what is a phd of nursing

DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: What’s the Difference?

• DNP vs. PH.D. Nursing Compared

Duties and Responsibilities

• Education and Certification

Salary and Career Outlook

• Which Is Best?

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Nurses who have already earned a masters degree and are looking to pursue the next step in their education have two options: doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing.

Both degrees offer nurses a variety of professional opportunities, allowing them to utilize their expertise to benefit the field of nursing.

This guide outlines the differences in earning a DNP vs. a Ph.D. in nursing, and what opportunities lay ahead for graduates of either program. In understanding the roles and responsibilities of each, nurses can determine which degree is right for them.

DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing Key Similarities and Differences

A DNP and Ph.D. are both terminal degrees, meaning they are the highest degree a nurse can earn. Regardless of their choice of program, interested nurses need a bachelor of science (BSN) degree in nursing, an active and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license, and clinical experience before gaining admittance to either doctorate program.

While a DNP and Ph.D. are both advanced degrees, they prepare nurses for different roles within the nursing field. DNP programs focus on educating nurses who want to pursue leadership roles in a clinical setting. Ph.D. programs provide nurses with an education to pursue academic or research-based positions.

What is a DNP?

A DNP is an advanced degree for nurses who want to become experts in clinical nursing. The degree is an alternative to research-centric doctoral programs, and provides nurses with skills and training to work at an advanced level in the nursing field.

What is a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Earning a Ph.D. in nursing prepares graduates for work either in academia or research settings. Graduates often pursue faculty positions with academic institutions or in a career that involves performing research in a medical laboratory.

Source: Payscale

Popular DNP Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The roles of a nurse with a DNP vs. a Ph.D. in nursing are fundamentally different. The former focuses on clinical work, whereas the latter is geared more toward research and education.

Their duties revolve around those two major areas. As such, DNPs are more likely to work with patients, while Ph.D graduates focus on educating nurses and analyzing medical practices.

What Can You Do With a DNP?

Nurses with a DNP are considered expert clinicians who are prepared for the highest level of nursing practice.

Upon earning the degree, nurses can choose to focus on leadership and administrative roles (e.g., nurse administrator, public health, healthcare policy, informatics) nursing education (e.g.,clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator), or clinical care (e.g.,certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner).

After earning a DNP, nurses’ responsibilities may include:

• Diagnose and treat patients
• Prescribe medications
• Order various diagnostic tests
• Handle patient complains
• Consult on complex cases
• Implement policy changes

Keep in mind that some DNP programs are for roles (clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator) that will not have authorization to perform some of the above responsibilities.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Nurses with a Ph.D. often focus on the areas of education and research. They may design studies and conduct research on clinical practices, nursing education, health systems, and public policy.

People with a Ph.D. in nursing often find employment in academic, business, or governmental settings. Overall, nurses with a Ph.D.can:

• Design, conduct, and publish research
• Develop new nursing knowledge and methods
• Utilize research results to improve nursing outcomes
• Write proposals and apply for grants to fund research
• Mentor and advise students
• Compose curriculum for nursing courses

Education Prerequisites

When looking to earn either a DNP or Ph.D., most programs require applicants to have similar prerequisites. Institutions often look for candidates who have attained an undergraduate degree, are actively able to practice nursing, and can meet certain academic requirements.

How to Earn a DNP

To apply for a DNP degree program, candidates need a BSN or master of science in nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution, a GPA of at least 3.0, and an active nursing license.

Once enrolled, students can choose an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role such as clinical nurse practitioner (CNP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), certified nurse-midwife (CNM), or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA).

CNPs and CNSs then choose a population focus (i.e., neonatal, pediatrics, womens health, psychiatric-mental health). DNP candidates often focus on a research or capstone project throughout their entire program.

The program can last 2-4 years, and full-time students are able to earn their degree faster than their part-time counterparts. Students participate in courses on informatics, health policy, healthcare delivery systems, evidence-based practice, and project management.

Learners must also complete a total of 1,000 clinical hours, 500 of which can stem from a previous masters program that resulted in national certification. Learners with previous hours may become more common as some programs, like CRNA, transition from MSN to DNP-only.

How to Earn a Ph.D. in Nursing

To get accepted to a Ph.D. program, candidates need a BSN or MSN from an accredited program, a 3.0 to 3.5 minimum GPA, and an active nursing license. Applicants must also provide a CV or resume, professional references, and a personal statement.

The length of a Ph.D. program ranges from 4-6 years depending on the status of the student (full-time vs. part-time). The curriculum revolves around theory, analysis, and statistics, with students taking classes in grant writing, research design, and research methods. Since their work takes place within education and research, Ph.D. candidates are not required to complete clinical hours.

Upon program completion, DNP and Ph.D. graduates may benefit from a higher earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady need over the next decade for nurses with advanced training.

Ultimately, degree type, specialization, and population focus dictate the average annual salary and the type of demand nurses should anticipate.

$107,000 Average Annual DNP Salary

$99,000 Average Annual Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

DNP in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

While the average salary of nurses with DNPs is approximately $107,000, their chosen specialization impacts their earning potential and demand. DNP-holders working a CRNAs average $164,340 per year, according to July 2022 Payscale data, while those who work in pediatrics earn $92,030 .

Not only do CRNAs earn the highest average salary, but they are also one of the most in-demand specializations; the BLS projects a job growth rate of 45%, significantly higher than the 9% average for all other professions.

Another main factor that influences DNP earning potential is years of experience. Entry-level nurses earn an average annual salary of approximately $87,000 , according to July 2022 Payscale data. Whereas those with more than 20 years of experience can earn upwards of $187,000 depending upon the specialization.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary and Career Outlook

Much like nurses with a DNP, the salary of one with a Ph.D. varies based on focus. According to the BLS , nurse educators with a Ph.D. can receive upwards of $125,930 annually.

While all nurses with advanced degrees continue to be in demand, Ph.D. graduates who choose to become educators can especially benefit from this need. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , nursing schools had to turn away over 80,000 qualified applicants in 2019 due to the shortage of educators.

Many states are looking to provide incentives to nurses who choose to become educators, thereby increasing the benefit of selecting this role.

DNP vs. Ph.D. in Nursing: Which Degree is Right For Me?

Deciding which degree works best depends upon a nurse’s personal and professional goals. The degrees lead nurses down two fairly distinct paths – one clinical and one research-oriented.

DNP and Ph.D. graduates are both in high demand and have above-average earning potential. The degrees differ in time commitment and responsibilities.

Nurses who prefer to work in a clinical capacity either directly with patients or in a nursing leadership role should pursue a DNP. Graduates often find themselves in a variety of clinical settings, such as hospitals, specialty practices, or public health offices.

Learners more interested in preparing future nurses or conducting research that aids in the development of new and effective nursing methods should pursue a Ph.D. Nurse Ph.D. graduates often use their expertise in settings such as colleges and universities, research facilities, medical laboratories, and government agencies.

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Why Get a Doctorate in Nursing (DNP)?

Graduating with a doctoral degree in nursing can advance careers, increase salaries, and lead to rewarding jobs. Learn why and how to become a DNP.

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Page last reviewed: May 6, 2022

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PhD Program in Nursing

Phd program in nursing goals.

The PhD Program in Nursing prepares nurse scholars who will advance nursing science and promote equitable health outcomes and care systems, with a focus on social determinants of health (SDOH). Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate innovative models of care that improve health outcomes across diverse populations. Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead and transform nursing practice, policy, and research to promote health equity and social justice. PhD student tuition and 12-month stipends are fully funded for up to five years.

At Duke University School of Nursing we admit a small number of highly qualified, diverse applicants that work closely with one or more faculty members in a series of mentored experiences supported by formal coursework.

PhD Academic Calendar

PhD Admissions

PhD Financial Support

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Reasons to Choose Durham

Your work with our faculty will:

Socialize you to the role of nurse scientist;

Ensure you gain significant knowledge and acquire the skills for launching a successful independent program of research post-doctorate; and

Prepare yourself for an entry-level role as a nurse scientist in a research setting (e.g., academic, clinical, or industry).

To help our students succeed, the Duke School of Nursing PhD Program provides:

A broad perspective on the philosophy of science and its application to solving challenging health problems facing our nation, particularly those related to health equity, social determinants of health, and justice;

Experience with standard and emerging research designs and methods;

Rigorous training in statistics; and

Mentored research and teaching experiences to reinforce knowledge acquisition and skill development.

