Applicants to the Ph.D. program must possess a current United States nurse license (or an international equivalent), and meet one of the following criteria:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program or its international equivalent with a minimum grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.
• Hold a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program or its international equivalent with a minimum grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.

Progression through these programs will result in an MS and doctorate for students entering the program with only a baccalaureate degree. Therefore, a separate MS degree application is required.

Admission to the doctoral program is based upon GRE scores, letters of recommendation, personal interviews, and a sample of scholarly writing. Professional work experience is not required. The relationship between applicant goals and faculty research expertise is also a consideration.

Students should apply online and contact the Office of Student Affairs at:
nursing@buffalo.edu or (716) 829-2537.

Program Schedule

The Ph.D. requires 60 credits hours beyond the master’s degree in nursing. All doctoral classes are scheduled just two days per week in order to accommodate the working student.

Students may begin in the fall or spring semester, and may proceed as either a full- or part-time student. However, students in the Ph.D. program are required to meet the University’s residency policy which includes one year, two consecutive semesters, of full-time study (at least 12 credit hours per semester). The program must be completed within seven years.

Financial Aid Information

Several types of financial support are available for doctoral students. Full-time students can apply for teaching or research assistantships, scholarships, pre-doctoral fellowships that provide tuition and a stipend, and federal traineeships that provide a stipend. Our reputation for first-rate research, combined with our coursework and workshops in grant writing, have helped many of our students secure federal assistantships and traineeships. In addition, special School of Nursing scholarships are available for students who demonstrate exceptional research promise.

U.S. citizens can also apply for federal and state aid through the University at Buffalo Office of Student Academic and Financial Services, Hayes B, (716) 645-2450. Additional fees are also assessed each semester in which a student is enrolled at the University. Tuition and fees are subject to change at the discretion of the University and without prior notice.

SON Financial Aid

For information contact:

David J. Lang
Director of Student Affairs
School of Nursing
University at Buffalo
Buffalo , NY 14214
(716) 829-2537