Doctoral Program (PhD)
Admission Requirements

Applications are made to the Doctoral program to work with a specific supervisor in one of three fields of study. Click here for a list of supervisors.

The following requirements must be met for admission to the PhD program:

  • Hold a baccalaureate degree in Nursing from a  program accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing or approved by a provincial nursing regulatory body
  • Hold a master’s degree (in Nursing or in another field) from an accredited program
  • Have an average of at least B+ (78%) on the final 10 courses completed
  • Have master’s level preparation in research and statistics 
  • Have obtained an agreement for supervision from a faculty member whose research aligns with the applicant’s interests and who has been approved to supervise PhD students
  • Provide proof of RN registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) (except international students)
  • Provide proof of current membership in the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) (except international students)

In addition, international students must:

Fast Track Option

Outstanding MScN students may apply to fast track directly from the MScN Program after the first year of full-time study, without completion of a master’s thesis if they meet the following requirements:

  • Are recommended by their supervisor
  • Have completed core and field of study course requirements for the master’s degree
  • Complete a research project of limited scope (eg. pilot study or secondary analysis) under the supervision of their advisor, normally during the third semester of enrolment

Applicants from Non-thesis Master's Program

Applicants from non-thesis master's programs desiring to enter the PhD program will be required to satisfactorily complete a Qualifying Research Project (QRP) of limited scope (e. g. pilot study or secondary analysis ) under the direction of the designated supervisor. The QRP must be completed in the first two terms of enrollment in the PhD program.

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