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Graduate Programs PhD in Nursing

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in Kentucky.

The goal of the PhD Program is to prepare students to conduct clinical research that generates new knowledge applicable to nursing practice. A foundation of research and scholarship gained at the bachelor’s, master's, or DNP level is further enhanced at the PhD level. Our students are prepared to assume roles in a variety of research settings, from private industry and hospitals to top research-intensive nursing schools affiliated with major academic health centers. 

The PhD program has a hybrid delivery model.   Applicants to the program have the option to participate either in-person on campus (traditional format) or remotely via zoom (on-line format). Individuals select one format upon admission, but they are free to change formats each semester.  Students enrolled in the on-line format will participate in synchronous course offerings via zoom with the in-person students.

You can work with faculty who have a wide variety of research interests.  Invaluable mentoring by faculty members and collegial interactions among doctoral students support the development of nurse researchers.  Click each researchers' name at the bottom of this page for a video  from them about their research program.  Doctoral students have the opportunity to participate in faculty members' research programs, such as psychosocial and biobehavioral interventions for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, promoting self-management of chronic illnesses, mental health, rural health, genomics, peri-operative nursing, substance abuse, health services research, tobacco policy and smoking cessation, occupational health and safety, health disparities, health risks in pregnant women, and more.  

PhD Program Entry Points

Post-bsn and post-msn option.

For those who wish to build on their BSN degree to become active nurse researchers and contribute to the development of science that improves health outcomes. This option also includes those with an earned master's degree who desire to develop research skills that contribute to science, scholarship and improved health outcomes. 

Post DNP Option

Curriculum plans are customized for each individual based on a faculty review of completed DNP coursework as comparable to courses in the PhD Program.

All entry options also have part-time plans. Deadline for fall admission is Feb. 15. Admission decisions are made on a competitive basis. Applications received after Feb. 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.

Research Summaries

Click the researchers' name below to see a video from them about their research. These researchers are your potential mentors in the PhD program. 

With research as a central component of the College's mission, College faculty and students currently boast more than $40 million in its research portfolio as they produce groundbreaking knowledge in cardiovascular disease, tobacco control policy, diabetes, cancer, health disparities, maternal-child health, chronic pain, and mental health.

Read more about the College research initiatives. 

Apply for our PhD Program

• Fall semester admission: Feb. 15
• Spring semester admission: Oct. 15

PhD Admissions

Student Services : [email protected] 859-323-5108

315 College of Nursing Building 751 Rose Street University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40536-0232

The baccalaureate and DNP programs at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791

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Nursing (Ph.D.)

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Be among the next generation of nursing scholars, faculty, and researchers.

Ph.d. in nursing (45 credits).

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program will help you develop your ability to conduct research and provide leadership through scientific inquiry. Gain confidence in your role as a nurse researcher and scholar while building a strong foundation in theory development, nursing research methods, and approaches to the development of new knowledge to enhance relationships among clients and colleagues.

Optional nursing education credits available for those wishing to become nursing faculty and participate in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP).

Nurses with doctorate degrees are in high demand as our country’s population ages and increasingly complex global health nursing issues emerge. With our forward-thinking, patient-centered nursing education program, we prepare students to lead the way in nursing practice, research, and academia.

• Flexible and 100% online courses
• 3-year completion
• No GRE required
• Cohort model that promotes peer interaction and support
• Individualized advising
• Skilled mentoring for nursing doctoral dissertation writing

Program Requirements

Applicants to the doctorate degree in nursing program must have an active registered nurse license. They also must have a bachelor's and master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. To view additional program application requirements please see the “Curriculum” tab.

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Curriculum Requirements with optional Education Courses - Total Credits Required: 51

Curriculum requirements - total credits required: 45, required curriculum.

• NUR 701 - Philosophy of Science (Cr: 3)
• NUR 710 - Approaches to Nursing Knowledge and Theory Development: Deductive Process (Cr: 3)
• NUR 702 - Research Methods I: Qualitative (Cr: 3)
• NUR 705 - Knowledge Development in Nursing Science (Cr: 3)
• NUR 505 - Curriculum Design, Course Development, and Program Evaluation (Cr: 3) (Optional)
• NUR 735 - Research Methods II: Quantitative (Cr: 3)
• NUR 712 - Analysis and Evaluation of Theories of Nursing Practice, the Client -Nurse Relationship, and Client Phenomena (Cr: 3)
• NUR 714 - Measurement in Practice-Based Research (Cr: 3)
• NUR 752 - Research Methods III - Issues in Research (Cr: 3)
• NUR 565 - Teaching Methods: Principles of Teaching (Cr: 3) (Optional)

NUR XXX Elective/Cognate course - 3 cr. (S tudents will need elective approval from the Director of the Ph.D. in Nursing program)

• NUR 716 - Research Methods II: Qualitative (Cr: 3)
• NUR 720 - Advanced Statistical Methods (Cr: 3)
• NUR 750 - Emerging Roles: Nurse Scientist, Scholar and Leader (Cr: 3)
• NUR 755 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination (Cr: 0)

Year III-IV

• NUR 760 - Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation Advisement and Doctoral Seminar (Cr: 12)
• NUR 782 - Doctoral Dissertation and Review Paper Continuation (Cr: 0)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Incorporate mastery of knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to engage in activities that extend disciplinary knowledge as a scholar and researcher.
• Combine logical, critical and scientific thinking with ethical integrity in the design, conduct, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of nursing research.
• Integrate the philosophical foundations of knowledge into theory and research development that contributes to improving nursing care and practice.
• Select theories and research relevant to the care of diverse, ethnic and cultural populations.
• Collaborate and Communicate as a scholar within nursing and interdisciplinary community in the conduct and application of research.
• Pursue lifelong learning and ongoing personal development through excellence in scholarly activities within and beyond the discipline.
• Embraces the diversity of opportunities for career development, professional roles and disciplinary leadership as a nurse scientist, scholar, educator or mentor.

Ph.D. in Nursing at a Glance

Program features.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Join us in our pursuit of knowledge that will transform the nursing profession..

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We've all known the joy of helping a patient return to good health. It's a rewarding feeling. Now imagine the feeling of knowing the outcome of your work helped thousands of patients achieve their optimal health. That's the opportunity that exists for nurses who earn their PhD. 

It is estimated that of the nearly 2.7 million registered nurses in the United States today, fewer than 10 percent have an advanced degree and fewer than 1 percent have a PhD. With a PhD, you have the opportunity to contribute to the nursing and health care as a scientist and scholar. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing program at The Ohio State University College of Nursing provides you with the opportunity to transform healthcare and the nursing profession while studying alongside expert scholars .

In The Ohio State University College of Nursing PhD program, mentorship of students focuses on the development of skills in original research and the completion of a dissertation. The PhD program in the College of Nursing prepares nurse scientists to advance knowledge on health determinants, which includes the array of personal, biology, social, economic, and environmental factors that affect health, through transdisciplinary research and team science. Our program emphasizes collegial relationships between expert and developing scholars with regard to research, grant writing, and publications. Over the past three years, our students have had a 65 percent funding rate on all grant submissions, providing support for their research and education. 

The PhD program at the College of Nursing is a campus-based program. A full-time plan of study is available for nurses who have completed a BSN. Full-time and part-time plans of study are available for nurses who have completed a master’s degree. Post-BSN PhD students have an option to earn a master’s degree in nursing while also studying for the PhD. You may pursue a master’s degree affiliated with one of our available graduate specialties or pursue a master’s degree specializing in nursing science. Students do not have to earn a master’s degree to be awarded a PhD at The Ohio State University.

As a graduate of the PhD program, you will be able to:

• synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to develop and test theory that affects health
• conduct research that builds nursing science and theory
• develop and implement collaborative research projects with nurses and scholars from other disciplines
• promote the delivery of quality healthcare through leadership in practice and education

Upon conclusion of your studies, you will have developed expertise in conceptualizing, conducting and translating research relevant to health and wellness of patients, their families and communities.

Message from the Director

The Ohio State University College of Nursing is home to outstanding scholars and researchers offering students the opportunity to work alongside faculty who are shaping the future of nursing science and healthcare. Our PhD students are carefully selected and mentored resulting in graduates whose scholarly work continues to contribute to the scientific basis for nursing practice and to the overall advancement of science. 

To learn more about careers in nursing research, watch this panel discussion hosted by the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education (OITE).

Research Areas of Interest

The focus of the PhD program at the College of Nursing is the examination of the broad determinants of health and disease in individuals, families and communities, with the intent to develop and test interventions to improve health. Consistent with the biopsychosocial focus of our discipline and growing national emphasis on interdisciplinary research and translational health science, special attention is given to the interactions among mind, body and environments through interdisciplinary research studies. Individual student research is closely tied to faculty research , which encompasses the life span, supports health promotion in a variety of health care and community settings, includes wellness care and complex and critical illness care, risk reduction, and symptom management. Faculty integrate biological, psychological, behavioral, and social measures to study the dynamic processes underlying these phenomena and test innovative approaches to improve health and healthcare outcomes.

Research Centers of Excellence

In line with our research areas of interest, the College of Nursing Supports three Research Centers of Excellence, designed to support faculty and students in their research:

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Autumn 2024 Opens: August 15 Deadline: January 2, 2024

Students interested in being considered for a  Fellowship  or other available funding opportunities should have their completed application submitted by October 31, 2023.

[email protected]

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“The PhD program has completely changed the way I think about my role in healthcare. I am gaining the tools, skills, and resources needed to generate new knowledge to improve outcomes for underserved communities.”

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Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Learn about our commitment to social justice and health equality and anti-racism.

Academic Programs

Admissions at a glance.

Learn more about Admissions at Columbia Nursing, including important dates and deadlines, and how to apply to all of our programs. 

Research Centers and Programs

Research areas of focus.

Explore the research areas of focus conducted by our faculty, postdocs, and students.

Patient Care

Primary care services.

The ColumbiaDoctors Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Group, combines evidence-based practice with a personalized approach to provide quality care.

