OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the scientific production generated in graduate programs in Brazil, between 1994 and 2011. METHODS: Descriptive exploratory study using a quali-quantitative approach, consisting in the analysis of the quantitative processes of the production, dissemination and use of information, allowing to identify behaviors in literature and its evolution in a certain context and time, as well as the analysis of contents proposed by Bardin, as a systematic and objective analysis technique to describe the contents of the messages to characterize the scientific production. RESULTS: A total of 74 studies were identified, of which 85.14% (63) were academic dissertations, 8.1% (6) were professional dissertations and 6.76% (5) were theses. This production was more significant in the years of 2005 and 2009, with 10.80% (8) and 12.15% (9), respectively. The South and Southeast regions were the most productive, whereas there was a lack of studies in the North region. From the studies produced, 78.38% (58) approached the teaching-learning process, 12.16% (9) approached curriculum directives and 9.46% (7) administrative-management aspects of the schools. CONCLUSION: The scientific production in the period was identified and most of the theses were characterized as teaching-learning processes.
Education, professional; Education, nursing, graduate; Education, nursing, associate; Nursing education research; Education, nursing