In addition to addressing the standards of Duke University and ensuring the highest-quality PhD education, the Duke PhD Program in Nursing is designed to meet the indicators of quality in research-focused doctoral programs set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Study with Duke expert faculty focused on:

Acute & Long-Term Care Systems

Adaptive Leadership

Data Science

Digital Health

Decision Making

Disease Prevention

Family Caregiving

Health Equity

Informatics

Mental Health

Multi-level Interventions

Nurse-led Models of Care

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Perioperative Care

Social Determinants of Health

Symptom Management

Specialty Populations

Premature and High-Risk Infants

Children with Acute and Chronic Illnesses

Adults with HIV, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Sickle Cell Disease, Cancer, or Cardiovascular Disease

Older Adults

PhD Program in Nursing Description

The program requires a minimum of 52 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students will work on research projects; it is expected most will graduate with several publications. Coursework is structured with a substantive core of nursing science and research methods to be taken in the School of Nursing. This core is expanded with elective courses that typically support the student’s dissertation and future research career. These can be taken in other Duke University departments or other Universities that have arrangement with Duke (i.e., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University). Additional requirements include research practicums and elective credits that may count towards specialty certificates (i.e., teaching, global health, data science, entrepreneurship, etc.).

In addition to course work, the PhD Program in Nursing will require each student to develop a scholarly portfolio, successful completion of a preliminary examination, and a dissertation. Students are expected to disseminate their work through scholarly venues such as publications and conference presentations.

Terminal Objectives

After the PhD Program in Nursing, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of health equity, social determinants of health (SDOH), and nurse-led models of care to improve health outcomes for a population and/or system of care.
• Apply conceptual models and theories from nursing and other relevant disciplines to design and conduct research.
• Use a health equity, SDOH, and/or nurse-led models of care lens to critically evaluate and synthesize research conducted in nursing and other disciplines.
• Demonstrate scientific integrity and ethics in research across phases of the research process.
• Apply appropriate methods and analytic strategies to design, conduct, and evaluate research across phases of the research process, from discovery to translation.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to perform research using socioculturally aligned approaches.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and other scholarly venues to advance the evidence base for nursing and healthcare, with a focus on promoting health equity and social justice.

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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:

PhD Education

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There is no doubt that education is the path for a nurse to achieve greater clinical expertise. At the same time, however, the nursing profession needs more nurses educated at the doctoral level to replenish the supply of faculty and researchers. The national shortage of faculty will soon reach critical proportions, having a significant impact on educational programs and their capacity to educate future generations of nursing students.

Although the number of doctorate programs has continued to increase, the total enrollment of students in these programs has remained fairly constant, resulting in a shortage of newly minted PhDs to renew faculty ranks.  As a result, approximately 50% of nursing faculty possess the doctorate as a terminal degree. Furthermore, with many advances being made in the treatment of chronic illnesses, there is a continuing need for research that assists patients in living with their illness.  This research requires individual investigators who are prepared on the doctoral level.

One reason there is a lack of nurses prepared at the doctoral level is that, compared with other professions, nurses have more interruptions in their careers. Many in the profession are females who work as nurses while fulfilling responsibilities as wives and mothers.  As a result, many pursue their education on a part-time basis. Also, the nursing profession traditionally has viewed clinical experience as being a prerequisite to graduate education. This career path results in fewer individuals completing the doctorate at an earlier stage in their career, thereby truncating their productivity as academics, researchers, and administrators. To reverse this trend, many nursing schools have developed programs that admit students into graduate (doctorate and master's) programs directly from their undergraduate or master's programs.

Nursing Research

When nurses do research for their doctorates, many people tend to think that it focuses primarily on nurses and nursing care. In reality, nurses carry out clinical research in a variety of areas, such as diabetes care, cancer care, and eating disorders. 

In the last thirty years, advances in medicine have involved, for the most part, advancing treatment not cures. In other words, no cure for the illness has been discovered, but treatment for that illness has improved. However, sometimes the treatment itself causes problems for patients, such as the unwelcome side effects of chemotherapy. Nurses have opportunities to devise solutions to problems like these through research, such as studies on how to manage the illness and its treatment, thereby allowing individuals to lead happy and productive lives.

The Curricula

Doctoral programs in nursing are aimed at preparing students for careers in health administration, education, clinical research, and advanced clinical practice. Basically, doctoral programs prepare nurses to be experts within the profession, prepared to assume leadership roles in a variety of academic and clinical settings, course work and research, students are trained as researchers and scholars to tackle complex health-care questions. Program emphasis may vary from a focus on health education to a concentration on policy research. The majority of doctoral programs confer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, but some award the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), and the Doctor of Education (EdD).

Doctoral nursing programs traditionally offer courses on the history and philosophy of nursing and the development and testing of nursing and other healthcare techniques, as well as the social, economic, political, and ethical issues important to the field. Data management and research methodology are also areas of instruction. Students are expected to work individually on research projects and complete a dissertation.

Doctoral programs allow study on a full- or part-time basis. For graduate students who are employed and therefore seek flexibility in their schedules, many programs offer courses on weekends and in the evenings.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for doctoral programs vary. Generally, a master's degree is necessary, but in some schools a master's degree is completed in conjunction with fulfillment of the doctoral degree requirements. Standard requirements include an RN license, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Students applying for doctoral-level study should have a solid foundation in nursing and an interest in research. Programs are usually the equivalent of three to five years of full-time study.

Selecting a Doctoral Program

Selecting a doctoral program comes down to personal choice. Students work closely with professors, and, thus, the support and mentoring you receive while pursuing your degree is as vital as the quality of the facilities. The most important question is whether there is a "match" between your research interest and faculty research. Many of the same questions you would ask about baccalaureate and master's degree programs apply to doctoral programs. However, in a doctoral program, the contact with professors, the use of research equipment and facilities, and the program's flexibility in allowing you to choose your course of study are critical.

Some questions to consider asking include: Are there opportunities to present research findings at professional meetings? Is scholarship of faculty, alumni, and students presented at regional and national nursing meetings and subsequently published? Has the body of research done at a university enhanced the knowledge of nursing and health care?

Other questions to consider include: Does the university consider research a priority? Does the university have adequate funding for student research? Many nurses with doctorate degrees make the natural transition into an academic career, but there are many other career options available for nurses prepared at this level. For example, nurses prepared at the doctoral level are often hired by large consulting firms to work with others in designing solutions to health-care delivery problems. Others are hired by large hospital chains to manage various divisions, and some nurses with doctorate degrees are hired to manage complex healthcare systems at the executive level. On another front, they conduct research and formulate national and international healthcare policy. In short, because of the high level of education and a shortage of nurses prepared at this level, there are a number of options.

Salaries are related to the various positions.  Faculty salaries vary by the type of institution and by faculty rank, typically ranging from approximately $80,000 at the assistant professor level to over $115,000 at the professor level.  Salaries of nurse executives also vary, with the lowest salaries being in small rural hospitals and the highest being in complex university medical centers. Consultant salaries are wide ranging but often consist of a base plus some percentage of work contracted. Clinical and research positions vary considerably by the type of institution and the nature of the work.  Needless to say, a doctoral education does provide individuals with a wide range of opportunities, with salaries commensurate with the type and level of responsibilities. 

DNP vs PhD in Nursing - What is the Difference?

• What's the Difference Between a DNP vs a PhD?

DNP vs PhD Compared

Deep dive into dnp vs phd.

What's the Difference Between a DNP vs a PhD?

Nurses who have earned a master’s degree and are ready for the next step may be choosing between a DNP vs PhD. Both are considered terminal degrees for advanced practice nurses but are rooted in very different practices. In the most general terms, a  doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is a clinical practice degree, while a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) is a research-focused degree. 

Nurse Practitioners have the option to earn either degree, but a DNP is preferred. Individuals with a Master’s degree in Nursing Education will generally earn their PhD.

Program Length

• BSN to PhD: 5-10 years
• MSN to PhD: 3-7 years
• ADN-to-DNP: 5-6 years
• BSN-to-DNP: 3-4 years
• MSN-to-DNP: 2 years

Average Salary

• PhD nurse educators had a median annual wage of $78,580, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2018.
• According to Payscale,  nurse researchers earned an average salary of $81,500.
• Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.