Global Health

Global opportunities for students.

Global opportunities for clinical practicum and research may be available for MDE and doctoral students at Columbia Nursing.

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of philosophy (phd), ignite your future with a columbia nursing phd.

The Columbia University School of Nursing PhD program is a full-time, research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurses for careers as nurse scientists who will conduct research across a broad range of populations and health conditions. Importantly, much of our research is focused on health disparity populations with the long-term goal of informing health policy and clinical practice across the lifespan.

Columbia Nursing provides three years (eight semesters) of funding for tuition, related fees, health insurance, and a stipend for full-time PhD students.

Program Design

Our PhD program provides students with an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing science and a strong foundation in research methods (design, statistics, measurement, quantitative and qualitative methods) for clinical, translational and health services research. All students are mentored by research advisors with active programs of research as they move toward independent research and assume the roles of doctorally prepared nurse scientists.  

As a Columbia Nursing PhD student, you will learn to:

• Design, conduct, and report multidisciplinary research studies that increase knowledge to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across the lifespan
• Advance the state of the science in a substantive area of research through application of innovative and rigorous methods
• Promote health and well-being for individuals and families in the context of their communities
• Provide leadership in improving the health care delivery system at local, national, and international levels
• Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and develop policies for delivery of health service
• Translate evidence accumulated through research into practice and policy at multiple levels

As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Columbia Nursing enjoys a unique collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, and the College of Dental Medicine. CUIMC provides myriad opportunities for interprofessional collaboration in research . 

The PhD curriculum builds on the foundation of nursing science by bringing together practice, policy, translational research, and leadership. The core courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct relevant and well-designed research studies. Electives strengthen an area of clinical interest or intensify understanding of a specific research or analytic method. 

Both post-master's and post-BSN students admitted to the program will complete a minimum of 57 credits. The curriculum plan is designed to make it possible to complete the program in three years for those students with clearly defined plans for their dissertation research.

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

• Theoretical foundations of nursing science
• Analytical foundations of nursing science
• Electives and application

Students must be registered as full-time for the duration of the program (typically three to four years). The minimum number of semester credits in required coursework is 37 (four semesters) for eligibility to progress to the qualifying exam. Six of the 37 credits required to be completed prior to the qualifying examination are elective courses tailored to the student’s dissertation topic and/or dissertation methods. The PhD program requires nine credits of elective courses. A minimum of 57 total credits is required for program completion. 

Concurrent with Coursework

• Research Experience (participating in faculty research projects and/or a research practicum)
• Research Faculty Training

Request a Sample Academic Program Plan

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination helped me to combine the content I learned in my courses and my research interests so I could further articulate my research question. Performing a scoping review on my topic of interest immersed me in the current literature and was crucial to the development of my dissertation. This experience prepared me to successfully work independently through the rest of my Ph.D.

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

In addition to coursework, students must successfully complete a qualifying examination with written and oral components. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded after successful completion of the qualifying examination and the student enters doctoral candidacy status.

Dissertation

Students are expected to successfully defend a dissertation reporting original research. Four dissertation credits are required each semester during the dissertation phase of study. 

Scholarship Expectations

My advisor and the Columbia Nursing faculty provided me exceptional guidance throughout the PhD program to extend my learning beyond the classroom with the goal of becoming an independent nurse scientist. I learned valuable skills and knowledge to successfully obtain a NIH-funded predoctoral training award, present research findings at local, regional, and national conferences, and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals with good impact factors.

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

• Publication: At least one manuscript published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
• Grantsmanship: At least one grant application submitted to an appropriate funding agency or organization.
• Presentation: At least one abstract submitted for presentation as a poster or oral presentation at an appropriate professional meeting.
• Networking: Student will attend at least one regional or national research meeting.

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

The coursework and research mentoring at Columbia Nursing helped prepare me for the next steps in my education and career post-PhD. In addition to structured coursework and educational seminars, the school provided beneficial informal support and resources. Feedback sessions with both peers and faculty were very helpful in preparing me to present posters and presentations at research conferences. The school also provided funds for travel to conferences where I presented my research. The grant writing workshop and mock reviews of grant applications provided me with tools and feedback needed to successfully apply for additional funding for my research. Finally, interdisciplinary research collaborations with faculty provided me with opportunities to work with researchers from several disciplines to complete my dissertation.

Melissa Beauchemin, PhD '19, MS '10, RN

PhD Student Handbook

The Columbia Nursing PhD student handbook provides information to aid doctoral students in planning coursework and proceeding through all phases of the program.

Request a PhD Student Handbook

What is it like to be a PhD student at Columbia Nursing?

Required courses (excluding electives).

Building upon the foundations provided in the quantitative and qualitative research method courses, in this course students examine advanced methods and frameworks frequently used in studying health policy, health services research problems and comparative effectiveness research. In addition to a critical review of the methods, the course examines the relationship among science, policy and healthcare delivery, and identifies critical questions shaping the future policy research agenda.

Interdisciplinary research is an approach to advancing scientific knowledge in which researchers from different disciplines work at the borders of those disciplines in order to address complex questions and problems. Successful interdisciplinary efforts require mastery of specific competencies. This seminar will introduce students to competencies in interdisciplinary research through a combination of readings, case studies, and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. It is intended to assist learners to understand why and how different professional disciplines must work together to generate and disseminate knowledge. We will examine: different conceptualizations of interdisciplinary; barriers to and facilitators of interdisciplinary research; approaches, benefits, and limitations of collaboration and team science; methods for measuring interdisciplinary collaboration; the intersection of translational and interdisciplinary scientific strategies; and individual researchers' experiences with and evaluations of their own interdisciplinary scientific projects. Learners will develop a set of skills to be effective members and leaders of interdisciplinary research teams.

The student works with a faculty member or other scientist who is conducting a research project. The specific nature of the experience depends on the nature and stage of the research, but might include search and review of relevant literature, data collection, data analysis and/or grant preparation.

This course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are associated with dissertation research.

This foundational course will examine the philosophy of nursing knowledge including foundations of nursing theory, concept development, and its application to research. Students will explore approaches to the analysis and development of concepts and the application of nursing concepts and frameworks to clinical practice and research. Ideas, assumptions, events, people, and writings are examined for their influence, inter-relationships, and significance to nursing. Types of reasoning will be evaluated within the context of nursing and health. Major theories, frameworks, and concepts of nursing and health and their implication for research will be discussed. The focus of the course will be on development of critical thinking skills in analyzing key elements of philosophies, concepts, and conceptual frameworks.

In this foundational course students will study the links between theory and the psychosocial and biophysical measures used in nursing research.  Students will employ the principles of classical test theory and item response theory to evaluate the reliability and validity of measurement.  Application of computational techniques will be covered in the lab portion of the course.  Course topics include types and uses of measures, item/scale development and validation, survey methods, reporting for publication, and the relationships between measurement and research ethics, cultural competency, and health disparities.

This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods and design. Research process topics examined include: appraisal of the quality of existing evidence; identification of gaps in the literature; formulation of researchable questions and testable hypotheses; types of research variables; sampling designs and power analyses; and the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of various experimental and quasi-experimental research designs.

This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative study designs and methods through a combination of theoretical discussion and hands-on practical experience. Topics include paradigm distinctions, theoretical perspectives, designs and methods, critique of research reports, and ethical issues in qualitative research.

The course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20 hours/week.

This course is intended to provide a hands-on introduction to delivering data visualizations to serve as a critical lens through which individual and population level health can be examined. The proposed course will combine concepts and theory in data visualization and exploration and practice to enable the student to gain the necessary knowledge to use graphics and statistics to explore the data, find and construct a narrative, and share findings in ways colleagues and decision-makes can readily understand and act upon.

This course is designed to provide the tools for the doctorally prepared nurse to evaluate, translate and integrate published research results into clinical practice. During the course, students will learn how to conceptualize clinical practice problems and transform them into answerable clinical research questions, how to search for the best clinical evidence, and how to assess clinical evidence using basic epidemiological, biostatistical and scientific principles. The course will culminate in a systematic review or meta-analysis of a body of research relevant to advanced practice nursing.

Total Credits:

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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

YOU ARE BOUVÉ

Advance the science of nursing through innovation and interdisciplinary inquiry .

The PhD in Nursing program at Northeastern University prepares future nurse-scientists to advance nursing through innovation and interdisciplinary inquiry to improve the health of individuals and communities. Graduates are expected to lead research initiatives that advance nursing science through knowledge development and interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry.

Students will study with nursing faculty who collectively have a variety of expertise and interests and whose research addresses questions that extend across a broad health spectrum.

In addition, students have an opportunity to study with faculty from other Northeastern departments, as well as with other Boston-area researchers. This collaboration allows students to work across disciplines and to access populations and sites essential for completing a dissertation

Degree: Nursing PhD Application deadline: June 1 GRE: Required Study options: Full-time/part-time

Video: Chelsea Kirker, MSN, CRNA describes why she is doing a PhD at Northeastern

Chelsea Kirker, MSN, CRNA describes why she is doing a PhD at Northeastern

Post-master’s students  (also referred to as Advanced Entry)  will build on their prior degrees and clinical foundations by completing  48 semester hours , including the dissertation. 

Post-baccalaureate  students will complete  60 semester hours , including the dissertation.

On a full-time basis, students entering with a master’s degree can expect to commit a  minimum of three years  to completing the program; if entering with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of four years. Both full- and part-time options are available to all students. Course descriptions can be found in the PhD Handbook.

Graduates are expected to lead multidisciplinary research initiatives that advance nursing and health care through knowledge development and interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry. Students will work with nursing faculty whose research address innovative questions that seek to advance knowledge for improvement of care. In addition, students will have an opportunity to collaborate with faculty across the broader Northeastern University community in addition to Boston area research and healthcare institutions. This collaboration allows students to work across disciplines and to access populations and research sites essential to the success of their original dissertation study.

The Baccalaureate, Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Northeastern University School of Nursing are accredited by the  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ,  655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791

Handbooks and Manuals

Sample curriculum.

