Post-BS to PhD Pathway

The Post-BS pathway to the PhD in Nursing & Health Science degree is designed for ambitious, bachelor’s-prepared nurses who want to move directly into doctoral study. As a full-time option for domestic students, this pathway accelerates your transition toward becoming the healthcare researcher and leader you want to be, allowing you to immerse yourself in research earlier in your career.

By bypassing a separate master’s program, you maintain momentum in your academic journey and begin building the skills needed to lead innovative nursing research from your very first semester. At the University of Rochester, you’ll be supported by a dynamic and collaborative environment that challenges you to discover new knowledge and equips you to launch a career as a researcher in nursing and health science.

The pathway outlined below shows what it takes to earn your PhD at the School of Nursing.

Post-BS to PhD Pathway Curriculum

Unlike the traditional post-MS PhD, which requires applicants to complete a master’s degree before starting doctoral coursework, the post-BS pathway opens the door to research preparation directly after the baccalaureate. From the outset, you are paired with faculty mentors who will guide you through research design, grant writing, and opportunities to publish. Instead of balancing clinical specialty training with doctoral study, you are able to focus fully on developing the expertise required to become an independent scientist.

The program is rigorous and immersive. Students are enrolled full-time, engaging in core PhD coursework, interdisciplinary electives, and advanced methods training. As you progress, you will gain experience as both a research and teaching assistant, preparing you for roles in academia, health systems, and policy. Throughout, you benefit from close mentorship and collaboration across the University of Rochester Medical Center and the broader health sciences community.

 Sample Degree Plan 

Review a sample degree plan for the Post-BS to PhD pathway.

Sample Post-BS to PhD Degree Plan

_{Please note: This is a sample degree plan only. Please contact Admissions or your program director to discuss your specific degree plan.}

Post-BS to PhD Pathway Details

While both the post-BS and post-MS pathways lead to the PhD in Nursing & Health Science degree, the student experience is distinct. Post-BS students complete the degree in four years of full-time effort, moving seamlessly from undergraduate preparation into advanced doctoral study. The post-BS option does not include a clinical specialty component; instead, it is designed for students who are certain they want to devote their energy to research and scholarship. Both pathways provide full tuition support and health insurance coverage for eligible full-time students, ensuring that you can concentrate fully on your studies.

The post-BS pathway to the PhD in Nursing & Health Science degree offers a unique opportunity for driven nurses to begin doctoral training without first earning a master’s degree. By committing to full-time study, you will join a collaborative community of scholars dedicated to advancing nursing science and improving health outcomes through research.

If you are ready to take the direct route into doctoral preparation, this pathway will give you the foundation to launch a career at the forefront of nursing research and health science.