Job Opportunities

• The greatest need for PhD prepared nurses is in academia. According to 2018, Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions 1,715 faculty vacancies was identified. There is also a need for 138 additional positions to fit the current demand. 
• According to the AACN, the biggest opportunity for DNP individuals is also in academia. The data show a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of 7.9%. Most of the vacancies (90.7%) were faculty positions requiring or preferring a doctoral degree.

Certification

• Renewal: None
• Renewal: 5 years. Retake the exam or provide proof of at least 1,000 clinical practice hours and 75 CE unit

Work Environments

• Colleges & Universities
• Research facility
• Medical laboratory
• Government agency
• Universities
• Public Health Offices
• Specialty Practices
• Autonomous Practices
• Health Care Administration Settings
• Health Care Policy Advocacy Organizations

Career Options after Graduation

• Nursing researcher
• Health policy positions
• Nursing faculty positions
• Leadership in nursing practice
• Management positions
• Healthcare policy, administration, or government positions
• Academia in practice-based nursing programs

What is a DNP?

Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) deliver high-quality advanced nursing care in a clinical setting, similarly to an NP; however, these individuals have taken their careers a step further.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) states that transitioning from advanced practice NP degrees to the doctoral level is a “…response to changes in health care delivery and emerging healthcare needs, and additional knowledge or content areas have been identified by practicing nurses. In addition, the knowledge required to provide leadership in the discipline of nursing is so complex and rapidly changing that additional or doctoral level education is needed.”

Essentially, DNP graduates are leaders in advanced nursing practice who bring evidence-based knowledge into the clinical setting to help improve healthcare outcomes and strengthen the leadership role of nurses in both clinical and academic settings. 

Want to know more? Check out our guide to learn everything you need to know about the DNP meaning .

The benefits of a DNP program, according to the AACN, are:

• enhanced knowledge to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes
• enhanced leadership skills 
• increased supply of faculty for clinical instruction
• development of needed advanced competencies for increasingly complex clinical, faculty, and leadership role

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DNP Scope of Practice

An individual with a DNP can function in a provider capacity but most also work to generate new scientific and clinical knowledge in nursing and healthcare. A nurse practitioner with a doctorate does not change the scope of practice. DNPs that work in the clinical setting can, 

• Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests
• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions
• Record and examine medical history, diagnoses, and symptoms
• Prescribe medications
• Manage patients’ overall care
• Counsel patients and their families
• Educate patients and families on disease prevention and plan of care
• Monitor and operate medical equipment
• Perform physical examinations and patient observations
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
• Detect changes in a patient’s health and change the treatment plan if necessary

DNPs that work solely in the clinical setting will rarely conduct scientific research or teach. For this reason, most DNPs also work in academia, as administrators, and/or researchers. 

The duties of a nurse with a DNP, outside of the clinical setting, can include the following:

• Use informatics to lead improvements in healthcare outcomes.
• Develop or update policies and procedures.
• Educate patients and public about healthcare.
• Innovate new healthcare strategies to improve patient health outcomes.

In 23 states, DNPs have “full practice authority” which means they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor. Full practice states include,

• North Dakota

In states with reduced practice (Alabama, Wisconsin, and New York) and restricted practice (Virgina, Massachusetts, and California), DNPs must have a medical doctor sign certain medical patient care decisions. DNPs have prescriptive privileges in all 50 states and can administer controlled substances in 49 states.

BLS's May 2022 data shows NPs made an annual median salary of $121,6100; interestingly, there is minimal concrete data on the average annual salary of a DNP.   Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500 to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has very limited data on DNP salaries, but the reported average is $135,830. This average is based on only a small number of reported salaries. The key determining factor for DNP salary is the career nurses pursue after obtaining an advanced degree. A Chief Nursing Officer will earn more than a Nursing Professor. Ultimately, additional advanced education is reflective of higher annual salary earnings.

It is impossible to determine which DNP specialty has the highest salary but hospital administrators, DNP-prepared certified nurse midwives, and DNP-prepared certified nurse anesthetists are at the top. 

According to the 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified midwive s can earn on average $191,470 in the San Francisco, California.

DNP Programs, Length of Time, & Classes

According to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report , the top five DNP programs in the country are,   

• Johns Hopkins University
• Columbia University, Duke University and Rush University, and University of Washington (TIE)

Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Rush have consistently been in the top 5 DNP schools the last several years. Rush University has the largest DNP program with over 765 enrolled students, while Johns Hopkins has 624 students enrolled, and Duke has 337 DNP students.

DNP programs can be completed both online and in class. To pursue a DNP, individuals already would have completed a traditional or accelerated BSN program and have an MSN. There are only a handful of programs that accept students into the DNP program without an MSN. 

A DNP program completion can take roughly one to four years. This will depend on the program and whether it is being completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Programs are typically between 30-40 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours. A percentage of clinical hours earned during an MSN program can transfer in some programs. 

Individuals should expect to take the following classes:

• Advance Leadership
• Advance Healthcare Policy
• Clinical Information Systems
• Evidence Appraisal
• Project Development
• Clinical Reasoning
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement
• Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Across the Lifespan
• Epidemiology
• Ethics for advanced nursing practice

DNP Admission Requirements

Requirements for DNP programs will vary but most will require the following:

• MSN degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution and a nationally accredited school of nursing
• GPA of at least 3.0 or higher in the Master’s program
• Current, unencumbered nursing license
• RN experience 
• Letters of Recommendation (both academic and professional references)
• Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)
• Current Resume/CV
• Goal statement
• Personal essay
• Advanced Practice Registered Nursing license
• Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if applicable 
• Application fee

What is a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)?

A Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing), is a research-focused doctorate in which students conduct research to advance the science and practice of nursing. PhDs are considered the gold standard for terminal degrees in nursing and at one time was the only doctorate option. 

Individuals must have a strong desire to conduct research or teach students as this is generally what this degree is used for. 

PhD Scope of Practice 

The scope of practice for a nurse with a PhD is tricky. Individuals can work as a bedside nurse, but unless they are a CRNP, they do not have any advance responsibilities or roles beyond a normal bedside nurse. 

Nurses who earn a PhD typically fall into two employment categories: nurse researcher and nurse educator. 

For a nurse researcher, typical duties may include:

• Identify research questions, and design and conduct scientific research
• Collect and analyze scientific data and publish reports detailing findings
• Write proposals and apply for grants to help fund their research
• Establish and maintain quality assurance programs to ensure the validity of their data findings
• Writing articles and research reports in nursing or medical professional journals or other publications
• Presenting findings at conferences, meetings, and other professional speaking engagements
• Train and supervise laboratory staff and other nurses or scientists

For a nurse educator who has chosen to pursue a faculty position at a university or college, typical duties may include:

• Plan, prepare and revise curriculum and study materials for nursing courses
• Deliver lectures to undergraduate and graduate-level nursing students
• Design curricula and develop programs of study
• Evaluate program outcomes
• Research and publication of scholarly work
• Participating in professional associations
• Speaking engagements at a nursing conference
• Writing grant proposals
• Writing or reviewing textbooks and other educational material
• Seek continuous improvement in the nurse educator role
• Advise students and perform many of the tasks associated with academic careers
• Grade students’ classwork, laboratory and clinical performance
• Mentor and advise students’ regarding their future work in the nursing industry

PhD Programs, Length of Time, & Classes

A PhD program takes a minimum of three years if taking classes full time. Most individuals complete the programs in five to seven years. The curriculum is between 45 and 70 credit hours. There is no direct patient care practicum but there is a dissertation. 

A dissertation is a requirement of all PhD programs, and individuals must defend their manuscript during a presentation at the end of their program. The dissertation is a technical paper that is intended to show the growth of the student throughout the program. It includes theory, research, and experimentation.

>> Related: What Are the Best Nursing Research Topics?

• Philosophical Perspectives in Health
• Scientific Perspectives
• Quantitative Research Design and Methods
• Qualitative Research Design and Methods
• Mixed Methods Research Design
• Grant Writing
• Measurement in Health Care Research
• Responsibilities and Activities of the Nurse Scientist 
• Leadership in Science: The Role of the Nurse Scientist
• Statistical Methods
• Dissertation
• Longitudinal Methods
• Integrated Interdisciplinary Research Practicum
• Intervention Research Methods in Health Care

PhD Admission Requirements

Requirements for PhD programs will vary but most will require the following:

• Graduate of an accredited Master’s in Nursing Program 
• A written statement of research goals 
• Research interests that match faculty expertise and School resources
• GRE scores are accepted but not required
• Writing sample (publication or graded paper)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation (both academic and professional references)
• Copy of official RN license(s) 
• Nursing experience
• Official Transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)

Find Nursing Programs

• A DNP is a terminal nursing degree rooted in clinical practice and intended for advanced practice nurse practitioners.

