This is a social-historical study that focuses on the conditions relative to the production of the first dissertations of the Anna Nery Nursing School Master's Degree Program, prepared during the period of 1972 to 1975. Objectives: to describe the initial characteristics of EEAN Master's Degree Program; analyze the profile of the authors of this Program's first dissertations and their advisors; and discuss the insertion of these dissertations in the lines and areas of research in nursing. A documental analysis was accomplished and charts were prepared for the presentation of the results. Results: Nine of the twelve full-time students of the pioneer class submitted their dissertations prior to the final term, which was four years. Although eight of the Master's Degree students were teachers, approximately 90% of their dissertations are inserted in the Health Care Area, the focus of interest of their teaching practice. The EEAN Master's Degree Program has qualified professionals to teach in higher education nursing courses. The nine first dissertations produced during the program constitute an important contribution to the scientific production of the nursing area.
History of Nursing; Nursing Research; Education, Nursing; Graduate; Brazil
