PhD in Nursing Program

Point of Contact

Kathleen Gaffney, PhD, RN-CS, F/PNP
Director,
PhD in Nursing Program
703-993-1961
E-mail: kgaffney@gmu.edu
* For information about our PhD program,
please contact Vannary Khov at 703-993-1961.

News

Application Deadline Extended
New application deadline is April 1st, 2008

New Course - NURS 820: Human Genetic Concepts for Health Care
The study of human genetics, principles of heredity and disease risks. Upon completion of the course, the student will demonstrate integrated knowledge of genetic principles and frameworks applicable to nursing, research, healthcare and/or health education; interpret outputs of research and laboratory methods used by geneticists; integrate selected genetic principles within the domains of nursing research, policy, practice and/or education; analyze structure and function of the human genome; and, identify genetic risks for selected disease processes. For more information, contact the instructor.

GMU Alumni Association Scholarships
Each year the Alumni Association presents four student scholarships - two undergraduate scholarships, one graduate scholarship, and one that is either for a undergrad or graduate students. Read More.

Nurse Education, Practice and Retention Program
The Division of Nursing is pleased to announce the funding opportunity for the 2008 Nurse Education, Practice and Retention (NEPR) Program.

Access the HRSA Funding Opportunities Web site for additional information and application instructions. The program announcement number for the Nurse Education, Practice and Retention (NEPR) Program is HRSA-08-028. Contact Ms. Michele Richardson at 301-443-6193 if you have program questions.

Cosmos Scholars
The Cosmos Club Foundation provides small grants for students in all academic fields to supplement funding for graduate student research.

Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship for PhD Students
The Advanced Education Nursing Traineeship for PhD Students is designed to recognize outstanding students in our program and support their academic progress.

Camille T. Barry Nursing PhD Scholarship (pdf)
The Camille T. Barry Nursing PhD Scholarship recognizes those students in good academic standing who demonstrate the ability to be recognized as leaders in nursing.

Nurse Faculty Loan Program
The Nurse Faculty Loan Program is a federal program designed to increase the number of nursing students who pursue careers as full-time faculty teaching in college and university schools of nursing.

Mission

The mission of the program is to prepare scholars who will advance nursing practice through research within the context of leadership roles in healthcare administration, nursing education, and healthcare policy.

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program prepares nurses for leadership roles in a variety of organizations, health related agencies, and educational institutions. Choose from one of the following three Concentrations:

Admission Requirements

In addition to fulfilling the admission requirements for degree status in the College of Health and Human Services, applicants for admission to the PhD program will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

A master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program equivalent to 30 semester hours of credit, or a master’s degree in a related health field with a baccalaureate degree in nursing;
A minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in a master’s program;
Evidence of one year of experience as an RN prior to enrollment;
A TOEFL score of at least 250 (computer-based) or 600 (paper-based) (for international students only);
Evidence of current licensure to practice professional nursing; (Students on foreign student visas must present evidence of their country’s nursing licensure or the equivalent.)
A resume of professional experience;
Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources. At least two of the references must be from persons who have had contact with the applicant within the last two years;
An interview with one or more persons on the Doctoral Admissions Committee;
A writing sample describing goals in pursuing a PhD in Nursing degree;
Evidence of a prerequisite graduate-level course in applied statistics (past 2 years).

Students are admitted for fall semester only. All materials for admission must be submitted to:

Graduate Admissions -- MS 5A8
Robinson Hall B, Room 402
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

Please visit our Application Deadline Calendar for a list of application due dates.

To pursue the application process and/or obtain a graduate catalog, please contact: PhD in Nursing Office, MSN 3C4, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, Phone 703-993-1961, Fax 703-993-1942.