PhD Program in Nursing Science
The PhD program in Nursing Science at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing in collaboration with Washington University is designed to prepare intellectual nurse scientists with analytical and interdisciplinary skills who can make significant contributions to further expand the science of nursing. The goal of nursing science is the development of a body of knowledge that supports nursing practice and improves health outcomes. The PhD program focuses on symptom science and precision healthcare with the opportunity to develop knowledge and research skills in specialized areas, including genomics or informatics.
PHD PROGRAM IN NURSING SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS
SELECTION OF CANDIDATES AND ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR PHD IN NURSING SCIENCE PROGRAM
The ideal students for this program will have excellent critical thinking, analytical and writing skills. They will have experience in and a passion for nursing and for research with a career goal of becoming a nurse scientist. They will have a demonstrated ability to produce scholarly work at a level appropriate for their career or educational stage prior to entering the program. Relevant work experiences accrued as a non-student especially in nursing are also greatly valued. The Admissions Committee evaluates a number of characteristics in order to assess a candidate’s ability to benefit from and contribute to their selected program. These include academic ability, research experience, leadership, teamwork, communication skills and other personal qualities. We will strongly consider the match between a student's interests and the availability of a suitable group of faculty mentors to work with him or her.
To judge these traits, the following information and indicators in a student's application will be considered.
Baccalaureate degree in Nursing or Master’s degree in Nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body in the U.S.
Current and unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. or U.S. license eligible
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate and graduate coursework
Satisfactory completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course.
*Three-page essay clearly articulating your research interest identifying a particular nursing science problem, challenge or opportunity and how the research could enhance both nursing science and practice. Include your motivations for graduate study and a fundamental nursing question that most intrigues you, highlighting potential GSON or Washington University faculty mentors, if known. Drawing on your past and planned experiences, please conclude with a statement articulating why you will be an outstanding graduate student.
Three letters of recommendation completed by faculty and supervisors who can attest to your scholarly and research abilities or potential. It is important to choose those who know you well and can evaluate your current or prospective research, clinical and leadership abilities, critical thinking and potential for successfully completing graduate school. Recommendations from friends, relatives or co-workers will not be accepted and will cause your application to be delayed or denied.
A CV (curriculum vitae) listing quality and relevance of scholarly activities with emphasis on specific skills and competencies related to interest in nursing science and/or research in nursing; educational, leadership and professional activities; and prior work experience.
Your research experiences should be included in the CV. Provide the mentor name, Institution, length of project, and the approximate hours per week of effort.
Proficiency in English is required of all applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency and are required to provide an official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Only scores from tests taken within the last two years will be accepted. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement will be waived for applicants who completed a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States.
*The essay portion of this application is an opportunity to help the Committee relate to the applicant’s distinctive values, motivation, and perspectives, and obtain as much information as possible about their previous research experiences and goals.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Students will apply to the program using the Washington University online application and must meet admission requirements of the Washington University Graduate School as well as the requirements of the Goldfarb PhD program in Nursing. Application deadline will be January 10.
Review and Recommendation Process
A three-stage review process will be used to determine which students are recommended for interview and admission to the program.
Stage 1 – A PhD Program Admissions Advisory Committee (PhD-PAAC) composed of PhD-prepared faculty members in nursing, the Program Director and the President of the College will initially review all applications. Based on the criteria described above, applications will be classified into one of three broad categories: highly enthusiastic, enthusiastic or less enthusiastic. An initial priority ranking within the highly enthusiastic category will also be completed.
Stage 2 – A group of applicants from the highly enthusiastic category will be invited to come to the Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing for a “finalist” interview session. The number of finalists will be approximately twice the number of students expected to be admitted. Should a finalist decline the offer for a visit, the next highest-ranking applicant from the Stage 1 review will be invited. During these onsite interviews, two to three nursing PhD program faculty members plus one to two Washington University faculty members in the applicant’s chosen specialty area will interview each applicant. This group of faculty will then score each applicant individually, then discuss the applicant as a group. They will then make a recommendation to the President of the College on whether the applicant should be offered a position.
Stage 3 – The President will then consider all information obtained from and about an applicant and establish a priority ranking of the finalists who participated in the site visit. Part of this ranking will identify any applicant who, based on the on-site interview, would not be acceptable or a good fit for the program. Starting with the highest ranked applicant and descending, offers of admission will be made to no more than three applicants. The final list of applicants to be offered a position will be sent to the Dean of the Graduate School at Washington University for approval. For those approved, Washington University will send offer letters to the applicants by March 15. Applicants will be given until April 15 to accept or decline the offer. If an applicant declines and there is another acceptable applicant on the priority list, he or she may be admitted.