What is a PhD?

• A PhD is a terminal nursing degree rooted in research and intended for individuals wishing to work as nurse educators or nurse researchers. 

What is the difference between DNP vs PhD salary? 

• Healthcare salary trends suspect DNPs average $94,500to $134,500 per year. This ultimately depends on the place of employment.
• PhD nurse educators had a median annual wage of $78,580.

Does it take longer to become a DNP or PhD? 

• It takes about twice as long to earn a PhD DNPs can be earned in as little as one year or full-time study while a PhD takes a minimum of three years.

How long does certification last?

• DNP’s must renew their certification every five years either through examination or practice hours and continuing education hours. PhD prepared nurses do not have a certification to renew other than their advanced practice degree. 

Are DNPs and PhDs in demand?

• With an ongoing nursing shortage, an aging population, and retirement of a large percentage of nurse educators, nurses with terminal degrees are in high demand.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

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School of Nursing

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• PhD in Nursing

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, relationships, confidence, critical thinking and analytical capacity essential for discovering and disseminating research-based evidence to support innovative solutions that lead to better health outcomes and advance the science of nursing.

What makes our program distinct?

The PhD in Nursing curriculum provides students two options to attend their course class sessions. One option is to be in the classroom with the faculty and the other option is to attend the class via a video connection with the students and faculty in the classroom. Students choose the one delivery method that works best for them. Please note that due to student  visa requirements, international students must attend courses in-person. Courses may use a HyFlex instruction format that combines synchronous in-person scheduled class sessions and asynchronous online learning activities.

At the start of their program (last week in August) and the last week in May, all students gather on campus annually for a four-day Doctor of Nursing Philosophy Immersive Experience (DIvE) focused on engagement, mentorship and professional development and a 1 credit academic course.

PhD students are eligible for significant financial assistance in their first two years through a combination of graduate assistantships and scholarships for students devoted full-time to their studies following the relevant recommended plan of study.

We also advocate for and support our PhD students with funding from a range of national sources. Current PhD students are supported with substantial grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Jonas Philanthropies.

The PhD in Nursing program is enriched by the vibrant research and academic programs at the School of Nursing and the university.

You will be carefully matched with faculty who are uniquely suited to help you develop your research focus and build an ongoing research program. Nationally-renowned faculty mentor PhD students throughout the program and build long-standing professional relationships beyond graduation.

Why a nursing PhD?

Across the country and around the world, demand for PhD-prepared nurses who can mentor future nurses and advance nursing science continues to grow. Our PhD program focuses on areas of science in which the health needs are greatest as described by AACN's strategic plan. We seek to admit students with exceptionally strong backgrounds in a major field of study such as nursing or the physical or behavioral sciences.

While many applicants are registered nurses with Masters degrees, we admit individuals who are not nurses to the PhD program if they desire to learning about and conducting research that contributes to nursing science. We also strongly encourage nurses with a BSN degree to apply. We support both types of students with additional formal coursework to be successful.

See admission criteria and application procedures

Length and commitment

Our past graduates have completed their degree in 4-5 years.

Full-time students follow the relevant recommended program plans typically take the required courses with a consistent cohort of students to foster peer support and learning.

Program Plans

Program Plan - MSN or DNP Prepared

Program Plan - BSN/Pre-Licensure Master's Prepared Nurse

Program Plan - Prior Degree in Non-Nursing Discipline

Information for international students

Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity

The School of Nursing welcomes and affirms all. We embrace the equity and diversity commitment of the University of Minnesota. Learn more on our  Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity  page. Read about our  Doctoral Education Pathway for American Indian/Alaska Native Nurses .

Get to Know Us

A student in the PhD program

“We need a person who brings a perspective of nursing, who knows how to interpret the results, and have the interpretation in the perspective of nursing, so that when we are seeing the data, we know how to use this data to improve patient care.”

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• Home  /  Academics  / PhD in Nursing

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Our PhD in nursing offers students a chance to become nurse scientists, nursing professors, and nurse policy- and change-makers.

• World-class scholar-mentors  exploring a rich variety of research
• 4 years' free tuition + generous annual stipends for ALL admitted students
• Powerful development of students' grant and scholarly writing , and ample opportunities and funding to present at major conferences
• Loan forgiveness programs if pursuing full-time careers in academia
• Deadline to apply:  December 15 (for entry the following fall)

The PhD in Nursing is administered by the School of Nursing, but the degree is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS). Therefore, applicants will complete the application through GSAS.  Please review this detailed information about the application process and admission requirements .

[VIDEO] Discover the PhD in Nursing

Download the video file .

The PhD in nursing program prepares students for careers as scholars, nurse scientists., and academics ready to contribute to nursing science, knowledge, theory, and practice through systematic inquiry. By graduation, PhD in nursing students will:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge of nursing, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry
• expand the research base of nursing theory and practice
• serve the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world by addressing major nursing and healthcare issues through research and in a scholarly manner

All applicants for the PhD must possess a BSN. Many also possess an MSN and nurses with other graduate degrees (MPH, MBA, MS in Health Administration, etc.) are also encouraged to apply.

Every year, UVA PhD nursing students earn grants to support their doctoral studies, and many publish and present around Virginia, the U.S., and internationally.

UVA's PhD in nursing program is focused on research, and the curriculum includes courses in qualitative, quantitative, and historical research. Over the course of the program, all PhD students submit a research proposal for peer review, and many submit proposals to the NIHNR's annual service awards competition.

Because research is such a critical element of the PhD program, we seek to admit students whose scholarly interests are congruent with those of our faculty. A list of faculty eligible to chair PhD student committees is available on the Faculty Directory page .

PhD in Nursing Admission Requirements

To be considered for the PhD program, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (not the School of Nursing) and pay an $85 application fee
• Have at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program and a minimum "B" average
• Submit transcripts for all post-secondary work
• Submit three letters of reference that speak to the applicant's ability to pursue doctoral studies (two must be from doctorally-prepared nurse educators and one may be from a current or recent employer)
• Submit a CV reflecting professional achievements and productivity
• Submit an essay (1,000 words or fewer) describing the applicant's educational, research, and professional goals, including a specific description of the planned focus of study and a researchable topic for development
• Have completed a recent course in statistics (with software applications)
• Be available for an interview with one or more faculty members (conducted in Charlottesville or via Zoom as needed)
• International applicants have  additional requirements  
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is no longer required to apply to the PhD program; however, the option remains for applicants to provide scores as part of the application. The institutional code for UVA is R-5820 .

Statistics Prerequisite

One option is to complete Courses 1-3 of this series: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/statistical-analysis-r-public-health . Please note that the certificate showing successful completion of the course is required. The student needs to choose the paid option to receive the certificate. This is one example; please contact [email protected] if you have questions.

Steps to Apply for the PhD in Nursing

Those interested in applying to the PhD in nursing program apply through UVA's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), which prefers to receive one package containing all supporting materials (recommendations, transcripts and scholarly writing). The completed application, the application fee and all supporting data must be received no later than December 15.

Financial Aid for PhD in Nursing Students

Graduate teaching assistant (gta) positions.

• All admitted students to the PhD program are eligible to be awarded four years of scholarship to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, in exchange for serving as a GTA 10 hours per week. 
• See the  Financial Aid page for more information.

Loan Programs for Future Nursing Faculty

• The school also offers financial support programs to students considering full-time faculty positions through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program and the Virginia Nurse Faculty Loan. Through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, funded by HRSA, doctoral students may borrow funds for their academic expenses (tuition and books). If they become a full-time faculty member at any accredited institution, up to 85% of the loan (principal and interest) is forgiven.
• Doctoral students enrolled in UVA’s PhD or DNP programs who are planning on teaching full-time in Virginia can apply to the Virginia Nurse Faculty Loan. Students may be eligible to borrow up to $25,000 per year during the coursework phase of their programs. This loans is eligible for cancelation if graduates go on to teach full-time at any public or private nursing education program in Virginia for four years.

Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid web pages for more information.

Plans of Study for the PhD in Nursing

Please see a suggested Nursing PhD Plan of Study .

Please visit the  Graduate Record for the official program requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing.

Today marks the 177th Commencement Ceremonies at Emory University! After the activities at the Quandrangle, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing will host a Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Emory Student Center. All events will be streamed live.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Emory’s PhD program in Nursing is committed to improving human health, the experience of health, and the provision of health care through the discovery of new knowledge and its translation into practice. The program is designed to prepare researchers who want to revolutionize health care and improve health outcomes for diverse populations.

The Fall 2025 application deadline is December 1, 2024.

Virtual Open House Events

All virtual open house events will take place Tuesday evenings from 6-7 p.m. EST on Zoom. Use the links below to register.

Upcoming Meetings:

• 08/20/2024 : Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 PM (EST)
• 09/10/2024 : Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 PM (EST)
• 10/08/2024 : Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 PM (EST)
• 11/05/2024 : Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 PM (EST)

Previous Meetings:

• September 26, 2023
• October 24, 2023
• November 14, 2023
• December 12, 2023

Program Contacts

[email protected]

Jean Harrell Graduate Program Administrator

Emory University’s School of Nursing PhD program is a full-time, intense learning experience designed to develop the next generation of researchers who will change the face of health care. The program is interdisciplinary, drawing on the strengths of Emory University and its partners in areas as varied as the humanities, natural and social sciences, public health, engineering, law, and business.

At Emory, we offer a PhD track with a focus on data science in addition to our standard PhD curriculum. 

Signature Areas of Focus

Our program is built on the research strengths of our faculty in six signature areas:

• Aging Studies
• Artificial Intelligence/Data Science
• Natural Disasters, Environmental, and Climate Science
• Translational and Neuroscience
• Women’s Health

Other Areas of Focus

Emory nursing faculty are committed to supporting the learning and discovery for our doctoral nursing students. We have faculty who are renowned scholars within a diverse range of expertise in areas such as:

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Cardiovascular Health
• Caregiver Well-Being
• Data Science
• Environmental Health
• Farmworker Health
• Global Health
• Health Informatics
• Maternal/Child Health
• Mental Health
• Metabolic Disease
• Nurse Workforce and Quality of Patient Care
• Pain, Opioids, and Harm Reduction
• Palliative Care
• Sleep Research
• Symptom Science
• LGBTQIA+/Transgender Health

For additional information, please visit our Office of Nursing research page.

This video gives prospective students pragmatic guidance in selecting a U.S. research-intensive doctoral program in nursing.

Teaching Assistant Training & Teaching Opportunity Program

The PhD in Nursing trains students to teach through the Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunity Program , or TATTO, program. This program provides a short course offered in late summer before the first year, training and teaching assistantships and teaching associateships.

The Jones Program in Ethics

The Jones Program in Ethics (JPE) at Emory University provides students with a foundational, cross-disciplinary introduction to the question of ethics for their research, training and careers. It is a required, integral part of the curriculum in LGS doctoral programs: Learn more Link here:

T32 Nurse Scientist Training Opportunities

The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing invites applications for full time study in the PhD in Nursing program, and applicants for postdoctoral traineeship funded by the T32 program. T32 pre-and postdoctoral trainees will participate in a tailored research training program , which aims to prepare nurse scientists acquire knowledge and skills to employ data science (DS) and/or emerging health information technologies (HIT) into their research.

Provisional Artificial Intelligence Track

Artificial intelligence (AI) and associated computational sciences (machine learning, natural language processing, cybersecurity, etc.) are fundamentally changing the healthcare landscape. Accompanying these changes are tremendous opportunities as well as profound ethical concerns and social impacts. View a summary of the program . View a provisional version of the courses of study .

Admission Requirements

Fall 2024 Application Deadlines

• Priority deadline: December 1, 2023
• Final deadline: January 2, 2024
• All applicants selected for an interview will be interviewed by video/zoom meeting, scheduled at a convenient time for applicant and faculty.
• Admitted applicants will visit campus February 5, 2024 to meet with faculty, other PhD students, and to experience Atlanta.

Applications are submitted through Emory's Laney Graduate School (LGS). For more about LGS admissions, click here .

For admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program, Emory University seeks highly qualified applicants with the discipline and motivation to excel in interdisciplinary research. To be considered for admission, you must submit the following items:

• Completed application
• Submission of a Statement of Purpose that describes the applicant’s vision for what they want to study, who they want to study with, and why they want to study at Emory.
• Research interests that match faculty expertise
• Three (3) recommendations
• Satisfactory TOEFL scores (if applicable)
• Credential evaluations from any evaluator affiliated with NACES, The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services .  The most common ones are World Education Services , Educational Credential Evaluators , and Educational Perspectives .
• Transcripts issued by the registrar’s office from each post-secondary institution attended
• Resume or curriculum vitae

Emory University considers applicants who hold a BSN or MSN from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited program in the US or an international equivalent (Applicants holding a degree in a non-nursing related discipline will be considered on an individual basis).

Students entering with a BSN and intending to pursue advanced practice certification must be eligible for licensure as RN in Georgia by the end of the first year of study.

Application

Meet our students.

Meet our current and past doctoral students and learn a little more about how they impact the world of nursing research.

Student graduate’s dissertations include:

• Evaluating Stochastic Epigenic Mutations as a Potential Mechanism Translating Psychosocial Stressors into Risk for Postpartum Depression (Julianne Todd)
• Relationships among Dietary Patterns, Metabolites and Symptoms in Persons with Heart failure (Erica Nicole Davis)
• The Gut and Vaginal Microbiome in Pregnant Patients with and Without Urogenital Infections (Emily Faith Wissel)
• End-of-Life Care of Uong Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Cohort Study (Carolina Gustafson)
• LivFit with HIV:  Reducing inflammation and improving endothelial function with exercise adherence among older persons with HIV (Crista Irwin)
• Identifying and Addressing Healthcare Disparities in the Pediatric Acute Care Setting (Amy Rebecca Kolwaite)
• Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Gynecologic Cancer Pre-and Post-Radiotherapy and its Association with Obesity and the Gut Microbiome (Haerim Lee)
• Evaluation of Facility-Based Individual Differentiated Service Delivery Among Stable People Living with HIV in Nairobi, Kenya Using Mixed Methods Research (Rosemary Kinuthia)
• Relationships Among Strong Black Woman Belief, Coping Behaviors, Social Support, and Psychological Distress for Black Mothers after Stillbirth (Carrie Henry)
• The Influence of Postpartum Retention in Care on Mortality in Women Living with HIV (Jade McBroom)
• The role of the circulating registered nurse in communicating and fostering relationships and the impact on time spent in the operating room (Kent Haythorn)
• The Role of Vitamin D in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Gene Expression within an African American Cohort (Sheila Jordan)
• Diabetes Management and Self-Care among Emerging Adults: Emerging Adult and Diabetes Care Provider Perceptions of Self-Management Influences, Visit Interaction, and a Tool to Enhance Diabetes Care at Visits (Rachel Wolf)
• Staying Alive in Little Five: Perceptions of Service Industry Workers Who Encounter an Opioid Overdose in Little Five Points, Atlanta (Sara Febres-Cordero)
• The Occupational and Health Histories of Undocumented Immigrants Receiving Frequent, Emergent-Only Hemodialysis (Daniel Smith)
• Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Adolescents with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Psychiatric Residential Treatment (Amy Greenblatt)

A full list of student accomplishments is updated regularly (PDF) .

Here are just a few job titles of our graduates.

• Chief Nursing Officer with the Jamaican Ministry of Health
• Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Disease Control
• Pediatric Center for Wellness
• RTI International – Division of Public Health and Clinical Research
• The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Center for Pediatric Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice

Tuition and Awards

Full-tuition scholarships.

All full-time admitted students are granted full tuition waiver and receive an annual stipend over 12 months in exchange for teaching and research services. The stipend is drawn from a combination of faculty advisor grant support, school support and student research grants received during the program. Stipends are renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic and research performance, for a total of four years. Faculty and students work together to identify and apply for National Institutes for Health's National Research Service Award and other fellowships for stipend and research support funding during the doctoral program. Students also receive Professional Development Support Funds from Laney Graduate School to attend conferences and support research-related expenses.

