phd in nursing education programs

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Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)

Pursue your passion as a nurse educator and help shape the future of nursing..

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The online Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) is the first program of its kind in the country. Its launch comes at just the right time as we face an urgent national need for doctorally-educated nursing educators. This novel professional doctoral degree program is designed for master’s-prepared nurses who are passionate about educating nursing students and nurses and seek to become expert educators specifically in the clinical discipline of nursing.

This unique program emphasizes best practices in teaching and learning in nursing, curriculum design and development related to nursing education and clinical practice and nursing education assessment and evaluation—a combination not offered anywhere else in the country. 

You will choose from two specialization tracks to meet your specific goals:

• Academic nursing education
• Nursing professional development.

Whether you want to become an expert nurse educational leader in academia or healthcare, this program will prepare you to plan, implement and evaluate best evidence for nursing-specific instruction.

As a DNE student, you can expect to complete the program in five semesters (2 years) of full-time study or eight semesters (3 years) of part-time study, including summer semester coursework. The online DNE program consists of synchronous coursework, field experience/immersion hours to build competencies and a culminating final project.

Hear from current DNE student Rob Patton about how the program’s Nursing Professional Development specialization is helping him pursue his passion and shape the future of nursing.

Specializations

Academic Nursing Education

The academic nursing education track is developed for nurses with earned master’s degrees who seek to teach in college or university level academic nursing programs to prepare nurses for clinical practice at all levels.

Nursing Professional Development

The nursing professional development track is targeted to masters-level nursing professional development practitioners (NPDs) who seek doctoral preparation to educate nurses in healthcare settings to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Director, Doctor of Nursing Education Program

Assistant Director, Doctor of Nursing Education Program

What you'll learn.

As a graduate of the DNE program, you will gain the skills and competence to excel as a nursing educator. The following are expected outcomes for graduates of the DNE program.

• Translates and evaluates evidence-based principles of teaching and learning into the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of nursing education and practice for a diverse student population to transform the healthcare system 
• Demonstrates excellence in leadership roles for the development of practice models, policy, ethical principles, and competencies for nursing education and nursing professional development (NPD) 
• Applies evidence-based practice and translational science methodologies into educational scholarship to prepare graduates to be innovative and creative nurse educators prepared to drive change in nursing education and healthcare environments 
• Collaborates with interprofessional teams to implement and evaluate evidence-based teaching strategies to promote critical thinking and clinical decision-making in nursing 
• Demonstrates inclusion of wellness across multiple educational and practice settings for nursing students, faculty, NPD specialists, and organizations for improved health outcomes

Distance Education

State authorization for distance education can change. Please see this resource for the most accurate and up-to-date state authorization status for the DNE Program .

At this time, The Ohio State University College of Nursing is authorized to enroll distance learning students in many U.S. states. However, due to varying state laws and regulations, there are also many states in which we are not currently permitted to offer distance learning programs. Residents of these states are not able to participate in the programs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the University’s Online Programs State Authorization webpage or email us at [email protected] to find out whether their program of interest is available in their home state. Please check back often, as the College and University are aggressively pursuing authorization in all 50 states. Residents outside of the U.S. are not able to participate in distance learning programs. Admission into a program is granted at the time of initial acceptance into the program and is dependent on program availability in the state where the student is physically located at the time of admission. If a student moves to a state other than the state where the student was physically present when admitted into the program, continuation within the program will depend on the availability of the program within the new state where the student is physically present. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the institution of a change in physical presence.

Accreditation Status

The Ohio State University Doctor of Nursing Education Program (delivered via distance education) holds pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20037. 202-909-2487. Holding pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation by NLN CNEA will be received.

Application Deadline

• Autumn 2025 Opens: August 1 Deadline: March 1, 2025*

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

Email [email protected]

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Online doctor of nursing education.

Ohio State's online Doctor of Nursing Education program qualifies master’s-prepared nurses to become expert nurse educational leaders in academia or healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, home care, or communities.

Students in this flexible, yet rigorous program take courses in clinical instruction, assessment, and evaluation, as well as instructional design for nursing education. The program culminates in a hands-on final project demonstrating the achievement of doctoral-level outcomes. 

Choose between the Academic Nursing Education specialization or the Nursing Professional Development specialization to customize your program to match your career goals. Whether you want to become an expert nurse educational leader in academia or healthcare, this program will prepare you to plan, implement, and evaluate the best evidence for nursing-specific instruction.

Campus Requirements: NONE – 100% online.

Class Format:  Most classes are offered in a synchronous format, meaning you have a scheduled date and time you must log in to attend.

Credit Hours Required:  50

Cost Per Credit Hour:  $1,158.58 (includes instructional, general, and program fees).  See the full cost breakdown here.

Admission Requirements:  Completed master's degree in nursing, an active RN license or APRN certification, and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last degree earned relevant to the program of study.

Time to Completion:  Five semesters (2 years) of full-time study or eight semesters (3 years) of part-time study.

Can You Really Get a Nursing Degree Online?

Trauma nurse advances career with online dnp program, program tracks, academic nursing education.

The academic nursing education track is developed for nurses with earned master’s degrees who seek to teach in college or university level academic nursing programs to prepare nurses for clinical practice at all levels.  

Nursing Professional Development

The nursing professional development track is targeted to masters-level nursing professional development practitioners (NDPs) who seek doctoral preparation to educate nurses in healthcare settings to enhance healthcare outcomes.

Sample Courses

Principles of instructional design for nurses, policy, ethics, and legal considerations in nursing education, innovation in nursing practice and education, publication and grant writing in nursing education, featured faculty.

Wendy Bowles, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, CNE

Alice Teall MS, CRNP, FAANP

Carolyn Schubert, MS, DNP, CNE

Tara Spalla King PhD, RN

Is this program offered in my state, the selected program is available in the following states.

If you live outside Ohio and are planning to earn a professional license via this program, click on the state where you plan to seek licensure for important information.

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Still have questions? Inquire for the answers you need .

Top PhD in Nursing Programs

What is a ph.d. in nursing.

• Ph.D. in Nursing vs DNP
• Types of Programs
• Top Programs
• Program Overview
• Is a Nursing Ph.D. For Me?

The Ph.D. in Nursing degree opens career opportunities for nurses as researchers, forging new and cutting-edge nursing practices for future generations. This article explores this terminal nursing degree, how to get it, and the top Ph.D. in Nursing programs.

A Ph.D. in Nursing is the highest degree awarded to nurses and one of two terminal nursing degrees. Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy, and Ph.D. in Nursing programs focus on evidence-based research.

Throughout their 4-6 year study, nursing Ph.D. students learn how to conduct, analyze, and publish nursing research. The degree culminates in students conducting an independent research project and writing a dissertation on it.

Ph.D. in Nursing and DNP Differences

A Ph.D. in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are both terminal nursing degrees. However, comparing a  DNP vs. a Ph.D. in Nursing reveals distinct differences. Notably, the Ph.D. in Nursing prepares you for a science, academic, or research-focused career as opposed to a clinical one.

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

Enrollment: Nationwide

• DNP - Educational Leadership

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

• DNP - Family NP
• DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP
• DNP - Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health NP
• DNP - Women's Health NP

• DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health (Post-MSN)
• DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Post-BSN)

RNs with an associate degree: Advance your nursing career with a supportive online RN to BSN program for women. Simmons University has been empowering nursing leaders for more than 100 years and offering innovative online degree programs since 2013. Up to 96 transfer credits accepted. Request information now.

As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited4 RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).

Enrollment: FL

Key Ph.D. in Nursing vs. DNP Differences

>> Related:  Top Online DNP Programs

Types of Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

The United States is home to over 135 Ph.D. in Nursing programs, which you can attend in multiple formats at nearly every educational level. The types of Ph.D. in nursing programs include the following:

• BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: These Ph.D. in nursing programs allow nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to pursue a career in nursing research without first attending an MSN program.
• MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: Designed for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) trained nurses, these programs typically include core courses for the doctoral program, electives, and dissertation study.
• DNP/Ph.D. Dual Degree: These rigorous programs allow students to concurrently attain expertise in scientific inquiry and faculty practice and hone the practical skills of expert nurse clinicians. 

>> Show Me DNP Programs

Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Are Ph.D. in Nursing programs available online? The answer is yes; you can find several online options to pursue this degree. Since a Ph.D. in Nursing focuses on scientific inquiry, it doesn't have the same onsite practical hours as other nursing degrees. 

Program dependant, you may still need to show up on campus a few times each year. However, for the most part, all you need to earn a Ph.D. in nursing is Wi-Fi, good study habits, and determination.

Top Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Each Ph.D. in Nursing program is unique, offering its own benefits and features. We assembled the top five Ph.D. in Nursing programs nationwide following Nurse.org's proprietary ranking algorithm , which considers and ranks schools based on factors like:

• Tuition costs
• Program length
• Nursing school accreditation
• Admission requirements
• The variety of available programs
• Additional program accolades

 1. University of Pennsylvania

• Program Cost:  $46,934 per academic year
• Program Length:  4-6 years
• Application Due Date: Dec. 1st

The University of Pennsylvania boasts one of the top Ph.D. in nursing programs nationwide. To offset the expensive tuition, the university offers full-time students stipends during their first four years. In exchange, students may work as Teaching Assistants within UPenn's School of Nursing for up to 16 hours a week. 

Contact UPenn about this program:

• Phone: (215) 898-4271
• Email: [email protected]

Source: University of Pennsylvania

2. Duke University

• Program Cost:  Fully funded (up to 5 years)
• Application Due Date: November 30th

In 2023, U.S. News & World Report named Duke University the second-best graduate school for nursing. Duke's Ph.D. in Nursing program prepares nurses to become stalwart scholars. Graduates will build nursing science by leading multidisciplinary research that determines the relationship between chronic illness and care systems.

Contact Duke University about this program:

• Phone: (919) 684-3786
• Email: Contact Request Form

Source: Duke University

3. Duquesne University

• Program Cost:  $1,765 per credit
• Program Length:  3-4 years
• Application Due Date:  February 1st

As the first fully online Ph.D. in Nursing program, Duquesne offers a highly flexible education option to many students nationwide. Additionally, students attending the program may get to study abroad at the Duquesne campus in Dublin, Ireland.  The 56-credit program culminates in a dissertation proposal and final defense in which students orally defend their research thesis to the dissertation committee.

Contact Duquesne University about this program:

• Phone: (412) 396-6219
• Email:  [email protected]

Source: Duquesne University

4. Columbia University

• Program Cost:  Fully funded (up to 3 years)
• Application Due Date:  November 15th

Ph.D. in Nursing student at Columbia choose one of three major areas to study, which include Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science, Analytical Foundations of Nursing Science, and Electives and Applications. The programming heavily focuses on publication, grantsmanship, presentation, and networking. In addition to their coursework, students participate in research experience and training.

Contact Columbia University about this program:

• Phone: (212) 305-5756
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Columbia University

5. Rush University

• Program Cost:  $1,344 per credit hour
• Program Length:  3-5 years
• Application Due Date:  March 4th

Rush University's Ph.D. in Nursing is fully online except for an on-campus orientation and summer intensive learning sessions. The program focuses on preparing nurses and non-nurses with graduate degrees to become leaders in clinical research and educators who influence healthcare policy. While many students keep working throughout the program, they often must take fewer hours while completing their dissertation.

