Doctor of Philosphy (PhD)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Doctoral

The PhD program in the Faculty of Nursing develops nurse scientists who are expert clinical scholars equipped to provide leadership in nursing practice, research and education.

The degree is designed to educate professionals for excellence in nursing scholarship through original research. Our thesis-based degree offers opportunities to become research-intensive, gain core disciplinary knowledge and develop expertise within a substantive field.

Before applying, candidates are required to seek out members of our award-winning faculty who they believe would be a good “fit” with their research plans.

The University of Calgary is committed to helping new PhD students obtain funding support through awards, faculty research programs, teaching assistantships, and research scholarships.

Learn about Nursing faculty and their research

Important Notes on Admission

Applicants interested in the graduate programs with the Faculty of Nursing should contact the Graduate Programs Office prior to applying. We encourage international applicants to reach out to learn more.

Academic Requirements

  • A Master’s degree in most cases is required for admission to a doctoral program
  • Minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average
  • Scholarly work: Examples of applicant’s written work i.e. publications, research reports/proposals, master’s thesis, etc.

  • Successful completion of one master’s level course in each of the following areas: 

    • quantitative research methods
    • qualitative research methods
    • statistics (may be tied to a quantitative research course)

Technology Requirements  

To successfully engage in learning experiences at the University of Calgary, students taking online, remote and blended courses are required to have reliable access to the following technology:

  • A computer with a supported operating system, as well as the latest security, and malware updates.
  • A current and updated web browser. 
  • Webcam (built-in or external).
  • Microphone and speaker (built-in or external), or headset with microphone.
  • Current antivirus and/or firewall software enabled.
  • Broadband internet connection.
Explore Degree at a Glance

Documents for Application Package

Below are links to forms that need to be completed after you have submitted your online application for admission.

Applicant's Proposed Academic Plan

Arrange to meet with your proposed supervisor to discuss your academic background and proposed plan of study. Review the courses that are required for your program, plan your course progression, and complete the attached Proposed Academic Plan.

Download Proposed Academic Plan

Supervisor's Notice of Support

After you have submitted your online application, please ask your proposed supervisor to complete the attached Notice of Support. As well, the proposed supervisor must provide a letter in support of your application for admission to nursgrad@ucalgary.ca. This letter must also include what financial support the supervisor is able to offer.

Download notice of support

Reference Request & Appraisal Form

The application for admission to the doctoral program requires three references. One from your previous supervisor from your Master’s degree (if applicable), and two academic references. Contact nursgrad@ucalgary.ca if you have any questions.

Your referees will receive a link to the reference request form after you submit the online application.

Further information is available in Grad Programs FAQs.

Transcripts from ALL post-secondary

This includes transcripts from the institutions where the degree was awarded, from any institution where any transfer credit was received towards a program of study, or from where any independent coursework was taken.

Official hard copy transcripts may be sent to the attention of:

Faculty of Graduate Studies
University of Calgary ES 1010
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4
Canada

Electronic transcripts are now being accepted, please forward to:

FGS & Nursing

After Admission into the Program

Required Courses

  • NURS 783: Winter - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
  • NURS 724: Winter - Philosophy, Knowledge and Research in Nursing
  • NURS 744: Fall - Health Policy & Advocacy
  • NURS 721: Fall - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
  • NURS 726: Spring - Developing a Scholarly e-Portfolio - Spring

For more details on these courses, review the Grad Calendar.

Still have questions? Contact the Nursing Programs Office