T32 Predoctoral Fellowships through Spring 2023

The School of Nursing offers a research training program for selected predoctoral students to focus on developing and testing interventions to improve health outcomes of persons with or at risk for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus, HIV-AIDS, and asthma/COPD. Individuals selected as fellows in this training program receive a monthly stipend, benefit assistance, assistance for professional travel, and modest funds to support research related expenses. The Laney Graduate School also offers scholarships to PhD students.

Charting Innovative Paths for Nursing Research & Scholarship

Many of our students participated in the 11th Annual Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition Doctoral Symposium, “Charting Innovative Paths for Nursing Research & Scholarship” at Emory Nursing Learning Center on 2/11/23.

Students gave the following presentations at the Event:

• Policing Mental Health: Race and Psychiatry in Atlanta Avi Wofsy – PhD Student, Emory University
• Childhood Trauma Exposure and Length of Labor: A Potential Oxytocin-Linked Contributor to Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Black Birthing People Abby Britt – PhD Student, Emory University
• Personal Measures of Air Pollution During Pregnancy and Infant Head Circumference and Length at Birth Hina Raheel – PhD Student, Emory University
• Ways of Knowing: The Historical Intersections of Breastfeeding, Capitalism, and Whiteness Octavia Vogel – PhD Student, Emory University
• Bots and Fake Participants: Ensuring Valid and Reliable Data Collection Using Social Media Recruitment MethodsZ Roseline Jean Louis – PhD Student, Emory University

Many students presented posters. Hayden Herring, 1st year student, won 1st place for his poster.

How to Successfully Apply to Our PhD Program

Application process questions.

How Much is the Application Fee

$75 US.  The fee is non-refundable, and can be paid by credit card as part of the online application.

When exactly is the application deadline?

The deadline falls at midnight, U.S. Pacific time, on the deadline date of the each program. Nursing PhD program application deadline is January 1.

May I request a fee waiver?

Yes. Application fee waivers are processed through Laney.  The  application fee waiver page  explains our waiver policy.   https://www.gs.emory.edu/admissions/fee-waivers.html

Should I wait until I have my official test scores before submitting my application?

No.  Complete the online application at your earliest convenience.  When we receive your scores, they will be matched with your application.

Do I need to submit non-degree transcripts?

Yes. Admissions committees consider your complete academic record. 

If my undergraduate Degree is from Emory, Do I need to request a transcript from Emory?

Yes. You will need to upload one as part of your online application.  (If you are offered admission and accept, you will not need to submit an official copy, since we are able to verify the one you uploaded.)

If I participated in an exchange program while an undergraduate, do I have to request that transcript?

If you took some courses at a university as part of an exchange, like a study abroad program, and those course credits (course name, credit hours, and grade) are reflected on the transcript that includes your degree, then you do not need to submit a separate transcript from the university where you studied as part of an exchange. If you list that exchange experience as a separate educational experience on your application, you will need to upload either a separate transcript or a note explaining to us that the credits are included in another transcript. 

How should I submit my transcripts in the application?

Scan and upload them through the online application. Unofficial transcripts issued by the Registrar to you (the student) are acceptable.

You are required to submit one transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, present school included. International transcripts must be translated and notarized.  

Please do not mail paper transcripts.  If you are admitted and decide to attend Emory, then you will need to submit official copies of your transcripts before you can enroll. But for your application, the scanned, unofficial versions are all that's needed.

Does the recommendation letter have to be on the Emory form?

We encourage the use of the online recommendation system. If a recommender is unable to use this system, contact the program you are applying to for instructions.  You can find contact information on  our Degree Programs page .

Must letters of recommendation be submitted by the application deadline?

It is possible to submit letters of recommendation after the application deadline, but it is not advisable.  Most programs begin to review applications very soon after the deadline, and an application is not considered complete unless it has three letters of recommendation. 

Can I make changes to my application after I have submitted it?

No. Contact the graduate program to which you are applying for advice.  You can find contact information on  our Degree Programs page .

Can I reactivate my application from last year?

No. Applicants who wish to reapply must submit a new application, application fee, and supporting credentials.

Technical issues with the application: Email CollegeNet at  [email protected] . 

Additional Questions

Do you have to have your research focus before entering the program?

No, but strongly encouraged.

Can I start the PhD program in the spring semester?

NO.  This program begins with the fall semester matriculation only.

Can this program be completed in 3 years?

It can be done in three years if you are really focused.  But it will be challenging.

What are the fees students pay?

Enrollment, technology, health and wellness, athletic  and activity fees.  

Fall and spring you should be prepared to pay approximately$442, summer fees are about $351

When do I submit the application for the T32 program?

T32 application is due one day after the PhD program application, Jan. 2nd

Can I have my international transcripts reviewed by an agency other than World Education Services (WES)?

Laney Graduate School requires WES services review.

Do I have to have a master’s degree to enter this program?

No.  Students can apply to the program with a BSN

Can I work/ be employed outside the program?

Any work/employment has to be approved by the program

How many hours can I work if approved?

Students are allowed to work 10 hours a week

Accreditation

Emory University undergoes accreditation at the university level and throughout our colleges and schools to ensure our educational programs meet the highest standards. The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is accredited by multiple organizations. For a list of accreditations, you can visit our Accreditations page.

Featured Story

Emory nursing doctoral students receive prestigious NIH predoctoral fellowship awards

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PhD in Nursing Science 

Drive the future of nursing through scientific discovery.

• School School of Nursing | Graduate School
• Duration 4 years, full-time
• Format Hybrid
• Enrollment Fall
• Tuition Fully funded, stipend provided

About the Program

Conduct multidisciplinary, cutting-edge research that will transform nursing with Vanderbilt’s PhD in Nursing Science degree . This four-year, full-time program prepares diverse scholars to lead the nation in nursing research, education and policy.  

The program is delivered predominantly online with limited campus visits once a semester, and its state-of-the-art curriculum emphasizes both clinical and health services research. All students receive a customized plan of study tailored to their specific research interests. Research is organized into the following signature areas: Acute and Chronic Illness, Data Science and Health Technologies, Palliative Care Science, and Pregnancy Outcomes and Mother, Infant, Child and Family Health.     

Student tuition for the program is fully funded, covering up to four years of research and coursework, and students receive annual stipends.    

Facts & Stats

• #8 U.S. News & World Report 2023 rankings of Best Value School
• #13 U.S. News & World Report 2023 rankings of National Universities
• 26% Ethnic racial student enrollment across all VUSN programs in 2020

Key Takeaways   

• Bene f it from a blended learning format that pairs online classes and coursework with periodic campus vi sits  
• Receive competitive financial awards, including fully funded tuition and an annual stipend  
• Conduct cutting-edge , multidisciplinary r e search alongside nationally and internationally recognized faculty w ho have a wide range of research foci  
• Learn with a n advanced curriculum that emphasizes both clinical and health services research   
• Launch your research or academic career with strong faculty mentorship and a personalized plan of study  

Who Should Enroll ?

The PhD in Nursing Science program is designed for diverse nurse scholars who are interested in pursuing research and academic careers in public or private health care. Admitted students seek to advance nursing through scientific discovery, and they hold bachelor’s degrees in nursing (or BSN equivalent) and master’s degrees in nursing (or a related field) or doctoral degrees in nursing (or a related field).   

Admission to the program is competitive and requires research and career goals that are in alignment with the School of Nursing’s research efforts and faculty expertise.   

DNP VS. Ph.D. - 12 Key Differences Between DNP And Ph.D. In Nursing

Nursing is one of the few professions that’s associated with two different terminal degrees: the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.). The former degree is a clinical doctorate designed for advanced practice nurses who are actively working to improve healthcare outcomes in medical settings and who are championing the leadership role that nurses play in bringing about those outcomes. The latter degree is a research-focused doctorate designed to advance the science behind nursing practice. As of 2019, 40,271 nurses in the U.S. held DNP degrees according to statistics generated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing while 6,994 nurses held Ph.D.s in nursing. If you’re an advanced practice nurse who’s interested in reaching the highest echelons of your profession, the DNP vs. Ph.D. in nursing quandary may be one you find yourself thinking about frequently. Keep reading to discover 12 key differences between DNP and Ph.D. in nursing.

What Is A DNP Degree?