Contact Rush University about this program:

• Phone : (312) 942-7100
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Rush University

What to Expect in a Ph.D. in Nursing Program

Nursing Ph.D. degrees focus on scholarship and nursing research. By the end of the course, you'll be able to conduct and publish evidence-based research that can alter the face of nursing practice and healthcare policy for future generations. 

Generally, these educational pathways combine graduate study and research activities and do not include clinical rotations. Instead, you will be required to complete a long-form research paper called a dissertation. To write your dissertation, you'll complete independent research based on a significant and relevant scientific inquiry in the nursing field. 

>> Related: The Best Nursing Research Topics

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

Ph.D. in Nursing programs prepare graduates to pursue careers in research and teaching, advanced clinical practice, health care administration, and policy.  Following graduation, your future may hold a career as a nurse scientist, as an administrator, as a nurse educator, or in establishing health policy.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

Healthcare workers who hold a Ph.D. in nursing earn an average annual salary of $100,00 or $60.45 per hour , according to Payscale . However, your nursing salary will vary depending on your career, employer, location, experience, and other relevant factors.

How Much Does a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Cost?

Ph.D. in nursing programs range from $400 to over $2,300 per credit hour at more distinguished institutions. However, several universities will fund your Ph.D. tuition itself or through a federal research grant. Most often, these funding opportunities are only available to full-time students, while part-timers must pay the full tuition costs.

How Long Do PhD in Nursing Programs Take?

Most Ph.D. in nursing programs take between 4-6 years to complete. Your educational timeline will vary based on your previous education and whether you attend full or part-time.

What Will You Learn in a PhD in Nursing Program?

Since all Ph.D. degrees in nursing emphasize healthcare research, their curriculums will all share certain core elements, which include:

• The philosophical and historical foundations of nursing knowledge
• Review of existing and evolving nursing theory
• Methods and process of developing theory
• Research methodology and data management
• Academic, research, practice, and policy development

Your graduate nursing program will consist of several key milestones to reinforce your education. These include:

• Leadership strategies related to nursing, healthcare, and research
• Mentorship and working alongside faculty on their individual research programs
• Immersion experiences are designed to encourage leadership and scholarship.
• Each student will be required to complete a dissertation.

Ph.D. in Nursing Program Requirements

Each university sets its own entry standards, which vary based on the type of program . However, general Ph.D. in nursing admission requirements include the following:

• BSN, MSN, or non-nursing graduate degree
• Personal research statement
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Admissions interview
• Writing sample
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation
• Unencumbered RN license
• Official post-secondary school transcripts
• TOEFL or IELTS scores

Is a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Right for Me?

Your professional goals play a massive role in deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D. in nursing. If you're interested in scientific and academic nursing research, healthcare policy, or becoming a nurse educator, a Ph.D. in nursing is an excellent option. Remember, it will not qualify you for APRN positions, so if you have clinical aspirations, a DNP is the right doctoral nursing option.

Next Steps to Enroll in a PhD in Nursing Degree Program

Ready to start your educational journey toward earning a Ph.D. in Nursing? You can start working toward those goals today with these simple steps:

• Research Universities: Find a program that suits you based on your budget, attendance needs (e.g., part vs. full-time and in-person vs. online), and interests.
• Plan Applications: Understand the program requirements and application deadlines for each school you're applying to. Then, make a plan to collect and submit all the necessary materials and documentation on time.
• Prepare Properly: If a university considers you for Ph.D. candidacy, you'll attend an admissions interview. Planning and practicing this interview and paying close attention to why you chose the program and your research interests will optimize your chances of admission.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

• Best Online Doctorate In Nursing Education Programs

Best Online Doctorate In Nursing Education Programs Of 2024

Updated: Jun 7, 2024, 2:37pm

Doctoral nursing programs offer the highest level of education you can earn in the nursing field, preparing you for an advanced teaching, research or leadership role while increasing your salary potential. If you want to maximize your impact on the future of nursing, consider earning a doctorate in nursing education .

You can even pursue a doctorate in nursing education online. The convenience of online learning allows you to earn your degree without sacrificing your current work or family responsibilities. An online degree could also be more cost-effective by cutting out the relocation and commuting expenses often associated with traditional on-campus programs.

We’ve used a strict methodology to rank the top universities offering online doctorates in nursing education based on credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We’ve also provided tips on how to find the right online doctoral program based on your goals, availability and budget.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

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

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

Our Methodology

We ranked 23 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctorates in nursing education in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of June 2023. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 72% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best doctorate in nursing education online programs, should you enroll in an online doctorate in nursing education, accreditation for doctorate in nursing education online programs, how to find the right online doctorate in nursing education for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in nursing education, regis university, walsh university, bryan college of health sciences, ohio university-main campus, east carolina university, western connecticut state university, university of northern colorado, southern connecticut state university, liberty university, university of west georgia, featured online schools.

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

Program Tuition

$995/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Nursing students looking to earn an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) while continuing to work professionally will find a convenient, flexible program at Regis University , based in Westin, Massachusetts. Learners can pursue either a B.S.N.-to-D.N.P. or an M.S.N.-to-D.N.P. program.

Enrollees in the M.S.N.-to-D.N.P. program can choose from three start times per year and earn their degree in 24 to 36 months without setting foot on campus. The program offers eight areas of nurse practitioner specializations: pediatrics, psychiatric mental health, women’s health, family, adult gerontology primary care, adult gerontology acute care, nurse leadership and nurse education.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 27 to 64 credits (depending on specialization)
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Cultural perspectives in healthcare, instructional methods in nursing education
• Concentrations Available: Pediatrics, family, psychiatric mental health, women’s health, nurse education, nurse leadership, adult-gerontology (primary or acute care)
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, clinical hours required

$745/credit

The online M.S.N.-to-D.N.P. at North Canton, Ohio’s Walsh University prepares nurses for leadership roles in healthcare. Classes are offered in eight- and 16-week sessions throughout the year and are designed to accommodate busy, working professionals.

Students receive clinical placement support to find a clinical site and preceptor to complement their online coursework and complete clinical rotations. D.N.P. students can add a specialization to their degree with a post-M.S.N. family nurse practitioner or nurse educator graduate certificate.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 34 to 63 credits ( depending on track)
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare technology and data management, nursing leadership role and ethics in complex healthcare systems
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, residency practicum required

$743/credit

Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln, Nebraska, offers an online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with an emphasis in nursing and health professions education. The program aims to develop educators for leadership roles in education and practice.

Designed for working professionals with a master’s in nursing or another healthcare-related field, Bryan College’s doctoral degree allows students to finish in four years with no on-campus requirements. Learners can complete asynchronous work independently, except for three required video meetings per semester to meet with faculty and other students.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 50 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Education practice seminar, teaching and learning theories
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, education practicum required

$648/credit (in-state)

Ohio University-Main Campus ’ online M.S.N.-to-D.N.P. features two areas of specialization: direct patient care as an advanced practice nurse and indirect patient care as a nurse executive or nurse educator.

The part-time program serves working professionals. Most students take two to three courses per semester. Ohio University offers all coursework online, but students must attend three on-campus intensives at the school’s Athens or Dublin campuses. Learners in the nurse educator path must complete practicum experiences and a D.N.P. immersion.

• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of evidence-based practice, quality and safety in population health
• Concentrations Available: Direct patient care as an advanced practice nurse, indirect patient care as a nurse executive or nurse educator
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus intensives

$414/credit (in-state)

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, East Carolina University offers three online pathways to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in nursing education. Applicants can start with a D.N.P, an M.S.N. or a B.S.N.; the Ph.D. requires 42 to 84 additional credits. The D.N.P.-to-Ph.D. program allows students to transfer up to 12 hours of previous D.N.P. coursework toward their degree.

Students entering with a B.S.N. complete an integrated M.S.N and Ph.D. curriculum, with optional concentrations in nursing education or nursing leadership. This pathway allows them to reduce the number of master’s level courses and finish faster.

Learners must attend on-campus summer immersion sessions.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 to 84 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Statistical reasoning in nursing, principles of measurement
• Concentrations Available: Nursing education, nursing leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for summer immersion sessions

$954/credit

Western Connecticut State University ’s nursing faculty created its online Ed.D. in nursing education to prepare nurses for academic faculty roles. Most students graduate in three and a half years, taking two courses every semester, including the summer.

Courses are delivered entirely online through synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. Before the start of the program and each summer before years one and two, nursing students must attend a three-day, on-campus residency in Danbury.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 51 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Theories of teaching and learning in adult and higher education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus residencies

$706/credit

The 66-credit, online nursing education Ph.D. program at the University of Northern Colorado prepares graduates for nursing faculty roles in universities and healthcare organizations.

Students must attend a five-day orientation in Greeley the summer before starting the program, but all coursework is delivered online. Students complete a dissertation in their fourth year.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 66 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: The professional role in nursing education, advanced nursing curriculum design
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an orientation

$1,002/credit

Headquartered in New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University ’s online nursing Ed.D program was designed for registered nurses with clinical experience and master’s degrees in nursing. The program focuses on preparation for nurse educators, teaching students the necessary skills to become academic faculty members.

The program consists of five major components: foundations of teaching in higher education, specialization in nursing education, leadership in nursing education, science of nursing education research and a dissertation phase.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Ethical/legal, political and social issues affecting higher education
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for a teaching practicum

$595/credit

Students of Liberty University ’s online Ph.D. in nursing education program hone the skills needed to become nursing professors or explore careers in hospital administration, health policy advocacy or nursing research.

Liberty University, based in Lynchburg, Virginia, allows students to transfer up to half of the degree’s required credits. The college also offers a military tuition discount for current and former service members. All courses run in eight-week, online sessions with optional synchronous meetings and no in-person requirements.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Learning theories and teaching methods for nurse educators
• In-Person Requirements: No

$241/credit

The University of West Georgia , based in Carroll County, offers a fully online Ed.D. in nursing education delivered through asynchronous coursework. Students in this program learn to apply field-specific knowledge and skills in modern educational environments to train aspiring nurses.

Applicants must hold an M.S.N. with a minimum 3.0 GPA in their graduate nursing courses. Full-time learners can expect to finish the Ed.D. in 11 semesters; part-time students typically finish in 14 semesters.

UWG charges online learners an “eTuition” rate of $71 per credit in addition to their base tuition rate.

• Application Fee: $40
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Current trends and issues in nursing education, distance education in nursing

Earning an online doctorate in nursing education can advance your nursing career , increase your salary and open doors to high-level teaching and administrative roles. However, online college isn’t for everyone.

Before enrolling in a program, understand how the classes operate. Some online programs require students to log on for live virtual instruction, which may not fit with your work schedule or personal commitments. Other programs allow you to watch lectures when they’re convenient for you. Some programs offer a mixture of live and recorded classes.

Also, consider how you learn. If you’re organized and self-motivated, online learning may suit you. However, if you prefer face-to-face instruction and the ability to interact with others, a more traditional in-person program is your safest bet.

Below, we explore other factors to consider when making your decision.

Colleges and universities undergo a third-party review process to determine if they meet quality standards set by approved accrediting bodies. This process, called institutional accreditation, assures students, college faculty members and employers that the school awards quality degrees. Departments within an institution can also apply for programmatic accreditation.

Institutional Accreditation

Always look for accredited colleges , especially if you plan to apply for federal student aid, which requires applicants to attend institutionally accredited schools. Institutional accreditation also impacts your eligibility for credit transfers, professional credentials and employment. Forbes Advisor only ranks accredited colleges and universities.