Sample curriculum, subject to change.

Prerequisites

Both post-BSN and post-MSN students are expected to show satisfactory completion of a basic statistics course . Note:  Post-BSN students will be required to take an epidemiology course as part of their PhD coursework.

Full-time Sample Curriculum

Research core.

8 courses, 3 credits each unless otherwise noted — 22 credits

NRSG 7700  Science of Nursing

NRSG 7705  Theoretical and Conceptual Foundations in Nursing Science

NRSG 7709  Qualitative Research Methods

NRSG 7712  Quantitative Research Methods

NRSG 7715  Measurement in Clinical Research

NRSG 7750  Health Care of Urban Populations

NRSG 7770  Research Colloquium (1 credit)

NRSG 7755  Intervention Research: Development, Implementation, and Evaluation

Research Practicum

2 courses, 1-4 credits each · 6 credits

NRSG 9984 Students are required to complete 6 credits of supervised research practicum with a seasoned researcher. The purpose of the practicum is to develop student research skills through engagement with an active research project. Students must have a viable MA RN license. Research practicum activities vary and may include any or all of the following aspects of the research process:

• Assisting/conducting critical literature reviews
• Developing proposals
• Developing human subjects guidelines
• Recruiting and consenting participants
• Collecting data
• Managing data
• Analyzing data
• Developing presentations
• Writing scholarly research paper(s)

Post-Bac Required Courses

In addition, post-baccalaureate students are required to take:

NRSG 5121  Epidemiology and Population Health

NRSG 7104  Foundations in Nursing Research (3

2 Elective Courses (6 credits)

Electives may be taken in nursing or in an area related to the student’s dissertation research, including appropriate methodology and statistics courses.

2 courses, 3 credits each · 6 credits

Cognates are courses that are taken outside the School of Nursing and should provide depth and breadth to the student’s phenomenon of interest.

PHTH 5210  Biostatistics

PHTH 6210  Applied Regression Analysis

Dissertation

4 courses, 3 credits each unless otherwise noted · 8 credits total

NRSG 9845  Dissertation Seminar 1

NRSG 9846  Dissertation Seminar 2

NRSG 9990/9991  Dissertation

Admissions Requirements

*Note: A Massachusetts RN license is required by matriculation in the PhD program in order to do the research practicum component of the program. If you are a registered nurse, you may enter the PhD program after completing a baccalaureate or a master’s degree. A degree in nursing is preferred.

To apply to the PhD in Nursing you will need the following:

Current U.S. RN License *

Minimum GPA of 3.0

Official transcript(s) of ALL college-level study-to-date resume

Personal statement  indicating applicant’s personal goals for obtaining a DNP and expectations of the program

A minimum GRE of 300 or equivalent  for the verbal and quantitative combined, should be taken within the last five years

Three letters of recommendation  that address your potential in a career in nursing research

Satisfactory completion of a basic statistics course

Personal Statement   describing your goals, your reason for pursuing a PhD in nursing and your research area of interest

For international applicants  TOEFL scores or IELTS scores

Got questions?

Amanda Choflet, DNP, RN, NEA-BC 617-373-3488 [email protected]

Graduate Admissions 617-373-2708

Past PhD Dissertation Topics

Utilization of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Postoperative Pain in Anesthesia Chris Gill

Understanding college students’ motivations for the use and discontinued use of fitness related technology in relation to their physical activity behaviors Jessica Wallar

Experiences of School Nurses Caring for Newly Arrived Immigrant and Refugee Children Jacqueline Brady

An Exploration of the Influence of Stigma and Trauma in the Illness Representations of those Veterans who Decided to Initiate Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus Casey Garvey

Toward an Understanding of Suicidal Ideation Among Career Firefighters Elizabeth Henderson

Mold Exposure Levels in Inner-City Schools and Homes: An Examination of the Relationship Between Fungal Exposure and the Prevalence Rate of Asthmatic Symptoms Among Children Ages 5 to 15 Evin Howard

New-onset Delirium among Elderly Acute Care Orthopedic Trauma Patients: Sleep Disturbance and Nutritional Status as Modifiable Risk Factors Susan Maher

Stress, Resilience and Reintigration Among Post-9/11 US Veterans: A Holistic Investigation Anna Etchin

Exploring the Issues of HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis and Sexually Assaulted Individuals Meredith Scannell

Charting the Path from Diagnosis to Treatment: A Grounded Theory Study of Ovarian Cancer Rachel Pozzar

Frequently Asked Quesions

What’s the difference between the dnp and phd programs.

Northeastern offers two different doctoral degrees in nursing: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The PhD is a research-oriented degree, while the DNP is practice-oriented. Nurses interested in leadership might be interested in the DNP, whereas those interested in becoming nurse scientists would be a good fit for the PhD program.

What financial support is available for students?

A select number of competitive Graduate Assistantships are available for doctoral students. Graduate Assistantships cover tuition and include a stipend in exchange for working 20 hours/week as a research or teaching assistant.

NOTE: Graduate Assistantships are awarded each academic year.

Can I transfer credits towards the program ?

You may be able to transfer in up to 9 credits that have not been previously used towards another degree and were taken at the graduate level for a grade of B or better. Students must receive approval from the program director prior to transferring courses and must be enrolled in the program in order to begin the transfer process.

More information about Northeastern University’s transfer policy can be found in the  Bouve Transfer Policy.

Can I attend the program on a part-time basis ?

Full-time or part-time enrollment is available. Students who attend full-time complete the degree in five continuous semesters (21 months).

Students who attend part-time usually complete the degree in three years . Students must consult with the financial aid office to assure PT status is acceptable for loan eligibility . All students (full-time or part-time) must take the NRSG7100 Leadership in Advanced Nursing Practice course as the first course which is offered in the Fall.

Can I speak with faculty in the PhD program that share my research interests ?

Yes, we would be happy to put you in touch with our faculty. Please send your query along with a description of research interests so that you can be appropriately matched to:

Dr. Rhonda Board Program Director [email protected]

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PhD Admissions

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing from a U.S. program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or an international program with commensurate standards is required for admission to the PhD Program in Nursing.

Post-baccalaureate Students

Applicants with a baccalaureate degree in nursing must demonstrate exceptional academic qualifications, have clear research-oriented career goals, and choose a dissertation topic congruent with the research program of a Graduate Faculty member in the School of Nursing. Applicants with baccalaureate degrees must complete a nursing research and a graduate-level statistics course.

Applying for Admission

The following admission materials must be submitted online to the  Duke University Graduate School . Prospective applicants should familiarize themselves with the Graduate School requirements.

Official, confidential transcript(s) of all college-level coursework.

Optional GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores - Applicants can submit GRE scores should they feel the scores enhance their application. [Taken within the past 5 years]. For a free online GRE guide, see  http://www.greguide.com / . For free online GRE practice tests, see  http://www.greguide.com/gre-practice-tests.html . Or visit Go Grad for the GRE Guidebook .

Three letters of recommendation. These letters should be solicited from individuals with doctoral degrees who can address the applicant’s academic abilities and potential for doctoral study.

English language proficiency test scores. Foreign graduates must submit either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International Language Testing System (IELTS) accepted, but IELTS is preferred.

Personal Statement. Applicants should submit a paper (1 - 2 typed pages, 12-point font, single-spaced) indicating:

Purposes and objectives for undertaking graduate study

Research interests and career goals

Strengths and weaknesses in the chosen field

A description of a prior research project or research participation and how this has influenced career choice and desire to pursue graduate studies

Reasons for choosing Duke for PhD studies

Name(s) of PhD Nursing faculty members in the School whose research program most closely fits with the applicant’s research interests.

The application and the $95 application fee must be received by December 1.

Holistic Admissions

The Duke University School of Nursing PhD Program is committed to holistic admissions. A holistic review is a university admissions strategy that assesses an applicant’s unique experiences alongside traditional measures of academic achievement such as grades and test scores. It is designed to help universities consider a broad range of factors reflecting the applicant’s academic readiness, contribution to the incoming class, and potential for success both in school and later as a professional.

Holistic review, when used in combination with a variety of other mission-based practices, constitutes a holistic admission process. Many colleges and universities have employed a holistic admission process to assemble a diverse class of students with the background, qualities, and skills needed for success in the profession.

As part of the Duke University School of Nursing PhD Program holistic review process, faculty review principles of holistic admissions prior to reviewing applications. The PhD Program Admissions Committee utilizes an adapted version of the Duke University Center for Exemplary Mentoring holistic admissions review rubric to guide the evaluation of each applicant.

Personal Interview

Applicants may be asked to interview by Zoom or come to campus for an interview. The School covers the costs for campus interview travel except for international travel. International applicants are interviewed via Zoom.

Duke University's Annual Clery Security Report as Mandated by Federal Statute 20 USC § 1092

The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report include institutional policies concerning campus safety and security, as well as statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on Duke University property and on public property adjacent to campus and fires that have occurred in residence halls. A copy of this Report can be obtained by contacting the Duke Police Department at 684-4602 or writing to 502 Oregon Street, Durham, NC 27708, or by accessing:  duke.edu/police/news_stats/clery

Technology Requirements

Learn more on recommended computer specifications and Duke Office of Information Technology-supported software here .

Students with Disabilities: Duke University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please get in touch with the Duke Student Disability Access Office  in advance of your participation or visit.

Nursing License

Students must hold a valid current nursing license in a U.S. state, preferably North Carolina. To obtain information about nurse licensure procedures for the State of North Carolina, consult the  Licensure/Listing Page of the North Carolina Board of Nursing website , or telephone the North Carolina Board of Nursing at (919) 782-3211. Exceptions to holding a U.S state nursing license for international students can be waived by the PhD Program Director.

All PhD in Nursing applicants are required to have a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or an international nursing program with commensurate standards.

Applicants are expected to have completed a graduate-level statistics course prior to starting the program. This course must have been completed within the last 5 years.

PhD in Nursing

Join a community of scholars working to support and improve health, equity, and social justice..

