University of North Florida

What you'll study

The UNF PhD in Registered Nursing offers three concentration pathways—Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing—each built around a core curriculum in nursing theory, advanced research methods and statistics. Core study typically includes advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, biostatistics, health systems and policy, nursing epistemology and theory, and measurement and evaluation. Concentration-specific modules focus on leadership and organisational behaviour for Nursing Administration; advanced epidemiology, grant writing and research design for Nursing Research; and advanced clinical decision-making, translational science and outcome measurement for Clinical Nursing.

Students also complete practicum or teaching experiences aligned with their track, and undertake a sustained, original dissertation project under faculty supervision that contributes to nursing knowledge. Coursework is combined with mentored research, seminar series and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with other health professions. The programme emphasises methodological rigour, ethical research practice, dissemination (peer-reviewed publishing and conference presentation) and preparation for external grant-seeking.

Entry requirements

• Professional qualification: Current, active RN licence in the US (or eligibility where applicable) and a relevant master’s degree such as an MSN. Applicants with equivalent academic and professional preparation may be considered.
• Academic performance: A strong graduate academic record; many successful applicants hold a master’s degree in nursing or a related health discipline with evidence of scholarly potential.
• Experience and fit: Clinical experience and/or leadership/research experience in nursing; a resume/CV demonstrating professional accomplishments and alignment with faculty research interests.
• Application materials: Statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation (including at least one addressing scholarly potential), and a writing sample or evidence of prior research or scholarship.
• Additional assessment: Some applicants may be invited for an interview with faculty. Standardised test requirements (for example the GRE) and English language testing follow university policy and may be waived in certain circumstances.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Registered Nursing from UNF are prepared for careers as nurse scientists, academic faculty, programme directors and senior clinical leaders. Typical roles include university professor or clinical faculty member, principal investigator on funded research projects, director of nursing research or quality improvement in health systems, advanced practice leaders who drive evidence-based care initiatives, and policy analysts or consultants in healthcare organisations.

Because the programme emphasises research design, grant writing and dissemination skills, graduates are well positioned to secure research funding and lead interdisciplinary research teams. Many alumni pursue careers in higher education, leadership in hospitals and health systems, public health agencies, and nonprofit or industry research positions that require high-level research and leadership expertise.

Why study at University of North Florida

UNF’s PhD in Nursing is delivered by the Brooks College of Health’s School of Nursing, which combines a strong regional healthcare network with focused research mentorship. Students benefit from close faculty supervision, opportunities to collaborate with local hospitals and healthcare organisations in Jacksonville, and access to clinical simulation and research resources that support both educational and empirical work.

The programme prioritises individualized mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration across health and social science disciplines, preparing graduates to impact education, practice and policy. A doctoral route at UNF is suited to candidates who want a research-intensive experience with practical links to clinical settings and community health initiatives in a metropolitan environment.