Programmatic Accreditation

Several of our top-ranked programs hold programmatic accreditation, which applies to individual degrees, programs and departments. Professional accrediting bodies evaluate degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels to award this status.

Accrediting organizations for doctoral nursing education programs include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Accreditation and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Find accredited education programs using the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation search tool .

Below, we discuss a few important factors to help you narrow down your prospective colleges.

Consider Your Future Goals

If you’re researching doctorate in nursing education online programs, you’ve already invested a great deal of time in your education and professional experience. To identify the right type of nursing degree , consider how you want to apply your investment in the long term.

If you’re interested in a teaching career, consider an Ed.D. degree , which will prepare you to instruct the next generation of nurses. A D.N.P. program , on the other hand, can further your clinical practice. Or, if academic research sounds more appealing, opt for an online Ph.D. in nursing education.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Minimum total tuition, which doesn’t account for additional fees, books or other resources, ranges from about $14,000 to $51,000 at our top-ranked schools. Earning your nurse educator degree may not be cheap, but resources are available to help alleviate the financial burden.

Apply for the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program if you’re a U.S. citizen and a registered nurse or nurse practitioner . This federal program aims to address the shortage of qualified nurses in underserved communities by offering loan repayment assistance.

If you commit to working in a critical shortage facility or as a nurse faculty member for at least two years, up to 60% of your qualifying student loans will be repaid. If you commit to three years, the government will pay up to 85% of your student loans.

You can also apply for federal student aid, including scholarships, grants and work-study arrangements , through the FAFSA® . Look for university-specific scholarships, assistantships and other funding opportunities as well.

What is a doctorate in nursing education?

A doctorate in nursing education is a teaching-based doctoral degree. This degree prepares healthcare professionals to teach future RNs and advanced practice RNs. Graduates can also serve as high-level academic or hospital administrators .

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. in nursing?

A Ph.D. in nursing is a doctoral research degree that prepares nurses for careers in scientific research. An Ed.D. in nursing prepares nurses for leadership roles in clinical settings.

Is it better to get a D.N.P. or a Ph.D. in nursing?

Which doctoral nursing degree is better depends on the nurse’s career goals, experience and interests. Those who prefer working in a clinical setting may prefer a D.N.P., which requires clinical hours. Those interested in teaching or conducting scientific research may prefer a Ph.D.

Can a D.N.P. call themselves “doctor?”

Yes, to an extent. Graduates with a Doctor of Nursing Practice have earned the highest degree in their field, like those with a Ph.D. or Ed.D. However, they are not medical doctors.

Suzie loves researching, interviewing experts and breaking down complex information into understandable and actionable advice to help others improve their lives. Based in Denver, Suzie and her husband are parents to a 14-year-old boy, a 12-year-old girl and two rescue dogs.

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An Online Nursing Education Doctoral Degree from Renowned Faculty

The Nursing Education Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is a post-master's program designed to prepare scholars for academic settings or health care organizations. You will develop excellence in teaching the discipline of nursing and engage in a research trajectory specific to nursing education. This doctoral program extends content acquired at the baccalaureate or master’s levels to emphasize knowledge development, education strategies, leadership and research.

In this program, you will draw upon the educational expertise of the university at large by utilizing curricular and research resources of other disciplines as well as those of nursing. The program requirements are distributed across three major focus areas:

• Research (generate new knowledge to advanced nursing science)
• Leadership (advance the professional discipline of nursing)
• Education (promote innovative and evidence based approaches in education)

This online program, offered by the UNC School of Nursing through Extended Campus, begins each Fall via a competitive admission process.

Preparing Nurse Educators

The Nursing Education PhD program is committed to increasing the number of doctoral-level nurse educators. Graduates of the program are qualified to fill nursing faculty positions in educational institutions and health care agencies.

The fully accredited UNC School of Nursing is widely recognized for preparing excellent nurses and teachers.

Nurse Educators are Critically Needed

According to AACN's Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions , as of October 2022 there were more than 2,166 faculty vacancies just among the 909 nursing schools who responded to the survey. This is up from 1,500 vacancies identified in 2016.

Institutions need qualified faculty to meet growing student demand.

I'm Ready to Apply

Credits Required: 66

Time to Completion: 4+ years

Tuition: $734/credit hour

Delivery Option & Start Term: Online + Colorado Visits: starts each Fall term

Get Started/Apply

Program coordinator.

Darcy Copeland, PhD, RN [email protected] 970-351-1930

Course of Study

Eligibility & transfer credit, costs & aid, delivered mostly online.

The Nursing Education PhD is a 66 credit hour post-master's program that can be completed mostly online in as little as four years, though many students choose to spend additional semesters on their dissertation.

• Program coursework is fully online.
• You will contribute work toward your dissertation during each semester in the program, and in the fourth year all of your coursework will center on your dissertation.

Short Colorado Visits

• There is a required 5-day orientation in July the summer before you start the program. You will spend two days in orientation on campus in Greeley and three days at the Nurse Educator Conference in the Rocky Mountains.
• Some students choose to come to campus for their dissertation proposal hearing, dissertation defense and oral comprehensive exams.

Coursework (66 Credit Hours)

For an example of upcoming courses, visit the Current Students page for this program.

For full program requirement details, see the official program listing in the UNC Graduate Catalog .

Nursing Education PhD students have the option to expand their elective coursework via NEXus (The Nursing Education Xchange) .

Admission Requirements

Possess a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Nursing from accredited (NLN/ACEN or CCNE) programs in nursing, with a cumulative master's GPA of 3.00 or better (4.00 scale).

If you are still completing your master's degree at the time you apply, admission will be based on your current cumulative GPA, and you will need to re-submit your official transcript (showing your conferred degree and final GPA) during your first semester. If your final GPA fell below 3.00, you will be given additional academic stipulations to remain enrolled at UNC.

Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for this program.

Licensure as a registered nurse.

One to two years of teaching experience recommended, but not required, prior to program enrollment.

Eligibility by State

At this time, UNC can provide distance education to students from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. UNC cannot provide distance education in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.

Certain distance education activities that occur outside of Colorado may have additional state approval processes or requirements. This most commonly occurs for experiential learning placement activities such as practica, internships, student teaching, and healthcare clinicals. Please review the State Authorization (SARA) page for additional information on UNC’s ability to offer distance education across state lines and a list of activities and states where approval may be required. For additional information or questions, please contact [email protected] .

International Student Eligibility

International students residing outside of the United States are eligible to apply to our online programs. Applicants for online programs must demonstrate English proficiency, or enroll in the UNC Intensive English Program , in order to be considered.

This program requires occasional visits to the United States. You will need to submit financial documentation before you plan to arrive in the U.S. (and again each time you travel to the U.S.). The financial documentation needs to demonstrate that you can pay for the cost of tuition and living expenses for the days that you will be in the U.S.

Please visit the International Students Admission Requirements page for details about English proficiency requirements, financial documentation and applying as an international student.

Transferring Credit

UNC graduate school accepts applicable graduate credit with a grade of C or higher from accredited institutions. Please note that if your chosen program has a higher grade minimum for any program coursework, that minimum would apply to transfer requests for those courses. Graduate program faculty are responsible for reviewing any proposed transfer credit to ensure that course content and objectives match program content.

• Students must complete at least 50% of their graduate program credits at UNC, not including research, capstone, seminar, internship/externship/practicum, thesis, dissertation proposal, dissertation and any credits graded with S/U (P/F).
• Courses requested for transfer must not be more than eight years old for doctoral degree credit; will not be used to meet any residency requirements; are not used in calculation of the grade point average; and cannot have been used to fulfill requirements for a previously awarded degree. See the full Graduate Transfer Credit Policy .

This is an Extended Campus program, which means:

• We charge a flat per-credit tuition rate for all students (in-state or out-of-state).
• There are no added student fees or technology fees. However, certain courses may carry specific course fees to support additional services and materials.

Program tuition for the 2024-25 academic year (which runs Fall, Spring, and Summer terms) is $734 per credit hour. Tuition for the 2025-26 academic year will be determined mid-June 2025.

Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC's official Cost of Attendance/ Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.

Financial Aid

Degree-seeking students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The UNC FAFSA/financial aid page for graduate students has key dates and support, including the release date and deadline for each academic year (a Fall-Spring-Summer cycle which begins each August).

Late submissions of the FAFSA are still accepted throughout the school year but you may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid. If the priority deadline has passed for the upcoming/current school year, we encourage you to apply for FAFSA consideration as soon as you enroll for your first courses. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to submit an application for the current academic year and an early/priority application for the following academic year.

Doctoral degree students must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full time enrollment is based on 9 credits per term.

To apply for federal financial aid assistance

Fill out the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

For more specific help, contact the Office of Financial Aid:  [email protected] , 970-351-4862  or via the UNC Financial Aid website .

Students can also find helpful information such as the Guide to Federal Student Aid at https://studentaid.gov/resources . Most of the resources are available in English, Spanish and Braille.

Student Health Insurance

The University of Northern Colorado offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) to all degree-seeking students who enroll in courses on our main UNC Campus, an Extended Campus Center, or Online.

Degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours will automatically receive this benefit each term. SHIP premiums will appear on your semester bill. If you have comparable insurance coverage, and do not want to be charged for SHIP coverage, you must opt out of this plan each Fall via an online waiver process .

Please visit the UNC Student Health Insurance pages for more information about the insurance plan.

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Additional Resources

• Learn more about the School of Nursing Faculty .

Other Related Programs

• Nursing DNP (Post-Master's Doctoral)
• Nursing Education (Post-Master's Certificate)

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Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Education

Become a nursing research expert with our ph.d. in nursing education.

Do you love being a nurse and educating others? Maybe you’ve been in the practice for just a few years, or you’ve spent decades serving others as a nurse. Have you thought about passing on your knowledge and experience by educating the next generation of nurses? If this interests you, our Ph.D. in Nursing: Nursing Education degree can provide both the knowledge and research experience you’ll need to become a faculty member at a university or educator in a medical facility where you educate nurses.

Our doctorate in nursing education is a great credential to have to advance or alter your career path. You can become a professor of nursing or pursue other educational opportunities within healthcare. You could go into hospital administration, health policy advocacy, or nursing research.

So don’t wait any longer! Nursing education is a growing field that needs educators who are passionate about using medicine to serve others. We know you have the heart and experience for this field, and with our degree, you’ll receive the education you need to excel.

What Will You Learn in Our Ph.D. in Nursing Education Program?

Upon successful completion of our program, you’ll be able to:

• Act as a professional nursing leader, role model, and mentor to others who wish to pursue advancement in the nursing profession.
• 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 applying original research and scholarship to real-world problems.
• 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.

Career Opportunities for Ph.D. in Nursing Education Graduates

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

Benefits of Earning a Ph.D. in Nursing Education

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Ph.D. in Nursing Education degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• With a growing demand for nurses, nurse educators are also in demand at all levels, and with a doctorate in nursing, you will have an advantage in receiving job offers.

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 . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Aug 19, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

Cheer on 20 NCAA Division I games that air nationwide

Graduate with your peers

Be inspired by world-renowned speakers at Convocation

Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Financing Options

Financial aid.

Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

Tuition Discounts

Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

Apply FREE This Week*

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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Doctor of Education (EdD) in Nursing Education

Courses start every monday, take the first step in your national university journey, 240k+ alumni worldwide, doctorate of education (edd) with a specialization in nursing education.