What is a ph.d. in nursing degree, what concentrations are offered in a dnp degree, • family nurse practitioner (fnp):, • adult-gerontology nurse practitioner (agnp):, • pediatric nurse practitioner (pnp):, • neonatal nurse practitioner (nnp):, • women’s health nurse practitioner (whnp):, • psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (pmhnp):, • certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna):, • clinical nurse midwife (cnm):, • clinical nurse specialist (cns):, • nursing education:, • executive leadership:, • nursing practice:, • health policy:, • public health:, • nursing administration:, what concentrations are offered in a ph.d. in nursing degree, • clinical nursing research:, • public health policy:, • nursing science:, • healthcare innovation:, how many years does a dnp degree take to complete, how many years does a ph.d. in nursing degree take to complete, where can you work after earning your dnp degree, where can you work after earning your ph.d. in nursing degree, how much does a dnp graduate make, how much does a ph.d. in nursing graduate make, dnp vs. ph.d. in nursing: what is the difference, 1. the dnp focuses on clinical practice while the ph.d. focuses on academic research., 2. the ph.d. includes a dissertation project; the dnp includes a capstone project., 3. nursing ph.d. programs often involve a mentored teaching experience., 4. ph.d. programs prefer letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s academic history while dnp programs prefer letters of recommendation that speak to the applicant’s clinical experiences., 5. it takes longer to earn a nursing ph.d.., 6. dnp programs require a greater number of credits for completion of the degree., 7. dnps typically earn higher salaries than nursing ph.d.s., 8. dnps have a greater assortment of employment opportunities than nursing ph.d.s., 9. unless a nursing ph.d. is a certified nurse practitioner, his or her scope of practice is limited to bedside nursing., 10. nursing ph.d. graduates do not have to go through a periodic recertification process., 11. most universities will not offer tenure track teaching positions to dnps., 12. nursing ph.d. students are not responsible for completing a minimum number of clinical hours., conclusion - dnp vs. ph.d. in nursing: which one should you pursue.

DNP vs PhD in Nursing: Which Is Better for Me?

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• Degree * Healthcare Simulation Hispanic Serving Healthcare Professionals Nursing Education Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track Nursing, BS Nursing, BSN to PhD Nursing, MSN Nursing, PhD
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If you’re considering pursuing a doctoral program in nursing, should you enter a PhD program or a DNP program? Both are doctoral degree programs that will allow you to advance your knowledge of the nursing field, but they offer unique career opportunities including nursing education, research, advanced practice nursing, or leadership. Keep reading to determine the best nursing program for you depending on your career aspirations!

What is a DNP Degree?

A DNP nursing degree stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice. It’s a degree that allows you to advance your clinical practice skills while furthering your nursing education. A DNP degree is a terminal degree, which means there’s no direct advanced training you can receive after finishing this degree. You could choose to return to pursue a nursing PhD, but a PhD is the same degree level as a DNP degree.

Unlike a PhD which focuses on research, students pursuing a DNP degree receive additional education in evidence-based practice methods, quality improvement, and systems leadership, among other areas.

At UCF, we offer three DNP degree programs:

• Nurse Practitioner, including Family Nurse Practitioner , Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner , and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks
• Nurse Executive
• Advanced Practice

How Long Does it Take To Get a DNP Degree?

A DNP degree is the end of a long educational path for a nursing doctoral student. Nurses typically start by obtaining their RN license through either an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Getting an ASN degree typically takes two years, while a BSN degree takes four years to obtain.

After receiving their degree and beginning to practice nursing as an RN, nurses seeking to obtain an DNP can continue to go to nursing school with two options. First, they can first pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. An MSN degree can take anywhere from one and a half to four years to complete, depending on whether nursing students are pursuing the degree full- or part-time and their level of education upon entering the program. RN to MSN programs and direct-entry MSN programs (MSN programs for nurses with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree) take longer, while BSN to MSN programs may only take one and a half to two years. A nursing professional with an MSN degree can work as a nurse educator or a nurse practitioner, among other career options. After completing an MSN degree, students can return to school to complete a post-MSN DNP program. Those programs generally take two to four years to complete beyond the MSN degree.

A second option is BSN to DNP programs, which skip the MSN degree. These programs typically take three to four years to complete. Additionally, 1,000 post-BSN clinical hours are required for any nurse obtaining a DNP degree.

The option you choose depends upon the career path you wish to pursue. For example, to become a nurse practitioner, you would choose a BSN to DNP program. For other career goals, it may make more sense to pursue your DNP degree by first obtaining an MSN degree.

Nurses with a DNP degree have access to a wealth of advanced nursing roles and positions, including clinical and non-clinical roles. Nurses wanting to continue their clinical practice might have jobs including nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. They might be primary care providers or specialty providers, and they can provide evidence-based practice in inpatient or outpatient settings. Typically, nurses continuing to work in clinical settings at this level have a lot of autonomy, and they don’t require much supervision from other healthcare providers due to their strong clinical knowledge base.

Non-clinical roles in the nursing field could include a career in nursing leadership, administrative nursing, or education. They might be a nursing instructor, Chief Nursing Officer, or nursing home administrator, or they could go into public health nursing. While they may still work in a clinical setting, like a hospital or clinic, their job duties will be non-clinical. DNP nurses could also work in a variety of settings that aren’t clinical, including for a health insurance company, pharmaceutical company, or medical supply company.

What is a PhD in Nursing?

Like DNP programs, a nurse PhD program is typically pursued by a nurse who has already obtained their MSN degree. It can take four to six additional years of schooling to get a PhD in nursing degree. Unlike a DNP program, however, a PhD in nursing program doesn’t require clinical hours, so students can take courses full time if they’re looking for a shorter path to get their degree.

Some programs, including UCF’s online nursing PhD program, offer a BSN to PhD option that allows nurses to obtain their PhD in nursing without completing an MSN program first. This can also help an aspiring nurse scholar to obtain their PhD and start a fulfilling career in the field of nursing as quickly as possible in as little as four and a half years.

What Does a Nurse Do With a PhD?

A PhD-prepared nurse has a variety of career options available to them. Typically, nurses with their PhD don’t work in clinical settings. Instead, they might work in a leadership role at a university, in a laboratory, in public policy, or for a research institution. Due to their vast knowledge in nursing, these nurses might work as nurse scientists, nurse researchers, nursing professors, or in governmental positions. There are many career paths available to PhD-trained nurses, but some typical job responsibilities for these nurses include teaching, research, and writing proposals and health policy.

DNP vs PhD Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that roles filled by nurses with DNP degrees will grow anywhere from 32–45% by 2029, depending on the position. Since PhD-educated nurses work so many different roles, it’s difficult to quantify their expected job growth, but nursing careers across the board are in high demand . In a survey of nursing schools performed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , schools reported an average nurse faculty vacancy rate of 8.8%. This shortage is preventing nursing programs from accepting qualified students; in 2021 alone, 91,938 nursing school applicants were turned away due to insufficient faculty. Both DNP- and PhD-educated nurses have excellent job prospects.

DNP vs PhD Salary

Typically, nurses with a DNP degree have a higher annual salary than those with their PhD. That’s in part due to the settings in which they work; since DNPs often practice clinically and see patients, they have a higher earning capacity than nurses in higher education or governmental positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , DNP-prepared nurses make a median salary of about $123,000 per year, with nurses trained as nurse anesthetists earning the highest average salary. Nurses with their PhD who work in teaching positions earn an average of $77,440 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Nurse researchers earn a median wage of $81,500 a year according to PayScale .

Deciding Between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing

All nurses start in the same place—with an RN license—but where they end up varies based on the continued education they pursue. For those wanting to obtain the highest level of nursing education possible, there are two ways to earn a doctorate degree in nursing—a DNP degree program or a PhD in nursing program. Which doctoral degree is best for you depends on your career goals, clinical experience, and areas of passion.

Nurses passionate about the clinical practice of nursing may prefer a DNP degree, since clinical hours are a key element of this degree, even if they don’t practice clinically their entire career. Nurses more interested in teaching, research, or changing the field of nursing as a whole may prefer a PhD track, which focuses more on scientific knowledge and the theoretical foundations of nursing. Some nurses choose to obtain both their DNP and PhD degrees in nursing, giving them greater flexibility and the most advanced nursing knowledge.

