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:
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.
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 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.”