Just as teachers are now in greater demand than ever before, educational leaders are needed to manage and assist schools, school districts, state educational boards, and institutes of higher learning as they work to improve their instructional capabilities. The Doctor of Education program (EdD) uses an applied, project-based approach to prepare professionals who seek to lead improvements in the strategy, practice, policy, and outcomes of educational practice. EdD research focuses on solving a problem in the workplace or in the professional field of education.

Why Earn Your Doctorate in Nursing Education with National University?

The Nursing Education specialization prepares educators and leaders for professional roles in nursing education. Recent shortages in nurses and nursing faculty have led to a growing demand for educators in the field. In this interdisciplinary program, you’ll take courses in the School of Education and the School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing. The foundational coursework provides an in-depth understanding of research methods, statistics, and data analysis, while the specialty studies focus on instructional theory, evidence-based practices, evaluation methods, and the use of technology in nursing education.

Admission Requirements 

A conferred post-baccalaureate master’s degree or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service. Examples of acceptable doctoral degrees include Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD).

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the EdD program, Nursing Education specialization applicants must provide a copy of the following:

• A valid and active RN license from the United States
• A master’s degree in nursing (MSN)

Dissertation Process

In addition to the foundational and specialization courses, each doctoral student is required to complete a high-quality dissertation through a systematic process assisted by faculty. An EdD dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of educational study. The step-by-step process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of your dissertation.

Courses and Sequence

The EdD in Nursing Education specialization requires 54 credits for degree completion. All foundation competency courses, specialization courses, and method coursework must be completed before beginning the Doctoral Comprehensive Assessment course (CMP-9601E). Upon successful completion of the comprehensive assessment, you’ll become an official doctoral candidate and may move onward to the sequential dissertation coursework. Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete your dissertation research. If granted, additional courses will be added to your degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. The estimated time needed to complete this program is 33 months.

Course Details

Course listings.

Your communication abilities have a big influence on your professional reputation. In this course, you’ll develop skills to establish yourself as a competent professional with strong communication skills. You’ll learn competencies related to written, oral, and visual forms of communication appropriate to specific media and audiences. You’ll also explore how the iterative nature of preparing communications and integrating feedback into your work products can support your development and advancement as a professional.

Leadership during times of change can be challenging. This course supports your professional development as an effective leader of educational organizations during periods of change. You’ll explore strategies and techniques for self-reflection, evaluating culture, integrating stakeholder feedback, and incorporating data as part of improvement processes. To conclude the course, you’ll synthesize these skills to design a comprehensive improvement plan that addresses a specific problem within an educational organization.

• Specialization Course 1
• Specialization Course 2
• Specialization Course 3
• Specialization Course 4
• Specialization Course 5  (Nursing Education specialization only)
• Specialization Course 6  (Nursing Education specialization only)

In this course, you’ll develop effective search and writing strategies to create a scholarly review of literature. The course emphasizes how to: (a) use effective literature search strategies; (b) develop a scholarly synthesis of research literature; (c) organize research literature around identified themes, including a study problem, purpose, and theoretical perspectives; and (d) focus on developing a scholarly exposition that reflects divergent viewpoints and contrasting perspectives. The overarching goal is for you to understand strategies for surveying scholarly literature that avoid bias, focus on educational practice-based research problems, and address the requirements of a scholarly literature review.

This course introduces you to the research process by exploring its underpinnings, examining its paradigms, and investigating the foundations of qualitative and quantitative methodologies used in educational studies. You’ll identify criteria for the development of quality research studies that are ethical, accurate, comprehensive, cohesive, and aligned. Specific course topics involve the ethics of conducting research; data collection and analysis techniques; and issues of feasibility, trustworthiness, validity, reliability, transferability, and rigor. The goal is to familiarize yourself with the concepts and skills associated with conducting theoretical and applied research.

This course provides the foundational knowledge to become a critical consumer of statistical-based research and a skilled analyst of non-inferential quantitative data. Coursework focuses on understanding multivariate data, non-inferential and inferential statistical concepts, the conventions of quantitative data analysis, and interpretations and critical inferences in statistical results. You’ll use software applications to complete statistical computations and perform quantitative data analysis. The course culminates in a synthesis project to demonstrate your statistical skills and present your results using APA guidelines. 

Select One of the Following Two Research Courses:

A focus on qualitative research methodology and the designs and methods used to collect and analyze data in educational research. You’ll examine the principles of qualitative research and explore commonly used designs (also referred to as qualitative traditions or genres) with a focus on application and feasibility. Qualitative data collection and analysis methods will be examined for their suitability with regard to the research design selected. Alignment between qualitative designs and research methods, issues of trustworthiness, and the responsibilities of the qualitative researcher will also be explored.

Select One of the Following Two Data Analysis Courses:

This course builds on a foundational understanding of qualitative designs and measurements to focus on analyses of the data. Coursework takes you deeper into the skills and techniques necessary to ensure the appropriate analyses of qualitative data, including integrating relevant frameworks, verifying trustworthiness of the findings, and selecting suitable methods for presenting analyses and findings.

An exploration of advanced statistical principles and how to apply them to quantitative research. This course provides an overview of advanced statistical concepts used in empirical research, including inferential analyses. You’ll use SPSS software to perform advanced computations as you build independent, scholarly statistical skills. Coursework will emphasize multivariate data; the use, comprehension, and evaluation of sophisticated statistical concepts; and the proper presentation of statistical results.

The doctoral comprehensive assessment is your opportunity to demonstrate your preparation for entering the dissertation phase as a doctoral candidate. You’ll synthesize discipline-specific content with research designs and methods to create a prospectus for a problem of applied practice within an educational context. This prospectus will likely become the foundation of your dissertation. This course is begun only after all your foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.

In this 12-week course, you’ll complete all relevant subsections of Section 1: Foundation. You’ll use your school-specific template and guidance from your chair to determine which subsections apply to your individual work. Section 1 must be completed and approved by your committee in order to pass the course and move forward. If you do not receive committee approval of Section 1, you’ll be able to take up to three supplemental eight-week courses to finalize and gain approval.

In this course, you’ll compose all relevant subsections of Section 2: Methodology and Design, and complete your proposal. Both of these components must be approved by your committee in order to pass the course and move forward. You’ll use your school-specific template and guidance from your chair to determine which subsections apply to your individual work. If you do not receive approval of Section 2 and the completed proposal by the conclusion of this 12-week course, you’ll be able to take up to three eight-week supplementary courses to finalize and gain approval.

In this course, you’ll prepare, submit, and obtain approval of your Institutional Review Board (IRB) application before collecting data and, if applicable, executing your project modeling. You’ll also submit a final study closure form to the IRB. If you’re still collecting data at the end of the 12-week course, you’ll be able to take up to three supplementary eight-week courses to complete the required components.

In this 12-week course, you’ll complete the relevant subsections of Section 3: Findings, Implications, and Recommendations, finalize your manuscript, and disseminate your findings. You’ll use your school-specific template and guidance from your chair to determine which subsections apply to your individual work. The final manuscript, including Section 3 and the dissemination of findings, must be approved by your committee in order to pass the course and be eligible to graduate. If you do not receive committee approval on all components, you’ll be able to take up to three supplemental eight-week courses to finalize these requirements and be eligible to graduate.

Specialization Courses

NUR-7000 Nursing Education Theories and Concepts

An exploration of theories and concepts that provide the foundation for nursing education and adult learning. You’ll conduct analysis of theory development and examine multidisciplinary concepts applicable to nursing education and research. You’ll also review the current and seminal literature regarding nursing practice, education, and research, as well as the social sciences.

NUR-7001 Future of Nursing Education: Challenges for the Educational Leader

In this course, you’ll learn the future opportunities and challenges in nursing education from the perspective of a reflective practitioner. You’ll discuss the regulatory, ethical, and political challenges faced by instructional and supervisory leaders in nursing education. In addition, you’ll focus on how educational leaders explore and act upon the variety of challenges and opportunities in the field.

NUR-7002 Nurse as Educator

This course examines the evolving roles of the nurse educator within the ever-changing healthcare system and educational environment. You’ll focus on the educator as a teacher, leader, collaborator, mentor, and change agent. Principles underlying the teaching of adult learners will be examined and applied to classroom and clinical settings. By the end of the course, you’ll have formulated a personal working philosophy of nursing education.

NUR-7003 Evidence-Based Teaching in Nursing

A study of the foundational knowledge in nursing science, skills, and education for contemporary nursing education practice and scholarship. This course explores current, evidence-based andragogic practices to develop a basis for studying and applying nursing education disciplines.

NUR-7004 Teaching with Technology in Nursing Education 

In this course, you’ll learn the importance of utilizing technology in nursing education in the classroom and clinical settings. The goal is to provide an understanding of technology tools that can create diverse and meaningful learning experiences. You’ll examine current technology trends, including simulation, online learning, learning management systems, instructional design, Web 2.0 tools, computer-assisted learning, presentation software, EHRs, and videos. Through discussion and practice, you’ll refine your instructional skills in applying these tools as an educator.

NUR-7005 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education

This course explores evaluation methods used in nursing education curricula. Coursework will include norm-referenced and criterion-referenced evaluation methods. You’ll identify criteria used to develop reliable evaluation measures and explore techniques for identifying cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains as they relate to education and nursing. Finally, you’ll examine current issues and research related to educational testing instruments, alternatives to standardized evaluation methods, and outcome measurement in education.

Program Outcomes

The Doctor of Education (EdD) program develops your abilities to lead improvements in practice within educational organizations. EdD learning outcomes include the ability to:

• Recommend policies advancing equity and social justice in educational organizations
• Select ethical and regulatory compliant actions supporting the mission and vision of organizations
• Develop leadership skills through the integration of theoretical constructs with professional practice
• Create strategic and tactical plans to improve organizations
• Construct theory-informed decisions for addressing complex problems of practice

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“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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By submitting your information to National University as my electronic signature and submitting this form by clicking the Request Info button above, I provide my express written consent to representatives of National University and National University affiliates (including City University of Seattle) to contact me about educational opportunities. This includes the use of automated technology, such as an automatic dialing system and pre-recorded or artificial voice messages, text messages, and mail, both electronic and physical, to the phone numbers (including cellular) and e-mail address(es) I have provided. I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary.

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Explore West

Take advantage of what the University of West Georgia has to offer. UWG boasts 87 programs of study.

UWG offers an exciting, diverse curriculum that allows its students to flourish and become community and world leaders.

Doctor of Education with a Major in Nursing Education

University of West Georgia School of Nursing ranked 31st in the nation for "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs" (U.S. News & World Report, 2020).

UWG's online EdD in Nursing Education is designed to prepare nurse educators for the 21st century. The 100% online program will enable students to earn a doctorate degree that will prepare them to train future nurses, helping address a critical shortage in the state, region and nation. This is one of only a few such programs in the nation!

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog .

