Florida International University

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises rigorous research training, theoretical foundations of nursing, and advanced methodological skills. Core doctoral coursework typically includes advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, biostatistics, measurement and psychometrics, and ethics in research. Students also study nursing theory, health policy and leadership, and courses that support translational research and implementation science.

• Research methods and statistics: advanced quantitative methods, multivariate analysis, longitudinal analysis, qualitative inquiry, mixed methods.
• Theory and foundations: nursing science, conceptual development, theory testing and theory-building strategies.
• Specialist seminars: depending on the chosen emphasis (Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, Clinical Nursing), seminars address organisational leadership, health services research, clinical intervention design and outcomes evaluation.
• Research practicum and teaching preparation: mentored research projects, pedagogical training for higher education, grant-writing workshops and opportunities to teach undergraduate or master's students.
• Doctoral dissertation: an independent, original research study under faculty supervision that contributes to nursing knowledge and demonstrates mastery of research methods.

Students normally follow a combination of required core courses and electives chosen to align with their area of emphasis. The programme is built around close mentorship with research-active faculty and opportunities to collaborate with clinical partners in the Miami health system.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) is the standard entry route. Exceptional applicants with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) plus substantial graduate coursework or a research portfolio may be considered, depending on departmental policy.
• Professional licensure: current, unencumbered RN licensure in the applicant’s country or state is required. International applicants must demonstrate equivalent licensure.
• Academic performance: a strong graduate GPA in previous study. Admissions assess academic transcripts for evidence of preparation for doctoral-level work.
• Supporting documents: a CV or résumé, a statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals, academic or professional references, and samples of scholarly work if available.
• Research fit and interview: applicants are expected to identify potential faculty mentors and demonstrate research alignment; selected applicants may be interviewed.
• English language proficiency: for applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required in accordance with university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing pursue careers that emphasise research, scholarship and education. Common career paths include:

• Faculty positions in universities and nursing schools (teaching and research).
• Principal investigator or research scientist roles in academic, hospital-based or independent research centres.
• Leadership positions in healthcare organisations focused on quality improvement, outcomes research and evidence-based practice.
• Policy analysts or advisors in government agencies and non-profit organisations where research evidence informs health policy.
• Research-related roles in industry, such as clinical trial design, outcomes assessment and health services research.

Graduates with the Nursing Administration emphasis often move into senior administrative and organisational leadership roles; those with a Nursing Research emphasis typically lead funded research programmes; the Clinical Nursing emphasis supports careers that bridge advanced clinical knowledge with research and education.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University’s nursing doctorate is delivered by the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, which is known for its research-active faculty and ties to a diverse, urban healthcare environment. The programme provides access to multidisciplinary collaborators across public health, medicine and allied health, and to clinical populations representative of a broad range of cultural and health needs.

• Research mentorship: students work with faculty engaged in funded research across topics such as chronic disease management, community health, health disparities and implementation science.
• Clinical and community partnerships: placement opportunities with hospitals, community health agencies and research centres in the Miami region enable applied research and data access.
• Training resources: doctoral students benefit from methodological core facilities, simulation laboratories and grant-writing support to build competitive research portfolios.
• Career development: structured support for teaching experience, conference presentation and publication helps prepare graduates for academic and leadership roles.

Overall, the programme is suited to nurses who want a research-intensive doctoral education with strong mentorship and opportunities to address health challenges in diverse clinical and community settings.