Launched in Fall 2021, the PhD in Palliative Care program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is the first Doctor of Philosophy in Palliative Care program in the United States.
The PhD in Palliative Care program has been designed to meet the educational needs of individuals who are currently working or who wish to work in hospice and palliative care, and want to assume a leadership role in teaching, scholarship, or service.
Virtual Open House, PhD in Palliative Care - February 2024
Program Quick Facts:
In-Person or Online | Completely online; no need to travel |
Who Should Apply | Physicians, pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, administrators, researchers, and others interested in taking their knowledge and skills in palliative care to the next level |
Time to Complete | Flexible learning; program can be completed in 3-4 years, although up to 9 years is allowed |
Credits Required | 36 credits (8 three-credit courses plus 12 credits for dissertation) |
Dissertation Required | Yes |
Faculty | Nationally recognized interprofessional faculty |
Students | Interprofessional learners; international students welcome |
How to Apply | Start Your Online Application Here |
About the Program:
The PhD in Palliative Care program is a completely online program that builds on the very popular online Master of Science and Graduate Certificates in Palliative Care at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). An interprofessional program designed for physicians, pharmacists, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, administrators, researchers, and others, the PhD in Palliative Care aims to develop outstanding researchers in palliative care, while concurrently honing skills in leadership, education, and engagement in the profession and the palliative care community.
The program requires the completion of 36 academic credits in addition to the 30 credits in the master's degree in palliative care, or builds on a student's existing master's or other graduate degree in a relevant field with substantial and current experience in palliative care.
Graduates will be well-equipped for positions in academia, leading tertiary care or palliative care centers, leading granting/funding institutions and foundations associated with palliative care, and working with accountable care organizations to identify patients who would benefit from palliative care.
Curriculum Overview:
Courses included in the PhD in Palliative Care program include:
- Understanding the Foundation of Palliative Care: Building Blocks for the Future (3 credits)
- Applied Biostatistics in Palliative Care (3 credits)
- Study Design and Critical Appraisal of Palliative Care Evidence (3 credits)
- Quantitative Research in Palliative Care (3 credits)
- Qualitative Research in Palliative Care (3 credits)
- Person-Centered Outcomes Research in Palliative Care (3 credits)
- Teaching Methodology in Palliative Care (3 credits)
- Leading Change in Palliative Care (3 credits)
- Dissertation (12 credits)
Admissions Criteria and Application Process:
Applicants to the PhD in Palliative Care program should possess:
- Master's degree in palliative care, or
- Master's degree or higher (e.g., MD, PharmD, APRN, PA, MSN, MSW, MBA, MPH, etc.)
- Experience in palliative care and current employment preferred but not mandatory.
- Three professional Letters of Recommendation.
- Transcripts from ALL degree granting institutions attended.
- CV and essay
- Other qualifications as determined by the admissions committee
In addition, all applicants must meet the University's general admissions requirements and policies.
Prospective students who want to apply to the PhD in Palliative Care program can submit an online application here.
Tuition and Fees:
The PhD in Palliative Care program will offer reasonable tuition for students both in-state and outside of Maryland.
Current information about tuition and fees for the PhD in Palliative Care program is available on the University's Website PDF.
Learn More:
For more information about the PhD in Palliative Care program, or to discuss next steps with a program representative, please complete and submit the form below.
PLEASE NOTE: Submitting the form below is NOT an application to apply for the program. If you are interested in applying to the program now, please submit an online application here.