Start Your Journey Today

The program includes a total of 60 semester hours including 12 dissertation credit hours. Through structured activities and facilitator-guided dialogue, learners will gain an understanding of the doctoral program goals, structure, and culture. Students will develop strategies for successfully engaging in doctoral learning and building an effective doctoral community. Classroom instruction will be delivered through asynchronous communication. Communication between the professor and students will be promoted within the university's course management system. Objectives: The major objectives of this doctoral program are to: Demonstrate advanced nurse educator competencies to enact increasingly complex faculty and leadership roles. Facilitate curriculum design, development of courses, and evaluation of program and learner outcomes using evidence-based strategies. Function as a change agent, innovator, and leader with the continuous pursuit of quality improvement in the nurse educator role. Advance the scholarship of nursing education. Conduct, evaluate, and synthesize theoretically guided research to further pedagogical knowledge in nursing education. The Doctorate of Education in Nursing Education Program Website includes other vital information.

School of Nursing 678-839-6552 [email protected]

Ms. Embry Ice (Pre-enrollment advisor) [email protected] 678-839-5115

Career Opportunities

Link to Additional Career Information: https://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Nursing External Resource

Program Location

Method of delivery.

100% Online Asynchronous. A mandatory two-day, on-site orientation seminar is required before the first semester. A one-day mandatory dissertation orientation is required the semester prior to comprehensive exams (varies based on part-time or full-time track).  On-site attendance for one of the students dissertation defenses is also recommended.

Accreditation

The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Credit and transfer

Total semester hours required: 60 Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 6 A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team ( [email protected] ). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.

Graduate students may be able to reduce their cost through  prior learning , previous degrees earned at UWG, or transfer credits. We have created a  tool  to help students estimate their tuition costs.                

This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.

UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.

• Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
• The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
• Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
• Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
• Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
• One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
• For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website

There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

Full-Time Plan of Study [PDF, 76 KB] Part-Time Plan of Study [PDF, 84 KB]

NURS-6900 - Scholarly Writing

This course will address the basic mechanics of scholarly writing, peer review, self-editing and APA format.

View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

NURS-9001 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing Education

This course is designed is to prepare doctoral students for current and future movement in nursing education. The course emphasizes the development of complex competencies to meet the educational needs of a rapidly developing global society.

NURS-9002 - Quantitative Research in Nursing

This course addresses quantitative research, methods, designs, and approaches to scientific inquiry in nursing education.

NURS-9003 - Principles of Qualitative Inquiry: Design and Methods

Principles of qualitative research methodology will be explored including philosophical frameworks, an introduction to qualitative methodologies, rigor, and data collection and analysis strategies

NURS-9004 - Teaching the Adult Learner

This course examines theories of pedagogy and andragogy and practical application in the adult education process. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9005 - Nursing Theory in Nursing Education

This course includes the opportunity for analysis and evaluation of concepts related to theory development and an exploration and analysis of middle range theories. Additionally, the course will include an examination of nursing theory and its link to the research process and best practices in nursing education. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9006 - Educational and Healthcare Policy Analysis

Must be admitted to the EdD in Nursing Education program as a prerequisite to register for this course. This course is an advanced study of policy and its impact on nursing education and health care. It is designed to enable nurse educators to become more knowledgeable, effective, and responsible participants within the political context of the academic and health-care settings.

NURS-9007 - Applied Statistical Methods in Nursing

This course provides the student with the opportunity to examine statistical methods for nursing and educational research. Emphasis is on the utilization and interpretation of descriptive and inferential statistics.

NURS-9008 - Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Education

This course provides an overview of philosophical, ideological, and/or theoretical constructs that have influenced nursing education. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9009 - Curriculum: Theory and Practice

This course provides an opportunity to develop and analyze nursing curricula based on the interpretation, evaluation, and synthesis of current and historical literature.

NURS-9011 - Ethics in Educational Leadership

This course is designed to provide the student the opportunity to analyze ethical theories and to apply these theories to nursing education. Ethical issues in health care, higher education, and nursing education provides the focus for the learner to explore the guiding principles of ethical decision making. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9012 - Nursing Education Synthesis

This course provides the student with opportunities to synthesize the roles, processes, and functions of an educator within higher education.

NURS-9013 - Nursing Education Leadership for Diversity for the 21st century

This course explores the application of leadership theories within a culturally diverse society in the context of a quality caring curriculum. Students are challenged to develop a global perspective and appreciation of the cultural complexity and diversity within healthcare and educational settings. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9014 - Methodology Development

This course will provide a critical examination of detailed knowledge of methodology as it relates to the field of research in quality caring nursing education.

NURS-9015 - Dissertation

This course is the research dissertation which demonstrates a mastery of study and contributes to the literature in nursing education.

NURS-9016 - Distance Education in Nursing

This course provides a focus on current issues and challenges for the distance education professional in nursing education through the design and evaluation of online learning environments. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9018 - Advanced Research Methods

This course provides an opportunity for students to build upon previous content addressed in the NURS 9002, NURS 9003, and NURS 9007 courses and focuses on the design and development of a quantitative or qualitative research study prospectus.

NURS-9019 - Comprehensive Exam

This course will assess the student s ability to demonstrate, through scholarly writing, knowledge synthesis of doctoral coursework and readiness to begin the doctoral dissertation. The course will contain the comprehensive exam for the program and the comprehensive exam will be INDEPENDENTLY written. The comprehensive exam may be repeated only once within the course. Failure of the second comprehensive exam attempt will result in an unsatisfactory in the course and dismissal from the program.

Connie Barbour, EdD, RN, CNE

Assistant professor.

Cynthia Brown, DNS, RN, AHN-BC, NBC-HWC, CNE

Nancy Capponi, EdD, RN, CNE, CCRN, CEN

Laura Caramanica, PhD, RN, CENP, FACHE, FAAN, CNE

Graduate program director & professor.

Kelly Dyar, EdD, RN, CNN, CNE

Director of inquiry and scholarship & associate professor.

Tammy McClenny, EdD, RN

Laura Phillips, EdD, RN, CNE

Sally Richter, EdD, RN

Associate dean of nursing graduate programs & associate professor.

Jennifer Schuessler, PhD, RN, CNE

Dean of school of nursing & professor.

Amy Yarbrough, EdD, RN, RNC-MNN, CNE

Guidelines for admittance.

• All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application . A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
• Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process .
• International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students .
• Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.

Program Specific Admittance Guidelines

• Earned Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited program.
• G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all graduate nursing courses. 
• Official transcript from each degree-granting college or university attended (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.).
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional and academic abilities.
• Current unencumbered RN license in the United States.
• Professional resume.
• Turnitin: To ensure academic integrity, the Tanner Health System School of Nursing (THS SON) vigorously affirms the importance of an Honor Code as defined by the THS SON Undergraduate and Graduate Student Handbook. Therefore, to detect and prevent plagiarism, faculty members at THS SON now use an originality tool called Turnitin to compare a candidate's work with multiple online sources. Turnitin reports a percentage of similarity with multiple online sources and provides links to those specific sources. However, the tool itself does not determine whether or not a paper has been plagiarized. Instead, the individual faculty member must make that judgment.

Application Deadlines

This program admits only for the fall semester each year.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Admissions will continue until the cohort is full for the available fall semester.

Admission Process Checklist

Please submit all transcripts to:

UWG Graduate Admissions Mandeville Hall 1601 Maple Street Carrollton, GA 30118

The School of Nursing Website includes a program handbook, directory of instructors and their credentials, as well as other vital information.

Contact Ms. Embry Ice (Graduate Studies Associate) [email protected] Phone: 678-839-5115 Fax: 678-839-6553 Graduate Admissions [email protected] 678-839-1394

This program admits only for the fall semester each year. Application deadlines can be found on the  Deadlines page. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Admissions will continue until the cohort is full for the available fall semester. Specific dates for Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP .

The major objectives of this doctoral program are to:

• Demonstrate advanced nurse educator competencies to enact increasingly complex faculty and leadership roles.
• Facilitate curriculum design, development of courses, and evaluation of program and learner outcomes using evidence-based strategies.
• Function as a change agent, innovator, and leader with the continuous pursuit of quality improvement in the nurse educator role.
• Advance the scholarship of nursing education.
• Conduct, evaluate, and synthesize theoretically guided research to further pedagogical knowledge in nursing education.

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Nursing Education Ph.D.

• Degrees and Programs
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Admissions Deadlines

Starts Each Fall Term The deadline for completed applications (including all supplemental materials) each year is February 1. Admission is competitive and completed applications will be reviewed soon after the deadline.

If the cohort is not filled with the initial review of applications, additional applications will be considered on a space available basis. You may contact  [email protected]  to see if applications are still being accepted for the upcoming Fall term, or if you should apply for the following Fall.

Admission Requirements: NursingCAS

Applicants must apply to the program through the   Nursing Centralized Application Service   (NursingCAS).  Please submit all required materials by the application deadline to avoid a delay in the evaluation and screening of your application.  All official transcripts are submitted to NursingCAS, and do not need to be resubmitted UNC. 

The UNC School of Nursing will review applications following the application deadline. Official admission notifications will be sent in the 2-4 weeks that follow.

Admission Requirements: Graduate School

Applicants must apply to the program through the  Nursing Centralized Application Service  (NursingCAS) before the program area reviews the applicant’s request for admission. Failure to submit all required materials will delay the evaluation and screening of your application.

Each applicant must:

If you are still completing your master's degree at the time you apply, admission will be based on your current cumulative GPA, and you will need to re-submit your official transcript (showing your conferred degree and final GPA) during your first semester. If your final GPA fell below 3.00,  you will be given additional   requirement s as defined by the academic program that must be met within one calendar year to remain enrolled at UNC.

One to two years of teaching experience recommended, but not required, prior to program enrollment

Take the following steps to be considered for admission:

Step 1: Complete the Application

Complete the NursingCAS application .

• Answer the application questions.
• Request two (2) letters of recommendation from former faculty or colleagues with a doctoral degree. You will be asked to supply information for your recommenders in the application.

Step 2: Request Transcripts

Please Note:   As all official transcripts are submitted to NursingCAS, they do not need to be resubmitted to the Office of Admissions.

Exception: If you are admitted to UNC and intend to use Veteran’s Education Benefits, an official transcript from all colleges or universities attended  will be required in order to maintain compliance with Veteran’s Affairs policies.

For the exception above, official transcripts from U.S. institutions should be sent via mail directly from the educational institution in an unopened, sealed envelope or through an electronically secure digital program from the issuing institution. Mailed transcripts should be sent to:

University of Northern Colorado Office of Admissions Campus Box 10 501 20th St Greeley, CO 80639 Electronic transcripts from U.S. institutions should be sent directly from the educational institution to:   [email protected] . The Office of Admissions does not accept email, scanned or PDF transcripts directly from applicants. All official transcripts, submitted as part of the application process, are retained by UNC and not returned to applicants or admitted students.

UNC retains submitted transcripts, from institutions other than UNC, for admitted students for up to five years after graduation or date of last attendance at UNC. Transcripts provided by applicants who were not admitted, denied admissions or did not complete their application are destroyed after one (1) year. The  Office of   Admissions will make every attempt to use previously submitted transcripts if they are within these timeframes. However, if the  Office of   Admissions  cannot locate previously submitted transcripts, the transcripts fall outside the timeframes listed above or they are considered illegible, applicants must provide new transcripts. Applicants with academic credentials from outside the U.S. will need to follow the   requirements for submission of foreign transcripts . Click on the Transcripts tab for information about international transcripts.

Step 3: Note About the GRE

This program does not require GRE scores.

