process open for Spring 2023 August 1st
Visit our admissions page HERE to apply.
Learn more, join us for an information session (dates coming soon)
MS to PhD:
Completed Application Deadline: 4/15/22
DNP to PhD:
Completed Application Deadline: 4/15/22
The focus of the UMass Chan Medical School Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing PhD program is on the development and transformation of scholars who will lead the discipline of nursing. Our goal is to help students to expand their horizons through seeking new phenomena, raising further questions for scientific inquiry, applying qualitative and quantitative research methods and fulfilling their professional responsibility to nursing and society.
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 meets the standards established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) for research-focused doctoral programs. Graduates will have a strong foundation in nursing inquiry and be prepared to assume investigator, academic, and leadership roles.
First year PhD students created THIS VIDEO as a class assignment in which they are challenged to apply nursing theory to science supporting the link between nature and health. Its message of healing through nature is also particularly fitting during this stress-filled time in which many people are turning to nature for restoration. The photographs were taken by the students.
Program Benefits
- Rich Academic Health Sciences Environment
- Excellent Faculty Mentorship
- Supportive, Successful, Small Class Environment
- All-day Tuesday On-Site Degree Program
- Pre-Doctoral Traineeship and Teaching Associate opportunities
- Access to experts and resources through the UMass Center for Clinical and Translation Science
Four Pathways to PhD in Nursing
Graduate Entry Pathway to PhD
- Admits students with a bachelor's degree in another field to first become a registered nurse then complete the PhD in Nursing Program.
BS to PhD
- Admits students who are registered nurses with a bachelor's degree to complete the PhD in Nursing Program.
Masters to PhD
- Admits students who are registered nurses with a master's degree and non-nurses with a master's degree in a health-related field to complete the PhD in Nursing Program.
DNP to PhD
- Admits students with a DNP degree to complete the PhD in Nursing Program.
Curriculum-at-a-Glance
For students enrolled prior to Fall 2022
DNP to PhD
MS to PhD
BS to PhD
For students enrolled as of Fall 2022
DNP to PhD
MS to PhD
GEP to PhD
Accelerated BS to PhD
Learn more about the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing PhD Program:
Potential Student Financial Support
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
The NFLP provides loans to students enrolled in advanced education nursing degree programs who are committed to becoming nurse faculty. In exchange for completing up to four years of post-graduation full-time nurse faculty employment in an accredited school of nursing, the program authorizes cancelation of up to 85% of any such student loan (plus interest thereon).
For further information or any specific questions contact the NFLP Project Director, Nancy Morris (508) 856-3661 or nancy.morris@umassmed.edu
UMass Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing Pre-Doctoral Traineeship Program
The Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing PhD Program is offering the opportunity for two predoctoral traineeships to first year students who are traditionally underrepresented in nursing including men, individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, as well as individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The purpose of the Predoctoral Traineeship is to support a diverse pool of nurse scientists to design and conduct innovative research to advance human health and steward the discipline into the future. By end of the first week in January of the first year in the program applicants must submit a detailed training plan that goes beyond traditional course work e.g., grant submissions, participation in extra coursework, seminars, presentations at scientific meetings, publications, and leadership opportunities to be pursued alongside their PhD educational program plan.
Funding: Tuition, fees, and health insurance (optional) with an annual stipend for 3 years depending on the student’s success at meeting pre-determined benchmarks.
Requirements:
- U.S. citizenship.
- Under-represented students in nursing are given priority.
- Potential to contribute meaningfully to nursing science.
- Plan to seek a postdoctoral fellowship.
- Required to commit to core program of study (can work a maximum of 24 hours per week outside of school if these activities do not interfere with Predoc training).
- Develop a detailed training plan that goes beyond traditional course work e.g., grant submissions, participation in extra coursework, seminars, presentations at scientific meetings, publications, and leadership opportunities, that is to be submitted January of first year in the program. All interested students must speak with their academic advisor and Dr. Susan Sullivan-Bolyai for guidance in developing the detailed training plan.
- Develop benchmarks described in the training plan to be assessed with annual evaluation.
The application form and instructions can be obtained here (Application Link).
For questions and additional information contact Dr. Susan Sullivan-Bolyai (susan.sullivan-bolyai@umassmed.edu).