Doctoral Programs in Nursing

Point of Contact

Dr. Pearl Zhou
Coordinator, PhD in Nursing Program
E-mail: qzhou3@gmu.edu
* For information about our PhD program,
please contact us at 703-993-1961.

Mission

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

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program offers an individualized area of concentration and prepares nurses for leadership roles in a variety of organizations, health related agencies, and educational institutions.

• Students must complete 9 credits of a cohesive set of existing doctoral level university courses designed with his or her advisor and the Assistant Dean of the program to contribute to the students' program of research. Examples may include coursework in biostatistics, epidemiology, nursing administration, bioterrorism, conflict analysis, health policy, gerontology, or any other area consistent with the students' program of study and research.

More information about these concentrations is available in the PhD in Nursing Program Requirements document.

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 currentlicensure to practice professional nursing; (Students on foreign student visas must present evidence of their country’s nursinglicensure or the equivalent.)
• A resume of professional experience;
• Three letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources. At least two of the references must befrom 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

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.