Step 4: Supplemental Items

You will need to submit the following in NursingCAS:

• Statement of career goals. Topics to cover: Career goals; interest in nursing education consistent with the mission and vision of UNC School of Nursing; and a potential area of research interest or general topic for dissertation.
• Current vita or resume
• Licensure as a registered nurse
• Sample of written scholarly work, project or publication in which the applicant was the lead or sole contributor. Examples of this work include but are not limited to one of the following: master’s-level exemplar, evidence-based practice/grant/QI/research proposal, literature review, lesson plan, innovative assignment, scholarly publication or presentation.

A personal interview may be required.

International Applicants

International applicants (non-U.S. citizen/non-U.S. Permanent Resident) please refer to the   International Admissions Requirements   page for further information about submitting transcripts, English proficiency scores, passport copy and financial documentation.

For More Information   For more information about the admission process, please email the Office of Admissions at   [email protected] or call 970-351-2881.

Degree Overview

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PhD Education

Find Programs

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. 

PhD in Nursing Program

Florida's First Online PhD for Nurse Scientists

Post-Master’s Online Nursing PhD

Led by faculty experts at ucf.

Contribute to nursing’s future with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing degree from UCF. The online nursing PhD program will prepare you for a career at the forefront of nursing science where you’ll contribute to the body of knowledge and test theories, and lead research in the application of innovative strategies for clinical care and nursing education.

The doctoral program in nursing prepares nurse scholars to possess a body of knowledge about theory, processes and methods of inquiry in the discipline of nursing. The program allows students to contribute to disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge in nursing and healthcare from the basis of sound conceptual, methodological, and ethical decision-making.

Exclusive PhD Funding Opportunities

In addition to UCF graduate fellowship opportunities for full-time students, there is exclusive funding available for students planning to obtain a nursing faculty position after graduation and help address the nationwide shortage of doctorally prepared nursing faculty.

• UCF Graduate Fellowships  – More than $2M in fellowship funding awarded annually
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program  – Federal loan forgiveness program for nursing PhD students
• Nurse Faculty  PIPELINE Funding  – $150K awarded annually to cover tuition and fees

High Quality. Low Cost.

Expertise of nationally recognized faculty. Convenience and flexibility of UCF Online.

Now at a lower cost with reduced tuition through fee waivers for some campus-based amenities.

Distinguished   UCF Faculty. Esteemed UCF Degree. Options Designed for Working Professionals Like You.

• You fulfill the general UCF graduate admissions requirements ( see Admissions section of the UCF Graduate Catalog ).
• You are a licensed RN in the state in which you practice.
• You have an MSN and BSN degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent ( students without a MSN degree should refer to the BSN to PhD in Nursing program )
• Your research interests match faculty expertise .

The UCF Nursing PhD curriculum is delivered online with two multiple-day onsite intensives per year.

The program requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond a master’s degree in nursing. This includes:

• 39 credit hours of required courses that focus on foundational knowledge development, and research methods and experiences;
• 15 dissertation credit hours; and
• 9 credit hours of supporting courses that develop student expertise in the area chosen for their dissertation. PhD students are encouraged to seek out interdisciplinary supporting courses.

View Sample Plans of Study

Yes, you may pursue the Nursing PhD program at UCF from any location, both within or outside of Florida.

Note the Nurse Licensure Compact does not apply to PhD programs.

Visit our Doctoral Admissions page for details on the application process and requirements.

Please note:  The College of Nursing accepts the most qualified students based on evaluations of the applicant’s abilities, past performance, recommendations and match of  UCF research areas  with applicant’s career goals.

Access to Excellence

Renowned ucf faculty. esteemed ucf degrees. options designed for you..

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School of Nursing

Nursing PhD Program

Enhance your career.

Focus your career on advancing science to improve health

Develop new knowledge.

Builds sought after healthcare leaders that create measurable impact on society.

Prepare for admission.

Taking courses as a non-degree student is an excellent way to explore the program and think further about your own research ideas and direction.

In its 29th Year

UConn's state-of-the-art doctoral nursing program allows you the opportunity to generate and test your own theory.

Advancing nursing science to build a healthier world

The UConn School of Nursing PhD Program in Nursing prepares nurses who promote health for all people through nursing science.

The faculty of the PhD Program in Nursing at the University of Connecticut (UConn) have a long-standing commitment to advancing the discipline of nursing through research and theory that promotes health among individuals, families, groups and communities across the lifespan and states of health.

The School of Nursing attracts top PhD students who work closely with leading faculty on research in a variety of specialty areas. Faculty research interests span areas such as health equity; symptoms, including pain and sleep disturbance; maternal child health; and support for diverse individuals, families, and communities with acute and chronic conditions from neonates through older adults. Our programs of research integrate behavioral and biological processes and address mechanistic questions as well as health-promoting interventions.

A PhD in Nursing prepares you to conduct research and to assume positions in a variety of settings. These may include faculty positions in university settings and leadership roles in academe, industry, clinical settings, and the government, to name just a few.

Graduates of the UConn PhD Program in Nursing routinely obtain competitive postdoctoral positions at prestigious universities and receive generous funding through the National Institutes of Health and other sources.

As a student in the UConn PhD Program in Nursing, you will join a diverse community of nurses and interdisciplinary peers, faculty mentors, and practitioners that will change your views, accelerate your career, and promote collaborative work over a lifetime.

The PhD Program in Nursing offers entry to applicants with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BS to PhD) or a master’s degree in nursing (Post-master’s to PhD). The PhD Admissions Committee evaluates candidates’ qualifications and the fit of their research interests with graduate faculty PhD mentors. Successful applicants must meet application criteria, have relevant experience, and clearly express research interests compatible with research faculty in the School of Nursing and/or affiliated faculty.

Please use the inquiry form on the right hand side of this page to contact us with any questions!

Application deadline for Fall 2025 is December 31, 2024. 

Attend an Infosesssion

Application deadline for Fall 2025 is December 31, 2024.

Request Information

What Are They Saying?

OLGA JARRIN  (’2010) Faculty, Rutgers University

“As a triple graduate of UConn School of Nursing I have been well prepared at each stage of my career, from working as a visiting nurse to leading an interdisciplinary research team on projects to improve...  READ MORE

Mallory Perry-Eaddy (’2019) Faculty, University of Connecticut

“The UConn SON BS-PhD program has been pivotal to my development as a nurse scientist. My education has provided me with a strong foundation in clinical inquiry..."  READ MORE

Doctoral – PhD in Nursing

About the Program

Georgetown’s PhD in Nursing Program is designed to be a full-time, campus-based, premier doctoral program for individuals who want to be leaders for change by seeking to advance the discipline and those they serve in academic, community health, health care, policy, global, and research settings. The Fall 2025 entry application cycle is open now here with an application submission deadline of December 1, 2024.

Georgetown’s PhD program will lead in creating nurse scientists who generate knowledge with ethics and health equity as its core compass, to advance health, appreciating our shared humanity. Roberta Waite , Dean of Georgetown University School of Nursin g

Program Features

• Draws upon the interdisciplinary and intellectual richness of the campus community
• Develops leaders for change in nursing
• Focus in ethics and health equity
• Intellectual vibrancy with renowned faculty across multiple disciplines
• Globally known, values-based academic community
• Intellectual vibrancy across complimentary academic disciplines such as ethics, law, philosophy, medicine, and policy.
• Full-time, campus-based program

Program Virtual Information Sessions

Register below to attend a virtual information session featuring a formal presentation by the Program Director, Admissions Director and a School of Nursing faculty member. During the online information session webinar presentation, we will give a detailed overview of the Ph.D. in Nursing program features, curriculum and application procedure. The Fall 2025 entry application cycle is open now here with an application submission deadline of December 1, 2024.

• Thursday, August 22, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. , featuring Dr. Intima Alrimawi and Dr. Edilma Yearwood. Register here to attend .
• Tuesday, September 10, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. , featuring Dr. Liz Stokes and Dr. Edilma Yearwood. Register here to attend .
• Wednesday, October 16, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. , featuring Dr. Carol Taylor and Dr. Edilma Yearwood. Register here to attend .
• Thursday, November 7, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. , featuring Dr. Ella Heitzler and Dr. Edilma Yearwood. Register here to attend .

Program Admissions

Application deadlines.

Submission Deadline – December 1, 2024

Decision Deadline – Mid-January 2025

Program Questions

Please direct questions about the PhD in Nursing program to [email protected] .

Program Leadership

Edilma L. Yearwood, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN Interim Program Director, PhD in Nursing Program

Program Faculty

Nursing PhD students work with faculty who have expertise in multidimensional and complementary areas, including ethics, health equity, health disparities, mental health, women’s health, cardiovascular science and physiology.

Intima Alrimawi, PhD, MSN, MPH, BSN

Dr. Alrimawi’s research focuses on improving the quality of care for vulnerable families and children with complex health concerns or chronic diseases. Her secondary research interest is the development of nursing education to promote optimal outcomes in nursing education.

Ella Heitzler, PhD, WHNP, FNP, RNC-OB

Dr. Heitzler’s research seeks to support healing and increase the health equity of cisgender women and transgender persons who have experienced gender-based violence. Her current work explores the sexual violence screening practices (screening rates, questions utilized to screen, barriers to screening, and facilitators of screening) of nurse practitioners, midwives, and physicians who specialize in reproductive health care.

Roxanne Mirabal-Beltran, PhD

Dr. Mirabal-Beltran studies women’s health inequities and patient-provider communication. She is particularly interested in the use of Community-Based Participatory Research to facilitate access to health and health education. Her current work partners with the Wash and Spin to Health / Washington Avanzando la Salud Hispana (W.A.S.H.) Community Advisory Board to develop a reproductive health educational intervention to roll out in DC laundromats.

Carol Taylor, PhD, RN

Dr. Taylor’s passion is making health care “work” for everyone — equity. She studies pedagogical strategies to prepare the next generation of frontline caregivers to address ethical challenges. Her research interests include clinical and organizational ethics and spiritual care. She is the primary author of all 10 editions of WolterKluwer’s “Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Person-Centered Care.”

Sarah Vittone, DBe, MSN, MA, RN

Dr. Vittone has more than 25 years of experience in clinical ethics consultation and is a primary consultant with the ethics consultation service of the Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics. Her clinical ethics interests are in complex decision-making, surrogate decision-makers, and issues at the interface of vulnerable populations and health systems.

Krista White, PhD, RN, CCRN-K, CNE

Dr. White’s research focuses on nursing education science, mentorship, compassionate teaching, equity within education, and an inclusive learning environment that fosters student outcomes. Dr. White is an instrument developer. The “Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence with Clinical Decision Making” scale and has been used in approximately 250 empirical studies worldwide, and has been translated and validated in Korean and Turkish.

Edilma Yearwood, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, FAAN

Dr. Yearwood, a qualitative researcher, uses community-based participatory action, ethnography and grounded theory methodologies in her research grounded in promoting and advocating for health equity. Her current grant is titled “Nurturing Child Well-Being: Educating Communities on Social Determinants of Health.” The project examines family and community dynamics and social determinants (FCDSD) — all of which impact the health and well-being of children and may result in poor health outcomes.

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PhD in Nursing Science

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Become a leader in the field of nursing

Our PhD program prepares you for a career in nursing education, research, health systems, or clinical science to enhance the care of individuals and families across the lifespan. PhD-prepared nurses lead the profession, teach the next generation of nurses, and expand nursing’s impact on health policy and public health.

Is a PhD right for you?

