Florida International University

What you'll study

The PhD in Nursing is a research-intensive programme combining advanced theoretical study, rigorous research methods and dissertation work. Students take core courses in nursing theory and philosophy, advanced statistics and quantitative and qualitative research methods, measurement and psychometrics, and ethics in clinical and research practice. Content varies by concentration:

• Nursing Research: focus on study design, grant writing, longitudinal and mixed-methods approaches, instrument development, and implementation science.
• Nursing Administration: emphasis on leadership theory, organisational behaviour and change, health policy, financial and strategic management in healthcare, and quality improvement.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced population- or specialty-focused scholarship, translational research, clinical trial design, and practicum or practicum-equivalent activities to support clinical inquiry.

Across concentrations students engage in a mentored research apprenticeship with faculty, complete qualifying/comprehensive examinations, and undertake an independent dissertation that contributes original knowledge to nursing science. Electives and interdisciplinary coursework are available through collaborations with public health, medicine, social work and health services research units.

Entry requirements

• A recognised master’s degree in nursing (or equivalent) from an accredited institution. Applicants holding a master’s in a related health discipline with substantial nursing experience may also be considered.
• Current, active registration/licence to practise as a registered nurse in the applicant’s country or state.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong graduate-level performance. Specific GPA thresholds are set by the programme and should be confirmed with the college.
• A research-oriented personal statement or statement of purpose that outlines research interests, career goals and preferred faculty mentors or research lines.
• Curriculum vitae showing clinical experience, scholarly activities and any publications or presentations.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two to three) addressing academic potential and research aptitude.
• Evidence of research readiness such as prior research experience, thesis work, or practicum projects. GRE scores may be requested in some cases; requirements can vary by applicant background and cohort.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL) as required by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for senior roles in academic nursing (tenure-track faculty, programme directors), health-system leadership (chief nursing officer, director of quality and patient safety), and independent research careers (principal investigator, research scientist). Other common pathways include positions in health policy organisations, governmental and non-governmental research institutes, clinical trial leadership, and consultancy in evidence implementation and health services research. The PhD also supports careers designing and leading large-scale translational research projects, securing competitive research funding, and mentoring the next generation of nurses.

Why study at Florida International University

• FIU’s college of nursing is situated in a diverse, urban healthcare environment that provides access to a wide range of clinical populations and research partnerships across hospitals, community organisations and public health agencies in South Florida.
• Students work with research-active faculty whose interests span nursing science, health disparities, chronic disease management, health systems and implementation science; interdisciplinary collaboration is a strong feature of the research culture.
• The university offers research infrastructure and resources such as statistical support, grant development assistance, and core facilities through university research centres, helping doctoral students develop competitive lines of inquiry.
• FIU’s location and community links create opportunities for practicum placements, community-based research and leadership experiences that enhance both clinical and administrative scholarship.
• The programme emphasises mentorship and professional development aimed at preparing graduates for successful academic, research and leadership careers in nursing.