PhD Admission Requirements

 

The PhD in Nursing Program is housed within the College of Graduate Health Sciences. The PhD in Nursing curriculum is taught using traditional face-to-face seminars and Web-enhanced learning opportunities that include synchronous and asynchronous learning. In addition to courses taught by nursing faculty, students also enroll in courses with students admitted to other PhD programs administered by the College of Graduate Health Sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant should:

• hold or be eligible for an unrestricted RN license in Tennessee and have earned a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. If the baccalaureate degree is in Nursing, it must be from a program accredited by a national level body responsible for nursing accreditation. If the baccalaureate degree is not in nursing, the applicant must have completed a master’s degree in Nursing.
• have a research interest that matches with the PhD in Nursing faculty’s program of research.
• have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• have a Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) combined score totaling at least 1,000 for the verbal and quantitative sections.
• It is recommended that applicants have completed at least an undergraduate statistics and research course.

Applicant Instructions:

To process your application in the most expedient manner, please follow the instructions listed below:

1. Complete the attached brief paper application.
2. Submit a 2-3 page essay describing why you have decided to pursue a PhD in Nursing at UTHSC, including recent scholarly endeavors, current research interests, and career goals.
3. Acquire an official copy of ALL higher education transcripts -- DO NOT open the envelopes!
4. Submit three (3) references from graduate prepared nurses or faculty members who can address your qualifications for graduate study using the attached Recommendation Form. This includes your potential or ability for functioning in the research role (clinical skills, critical thinking, independent decision making, collaborative skills with other health professionals, and nursing leadership). Applicants currently enrolled in a nursing program must submit at least one (1) reference from a faculty member in that program. In your cover letter, request that they return their completed evaluation to YOU.
5. Submit official Graduate Record Exam scores within the last five years.  
6. Photocopy all your nursing licenses and certifications.
7. Place all of the above documents in one (1) large envelop. Personally deliver or mail the envelope by FEBRUARY 1st to: UTHSC College of Nursing, 877 Madison Avenue, Suite 601, Memphis, TN 38163, Attention: Ms. Roylynn Germain. You will be contacted by Ms. Germain and given further instruction regarding your application within one (1) week from the receipt of your documents.

Applicants may be admitted to full-time or part-time study. If an applicant to the PhD program does not enter the College of Graduate Health Sciences in the semester in which admission is requested, the student may enter at the beginning of any of the next two semesters. Once admitted and registered, the student is expected to maintain continuous enrollment, unless permission is given for interrupted registration.  

Applicants admitted to the PhD Nursing Program are students in the College of Graduate Health Sciences. Inquiries and questions about the program should be sent to Dr. Patty Cowan, Director, at pcowan@uthsc.edu or (901) 448-3318 or 1(800) 733-2498.

International Students

International applicants must present:

• a complete and accurate chronological outline of all previous education;
• authorized college or university records, with certified translations if the records are in a language other than English;
• evidence of financial resources sufficient to provide the student with adequate support during the period of registration as a student;
• evidence of proficiency in English; and
• documentation that the student can provide transportation from his/her country to The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and return.

Any applicant to the graduate program whose first language is not English must have achieved a minimum TOEFL Score earned within two (2) years prior to application to College of Nursing.

• Official scores must be submitted from TOEFL.
• Three versions of TOEFL: Paper-based Test (minimum score 550), Computer-based (minimum score 213), and Internet/web-based (minimum score 79).

Academic Standards

These admission requirements are consistent with the criteria for admission to the College of Graduate Health Sciences of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Academic standards include admission process, admission requirements, and all policies governing the progression and graduation of students.

 

The UTHSC College of Nursing is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Electronic Campus for distance education courses, programs and services offered through many institutions of higher education in the southeastern United States.

Future Student
Contact Information