The PhD program is available through the IU Indianapolis campus, but it is distance-accessible, using videoconferencing technology that synchronously places you in the classroom with your classmates. You can also choose in-person classes if you prefer to learn in a face-to-face setting. We attempt to schedule the required PhD courses across one day each week so that students know in advance which day to plan to be available for class.

This program features both a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to PhD pathway, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to PhD path.  The MSN-PhD can be accomplished in three years as a full time student, or five years as a part time student.  The BSN-PhD can be accomplished in four years as a full-time student, or six years as a part-time student.

As a PhD student, you are linked with faculty researchers who provide supportive mentoring throughout your entire PhD program. There is one core curriculum, but you can choose to work with faculty experts on one of two tracks: Clinical Nursing Science or Health Systems, which includes Nursing Education.

Two research tracks to choose from

Clinical nursing science.

Clinical nursing science concentrates on the intersections of health promotion, health behavior, and quality of life in acute and chronic illness throughout the lifespan. It includes the prevention and early detection of disease and disability across the continuum of care and the enhancement of the health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities.

Examples of scholarship and faculty research in clinical nursing science include:

• Improving the quality of life of persons with chronic illness
• Behavioral oncology across the cancer continuum
• Childhood and family adaptation to chronic illness
• Family caregiving across the lifespan
• Tailored intervention studies to improve quality of life
• Patient care safety

Health Systems

Health systems operate to create structures and resources that enable individuals and communities to achieve optimal health. This focus area includes the science of nursing education, informatics, health policy, and administration.

Examples of scholarship and faculty research within the focus of health systems include:

• Teaching and learning in distance courses
• Clinical reasoning
• Assessment of learning and program evaluation
• Health policy and public policy analysis
• Computer systems to enhance care delivery
• Nursing informatics
• Narrative pedagogies
• Patient care simulations
• Community-based care coordination

Professional Development Core

Nursing Theory Core

Nursing Science Research Major

Nursing Science Concentration

Internal or External Minor

Dissertation

Learning outcomes

As a PhD graduate, you are well-positioned for a successful career as a leader within academic and practice settings. Graduates of the program are expected to:

• Synthesize knowledge from nursing as well as biological and behavioral sciences to investigate health phenomena.
• Utilize analytical and empirical methods to extend nursing knowledge and scholarship.
• Conduct and communicate independent research that advances the body of scientific knowledge.
• Defend the social significance of the expanded knowledge base of nursing.
• Interpret nursing science within an interdisciplinary context.

Ready to take the next step?

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Best Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs – 2024

What Factors Were Considered for Ranking the Best Ph.D. in Nursing Online Programs?

Following are the 10 Best Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs in the Nation for 2024

1) university of central florida - orlando, fl.

If gaining knowledge and expertise in nursing research interests you, then pursuing an online Ph.D. can be a fruitful decision. The University of Central Florida offers two online Ph.D. tracks that can be completed without keeping your current work assignments on hold. So, there is BSN to Ph.D. track that requires completing 75 credit hours post-BSN, whereas, if you have completed a master’s in nursing, your coursework for the MSN to Ph.D. track demands finishing 60-credit hours. Except for two intensives that require few days of campus visits per year, all courses are offered through the web.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to explore promising employment opportunities, such as the director of nursing research, nurse scientist, nursing faculty, and research scientist.

Key Highlights

• UCF’s College of Nursing is highly ranked by the U.S. News and World Report in recognition of its innovative and pathbreaking online education. • The college has the expertise of offering quality web-based programs for the last 20 years that are well supported by its experienced faculty.

2) Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN

Specializations Offered:

Vanderbilt University’s online Ph.D. in nursing science prepares you for a career in nursing research and education. Depending on your career goals, you can choose from either Clinical Research or Health Services Research. If you are inclined towards improving health outcomes by researching treatments that involve physical, psychological, and educational therapies, then the clinical research specialization is better suited. Whereas, the health services research specialty is focused on designing systems that evaluate treatments administered, their costs, and what happens to the patient, after that.

The coursework requires completion of at least 57 credit hours and is delivered completely online, with some parts being synchronous and some asynchronous. Out of the 57 credits, 32 are core courses, 15 credits are to be completed in your specialty-specific courses, and ten credits are towards your research thesis. To participate in experiential learning and interactive sessions with faculty, you must visit the campus for around 15 to 20 days per academic year.

• Vanderbilt University offers Ph.D. students multiple opportunities to interact with research scholars across the university and the nation. • You will be taught by a faculty that is nationally recognized and actively participates in research in your chosen specialty. • Eligible students can transfer 15 credits from their master’s degree towards this Ph.D.

3) Walden University - Minneapolis, MN

If you are keen on positively impacting the future of healthcare by actively participating in research, teaching, and policymaking, then completing your Ph.D. in any of the tracks offered by Walden University can be given a thought. One of the sought-after Ph.D. in Nursing online programs in MN, you need at least a master’s degree to be eligible for this program. Acknowledging your past education, the college allows a transfer of up to 40 credits towards the Ph.D. With five tracks in education, healthcare administration, interdisciplinary health, leadership, and population health, you can opt for the one that matches your career aspirations.

Regardless of what specialization you choose, the degree requires completing a total of 81 credits, comprising 20 credits of research courses, 25 credits in core courses, and 15 credits in courses of your chosen specialization. The curriculum culminates with a research thesis of 20 credits. Upon completion of this Ph.D. in your chosen specialty, you can go on to work as either a nursing professor, head a research organization, or become a health policymaker in a health organization.

• If you have completed your DNP, you can opt for the DNP to Ph.D. Bridge program where you can transfer 26 credits and save considerable time and tuition costs. • With Walden’s Sigma Theta Tau chapter, you can network with other nurses and share your nursing research ideas and gain a broader perspective.

4) University of Kansas - Kansas City, KS

The University of Kansas has been offering Ph.D. education since 1983, and its over 125 graduates are successfully working as nurse educators and research scholars in various educational and healthcare organizations. Graduates are trained in the skills and advance art and science of nursing, with emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based decision making. On average, students complete this online program in three years on a full-time basis.

Well, you can enter this program after your bachelor’s or upon completion of your master’s in nursing. With the master’s, you will require six fewer credits, whereas as a post BSN student, you must complete additional courses in theories for practice research and healthcare research as part of your Ph.D. curriculum.

The curriculum involves completing 52-credit coursework plus 15 credits of thesis, and there are three areas of specialization to choose from - Health Systems, Symptom Science, and Education. Well, to enhance your chances of admission into this or for that matter any other Ph.D. in Nursing online programs, ensure you earn a minimum GPA of 3.50 in your BSN or 3.25 in your MSN, apart from holding an active nurse license and demonstrating an aptitude for leadership and research activities.

• You will be able to select up to 11 credits of your total coursework in the topic related to your research thesis. • You can opt to be mentored by a graduate faculty who shares your research interests.

5) University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona College of Nursing offers several pathways to Ph.D. aspirants. You can enter this program either post your BSN or MSN. Alternatively, you can also opt to complete your Ph.D. along with a DNP or even earn a Ph.D. after completing the DNP. Whichever path you choose, you can complete this program online, both on a part-time and full-time basis. Besides the online courses, you are required to attend a mandatory one week of on-campus orientation, where you will collaborate with peers and faculty to explore the Ph.D. curriculum.

This online Doctor of Philosophy in nursing is offered in three areas of focused study-Precision Science, Health Determinants Science and Data and System Science, out of which you must choose one. This study constitutes 12 credits of your Ph.D. coursework and helps gain specialized knowledge in your area of focus. The total Ph.D. curriculum requires completing 64 credits. The coursework includes an 18-credit dissertation that is completed over multiple terms.

• The college is among the top nursing schools in receiving funding from the NIH. As a potential student, you will certainly benefit from the school’s dynamic research profile. • The school’s stellar faculty is accomplished, and they engage in research and scholarly activity in all the three areas of focused study.

6) Indiana University - Bloomington, IN

Indiana University’s online Ph.D. training prepares you for a career in private or public organizations as nursing faculty, director of clinical research, and director of clinical services. The program is grounded in nursing science and offers concentration options in Clinical Nursing Science and Health Systems. Clinical Nursing Science is ideal if you are inclined towards the research of prevention and early detection of diseases and disabilities across the lifespan, whereas Health Systems emphasizes on informatics, nursing education, and public health policy.

You can enter this program, either after your BSN or post an MSN. While the former requires completing 90 credits, the latter is shorter and requires just 60 credits as 30 credits are automatically transferred from the MSN towards your Ph.D. While most of the courses are offered online, you require attending two campus intensives per year. These visits can be enriching as you get the opportunity to network with mentors and other experts from the field. The curriculum is well balanced, covering courses in nursing science, biostatistics for public health, data analysis, and quantitative research. The coursework ends with a 16-credit thesis in nursing.

• If you are a resident of Indiana, you can complete this program at only one-third of the tuition cost that out of state students incur. • As an online student, you will be taught by the same faculty that teaches on-campus. Moreover, didactic sessions are synchronous in nature, so you practically land up in a virtual classroom with your peers, taking classes through videoconferencing.

7) University of Colorado - Denver, CO

If you are looking at a career in nursing education, nursing administration, or nursing research, then the University of Colorado’s nursing Ph.D. can be considered. You can enter this program, either after completing a BSN or MSN. Depending on professional interests, you can choose from any of the three areas of focus - Health Care Systems Research, Caring Science, and Behavioral Sciences. Although all courses are offered via the internet, however, you must be prepared to travel to Denver once every semester for the on-campus intensives.

The 60-credit Ph.D. coursework includes 18 credits of dissertation. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program in three years. As a pre-requisite to this program, you must complete a graduate-level course in statistics. Upon completion of core and specialization courses, you will demonstrate the expertise of developing new knowledge and findings through your nursing research.

• You are eligible for in-state tuition costs if your permanent residence address happens to be in any of the 15 states that include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. • Eligible Ph.D. students can also avail scholarships that the college offers twice a year.

8) Villanova University - Villanova, PA

If you are looking at an online Ph.D. in Nursing program to attain the highest nursing degree, then you could consider Villanova University’s Ph.D. that prepares you to conduct clinical and educational based nursing research towards better nursing practice and education. This advanced credential will help you climb the career ladder in the academic field by preparing you to take up leadership positions in the higher education arena. With flexible schedules, you can complete this program in as little as two years or stretch it to three to four years. An additional two years are required for the completion of the nursing thesis.

The curriculum entails completing 51 credits; however, the exact number of credits may vary, depending on your past education. The coursework is designed to equip you with the practical and theoretical understanding required to create new knowledge of culturally relevant nursing practice and education. You will also learn to collaborate with members of other health disciplines to enhance your research.

• This Ph.D. program at Villanova is known for the personalized study experience it offers students. • Year after year, the National League for Nursing has honored the college’s Nursing School as being the Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, a testimony of the quality nursing education it offers.

9) Duquesne University - Pittsburgh, PA

The Ph.D. program being offered by Duquesne University since 1994 has trained over 100 graduates who are currently well established in their careers as nurse scientists. Primarily offered as a post MSN course, there is also a post-DNP track that can be completed in 2.5 years as it requires fewer credits. The Ph.D. program at Duquesne is mainly focused on preparing you for nursing research in addressing the health needs of the vulnerable and underserved populations that are economically backward and belong to racial or ethnic minorities.

