PhD Program Overview

Full or part-time study:
Degree timelines

• Most students are part-time and finish their degree in 4 to 5 years.
• Full-time students complete the program in 3 to 4 years.
• Full-time Fast Track BSN to PhD can finish in 4 to 5 years.

Scholarships and financial aid

Scholarships are available from the federal government, foundations, professional organizations and private donors through the College. Inquire about tuition reimbursement plans where you work. You can apply for a graduate fellowship, which covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend. UNMC also offers student loans. For more information:

• talk to a student services representative
• go to UNMC financial aid

On-campus and online/distance learning options

Our five nursing campuses span the state. We offer advanced distance learning technologies, including IP video, teleconferencing, online curriculum and web-based applications, including interactive virtual reality and the Blackboard Learning System^™.

Your personal orientation

At the start of your first semester, you’ll meet other PhD students and faculty members in your interest area. You’ll plan a personalized course of study and become familiar with our educational resources, distance technologies and UNMC support systems, including intranet, email, library, student services and more.

Faculty advisor support
and mentoring

In your first year, you’ll take core courses key to your development as a nurse scientist. You’ll confer weekly with a faculty advisor – in person, by phone or other distance technology. Advisors are selected to align with your scholarly focus. Mentoring by senior faculty is a key advantage of your doctoral preparation at UNMC.

Ongoing advisor guidance
for distance students

Distance students spend time with their advisor each semester.

Eligible transferring credits

About half of required courses — such as statistics, cognates and non-nursing support courses – may be taken at an accredited university near your home or through distance programs of other accredited universities. For more information about courses eligible for transfer, talk to a student services representative.