PhD Program Objectives

The PhD in Nursing Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston with a concentration in health policy prepares graduates to be nurse leaders in the health care policy roles of analyst, educator, and researcher.  Offered in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts Lowell, the PhD Program on the Boston campus focuses on the intersection of nursing and health policy. Graduates are prepared to:

1. Analyze the historical, sociological, economic, political, and nursing perspectives of existing and proposed health policies.

2. Evaluate and critique health policies that influence the access, quality, and cost of healthcare services.

3. Conduct theory-guided qualitative and quantitative research that advances knowledge of and informs health policies.

4. Influence the development of health policies at local, state, national, and international level.

Updated February 2007

degree requirements

The PhD in Nursing requires 60 credits beyond the MS degree (or 87 credits beyond the BS degree). For full-time students the program normally requires two years of course work, including courses in health policy and economics, research methods, and statistics. The College of Nursing and a number of collaborating departments at UMass Boston and UMass Lowell offer courses. After completing core courses, students undertake a 6-credit policy internship, followed by a qualifying examination. Successful performance in the qualifying examination is a prerequisite to entrance into candidacy for the doctoral degree. In the third year, students complete electives and research courses related to completion of the doctoral dissertation. Full-time students complete the program in four years. Part-time students are required to register for 6 credits per semester and complete the program in 5 or 6 years.

curriculum and progression

1. PhD Curriculum for students with a Master's degree (60 credits)

2. PhD Curriculum for students with a Bachelor's degree (87 credits) - proposed curriculum

course descriptions

To view a short description of the courses offered in the PhD program, please refer to the Graduate Bulletin.