The University of Massachusetts Boston is now accepting applications for its Nursing PhD program for Fall 2026, with a priority deadline of January 1, 2025. This program is designed for aspiring nurse scientists, policy analysts, researchers, and educators who are passionate about advancing health equity and engaging in community-focused research. Students will join a vibrant academic community and benefit from close mentorship by faculty with active research in areas such as aging, technology-enabled health interventions, cardiovascular health, diabetes, oncology, pain management, patient safety, nursing workflow, maternal and child health, and smoking cessation.

The curriculum offers both BS-to-PhD and MS-to-PhD tracks, emphasizing the analysis of historical, sociological, economic, political, and healthcare perspectives on population health and health policy. Students will learn to evaluate health policies affecting healthcare access, quality, and cost, and to generate theory-guided research using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. The program prepares graduates to create innovative, evidence-based strategies for shaping population health and health policy at local, national, and global levels.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in Nursing or a related field from an accredited institution, possess a nursing license (if applicable), and submit official transcripts, a personal statement, two professional references, and a current résumé or CV. International applicants must provide TOEFL and IELTS scores. An interview with the Program Director is encouraged. The program requires completion of 48 credits, including core courses, research methods, electives, and dissertation research. Students must pass comprehensive exams and defend a dissertation to graduate. An en route non-clinical master's degree in nursing is available after completing 30 credits.

Generous student support is available, though specific funding details are not listed. The application fee is $75, with waivers for UMass Boston alumni and current students. For more information, visit the program website or contact Dr. Lingling Zhang, Graduate Program Director, at [email protected].

Key academic keywords: Nursing, Health Policy, Population Health, Health Equity, Community-Engaged Research, Aging, Technology-Enabled Health Interventions, Cardiovascular Health, Diabetes, Oncology, Pain Management, Patient Safety, Maternal and Child Health, Smoking Cessation.