Doctor of Philosophy
PhD Program
The goal of the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program is to develop the foundation of knowledge upon which the practice of the profession is based. The program aims to develop nurse scientists who can conduct research and generate theory that incorporates the influence of the biologic, psychosocial, and physical environments on health and healthcare. Areas of focus and interest include, but are not limited to, the health of diverse and vulnerable populations, older adults, and persons with chronic and communicable diseases.
The BS to PhD pathway that provides an accelerated opportunity for highly motivated nursing graduates who are ready to move beyond clinical preparation and pursue careers in nursing research, education, and leadership. This pathway is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in nursing who are interested in becoming nurse scientists and developing the expertise needed to conduct meaningful research that improves health outcomes and advances the nursing profession. Students receive rigorous preparation in nursing science, research methodology, theory, and scholarly inquiry while working closely with faculty researchers. The BS to PhD pathway allows students to begin their doctoral research journey without first completing a separate master's degree, providing a direct route toward a research-focused doctoral education at UCLA.
The MSN to PhD pathway is designed for nurses who have already earned a master's degree in nursing and are ready to expand their professional expertise into advanced research and scholarship. The program provides an opportunity for nurses to build upon their graduate-level education while developing advanced skills in research design, methodology, nursing science, and scholarly inquiry. This pathway is particularly attractive to nurses who want to translate their clinical, educational, or professional experiences into research that addresses complex healthcare challenges. Graduates are prepared for careers as nurse scientists, university faculty, researchers, healthcare research leaders, and contributors to evidence-based practice and health policy.
UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing PhD students are guaranteed full in-state tuition support funding for the first four years of their program. A non-resident supplemental tuition (NRST) fee grant is offered to non-resident students in the first year only. Additionally, there are funding opportunities that can provide up to $30,000 in annual financial support to be allocated towards room, board, and ordinary living expenses, in addition to full tuition and fee coverage. To explore these funding options, please review the Scholarships & Fellowships section. SON PhD students are prioritized for graduate housing at UCLA.
The Scientific Expertise page can provide more information regarding faculty research pursuits.
Admission
Requirements
Admission to the Ph.D. program is given to graduates of accredited degree programs in nursing who fulfill the admission requirements listed below, show promise for doctoral-level research and publication, and whose area of research is compatible with the research expertise of our faculty.
Applicants must provide evidence of the following:
- A master's degree in nursing; a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing; a master's degree in a non-nursing field; or a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Degrees must be from an accredited program satisfactory to the School of Nursing and to the Graduate Division. Students accepted with deficiencies are required to complete appropriate master's-level courses.
- A scholarship record satisfactory to the Graduate Division and to the School of Nursing with a minimum grade-point average of 3.5.
- Status as a licensed registered nurse; evidence of current licensure as a registered nurse in the U.S. or in your home country.
- A Biostatistics course with content equivalent to Biostatistics 100A or Biomathematics 170A (equivalent of four quarter units), this course must have been completed within the last three years. Approved Biostatistics Course
- A graduate-level nursing research course with content equivalent to Nursing 204. Accelerated pathway applicants must have completed an undergraduate-level research course. Approved Nursing Research Course
- Three letters of reference affirming the applicant's potential for scholarly, investigative, and creative endeavors in nursing.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a new scale taken after January 21, 2026, with an overall score of 4.5, or ESLPE (Academic Writing Proficiency) overall score of 5.0, or TOP (Oral Proficiency for Teaching Assistants) speaking score of 6.0. Applicants can also submit the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall band score of 7 for International applicants from countries with a native language other than English. Registered nurses who are not licensed in the United States must, before consideration for admission, submit verification of a passing score on both the nursing and the English sections of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination.
- Example of a scholarly nursing paper and/or creative works.
- A statement of educational objectives, specific focus of research, and program and career goals.
- Curriculum vitae.
If you are an International applicant, please contact Mark Covin, Director of Recruitment, Outreach & Admissions prior to applying for admissions.