The UMass Amherst PhD in Nursing prepares nurse researchers, scholars and educators who will:

• Advance nursing knowledge to support and improve health, equity, and social justice
• Synthesize knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to address complex health challenges, transform structural inequities, and to imagine and co-create new futures
• Provide visionary and inclusive leadership for nursing research and innovation and by extension, to transform nursing practice, education, technologies, communities, health systems, and policy

As a Nursing PhD student, you will augment your previous nursing education and experience through rigorous courses in nursing, theory, research methods, statistics, and more. You will also complete a mentored research experience, a comprehensive examination, and a dissertation. 

Application Deadlines

The priority application deadline is December 1, 2023 for admission in fall 2024. Applications received by this deadline can expect an admission decision by early January 2024. Apply through the UMass Amherst Graduate School .

For more information, contact kayotte [at] nursing [dot] umass [dot] edu (Karen Ayotte) .

Related offerings

Students interested in our PhD in Nursing may also be interested in these other offerings.

• Online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Master's Online Certificate

Featured faculty

Rae k. walker.

Rae is a nurse inventor and directs the PhD Program. Their scholarship focuses on critical evaluation of implications of AI, tech ethics and responsible design.

Application information & deadlines

To apply to the PhD in Nursing program, visit the Graduate School page.

Fall Admission

December 15, 2023.

Applications will be considered year-round based on placement availability.

UMass Amherst's Nursing programs prepare culturally proficient nurses and health leaders for a global society. 

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Elaine Marieb College of Nursing are accredited by the  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education , 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The baccalaureate degree program is fully approved by the  Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing . The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the  New England Commission of Higher Education  (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education) of the  New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) .

Read the  full accreditation details .

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PhD in Nursing

A phd in nursing for the future of health care.

Are you a nursing professional looking to make a larger impact on your profession? Maybe you’ve just graduated with your BSN and are interested in focusing on the theoretical and research-oriented side of nursing. Whatever your background, earning a PhD in Nursing from East Carolina University will give you the advanced research skills and philosophical knowledge to influence national, system-level change in health care and public health policy.

A nursing PhD program designed with you in mind

Whether you’re a working professional or a recent graduate who wants to join one of the top nursing PhD programs in the country without relocating, our 100% online PhD in nursing program lets you create a course of study that works with your life and work schedule without sacrificing practical experience.

When you join our nursing PhD program, you’ll enjoy the flexibility and freedom of fully online courses and hands-on learning during annual on-campus immersion experiences in your first and second years.

No GMAT or GRE required

A Top 10 online Nursing School

Fully online program

Why earn a Nursing PhD at ECU?

You’re probably asking, “What is a PhD in nursing?” Well, earning a PhD in Nursing lets you go beyond patient care settings to study the discipline of nursing from a theoretical perspective. You will dive into articles and literature written by researchers who survey the field of nursing and propose possible improvements or paths for the future. As one of the top-ranked online schools for nursing in the country — according to U.S. News and World Report — we give you the resources, support, and real-world experience to make lasting impacts on the world of health care.

Experienced faculty

Take advantage of our small class sizes to work closely with distinguished faculty mentors who have decades of experience as nurses, nurse educators, advanced practice registered nurses, and researchers. Courses are carefully designed to allow the flexibility of online delivery while providing opportunities for real-world practice through directed research and research practicums in your community.

Experiential learning

In addition to the integrated research projects in your courses, you’ll also get to travel to campus during summer for immersion sessions consisting of several days on campus. Not only will you get access to the cutting-edge resources and classrooms on campus, but you’ll also get to meet and spend one-on-one time with your professors and peers.

Commitment to social good

We at ECU pride ourselves on our values and dedication to fostering inclusion, diversity, and equity. Earning our PhD in Nursing will let you continue that mission as you influence and inspire others in health care to adopt new, socially conscious strategies and methods for caring for patients of all backgrounds.

Courses you will take in the nursing PhD program

What is a PhD in nursing without expertly created courses that prepare you to apply the latest theories to real-world settings? When you join the PhD in nursing program at ECU, you’ll benefit from several degree options, depending on your educational and professional background.

If you are coming into the nursing PhD program directly from a BSN program, you get to choose between two pathways that each blend doctoral curriculum with an MSN concentration that aligns with your professional goals. Choose either a nursing education concentration for a path to higher education or a health systems leadership concentration to take on more managerial and executive roles in health care.

Depending on your concentration, some of the courses you’ll take as you earn your Nursing PhD might include:

• Education Concepts, Theories, and Strategies in Nursing
• Nursing Philosophy and Knowledge Development
• State of the Science

View PhD in nursing program paths and curriculum

Hear from our nursing PhD program students

“I was afforded opportunities to develop leadership skills through campus organizations, engage in various research activities through a research assistantship, educate the next generation of nurses by teaching an OB simulation for baccalaureate students, and collaborate with students in my cohort for enrichment and support. I was mentored by wonderful faculty members who invested in me, genuinely cared about my well-being and success, and prepared me for my next steps.”

– Taylor Nelson Richardson, PhD, RN ‘22

What can you do with your PhD in Nursing?

You may still be wondering, “What is a PhD in nursing and what can I do with it?” Briefly put, graduating from ECU’s nursing PhD program will let you take an active role in helping nurses assist patients efficiently and caringly. You will have the skills and knowledge to go into higher education or take on leadership positions in hospitals and other healthcare institutions.

Achieve your career goals with ECU’s PhD in nursing program

By the time you graduate with your PhD in Nursing from ECU, you will have advanced mastery of essential skills to start making impacts on nursing and public health policy. You will also be qualified to:

• Teach nursing in higher education
• Increase your salary potential in your current job
• Begin an exciting career as a scholar and researcher
• Take on more responsibilities in your current organization or community

Where are Nursing PhD graduates working?

The expertise and experience our students gain at ECU help them to stand out from other job candidates and find the rewarding careers they desire. Past graduates work as:

• Military nurse leaders
• Deans of nursing programs
• Nursing program directors
• Directors of advanced clinical practice

Professional nurse researchers earn an average annual salary of $81,500, according to PayScale.com .

Nursing instructors and teachers in colleges and universities earn an average annual salary of $83,340, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

With a PhD in Nursing from ECU, you will also enjoy great job security, since the BLS predicts that health care will remain one of the fastest growing career fields in the country.

Get started on your Nursing PhD

Take the next step toward earning your Nursing PhD. Still asking, “What is a PhD in Nursing at ECU?” Want to learn more about how our PhD in nursing program prepares you to change the direction of health care? We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.

Degree programs related to our nursing PhD program

If you are interested in a clinical or professional doctorate, you may be interested in learning more about our Doctor of Nursing Practice programs .

College of Nursing: PhD in Nursing

• College of Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing

Learning Outcomes

Minimum degree requirements, core curriculum, focus areas (15 credits), completion of the doctoral capstone, residency requirements, course sequence.

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

• Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Nurse Executive
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Informatics
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care
• Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Website  

The PhD in Nursing program prepares nursing professionals for advanced careers in nursing research, practice, and education. With a focus on readying students to contribute to nursing science, advance knowledge in nursing practice, and improve healthcare services, practices, and policies, course topics include: research methods, theoretical and scientific perspectives in nursing, strengthen scholarly writing skills, enhance critical analysis of the literature advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research design; quality improvement systems and leadership which culminates in the dissertation. The doctoral dissertation enables students to conduct and publish original research that contributes to the body of knowledge in their chosen specialty. Based on their educational and career goals, students will choose from among five focus areas: Nursing Education, Healthcare Administration, Interdisciplinary Health, Leadership, and Population Health.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to:

• Conduct research to generate findings that advance the knowledge and practice of nursing.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in research design and methodology to address social problems and needs.
• Engage in scientific inquiry that advances the knowledge base of research and practice in the profession.
• Evaluate the role of research and scholarship in the field of nursing in relation to its role in improving health interventions and advancing the development of related theory.
• Demonstrate leadership by generating new knowledge that promotes positive social change and addresses the social determinants of health.
• Contribute to the science of nursing through social change and social policy initiatives.
• Apply ethical decision making and values to the profession.
• Advocate for policies and programs that improve health outcomes by addressing the social determinants of health among culturally diverse populations.
• Demonstrate professional communication that supports the discipline and practice of nursing.
• Demonstrate the ability to act as a role model and mentor to others who wish to pursue the profession (stewardship).

The PhD in Nursing offers three entry options: BSN-PhD, Master's-PhD, and DNP to PhD Bridge Option. See specialization pages for details on minimum required credits by specialization and entry option.

• Foundation course (1 credits)
• Core courses (45 credits or 20 credits, depending upon BSN-PhD or Master's-PhD/DNP Bridge entry option)
• Research courses (20 credits)
• Doctoral Seminar (5 quarter credits)
• Focus area courses (15 credits)
• Dissertation (minimum 20 quarter credits, taken continuously until completion of the dissertation)
• Doctoral Writing Assessment (0 credits)
• Four PhD residencies

BSN-PhD entry:  This entry option is for registered nurses (RN) who have earned their bachelor’s in nursing degree.

Master's-PhD entry:  This entry option is for registered nurses (RN) who have earned their master’s in nursing degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in a business or non-nursing health related field.

DNP-PhD entry:  This entry option is for registered nurses (RN) who have earned their doctor of nursing practice degree.

Foundation Course (1 credits)

Core courses (45 credits or 20 credits), bsn-phd entry students take 45 credits of core courses. see each focus area for msn level core course information..

20 credits of MSN level core courses based on the focus area

• Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Master's-PhD and DNP Bridge entry students take 20 credits of core courses.

Research courses (20 credits), foundation research courses (15 credits), advanced research course (5 credits).

• Students may take this a non-degree course.

Doctoral Seminar (5 credits)

See each focus area for course information.

Bridge Option for Students With a DNP

Focus area in healthcare administration, focus area in interdisciplinary health focus, focus area in leadership, focus area in nursing education, focus area in population health.

Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

• Complete Residency 1 as soon as you begin your program ; required in order to advance into RSCH 8110.
• Complete Residency 2 prior to entering NURS 8750.
• Complete Residency 3 prior to entering NURS 9000.
• Residency 4 General  (RESI 8404) OR
• Residency 4 Proposal Writing  (RESI 8404Q) OR
• Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative  (RESI 8404R) OR
• Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative  (RESI 8404S) OR
• Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting  (RESI 8404T) OR
• a  dissertation intensive  (DRWI 8500). Contact Student Success Advising to register. 
• Optional:  Complete a PhD  dissertation intensive  retreat (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation (in lieu of residency 4). Contact Student Success Advising to register.
• BSN-PhD Entry
• Master's-PhD Entry

Bridge Option for Students with a DNP

Bsn-phd entry course sequence.

The BSN-PhD entry course sequence is as follows.

Master's-PhD Entry Course Sequence

The Master's-PhD entry course sequence is as follows.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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Florida State University

FSU | College of Nursing

College of Nursing

Doctor of philosophy in nursing (ph.d.).

We appreciate your looking at the FSU College of Nursing’s Ph.D. program. We will be recruiting our second class beginning in the fall of 2024. We established the program to address the profound shortages of nurse scientists and nursing faculty. Our program is heavily focused on health disparities and efforts to address them through thoughtful interventions tailored to the needs of the vulnerable. We will open our admission window this fall. We will be doing rolling admissions. This means that once your materials are complete, we will provide an admissions decision within two weeks. We have limited places in the program, so please apply as early as possible.

If you would like more information, please contact me. I am happy to answer e-mails or even schedule individual or group Zoom calls.

Jim Whyte, Ph.D., ND, FNAP, FAAN Professor Director of PhD in Nursing Science

The Florida State University College of Nursing, Ph.D. program is a research-intensive doctoral program that prepares nurses for careers as nurse scientists to conduct research; contribute to disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge in nursing and healthcare; and disseminate research findings through scholarly publications and presentations. 

Why Choose a Ph.D. in Nursing from Florida State University?

The Florida State University is a Carnegie Very High Research Activity Tier 1 University. Our faculty are world-renowned experts in evidence-based research practices and dissemination of scholarly works. Our aim is to develop the next generation of nurse scientists within research, practice, and education settings. Our students are provided access to cutting-edge facilities and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with noted researchers throughout Florida State University. With a Ph.D. in Nursing from FSU, you'll build the skills to develop and implement a scientific research program and launch your career.

Degree Requirements

Standard admissions.

1)    A Bachelor of Science degree in nursing with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5.   2)    MSN/ DNP with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. All transfer courses require a grade of B or greater. Students will complete, in collaboration with their Major Professor, a plan of study. As the Ph.D. in Nursing exceeds the 32-credit threshold, courses may be applied to the study plan as appropriate (e.g. courses are either duplicated in the required courses delineated in the curricular plan, or directly support the area of study selected for the Ph.D.). These courses may not have been used to meet the requirements for another FSU degree. Students must complete the majority of course work at FSU (51%). The Ph.D. committee will approve each student’s plan of study including transfer credit. Further, all changes to the study plan will be approved in a similar manner. 3)    There will be no GRE/GMAT requirement. A GRE waiver application is pending with the Graduate School/GPC. 4)    Eligibility for licensure in Florida. Unencumbered RN licensure prior to candidacy. 5)    Evidence of writing skill based on the applicant’s admission essay reflecting on the student’s reasons for seeking a Ph.D. in Nursing and their associated aspirations related to contributions to nursing science. 6)    Evidence of skill in oral communication based on interview by the potential Major Professor and Ph.D. committee. 7)    Three professional letters of reference which reflect on the applicant’s potential for a career as a Nurse Scientist..

* GRE/MAT Waiver Criteria

The GRE requirement will be waived for outstanding applicants meeting ONE of the following criteria:

-A completed master’s degree with a 3.0 or better GPA from an accredited institution.

-A completed BSN (60 hours of nursing or RN to BSN courses) with a 3.5 GPA from an accredited institution.

GRE/MAT waiver request form

Applicants must provide evidence to satisfy the criteria being applied.  

Applicants with a competitive GRE or MAT score will still be able to apply to the program and will not be held to these additional criteria.

For those accredited institutions that are competency-based (no GPA assigned) the applicant must submit a GRE/MAT score.

International Students (F-1 Visa Holders)

While this is an online program, international students may enroll with the following additional requirements to meet the statutory requirements of their visa:   1)    International students from non-English speaking countries require an Internet based Test of English as a Foreign Language (IBTOEFL): 100. Paper based TOEFL: 550. International English Language Testing (IELTS) with a score of 7 is acceptable as well. 2)    While this is an on-line program, international students must meet the following face-to-face requirements for immigration purposes (F-1 Visa). For fall and spring semesters students must enroll in a minimum of 6 hours of face-to-face course work. There is no summer requirement, However, all students must enroll in a minimum of 2 credits during the final semester. 3)    J-1 Visa holders are not eligible for on-line classes.

 Apply Today!

  Deadline to apply for fall consideration is July 1st

Learning Outcomes

Research and Knowledge

⦁    Integrate nursing and other healthcare theories into the student’s program of research. ⦁    Conduct original research ⦁    Critique and integrate different scientific perspectives in the conduct of original research ⦁    Lead research teams and participate in team science in collaboration with other disciplines.

Health Policy

⦁    Generate and disseminate knowledge and theory relevant to health policy ⦁    State the influence of politics and policy on knowledge generation

⦁    Apply the history and philosophy of science during the development of research deliverables. ⦁    Structure research deliverables that include the evolving nature of the nursing discipline ⦁    Utilize professional and research ethics and judgment in the conduct of research

Dissemination and Grantsmanship

• Communicate research through publications and presentations for professional, interdisciplinary, and lay audience

Summer Intensives 

Summer intensive sessions require in-person visits to Florida State University College of Nursing main campus located in Tallahassee, Florida. Each will span 5 days and will include extensive class work, presentations and opportunities for direct faculty and student contact.   1)    Year-1: This session will center around the course entitled “Literature Synthesis for Nursing Science”. The goal will be that students will receive classroom sessions and direct interactions with faculty to facilitate their compilation of the beginning stages of the literature review that will eventually support the dissertation. 2)    Year-2: This session will focus on the course entitled “Preliminary Exam Preparation”. During this intensive session students will receive classroom sessions and guided faculty support as they prepare for their preliminary examination. 3)    Year-3: This session will be centered around a minimum of two dissertation hours. During this session, students will present their prospectus for the dissertation to their committee and student colleagues. This is meant to be a formal presentation but will be attended by all of the students to build a sense of academic community and facilitate academic engagement.

Ph.D. in Nursing Plan of Study

James Whyte IV, ND, Ph.D., FNAP, FAAN PhD Program Coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: (850) 644-5359

College of Nursing Vivian M. Duxbury Hall 98 Varsity Way Tallahassee, FL 32306-4310   Map

  (850) 644-3296 Undergraduate:  [email protected]  

Graduate: [email protected]  

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PhD in Nursing

Program overview, admission requirements, student success.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program prepares nurse scientists who are able to meet population health needs. The foremost mission of the PhD program is to develop nurse scientists. To achieve this mission, we provide a supportive interdisciplinary environment and world-class resources where future nurse scientists can learn and grow. Students and faculty engage collaboratively to conduct and disseminate scholarly research that improves human health outcomes and nursing practice.

A PhD degree opens doors and broadens horizons. There are PhD prepared nurses who teach at the college level, conduct highly innovative research, evaluate programs, lead healthcare organizations, author books, and work for government agencies to lead research and help define policies. If you want to know more about all of the exciting nursing research in the world, please see the National Institutes of Nursing Research (NINR) .

Program Outcomes

• Synthesize theoretical and empirical health-related knowledge from nursing and other disciplines.
• Analyze local, national, and global social, economic, environmental, ethical, cultural, and health care issues and policies related to a program of research.
• Evaluate resources and strategic health priorities to advance a program of research
• Conduct responsible original health-related research.
• Demonstrate evidence-based leadership and teaching.
• Disseminate health-related knowledge developed from original research.

Research Interests

Learn about our Nursing Research Programs

Students are required to have each semester’s planned program approved by the Graduate Advisor prior to registration. A minimum of 45 semester hours is required for the degree. Please visit the  graduate catalog for more information. 

Basic admission requirements must be met before a student can be accepted.  Prospective students must apply to the university through the Office of Admissions ,  pay the application fee , and s ubmit official transcripts  to the  UT Arlington’s Graduate Admission’s Office .  The Graduate Admission’s Office is also responsible for calculating the admission GPA. All steps necessary to complete an application (i.e. submitting transcripts, paying fees) must be completed prior to progressing in the application process.

Prospective students should review of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) graduate program specific requirements. A CONHI Graduate Academic Advisor will review the application file for nursing specific requirements. Specific program requirements can be found in the  University Catalog - Nursing, Graduate Programs .

Applicants  must have a w ritten statement of goals. See guidelines and instructions . Once complete, submit to [email protected] .  Once initial admission criteria are met, applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview .

If accepted,  applicants  will receive an acceptance form that must be signed and returned. If denied,  applicants have  the option to appeal the decision. Once the acceptance form has been completed and returned, an official email notification will be sent from the University  to the student’s personal email.

Note: Some graduate programs have required courses and events scheduled on Saturdays. Please consult with the director of the program you are interested in, before applying for admission.

Nursing License Verification

Students are required to provide verification of an unencumbered license for acceptance into the Nursing program. The College of Nursing and Health Innovation uses NURSYS, a national database, to verify student license credentials. The NURSYS licensure and disciplinary database is the repository of the data provided directly from the Nursing Commission to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN) and is primary source equivalent. To learn more about NURSYS, please click or tap here .

To assist in expeditiously verifying your credentials, please ensure your information is available in this database.