Whatever Educational Path You Choose, UCF Has an Online Program To Get You There

Our online nursing program has core courses on nursing theory, scientific writing, and healthcare research to prepare you for a leadership position in a stimulating nursing career.

For those seeking a PhD in nursing degree, UCF offers two online degree options—a BSN to PhD track and an MSN to PhD track. We welcome students with various educational backgrounds working to achieve common goals.

If you’re interested in a DNP degree, UFC offers specialized options based on whether you intend to practice clinically or lead the field of nursing in a non-clinical role. Our online DNP Advanced Practice track prepares practicing nurses for engaging, rewarding clinical careers, while our DNP Nurse Executive track supports innovative, creative nursing students as they take on non-clinical leadership roles.

For students seeking to become a nurse practitioner, UCF also offers hybrid classroom-online BSN to DNP degree nurse practitioner programs in primary care, acute care, and family nurse practitioner.

UCF’s Online Nursing Degrees

• Healthcare Simulation
• Hispanic Serving Healthcare Professionals
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track
• Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track
• Nursing, BS
• Nursing, MSN
• Nursing, PhD

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Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education The Science of Teaching Care

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Advance the Nursing Profession with our Ph.D. in Nursing Education

Are you interested in influencing the field of nursing and taking the discipline even further? Nurses who are prepared with a Ph.D. are needed to steward the discipline and educate the next generation of nurses. Prepare to conduct original research, generate new ideas, design, implement, and communicate findings to lay audience programs for nurses — including formal academic programs that lead to a degree — with Liberty’s Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education degree.

Our doctorate in nursing education is a great credential to have to advance or alter your career path. It can provide both the knowledge and research experience that is important to become a faculty member at a university or educator in a medical facility. You could become a professor of nursing or pursue other educational opportunities within healthcare — or go into hospital administration, health policy advocacy, or nursing research.

Nursing education is a growing field that needs educators who are passionate about patient advocacy and the advancement of excellent healthcare policies and processes. Apply your current experience to your studies and gain the knowledge you need to lead in advancing the nursing profession with a Ph.D. in Nursing.

Licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements .

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Ph.D. in Nursing Education Online Degree?

By choosing Liberty to pursue your doctoral degree, you’re choosing a university that is accredited, Christ-centered, and flexible with course scheduling. When you choose any of our online degree programs, you’re choosing excellence that is grounded in integrity.

Liberty University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). This means that you can be confident that you are receiving a world-class education that has met rigorous education standards.

We understand that you may have family, career, and community obligations — so our program is designed to work around your busy life and schedule. You can complete your doctorate in nursing 100% online, in a flexible 8-week course format. Optional synchronous online sessions are delivered most weeks of the semester to allow you to maximize engagement with faculty, classmates, and the program.

At Liberty, our mission is to Train Champions for Christ . All of our programs are taught by Christian faculty who are not only nationally recognized educational leaders but also professors committed to your personal and professional success.

What Will You Study in Our Ph.D. in Nursing Education Online Degree?

In this program, you’ll learn to design and lead effective nursing education programs for the next generation of medical professionals. Your coursework can help you become a confident leader, equipped to implement change and improvements to nursing education. Through multi-disciplinary courses and interactions with your professors, you can develop the skills you need to lead and collaborate with healthcare teams and create positive change.

Upon successful completion of our program, you can be more prepared to:

• Act as a professional nursing leader, role model, and mentor for those who wish to pursue advancement in nursing.
• Advocate for policies and programs that improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.
• Apply ethical decision-making and values to the nursing profession based upon a biblical worldview.
• Contribute to the science of nursing by creating original research and scholarship.
• Educate the next generation of nurse scholars to add to the global community of nursing professionals.
• Synthesize the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing in the practice of research

Potential Career Opportunities

• Health policy advocate
• Hospital administrator
• Nurse scientist
• Nursing professor/faculty member
• Nursing researcher

Featured Courses

• NURS 764 – Learning Theories and Teaching Methods for Nurse Educators
• NURS 765 – Curriculum Development and Program Evaluation for Nurse Educators
• NURS 766 – Advanced Evaluation Strategies for Nurse Educators
• NURS 784 – Assessment and Accreditation for Nursing Programs

Course guides available upon request

Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Nursing .
• View the Graduate Nursing Course Guides (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for our Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education

Admission requirements.

At this time, our Ph.D. in Nursing Education degree is limited in certain states. Please view the licensure/certification requirements for your state. International students can contact the School of Nursing related to their degree interest.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information for one recommender
• Statement of Purpose
• One year minimum experience as a Registered Nurse (RN). Registered Nurse Licensure verification will be conducted annually until the curriculum for the online Ph.D. in Nursing: Nursing Education is completed. As the student, you are responsible to notify the School of nursing should any restrictions be placed on your license.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets this program apart from other similar offerings.

Our nursing faculty are nationally recognized educational leaders.

What does the career potential look like for this field?

With the growing demand for nurses, nurse educators are also in demand at all levels, and with a doctorate in nursing, you may find many employment doors opening.

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16 episodes

Presented by the Florida Center for Nursing, Frontline Nursing is a podcast that recognizes the impact nurses have on our lives and our communities. Throughout the series, FCN Executive Director, Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, will talk with those on the frontlines of health care to hear about the issues impacting the nursing workforce, insights from their personal journeys, and what inspires them.

Frontline Nursing Hosted by Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN

• MAY 1, 2024

Nurses Make a Difference: Willa Fuller, Executive Director of Florida Nurses Association

Welcome to Season 2 of Frontline Nursing! In this episode, Willa Fuller, BSN, RN, discusses her years of nursing experience and her current position as Executive Director of the Florida Nurses Association. The conversation dives into the endless possibilities of nursing and how nurses bring the act of caring to every position they hold, including Executive Director of the FNA. Willa Fuller, BSN, RN is the Executive Director of the Florida Nurses Association and has been a nurse for over 30 years.  She worked as a medical-surgical nurse and clinical nurse educator before following her passion and joining FNA to advocate for nurses.     Links Florida Nurses Association Florida Center for Nursing Subscribe to FCN’s newsletter Find us on social media   The Florida Center for Nursing The Florida Center for Nursing is established to research and address issues of supply and demand for nursing, including issues of recruitment, retention, and utilization of nurse  The vision of the Florida Center for Nursing is to ensure that the health care needs of the residents and visitors of Florida are met by a competent and sufficient nursing workforce.

• MAR 31, 2022

The Long Haul: Meet Kerri, a nurse with 27 years of experience

Welcome to Frontline Nursing: The Long Haul. In this episode, we speak to Kerri, a nurse from Louisiana, with 27-years of experience, and learn how COVID impacted her career and her life.

• FEB 28, 2022

Giving Nurses a Voice: Emily Bloom works to make nurses' voices heard

In this episode of Frontline Nursing, Emily Bloom, BSN, RN discusses her experiences during the pandemic that resulted in her leaving the bedside. Emily calls for action and proposes solutions to improve working conditions for nurses, which will ultimately result in higher quality and safer patient care.

• JAN 31, 2022

Meet our sister podcast: Trailblazing Nursing

The Frontline Nursing podcast delivers episodes that provide nurses with the tools needed to navigate the challenges they face while working in the United States health care system. In this episode of Frontline Nursing, I’d like to provide you with another resource and opportunity to listen to more discussions with nurses and experts from across the world. I’m really excited to tell you about a new nursing podcast titled Trailblazing Nursing. Trailblazing Nursing is a sister podcast of Frontline Nursing, sponsored by the University of South Florida College of Nursing and hosted by my Dean, Dr. Usha Menon. Each month, Usha will bring you a 15-minute discussion on current topics in nursing. It's an honor to share the podcast space with strong, trailblazing, expert nurses, such as Dr. Usha Menon. 

• DEC 17, 2021

Think outside the box: Dr. Lena Gould takes nursing to another level

This episode welcomes Dr. Wallena "Lena" Gould, EdD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN. Dr. Gould talks to us about the challenges in becoming a nurse and the work she does to increase the diversity of the nursing profession. 

• NOV 19, 2021

Has the Pandemic Impacted our Future Nurses? A Discussion with Daniela Diaz, Student Nurse

This episode welcomes Daniela Diaz, a student nurse enrolled in the baccalaureate program at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Daniela tells us about her experience coming to nursing school during the global pandemic, facilitators and barriers to her academic success,  and why she choses to become a Registered Nurse.

• © 2024 Frontline Nursing

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