Post‐Masters (MSN) PhD  in Nursing

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing program from the FIU Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences will have the knowledge and skills to conduct research in the healthcare field, and direct and guide application of other evidence-based healthcare findings to improve the health of people from diverse cultures and underserved populations.

The program can be completed in four (4) years of full-time study.

Program Requirements

  1. Students in the Post Graduate PhD Program are required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours:
    • Thirty‐nine (39) credit hours of core coursework
    • A minimum of 3‐9 credit hours of Candidacy Examination
    • 18 hours of Dissertation credits.
  2. Complete curriculum components as outlined by the individual plan of study and the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Please see here for more: https://cnhs.fiu.edu/_assets/docs/resources/nursing‐phd‐handbook‐may2019.pdf
  3. Maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
    • Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 3.0 will be placed on academic probation for one (1) semester and are subject to dismissal if the 3.0 GPA requirement is not met upon completion of the probationary period.
  4. Removal of all conditions, deficiencies and incomplete grades. Students are expected to register for courses with letter grades. Credit hours for courses in which the grade is “B-” or below will not count toward satisfying graduate degree requirements.
  5. Demonstrate graduate knowledge in three stages to be awarded a PhD in Nursing degree:
    • Stage I - Candidacy Examination (written papers and oral defense)
    • Stage II - Proposal Defense
    • Stage III - Dissertation Defense
  6. Complete a dissertation five (5) years from the date of advancement to candidacy (i.e., successful completion of written and oral examinations, favorable recommendation of supervisory/guidance committee, and an approved dissertation proposal).