We also encourage you to sign up for NURSYS e-notify . As a nurse you will enjoy receiving license expiration reminders, status updates to your license, and tracking your nurse license verifications for endorsement. Visit the link above to learn more about the benefits of e-notify.

While University faculty and staff members give students academic advice and assistance, each student is expected to take responsibility for his or her education and personal development. The student must know and abide by the academic and disciplinary policies given in the catalog  and  PhD  handbook , including rules governing quantity of work, the standard of work required to continue in the University, scholastic  probation  and dismissal, and enforced withdrawal .

Students will not be relieved of their responsibility to know the policies,  deadlines  and rules of the University on the grounds that they were not told. If students have questions regarding  policies , it is the University’s expectation that the student will consult his/her academic advisor for guidance and resolution.

All students are expected to be familiar with the following sources of information.

PhD Student Handbook

Graduate Nursing Student Complaint and Grievance Procedures

Course Load

Graduate nursing education requires students to have dedicated time to devote to studying, completing assignments, preparing for, and completing clinicals and other course work. Students are encouraged to consider their work schedules and commitments considering the demands of the  PhD  program and adjust accordingly. Commitments which compete with graduate study may result in suboptimal academic performance and place the student in academic jeopardy.

Study Time Recommendations

In general, for every-one graduate nursing semester credit hour of enrollment a student should allocate 5 hours of study time outside of class. For example, a 3 semester credit hours course, may reasonably require 15 hours of work, outside of class, plus anytime needed to complete clinicals.

Employment Recommendations

Students are encouraged to evaluate their energy level, familial and personal obligations, and school commitments before starting their degree program. 

Student Responsibilities

As a PhD student , you are expected to work at an academic, scholarly, and ethical level that is becoming of a member of the academic community. You must provide the initiative and determination needed to see your course of study and research agenda through to its successful conclusion, utilizing the resources that are  available to you. You must identify and work towards your goals, provide feedback to and communicate with the people who are partnering with you as you work towards your PhD.

Some key characteristics of all successful PhD students irrespective of their areas of study  are:  effective utilization of time, actively searching the literature, regular writing habits, looking at research problems as new opportunities, and developing solutions to problems and discussing these solutions with the advisor. Success is within your grasp if you put in the effort to achieve.

PhD Frequently Asked Questions — College of Nursing and Health Innovation — The University of Texas at Arlington

Students seeking financial aid assistance, should contact the  Financial Aid ,  Scholarships  and  MAV  ScholarShop  resources.

Academic Calendar

Students should review the  academic calendar  prior to enrolling  and prepare accordingly. 

Our dedicated faculty make every effort to assist students in meeting their academic goals across a wide variety of subject areas.

UTA CONHI is unique among many comparable universities for the remarkable amount of resources dedicated to student success. Learn more about our offerings on help with courses and writing/speaking.

Research Advisor

Our PhD education is predicated on a strong mentoring relationship between the student and faculty throughout the curriculum. Your work at UTA will be guided by a research advisor and a supervisory committee. The Research Advisor, a faculty member in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, provides guidance to the student, helping them navigate through the process of coursework, comps, and the dissertation, which includes the student's research agenda. As the student's committee chair, the Research Advisor is selected early in the PhD student's course of study, and will help the student recruit the rest of her or his committee. This partnership is key to a student's success in the PhD program.

The Research Advisor is generally drawn from the College's active research faculty; a list can be viewed by clicking or tapping here . A comprehensive list describing current research by faculty member is available here.

The student's committee provides additional oversight to the student's scholarly and research agenda, and it is the committee as a whole that passes a student through coursework to comprehensive examination (comps), from comps to candidacy, from dissertation proposal to dissertation, and finally reviews the student's dissertation. The Research Advisor assists students in filling out their committee from members of the faculty at the University. Sometimes, faculty outside of the University may be selected to bring additional content expertise to a student's committee.

Doctoral Coach

Some students may need additional support in areas such as work-life-school balance, navigating difficult situations, emotional support, or needing advice from someone who is not as involved in the student's day-to-day work as a PhD student. This faculty member is a resource to assist in these areas. As a "coach," this person can provide informed, outside perspective to a student, while respecting the student's relationship to their Research Advisor.

The Doctoral Coach role is the conceptual successor to the PhD Mentoring program established by Drs. Bond and Baxley, and draws on the expertise gained through that program.

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College of Nursing

Quick links, graduate program, phd program in nursing science.

The PhD in Nursing Science program prepares scientists to contribute to empirical knowledge and scholarship in nursing science. We prepare graduate students to perform in a range of health-related professional roles and function in interdisciplinary teams. Our graduates move on to provide leadership to community, professional, and scientific organizations. 

Learn more about our program

The USF College of Nursing highly values the support and development of a unique and diverse community of scholars and is committed to recruiting a diverse pool of applicants who are highly motivated to achieve the PhD in Nursing Science objectives. Admission to the program is based on a number of factors that measure a student's potential for academic success at the doctoral level in alignment with our research pillars. Explore our research pillars and meet our team of researchers .

• Apply directly to the Fall semester you plan to begin classes at the university.
• Select the PhD in Nursing Science as your degree level and Tampa as the campus.
• International students must submit the university application no later than February 15th.
• Wait until you receive your U Number from USF Admissions before starting the NursingCAS application.
• All supplementary materials must be complete prior to submitting your application.
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in other fields may also be considered.
• Applicants with a master’s degree in other fields may also be considered.
• Applicants must have the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree completed to enter this pathway.
• Applicants are required to write a 3-part essay outlining professional research goals and interests for the PhD in Nursing Science. View the guideline document here .
• Students will be required to identify 1-2 faculty mentors and how your scholarly interests would be facilitated by working with them specifically. To learn more about our researchers' expertise, view our Nursing Science Without Limits video playlist and find faculty members whose research and scholarly expertise match your area of research interest. Be sure to contact them prior to including them in your statement of goals and research interests.
• Please use the personal statement to emphasize how you will contribute to the community of scholars at USF. View the guideline document here .
• Curriculum Vitae
• Licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Florida is only required if research involves clinical work.
• We highly recommend seeking letters of recommendation from the following individuals: academic nursing faculty or instructor, nursing or clinical supervisor, and PhD-prepared nurse or researcher.
• Competitive letters will be formatted on letter head and physically signed by the professional submitting a recommendation on your behalf.

Important Information:

All admitted nursing students are required to complete a background check, immunization verification, and drug screening. Additionally, students will be required to provide proof of current health insurance. Admitted students will be provided with the steps to complete this process.

To learn more, please consult the Graduate Catalog.

There are three entry points to the PhD program:

• BS-PhD (4-5 years of full-time study) 80 credit hours
• MS-PhD (3-4 years of full-time study) 64 credit hours
• DNP-PhD (2-3 years of full-time study) 52 credit hours

Specific requirements are determined on an individual basis by the student’s supervisory committee. Students are to meet with faculty mentor for individual program planning after being selected for admission.

Curriculum Overview

• Core – 40 Credit hours Required for all PhD pathways
• Content area and additional coursework – 25 credit hours Post-bachelor’s requirement only
• Advanced Directed Research – 3 credit hours Post-bachelor’s and post-master’s requirement only
• Cognate – 9 credit hours Post-master’s requirement only
• Dissertation – 12 credit hours Required for all PhD pathways

Format: We offer live classes on the Tampa campus each semester in conjunction with Canvas for online learning. Please see our PhD Program Plans for more information.

Teaching Certification: PhD students who take the 13 credit hour Nursing Certificate Program are eligible to sit for the certification exam offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) program. Students who have master’s degrees in nursing would be eligible to sit for the certification exam after completing 9 nursing education credit hours. Students who hold bachelor’s degrees would sit for the exam after being awarded their PhD degree.

Please review the USF College of Nursing Student Handbook for more details about the PhD in Nursing Science academic policies, procedures, and standards.

Applicants who meet the admission requirements should complete the steps below to successfully apply:

1. Submit a Graduate Admissions Application

• USF Graduate Admissions Application
• For all questions, contact the USF Admissions Office at (813) 974-3350 or email [email protected] .
• Applicants will receive an eight digit university ID number ( U Number) upon submission of the university application. This will be required to complete the NursingCAS application for the PhD program.
• Note: Do not upload supplemental documentation; please bypass these sections of the application (e.g., test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements). All supplementary materials, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and supporting documents should only be sent and uploaded to the NursingCAS application.

2. Submit a NursingCAS Application

• NursingCAS Application
• All documentation (e.g., transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, certifications, etc.) must be uploaded to NursingCAS and applications must reach the verified status by the deadline for applications to be considered.
• For technical questions regarding your NursingCAS account, please contact NursingCAS at 617-612-2880 or [email protected] . Please refer to the Application Deadlines tab for reference if you do not see your desired term of entry in NursingCAS.

Interview Requirement: In addition to fulfilling the application requirements, a personal interview with faculty members of the PhD Admissions, Curriculum, and Academic Affairs Committee will be required.

Learn more by viewing the graduate information session and application workshop .

International Applicants

• Foreign Transcripts: All coursework and degrees completed outside the United States require a course-by-course evaluation from an approved evaluating agency. Please note this process could take three to six months. A list of foreign transcript evaluation services is provided by the USF Office of International Admissions . The Florida Board of Nursing maintains its own list of approved evaluating agencies . Transcripts from foreign institutions that have gone through an official transcript evaluation service must be received by NursingCAS electronically or in their original sealed envelopes by the application deadline. Click here for a detailed guide on how to submit these transcripts directly to NursingCAS. Note: NursingCAS will not accept foreign transcripts that have not gone through an official evaluation process with an approved vendor. Please complete the evaluation process before sending transcripts from a foreign institution.
• English Language: Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must demonstrate English proficiency. Please visit the USF Office of International Admissions for completion details.
• Scholarships/Funding: Students that require university funds and/or scholarships to attend the PhD in Nursing Science program must identify and qualify for funding sources offered by the College of Nursing. Additional screening steps may be required for students coming from a country of concern. Please visit the USF HR website for more information on the screening process. Students who do not clear HR screening will not be eligible for university funding.