To be eligible for this program, you must have earned a master’s, preferably in nursing, with a minimum GPA of 3.50. There is a three year and four-year track to choose from. The three-year track is rigorous and will hardly leave you any time for other commitments, whereas with the four-year track, you will be completing your coursework at a comfortable pace, typically taking six credits per semester, unlike the 6-10 in the three-year track. Both tracks require a graduate-level statistics course as a pre-requisite. The 53 credits curriculum includes 12 credits of a dissertation that takes place during the last year of your coursework.

• Residency requirements in this program include visits to the college campus, and as part of the Methods of Scientific Inquiry course, you will take part in a 10-14 day international trip to locations such as Dublin, Ireland, where you will be provided with housing at the college’s campus. • The program enjoys the distinction of being the first online Doctor of Philosophy in nursing program in the country.

10) University of Missouri - Columbia, MO

University of Missouri’s Ph.D. in Nursing prepares you for an advanced career in nursing, either as a scholar, educator, or clinical researcher. Due to its interdisciplinary approach, even non-nursing students can enter this program. To pursue this degree, you have three pathways; post-BSN, post-MSN, and post-DNP. Regardless of the pathway you choose, you will be taught by a faculty that comes from diverse academic backgrounds, bringing in their interdisciplinary experiences and knowledge.

This Ph.D. is offered in a hybrid mode, requiring few campus visits while taking the majority of your coursework online. There are three focus areas to choose from; innovations to improve health and health systems, health improvement of the vulnerable population, symptom, and behavior science. The post-BSN track requires completion of about 77 credits, whereas, the post-MSN and post-DNP require 56 and 48 credits, respectively.

• One of the few military-friendly online Ph.D. in Nursing programs in the nation, military personnel, veterans, and their eligible family members can avail of a 10% reduction in tuition costs. • You can benefit from the nursing school’s research connections across its various departments that include social work, public health, human development and family science, education, and health informatics.

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PhD Admissions

Admission Requirements

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

Post-baccalaureate Students

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

Applying for Admission

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purposes and objectives for undertaking graduate study

Research interests and career goals

Strengths and weaknesses in the chosen field

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

Reasons for choosing Duke for PhD studies

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

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

Holistic Admissions

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

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

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

Personal Interview

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

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

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

Technology Requirements

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

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

Nursing License

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

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

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

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Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

Academic Programs

Admissions at a glance.

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

Research Centers and Programs

Research areas of focus.

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

Patient Care

Primary care services.

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

Global Health

Global opportunities for students.

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

Doctor of Philosophy

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

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

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

Program Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

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

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

Concurrent with Coursework

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

Request a Sample Academic Program Plan

Qualifying Examination

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

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

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

Dissertation

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

Scholarship Expectations

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

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

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

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

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

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

PhD Student Handbook

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

Request a PhD Student Handbook

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

Required courses (excluding electives).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PhD (Post-master's Entry)

• Post-Graduate Program Overview
• Emergency/Trauma Care
• Nursing Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Prepare to lead in nursing research and education with a research-focused doctor of philosophy (phd) in nursing from cizik school of nursing at uthealth houston. we now offer two entry points to a rewarding career as a nurse scientist..

Nurses who hold a master’s degree can achieve the highest level of nursing education and pursue impactful research careers influencing health care.

Open the door to opportunities to create meaningful change. If you hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are looking for a fast-track to a career in research, our BSN to PhD option is an ideal choice that can save you time and money.

Unparalleled Collaboration Opportunities

PhD nursing students at Cizik School of Nursing have unique opportunities to collaborate with expert researchers and clinicians within UTHealth Houston’ s seven schools and from affiliated institutions within the world-renowned Texas Medical Center .

Outstanding Faculty

Our faculty mentors are leading nurse scientists . Their top priority is helping graduate nursing students achieve their academic, professional, and research goals. Whether you are coming in with a BSN or a master’s degree, you will gain the skills to succeed in  PhD nursing courses that focus on the integration of research, theory, and practice.

Meet PhD Students

Hannah Zeller, Chantell Thompson, and Otit Fletcher have widely different backgrounds and research interests, and each chose the PhD program at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston because of unique opportunities to study with outstanding faculty mentors in the Texas Medical Center.

Meet Dr. Maja Djukic

Maja Djukic, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Assistant Dean for Research at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. Find out about her research into nursing workforce issues aimed at improving the work lives of nurses.

Diverse Patient Populations

Live, work, study, and discover in one of the most diverse metropolitan areas in the nation. Cizik School of Nursing PhD candidates benefit from many opportunities to begin meaningful programs of research that benefit specific communities and patient populations.

Supporting Scientific Discovery

The  Center for Nursing Research  at Cizik School of Nursing provides laboratory and administrative resources and support needed to prepare grant proposals, conduct research, and publish results.

Affordability Meets Excellence

At Cizik School of Nursing, we offer one of the  most affordable PhD programs in Texas. We also offer  scholarships to PhD students based on research interests in addition to academic performance and financial need.

Loan Forgiveness for Future Faculty

The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is low-interest federal loan forgiveness program offered by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for PhD students who plan to become faculty members. The three nursing education courses are required.  For eligibility requirements and application information, please contact Heather Bright in the UTHealth Financial Aid office at 713-500-3860.

PhD or DNP?

At Cizik School of Nursing, you can pursue a research-focused Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (DNP) or a practice-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Learn more differences between these doctoral degree options.

Get Started toward Your Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Build upon your master’s degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing and take the next step on your health care journey at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. Earn a PhD in nursing from a nationally renowned nursing program. We are here to answer your questions and help you get started.

Request information: BSN to PhD entry

Request information: post-master's phd entry, apply today.

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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

In-Person Open House Event

Read here to see if you might be eligible to attend the Learning about Laney Preview Visitation event, a fully funded visit to Emory to learn about our graduate program, faculty, staff, and campus that is happening on Sunday Oct 6-Tuesday October 8 2024. Applications are due August 8, 2024 !

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 second 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: November 1, 2024
• Final deadline: December 1, 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.

Interested in applying to Emory's PhD Program at the School of Nursing?

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.

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Emory nursing doctoral students receive prestigious NIH predoctoral fellowship awards

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Our doctoral programs prepare students to lead health care innovations and influence policy—founded on the science and theory of nursing, analytic principles, evidence-based practice, and strong leadership —at the highest organizational level. With access to world-renowned nursing faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration throughout the Johns Hopkins network, you’ll build the skills to develop and implement your research and clinical goals to change the future of healthcare.

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DNP Advanced Practice

Become a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist in the DNP Advanced Practice track at Johns Hopkins Schoolof Nursing. Unlock the unlimited potential of an advanced nursing career and build close relationships with our world-renowned faculty. You will network with other emerging nurse leaders in your cohort and graduate ready to change the health care system and advance the nursing profession.

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Get the analytic skills and evidence-based practice principles you need in the DNP Executive track at Johns Hopkins. You’ll address significant healthcare problems-defined by your interests and based on your experience-in real time and in your practice setting. You will forge your own intellectual path and wrap up your curriculum with an intense final project experience.

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The dual degree programs offered through the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing integrate cutting-edge nursing in collaboration with schools from across the university. The programs will position you to take on executive roles that employ systems-level thinking to improve population health or lead patient care at corporate levels.

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“Prior to joining the PhD program, I felt like I was spinning my wheels. Now I feel empowered to advocate for what I know will help patients and have the tools and soon will have the credentials to do that.” Emily Hoppe

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NLN Inducts 2024 Class of Fellows into the Academy of Nursing Education

Induction ceremony planned for honors convocation during the nln education summit in san antonio, texas.

Washington, DC —  Twenty-seven distinguished nurse educators have been selected as the 18 th class of fellows for induction into the prestigious National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education . With the addition of this newest class, the academy membership has now reached 406 members.

These fellows join a fellowship of leaders in nursing education who teach in a range of programs across the spectrum of higher education. They are affiliated with top-ranked teaching hospitals, academic institutions, and other organizations committed to advancing the quality of health care in the US and globally.

Following tradition, the induction ceremony will take place at the Honors Convocation, prior to the closing Gala at the 2024 NLN Education Summit on Friday, September 20. This year's gathering in San Antonio, Texas, will include a festive celebration of the Academy fellows, along with other recipients of honors, scholarship awards, and research grants. 

In a competitive application process, the Academy of Nursing Education Review Panel has a great deal to consider before recommending fellowship candidates to the NLN Board of Governors , the oversight body for the academy. Evaluations consider applicants’ contributions to innovative teaching and/or learning strategies; nursing education research; faculty development activities; academic leadership; promotion of public policy initiatives that advance nursing education; and/or collaborative educational, practice, or community partnerships.

NLN Chair Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean and Strawbridge Professor at the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions at Ursuline College in Ohio, congratulated the 2024 fellows on behalf of the NLN Board, saying, “Academy fellowship is a singular achievement, and we applaud your extraordinary leadership, fortitude, creativity, and compassion in inspiring and motivating your students. Thanks to your example as nursing professionals and teaching excellence, generations of nursing students have learned to do their very best in preparing to deliver outstanding care to a diverse patient population as they transition to practice in a dynamic health care environment.”

NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, said, “Fellows proudly serve as mentors and resources for new educators and those in clinical practice who aspire to someday join the ranks of nurse faculty. We are delighted to honor the wisdom, experience and enthusiasm of the Class of 2024 and all the Academy fellows who came before them.”

2024 Academy of Nursing Education Fellows

• Deborah Becker, PhD, ACNP, BC, FAAN
• Susan Bindon, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, FAAN
• Curry Bordelon, DNP, MBA, NNP-BC, CPNP-AC, CNE
• Ann Butt, EdD, RN, CHSE
• Stephan Davis, DNP, MHSA, NEA-BC, CENP, CNE, CPHQ, CDE, FACHE, FNAP, FHFMA, FAAN
• Anne Derouin, DNP, APRN, CPNP, PMHS, CNE, FAANP
• Ashley Franklin, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE-A
• Martina Harris, EdD, RN, CNE
• Leo-Felix Jurado, PhD, RN, APN, NE-BC, CNE, FAAN
• Mary Koch, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNOR
• Carol Kostovich, PhD, RN, CHSE
• Anne Krouse, PhD, MBA, RN
• Susan K. Lee, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, CPXP, FAAN
• Dianne McAdams-Jones, EdD, RN, CHSE, SFHEA
• Janet Monagle, Ph.D., RN, CNE
• Lynn Nichols, PhD, RN, PED-BC, SANE
• Susan O'Conner-Von, PhD, RN, PMGT - BC, CNE, FNAP
• Jenny O'Rourke, PhD, RN, CHSE
• Eda Ozkara-San, PhD, MBA, RN, CHSE, CTN-A, FNYAM
• Leighsa Sharoff, EdD, PMHNP/CNS, AHN-BC
• Vicki Simpson, PhD, RN, CHES
• Mable Smith, PhD, JD, MN, NEA-BC
• Elizabeth Van Horn, PhD, RN, CNE
• Lori Vick, PhD MAT RN
• Terry Ward, BSN, MSN, PhD, CNE, RN
• Lynn Wiles, PhD, MSN RN CEN
• Wanda Williams, PhD, RN, WHNP-B, CNE

 Application for admission to the Academy in 2025 opens in November. Eligibility criteria and other details may be found at NLN.org . For more information about the 2024 NLN Education Summit, including  online registration , visit  Summit.NLN.org .

About the National League for Nursing

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at  NLN.org.

August 7, 2024

Michael Keaton, Deputy Chief Communications Officer