Become a Nurse Researcher through our mostly online, part-time program
The PhD in Nursing program at The University of New Mexico College of Nursing develops exceptional nurse scientists, equipping them with the skills to address the wide-range of nursing challenges facing policymakers and health care providers.
Cutting-edge Research. Real-life Health Issues.
As the state’s premier Carnegie R1 institution, UNM offers the highest level of research activity. Our graduates advance the science of nursing, improving health for individuals and communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Why UNM?
CONCENTRATIONS IN HEALTH POLICY AND HEALTH EQUITY & PREPAREDNESS
FACULTY LEADING THE FIELD IN RESEARCH
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
DESIGNED FOR MSN OR BSN ENTRY
Learn From Expert Faculty
Hear how UNM’s PhD program provides the mentorship and support that help students become nurse scientists.
Sharon Ruyak, PhD, RN, CNM
PhD Program Director and Associate Professor
“Our program prepares our graduates for leadership positions in various settings including academia, research institutions, federal agencies and industry. Through rigorous training and faculty mentorship, our graduates are prepared to advance nursing science and address complex health care challenges.”
Your Career as a Nurse Scientist
Colleges and Universities
Health and Public Health Systems
Health Policy
Health Equity and Preparedness
Research Facilities
Graduates of this program are prepared to serve at national, state or local levels in:
Our doctoral graduates are nurse scientists, nurse policymakers and lead nursing organizations.
Hear From Our Students & Alumni
Our students and graduates generate new knowledge that impacts health, health policy and advances nursing science on a broad scale.
Michael Baker, RN, MPH
PhD Student
“The College of Nursing’s PhD program really helped me find where I wanted to be. Faculty supported me throughout every step of the process and helped me refine my research focus. One of the first things we learned is that the patient isn’t always just the person in front of you – it can be the family, the community. To me, my patient is my community.”
Angelina Flores-Montoya, PhD, MSN, RN, Alum
“As a nurse, you learn that all perspectives are important in order to advance nursing and health care policy. It’s about finding the balance amongst all of the data and research to make decisions that will benefit patients.”
FAQs
PhD in Nursing Program
What are the requirements to apply for the PhD Program?
A BSN degree from an accredited college or university
3.0 GPA
Current RN license
A graduate level statistics course within the last 3 years
Program length varies by concentration:
· Individualized Plan of Study: 51 credits or coursework + 18 credits of dissertation (69 credits in total)
· Health Policy Concentration: 52 credits of coursework + 18 credits of dissertation (70 credits in total)
· Health Equity and Preparedness Concentration: 52 credits of coursework + 18 credits of dissertation (70 credits in total)
· BSN Entry Option*: 69-70 credits of coursework + 18 credits of dissertation (87-88 credits in total) *includes 18 credits of bridge coursework
The majority of our students receive some form of financial aid: scholarship, grant, loan, work study or teaching assistant position.
We awarded over $825,000 in scholarships during academic year 2022-2023. Individual scholarship amounts range from $200-$5,000 annually.
Ready to Join the Top of Nursing?
505-272-4721
HSC-CON-Admissions@salud.unm.edu