USF Tampa Campus – Fall Entry Only

• NursingCAS application opens: August 15th
• NursingCAS priority deadline for university funding: December 15th
• NursingCAS and USF Admissions final deadline for international applicants: February 15th
• NursingCAS final deadline for domestic (US citizen or permanent resident) applicants: July 1st

Priority admission and consideration for financial support will be limited to those meeting the priority deadline of December 15th

What is the difference between the PhD in Nursing Science and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)?

Click here for the comparison details.

Meet our program staff

Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Doctor of nursing practice.

The DNP is a practice-oriented degree designed to prepare advanced nurses at the highest level of scholarly practice.

The DNP is a practice-oriented degree designed to prepare advanced nurses at the highest level of scholarly practice. Keeping pace with the demands of today’s changing healthcare environment requires clinical experts who have the knowledge and skills to be effective change agents. Graduates of our DNP program assume clinical and leadership positions as advanced nurses in a variety of roles including nurse executives, community leaders, and professional organization leadership. Northeastern University’s DNP program is designed to meet the DNP essentials. Emphasis is placed on:

• Clinical leadership
• Professional leadership
• Systems leadership
• Health policy/global leadership

Our goal is to prepare the next generation of nurse leaders with a greater breadth of expertise so that they can collaborate more effectively with interprofessional partners and provide leadership to enhance quality and safe care. Courses are taught by dedicated faculty who are established leaders in their field.

More Details

Unique features.

• Students complete a scholarly DNP project
• A minimum of 500 practicum hours during the course of the program
• Opportunities for interdisciplanary study and research
• This program is appropriate for licensed nurses who possess a master's degree in nursing. In some cases registered nurses holding a master's degree in a related health field may be acceptable

Accreditation Description

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Northeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation )

Looking for something different?

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Financial Services Learn more about Student Financial Services at Northeastern University.

Requirements

• Application
• Application fee
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal statement
• TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
• Current U.S.nursing licensure
• Two years of advanced nursing experience
• Master's degree in nursing. In some cases registered nurses holding a master's degree in a related health field may be acceptable
• Master’s GPA of 3.50 or above
• 1,000 scholarly practice hours are required for program completion. A gap analysis upon admission will determine how many, if any, practice hours from a previously completed Master of Science in Nursing practicum qualify toward this practice hour requirement

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the Bouvé College of Health Sciences admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Application Deadline for fall entry: August 1

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The DNP program culminates in the successful completion of a DNP scholarly project that demonstrates mastery of expert practice knowledge and is completed over three semesters (nine semester hours). The scholarly project must be a significant, evidence-based contribution to existing nursing knowledge and be suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or a book. This DNP scholarly project could be a program needs assessment with program development and evaluation, evaluation of an existing program, development of an assessment instrument/protocol, a cost/benefit analysis of program models, or other scholarly project as approved by the student’s advisor.

Students will apply knowledge and skills obtained in the didactic and integrative courses in order to address the ethical, legal, financial, and organizational aspects of the scholarly project. The DNP student will discuss his/her topic of interest, the development of the project and how it addresses the needs of a selected population; and evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the project. Each student will have a scholarly project advisor and expert mentor working with them on the project. In addition, you will have the opportunity to study with faculty from other Northeastern departments and research centers and with others in Boston’s nursing community whose work addresses clinical and organizational problems.

Our close ties with the University’s Institute on Urban Health Research and School of Social Science, Urban Affairs and Public Policy, as well as with the Center for Community Health Education, Research, and Service and other organizations provide opportunities to work across disciplines and access populations and sites for the DNP scholarly project.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Nursing & Healthcare alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Boston Children’s Hospital
• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Boston Medical Center

What They Do

• Healthcare Services
• Business Development
• Community and Social Services

What They're Skilled At

• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Management

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Is Getting a DPT Worth It?

HSC College of Nursing earns key approvals for first degree programs

• April 2, 2024
• By: Paula Cobler

Related Links

Both the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges recently approved a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Practice Innovation. Applications for both programs close July 1, and the first nursing students will start classes in August.

“HSC’s focus with our College of Nursing is to create the next generation of nursing professionals who are innovators,” said Cindy Weston, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, founding dean of the college. “With these approvals, we are ready to educate new nurses and retain current nursing professionals through upskilling and reskilling to improve the health of our communities.”

The RN to BSN is for registered nurses with an associate degree whose next step is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students can earn their degree in two semesters after completing 30 credit hours. All coursework will be delivered online with some clinical experiences provided at HSC’s on-campus Regional Simulation Center.

The online MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation is for nursing professionals with a BSN wanting to continue and expand their education. It will incorporate five, 16-week semesters and condensed 12-week summer semesters. A part-time option also is available, extending the program into seven semesters. Students also will have the flexibility to pursue certification aligned with their area of specialization.

The UNT System Board of Regents approved the creation of the HSC College of Nursing in February 2023 to help address the shortage of nurses in Texas. In August, it approved the RN to BSN and the MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved the degrees in February. Approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges was the next step in the process, and the HSC College of Nursing learned the good news last week.

The College of Nursing also is expected to offer two additional degrees starting fall 2025. A traditional BSN and an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner are pending approval from the Texas Board of Nursing, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

HSC offers nursing scholarships and awards that may cover up to 100% of students’ out-of-pocket tuition costs. To apply or learn more about HSC’s College of Nursing, please visit www.unthsc.edu/nursing .

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• Best Online Master's In Nursing (M.S.N.) Programs

Best Online Master’s In Nursing (M.S.N.) Programs Of 2024

Published: Apr 5, 2024, 4:48pm

If you are a registered nurse aspiring to an advanced practice position or a leadership role in the nursing field, a Master of Science in nursing (M.S.N.) can help you get there. And by completing your M.S.N. program online, you can take the next step in your education without sacrificing your current job.

Online M.S.N. programs allow prospective nurse executives, nurse educators and nurse practitioners to advance their careers without having to give up their day jobs.

There is a wealth of online M.S.N. programs, and some are far more credible than others. As such, we researched and ranked the 10 best schools in the field. Read on to learn more about each program and how to find the best fit for you.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 30 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s degrees in nursing in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes :

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability :

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

Student Experience :

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility :

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Application Process :

• Acceptance rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 89% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best online m.s.n. options, should you enroll in an m.s.n. program online, accreditation for online m.s.n. programs, how to find the right m.s.n. online program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online m.s.n. programs, duquesne university, walsh university, rush university, college of our lady of the elms, ottawa university-milwaukee, desales university, saint xavier university, university of central florida, the university of texas medical branch at galveston, sacred heart university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Graduate Tuition

$1,699/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne University is a private, Catholic-affiliated research university offering an online Master of Science in nursing program with six tracks, including family nurse practitioner and executive nurse leadership.

Depending on the track, this degree requires between 30 and 44 credits, and some tracks require in-person clinical experiences. However, distance learners can complete all non-clinical coursework asynchronously online.

Incoming students can begin the program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, at three start dates throughout the year.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 to 44 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Historical and contemporary foundations for advanced nursing practice; evidence-based nursing practice and policy development
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; family nurse practitioner; psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner; executive nurse leadership and healthcare management; forensic nursing; nurse education and faculty role
• In-Person Requirements: Depends on specialization

$745/credit

Located in North Canton, Ohio, Walsh University offers an online Master of Science in nursing with a nurse educator focus that requires 42 credits. The curriculum includes coursework in teaching strategies and advanced pathophysiology, and all students complete a 160-hour clinical practicum experience in their local community.

As of February 2024, this program was available to distance learners in 23 states. Students who complete their M.S.N. at Walsh can continue on to earn the university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced pathophysiology, teaching strategies
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for clinical placement

1,344/credit (RN-to-M.S.N.), $1,120/credit (direct entry)

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Rush University focuses almost exclusively on medicine, health sciences and nursing. The university offers two online M.S.N. in clinical nurse leadership programs: a 74-credit, direct entry program for non-nurses, and a 37-credit RN-to-M.S.N. for registered nurses who already hold bachelor’s degrees. The direct entry program runs full time and takes two years to complete. The RN-to-M.S.N. takes two years of part-time study.

Coursework includes research for evidence-based practice and advanced pathophysiology. Distance learners must briefly visit campus to complete certain lab coursework.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 37 (RN-to-M.S.N.), 74 credits (direct entry
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time (RN-to-M.S.N.), full-time (direct entry)
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Research for evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology
• Concentrations Available: Direct entry for non-nurses, RN-to-M.S.N.
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus labs and clinicals

$911/credit

Located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Elms College is a private, Roman Catholic-affiliated school offering an online Master of Science in nursing program with four tracks: nursing and health services management, nursing education, school nursing and an M.S.N./M.B.A. dual degree.

Each program includes a core nursing curriculum and a practicum experience, and students delve into topics like nursing knowledge and practice and healthcare policy and advocacy. Full-time students can graduate within two years but may take up to six years to finish their degrees.

• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 35 to 64 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Nursing knowledge and practice; technology: methods and tools for graduate study
• Concentrations Available: Nursing and health services management; nursing education; school nursing; M.S.N./M.B.A.
• In-Person Requirements: Depends on track

$499/credit

Ottawa University operates campuses in Arizona, in Kansas City and just outside of Milwaukee, in addition to international and online hubs. The university’s online Master of Science in nursing program offers two tracks: nurse educator and nurse leader. Both tracks require 36 credits and entail core courses in advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment.

Both tracks also include a practicum experience, which learners must complete in the field, and a cumulative capstone project.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced pharmacology; advanced health assessment
• Concentrations Available: Nurse educator, nurse leader
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for practicum

$945/credit

Located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, DeSales University is a Catholic-affiliated college that has greatly expanded its online presence in recent years. The university offers several online Master of Science in nursing programs, including three nurse practitioner programs, two dual-degree M.S.N. programs and an M.S.N. in forensic nursing with a certification in investigative forensics.

