Nursing Education Ph.D.

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing Education prepares nurses who provide professional leadership in nursing education, the scholarship of teaching, practice and research in the discipline. The program has one entry option: Master’s to Ph.D.

Admission requirements

Completion of a bachelors in nursing and a master’s degree from an accredited school.
Admission to the Graduate Program of UNC:
1. GRE scores must have been taken within 5 years of application date, i). Verbal and quantitative scores (800 possible on each) must add up to at least 1000 total, and no less than a 400 on either, ii.) Analytical writing skills (6.0 possible) must be at least 3.5.
2. GPA 3.0 minimum (4.0 scale).
3. Two copies of all transcripts from any academic work post high school (if previous coursework was from UNC, no copies are required).
Current RN licensure.
A resume or curriculum vitae
Submission of a brief sample of professional writing (maximum of 10 pages). Examples:
1. Describe a scholarly evidence based case study that best exemplifies your practice.
2. Describe a current practice related concept including its scope and significance, the patient population and the clinical setting of interest. Discuss alternative approaches described in the literature and identify an approach that you might take in addressing the concept.
Three letters of recommendation:
1. One addressing the applicant’s experience with/interest in/potential for nursing education, and professional leadership skills.
2. One from a doctorally prepared nursing educator addressing the applicant’s academic potential.
3. One letter from a reference of the student’s choice.
Personal statement of future goals/interest in nursing education.
Interview with nursing faculty (scheduled by telephone or in person).

For degree and program requirements, see:

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School of Nursing