Bowie State University Launches Maryland's First Ph.D. in Nursing Education

Bowie State University has launched Maryland's first Ph.D. in Nursing Education, a historic milestone designed to help address the nationwide shortage of nursing faculty. The inaugural cohort will be welcomed in fall 2026.

"This marks a pivotal moment for Bowie State University and for nursing education nationwide," said Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State University. "The curriculum reflects our commitment to innovation, academic excellence and service. By expanding opportunities for advanced nursing scholarship and educator preparation, Bowie State is helping to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve health outcomes for generations to come."

The doctoral degree prepares experienced nurses for careers in academia, research and leadership through advanced coursework, original research, dissertation study and individualized mentorship. Graduates will be prepared to educate future nurses, advance nursing scholarship and help address increasingly complex health care challenges.

"This is truly a transformative achievement," said Dr. Monique Alston, chair of Bowie State's Department of Nursing. "Our success reflects years of vision, perseverance and a collective commitment to advancing nursing education. It is inspiring to see this important work come to fruition."

This degree supports Bowie State's mission of preparing diverse leaders and is grounded in principles of health equity, educational innovation and social responsibility. Students will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to educate nurses at every stage of their professional development while addressing the healthcare needs of diverse communities.

At a time when nursing schools across the country face faculty shortages that limit student enrollment, this effort will help expand the educator pipeline needed to prepare more nurses for practice and leadership roles.

The launch of the Ph.D. in Nursing Education builds on recent investments in Bowie State University's nursing programs. In June 2026, the university received more than $2.3 million in competitive state grants to expand nursing education capacity, enhance simulation training, support student success, strengthen faculty development and advance nursing education research. These investments will help increase enrollment, improve student outcomes and strengthen Maryland's nursing workforce pipeline.

"This accomplishment not only elevates our department and university but also positions us to shape nursing education across Maryland and beyond," Alston said. "Preparing the next generation of nursing leaders is both a responsibility and a privilege."

The achievement culminates years of planning and collaboration among Department of Nursing faculty, university leaders and academic partners. As Maryland's oldest Historically Black College/University (HBCU), Bowie State continues to expand opportunities that respond directly to workforce needs and strengthen communities through education.

Applications are being accepted for the inaugural fall 2026 cohort. Additional information is available at bowiestate.edu/nursing.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311