UMass Lowell's Ph.D. in Nursing program focuses on health promotion.
The Ph.D. in Nursing program at UMass Lowell prepares educators and scholars who will conduct research and advance knowledge in nursing science and health promotion.
With a focus on health promotion, our program is committed to excellence in teaching and research.
We welcome students from all diverse backgrounds including international students and out-of-state students.
Earn your Ph.D. through one of three pathways:
The M.S. to Ph.D. program in nursing requires a total of 48 credits beyond the master's degree which includes 12 dissertation credits. Students may be full-time or part-time but in order to maintain a cohort program, part-time students are expected to enroll in a minimum of two courses per semester until course work has been completed. Students must achieve a B in all courses and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.000.
Students must pass the Nursing Qualifying Examination which consists of two written publishable papers on approved topics related to theory, methods or an integrative review during the final semester of course work. The next step is to enroll in dissertation credits.
View the Degree Pathway of Part-Time Study and Full-Time Study for a sample list of requirements in the program of study.
The dissertation requirement is designed to demonstrate that the student has:
We offer three pathways for B.S.-prepared nurses. All options are based on our well-established traditional Ph.D. program. These three pathways include:
As a UMass Lowell Master's and D.N.P. student, you can take advantage of our Fast Track Opportunities.
For more information on our Fast Track opportunities, please visit the M.S. to Ph.D. Fast-Track Program and D.N.P. to Ph.D. Fast-Track Program.
Our blended program is affordable and flexible. All nursing courses except electives/cognates meet once per month on Saturdays for on-campus classes with remote synchronous option. This "weekend executive blended" format is designed to support your home and work commitments.
International students must enroll full-time; all other students participate part-time.
Tuition can be expensive, and at UMass Lowell we want to help.
For specific questions, please contact:
Ainat Koren, Ph.D., DNP, PMHNP
Program Director
Ainat_Koren@uml.edu
978-934-4429
Try out the Ph.D. program by taking the Qualitative Methods course as a nonmatriculated student in the spring.
Join one of our virtual informational sessions with Ainat Koren, Ph.D., DNP, PMHNP. Upcoming sessions will be offered:
Register for Information Session
During this 60-minute session, you will learn about:
Questions? Please contact:
Ainat Koren, Ph.D., DNP, PMHNP
Program Director
Ainat_Koren@uml.edu
978-934-4429
View our Nursing Doctoral Program informational webinar held in 2020:
The Ph.D. in Nursing program is now offering standardized test waivers to applicants of this program.
There is currently no GRE requirement for this degree!
The preferred application deadline for Fall Admission is April 1, however, we use a rolling application system. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered if space allows. There are no spring program admissions at this time.
Admission requirements include:
International applicants are encouraged to apply! We have educated Ph.D. nurses from Thailand, China and Israel.
Admission requirements for RN applicants who are from outside of the United States include:
The market for nursing PhDs is very strong in light of a current nurse faculty shortage which is predicted to continue through the next decade.
Our graduates are prepared to continue to post-doctoral programs or launch academic or research careers as:
Nursing faculty
Healthcare organization leaders
Researchers
Consultants
Clinical Inquiry Specialist, Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services, Dana-Farber Institute, Boston, MA
“I feel I am a strong teacher, researcher and writer because of the UMass Lowell Nursing Ph.D. program. I think that the faculty is the greatest strength of the program.”
Clinical Associate Professor, UMass Lowell
Program Chair and Professor of Nursing for Fundamentals and Maternity, Wachusett Community College
“UMass Lowell’s Ph.D. program is a good choice because of the highly educated, qualified, published, caring, motivating and inspiring professors. The program with a focus in health promotion has changed the way I think about teaching, learning and life. I feel that I am a good teacher but with my Ph.D. from UMass Lowell, I will be an even better teacher.”
Associate Dean, Faculty of Nursing, Naresuan University, Thailand
“This program is excellent for international students. I learned a lot about how research is conducted in the United States by participating on many projects in the School of Nursing. I am sure that my research experience here will benefit my career when I go back to Thailand to continue my teaching and research as a faculty of nursing in my university.”
R.N., M.S., Ph.D. student
“The Nursing Ph.D. program at UMass Lowell is excellent. It is the perfect choice of program for anyone who is thinking of pursuing a doctoral degree or any degree for that matter. UMass Lowell has succeeded at fostering a sense of trust and community in the Ph.D. program. The faculty is well prepared and supportive. I appreciate the fact that it is designed to complement every enrollee, wherever they are in life. It promotes diversity and inclusivity and encourages networking among students. I particularly enjoy the Colloquia, where everyone discovers interest, project, and accomplishments of other students and faculty. I am excited at the thought of evolving, to a nurse scientist, an accomplish nurse scholar, a well-prepared nurse leader who impacts nursing practice, patient care, and health care systems. I am grateful to be part of a positive and innovative community.”
R.N., M.S., Ph.D. student
“I chose UMass Lowell because of the focus on Health Promotion. The professors are accomplished in their areas and passionate about teaching. The curriculum is relevant to today’s health care environment and challenges students to think in new ways. The class scheduling fits into my ability to work and pursue my Ph.D., which I consider a strong plus for this program. I have recommended UMass Lowell to several of my colleagues who are interested in gaining further knowledge to advance their careers.”