This program offers students the educational advantages of the Amherst campus, a Carnegie Designated Research Extensive university with numerous graduate programs.

Please see the PhD flyer for faculty areas of research. Students will work with an advisor in a closely linked research area.

Nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and those with a masters degree may apply. The course of study for each group varies; the post-baccalaureate is an 81 credit degree and the post masters a minimum of 57 credits. For more information about courses, see our PhD Program Brochure.

Applicants apply directly to the UMass Amherst Graduate School. All original materials accompanying your Graduate School application should be sent to the Graduate School. You can download a paper application form, or apply online. After review, the Graduate School will forward all materials to the School of Nursing.

Applicants submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended, two letters of recommendation, two examples of scholarly writing, GRE scores, and a clinical research interest congruent with that of a potential faculty research adviser. Master's degrees must have been earned from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

No – only to the UMass Amherst Graduate School.

Yes. If you need further information on taking the GRE, visit www.gre.org or call 1-800-537-3160. If you have taken the GRE within the past five years, you can have the scores forwarded to the University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School when you apply.

The program consists of 57 credits, including 15 credits in nursing research and statistics courses, 12 credits in core doctoral courses, 12 credits in electives, and 18 credits for the dissertation. All core doctoral courses are held on Tuesdays. Elective courses are at the discretion of the student, with times and dates varying.

Core courses within the School of Nursing are generally offered on Tuesday; however, other courses at the University vary. Some courses are available on-line.

We strongly encourage you to talk with faculty at the University first, since doctoral courses support your area of research. For post-masters students we strongly encourage you to take an intermediate statistics course if this was not a part of you graduate program. Post-baccalaureate students will take this course in their program of study.

A full time student with a baccalaureate degree will take 4-5 years and consists of 81 credits. A full time post masters student’s course of study will take approximately 3-4 years and consists of a minimum of 57 credits. Please see the PhD flyer for curriculum requirements.

You will receive a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Massachusetts.

Yes. Please refer to our Information Session Signup Page for more information.

Costs are determined by the UMass Amherst Graduate School, and may change from year to year. Please refer to the fee schedule posted by the Bursar’s Office (for academic year 2006-7), or contact the Bursar’s Office directly at (413) 545-2368.

The School has a variety of funding mechanisms, including the Federal Nurse Loan Program (a loan forgiveness program for those intending on teaching). This loan program is not need-based. The Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need Fellowships (GAANN). This is another program which targets future faculty. The GAANN funding provides for full tuition, fees and an annual stipend of up to $30,000, based on need. The School also has Federal Nurse Traineeship grant funds. These programs are available to full time students. Information on other financial aid resources may be accessed through the university financial aid office.