Bowie State University has launched Maryland’s first Ph.D. in Nursing Education, with applications now being accepted for the inaugural Fall 2026 cohort.
Nursing schools across the country continue to face faculty shortages that limit student enrollment and workforce growth, according to a university news release. Bowie State’s “historic” program aims to address the nationwide shortage of nursing educators by expanding the pipeline of qualified faculty needed to prepare future nurses for practice, leadership, and innovation.
“This is truly a transformative achievement,” said Dr. Monique Alston, chair of Bowie’s nursing department. “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.”
Through advanced coursework, original research, dissertation work, and personalized mentorship, students will develop the skills needed to educate the next generation of nurses, contribute to nursing scholarship, and address the evolving health care needs of diverse populations, the news release states.
“This accomplishment not only elevates our department and university but also positions us to shape nursing education across Maryland and beyond,” Alston added. “Preparing the next generation of nursing leaders is both a responsibility and a privilege.”
Bowie State’s President, Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, commented:
“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.”
Bowie State’s Nursing Program Prepares Students For Success
The launch of the Ph.D. in Nursing Education program reflects Bowie State University’s continued commitment to strengthening its nursing programs through strategic investments and academic advancements.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, 14 graduates from the HBCU’s December 2025 bachelor’s in nursing class recently achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The accomplishment places Bowie State among Maryland’s top-performing nursing programs.
The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and simulation-based learning to help students address healthcare disparities and improve patient outcomes, per a news release.
“This result reflects the rigor of our program and the unwavering commitment of our faculty to student success,” Alston said of the achievement. “Our graduates leave Bowie State with the knowledge, clinical experience, and confidence needed to succeed as professional nurses from the outset.”
Investments Expand Bowie State’s Nursing Education Pipeline
The university’s recent successes stem from a few significant financial investments.
In June 2026, the university received over $2.3 million in competitive state grants to expand nursing education capacity, enhance simulation resources, support student achievement, invest in faculty development, and advance research in nursing education, per a press release.
The university also received a $2.2 million grant from the Maryland Department of Nursing in July 2025, AFROTECH™ noted. The funding supports efforts to increase the number of nurse educators in the state by providing resources for 20 Ph.D. students over four years.