Curriculums vary between 45 and 58 credits. Dual-degree programs combine an M.S.N. with either an M.B.A. or an M.S. in information science. All tracks require clinical hours, and all NP tracks require labs.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 to 58 credits, depending on track
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Applied research, clinical prevention in population health
• Concentrations Available: Adult gerontology acute care NP, FNP, psychiatric mental health NP, M.S.N./M.B.A. dual degree, M.S.N./M.S.I.S. dual degree, M.S.N. in forensic nursing
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for clinicals and labs

$750/credit

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Saint Xavier University is a Roman Catholic-affiliated college that administers several online programs, including a Master of Science degree in nursing. This program offers two tracks: nurse educator (38 credits) and family nurse practitioner (47 credits). In both tracks, students complete core courses in healthcare systems and financing and in epidemiology and population-based healthcare.

Both tracks culminate with a practicum experience in the field. Distance learners should expect to spend approximately five to six hours per week on each course.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 38 credits (nurse educator), 47 credits (family nurse practitioner)
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and financing; epidemiology and population-based healthcare
• Concentrations Available: Family nurse practitioner; nurse educator
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for practicum experiences

$327/credit

Located in Orlando, the University of Central Florida is the largest university in Florida by enrollment. The university’s online M.S.N. program offers three tracks: nursing and healthcare simulation, nurse educator, and nursing leadership and management. Distance learners can complete the nursing and healthcare simulation track entirely online, while the other two options include in-person clinical experiences in students’ local communities.

The typical student finishes this program in four to seven months. In-state students receive a tuition discount.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $31
• Degree Credit Requirements: 31 to 36 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Health promotion, pathophysiological bases for advanced nursing practice
• Concentrations Available: Nursing and healthcare simulation; nurse educator; nursing leadership and management

$353/credit

Located on the island city of Galveston, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers several M.S.N. programs online, including four nurse practitioner tracks. Aspiring nurse leaders can concentrate their M.S.N. in clinical nurse leader, executive nurse leader or nurse educator.

Credit requirements vary between 39 and 46, depending on your chosen track. Distance learners need to visit campus for some in-person course components, such as intensives. UTMB assesses a distance learning fee on top of its base tuition rate.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 39 to 46 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Pathophysiology, advanced health assessment
• Concentrations Available: Adult gerontology acute care NP, adult gerontology primary care NP, FNP, neonatal NP, clinical nurse leader, executive nurse leader, nurse educator
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for orientation and intensives

$695/credit

Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, Sacred Heart University is a Roman Catholic-affiliated university featuring an online Master of Science program in nursing with three specialization options: nursing education, clinical nurse leader, and nursing management and executive leadership. Students in all specializations take core courses in healthcare ethics and healthcare information systems. They also complete clinical experiences in their local communities.

Distance learners typically finish SHU’s nursing program in two years.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 39 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare and ethics for contemporary nursing practice; healthcare information systems
• Concentrations Available: Nursing education; nursing management and executive leadership; clinical nurse leader
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for local clinical experiences

An online M.S.N. program is a good match for a specific type of student. To determine whether that’s you, it’s worth reflecting on a few key questions:

• What are your other obligations? Flexibility is arguably the primary draw of online learning. If you are a parent or plan to work full time while pursuing your M.S.N., an asynchronous online degree will provide you with maximum scheduling flexibility.
• What’s your learning style? Online learning requires plenty of organization, self-discipline and time management skills. If you crave additional structure or the support of a regular peer group, an on-campus M.S.N. might be a better fit.
• What’s your budget? Compared to their on-campus peers, online learners generally save on costs associated with housing and transportation. Moreover, some public universities allow students who strictly enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates.

There are two key types of college accreditation : institutional and programmatic.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the institutional accreditation process, during which accrediting agencies vet schools for the quality of their faculty, student services and finances, among other benchmarks.

You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools. Otherwise, you will be ineligible to receive federal student aid, and employers and professional credentialing bodies may not recognize your degree.

Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service in specific fields. In nursing, keep an eye out for accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Consider Your Future Goals

When researching M.S.N. programs, you should be able to articulate your future career goals to determine which school is your best fit. Many M.S.N. programs offer multiple specializations. Your school and program should offer a curriculum that will help you achieve your career goals, whether you aim to become a family nurse practitioner , a nurse educator or an executive nurse leader.

Many M.S.N. programs only admit students who already hold an unencumbered RN license; these are known as RN-to-M.S.N. bridge programs . A bridge program may be shorter than a full M.S.N. degree program, and if you already hold RN licensure , you won’t need to worry about your M.S.N. program meeting RN licensing requirements.

However, you should look for an M.S.N. program that offers a clinical or practicum experience so that you can gain valuable experience in your chosen profession. This is particularly important if you want to become a nurse practitioner .

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 ranked programs in our guide ranged from $327 to $1,699. Extrapolated over an approximately 30- to 45-credit program, this translates to somewhere between $10,000 and $76,500 in total tuition costs. This is a wide range, but tuition rates can differ widely among M.S.N. programs depending on program length and the institution’s public or private status.

For comparison, the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) reports that during the 2021–22 academic year, graduate programs charged an average of $20,513 in annual tuition. Over the course of a two- or three-year program, this translates to somewhere between $40,000 and $60,000 in total tuition costs.

Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to access federal student aid opportunities such as Pell Grants , scholarships and loans. You can pursue similar financial aid options through nonprofit organizations, individual schools and private lenders.

What is the best M.S.N. to get?

The best M.S.N. program for you depends on your budget, goals and individual circumstances. In most cases, you should choose a program offering a specialization that aligns with your future career goals.

How long does it take to get an M.S.N.?

The best online M.SN. programs typically take two to three years to finish.

Is an M.S.N. the same as an NP?

NP degree programs are M.S.N.s, but not all M.S.N. programs are for aspiring NPs. You might pursue a nurse practitioner specialty within a broader M.S.N. program.

Is an M.S.N. harder than a B.S.N.?

Yes. An M.S.N. is more academically rigorous than a bachelor’s degree in nursing . Moreover, an M.S.N. typically delves into a specific field of nursing at great depth.

Why get a D.N.P. instead of an M.S.N.?

If you want to qualify for the absolute highest leadership positions in nursing, a D.N.P . might be a better fit than an M.S.N. since it is the terminal degree in the field.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

College of Nursing

Creating a culture of care: the importance of clinician wellbeing in supporting new graduate nurses.

Over the last few months, we have discussed the importance of preparing the environment for newly graduated nurses. We are helping organizations do this through our  IONRP Academy and  Supporting Nurses Course . However, as our podcast guest, Alison Wild, pointed out in last month's  Beyond Nurse Residency Podcast , "It is essential to focus on current employees and preceptors to mitigate burnout. By paying attention to and supporting the wellbeing of our current employees, we begin to cultivate a work environment that supports new graduate nurses and creates an environment in which they want to stay." In this month's blog, we focus on Clinical Wellbeing and its impact on transition to practice.  

Nurses work long shifts with unrealistic workloads, often putting the needs of their patients ahead of their own. They experience mental, emotional, and physical trauma while they continue to serve every patient they encounter with care and compassion. It has been recognized that nurse wellbeing has a ripple effect impacting the quality of patient care delivered, the patient's perspective of their care, and the nurse's perspective of their work. How a nurse views their work directly impacts the healthcare system in terms of turnover and the nursing workforce. An increased focus on nurse wellbeing is essential for the stability of the healthcare system and the health and safety of patients and nurses alike. While nurse wellbeing has been identified as a systems issue and organizations must create workplace conditions where nurses can thrive, building the individual capacity of health and wellbeing is also imperative. 3  

Many organizations have employee wellness programs that focus on the physical health of nurses. While this is an essential aspect of an individual’s wellbeing, we cannot forget about the mental and emotional health of healthcare clinicians. A recent study indicated that depression is a leading cause of medical errors. The study found that higher levels of poor mental and physical health correlated to a higher likelihood of contributing to an adverse event. 2 Recent research has also looked at the impact of intrapersonal characteristics on things like work engagement, burnout, job satisfaction, mental health, and burnout. Many studies suggest that psychological capital significantly influences many of these areas. Psychological capital is an individual's positive psychology state characterized by self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency. Psychological capital equips healthcare workers with the skills and abilities to cope effectively with stressors, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain wellbeing in demanding environments. More importantly, training and education can develop and improve psychological capital. 1    

Not only is the psychological capital of the new nurse necessary, but those working closely and supporting the new nurse in the transition to practice period are just as important. This reinforces why we have chosen to continue building content in these areas and integrating that content into our recently  redesigned curriculum and why we have created a NEW stand-alone course any organization can utilize as part of an existing residency program or as an extra piece of professional development for healthcare clinicians at any stage of their career. In collaboration with The Resiliency Solution, our newest online course,  Clinician Wellbeing , addresses the need to enhance the wellbeing and resilience of healthcare professionals. Drawing upon evidence that demonstrates the impact of wellbeing on patient care quality, healthcare equity, and workforce stability, this course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the psychological capital necessary to navigate the challenges inherent in their profession. By investing in wellbeing, this course aims to promote a healthier, safer, and more sustainable healthcare system for patients and healthcare professionals. This program is available to healthcare facilities and individuals. It is delivered asynchronously via online learning modalities, including microlearning presentations, self-assessments, skills to practice, reflective questions, and discussion prompts. For more information on how to get started, contact  Nicole Weathers .

Nicole Weathers, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program Director

Wanting a Program Overview? Need to schedule a meeting? Book time with Nicole

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References    

• Dwyer, P. A., Hunter Revell, S. M., Sethares, K. A., & Ayotte, B. J. (2019). The influence of psychological, authentic leadership in preceptors, and structural empowerment on new graduate nurse burnout and turnover intent.  Applied Nursing Research ,  pp. 48 , 37–44.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0897189718306335    
• Melnyk, M. B., & Raderstorf, T. (2021).  Evidence-based leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship in nursing and Healthcare: A practical guide to success.  Springer Publishing Company.   
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.  https://doi.org/10.17226/25982 .