top phd nursing programs

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

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• DNP - Educational Leadership

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

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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.

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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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Top 50 Best Nursing PhD Programs [2024 Guide]

Find your perfect value college

Without proper guidance and awareness of nursing program rankings, you may end up selecting an institution that fails to meet your academic and career aspirations. This guide aims to help you find the right nursing PhD program for professional growth to drive innovation within the healthcare industry.

Nursing PhD Powerhouse: Nursing PhD Ranking

The University of Texas at Austin, University of Pennsylvania, University of California-Davis, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Duke University consistently rank among the top DNP programs. These prestigious institutions offer rigorous curricula, top-class instructors, and cutting-edge research opportunities, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to excel in advanced nursing.

Featured Programs

University of Texas at Austin

The top doctor of philosophy in the nursing program comes from the University of Texas, the most distinguished public research institution in Texas. One of the original Public Ivies, UT is widely recognized as a center of education, research, and culture for the Southwest, influenced by the bold, creative, entrepreneurial spirit of the city of Austin.

• The UT School of Nursing is known for its excellence, especially in bringing top-quality care to the Southwest, a region where poverty, remote rural communities, and chronic illness mean that many residents remain without necessary health care. 
• UT’s instructors and students are engaged in some of the most important health research in the nation. It has one of the highest rates of federal grant funding, which means major benefits for nursing.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, guided by founder Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy, was always oriented toward public service and applied sciences. As such, they became one of the first modern universities, introducing medical and business schools to the US, and they remain one of the most practical and innovative Ivy League schools.

Kelsey Ludeman , an education expert with 15 years of experience in the education sector, highly recommends this school to pursue your PhD in nursing:

“The University of Pennsylvania is well known for its highly esteemed PHD nursing program. The degree plan is completed in 3-4 years and offers multiple concentrations. Although the university’s tuition totes a high price tag, the school provides robust opportunities for funding and financial aid support, and the prestige and preparedness gained may very well be worth the cost.”

One of only three nursing schools in the Ivy League, and the only comprehensive (from bachelor to doctorate), the Penn School of Nursing is one of the highest-ranked and most prestigious nursing degree schools in the nation.

Penn is a perfect setting for the nurse-scientist training of the nursing doctorate, with all that an Ivy League institution can offer, from research resources to a marketable name and reputation.

University of California, Davis

The Moore School of Nursing at the University of California, Davis is serious about research, building upon the single largest grant ever made for nursing education. Every doctoral student admitted to the doctorate nursing program receives tuition fully paid.

The UC Davis nursing program is a full-time, four-year program open to students with a BSN. It is a highly rigorous, high-class program designed to prepare graduates for the most demanding positions in leadership, research, and education, so only the most dedicated students need to apply.

Quite possibly the foremost public higher education system, the University of California system is home to several Public Ivies, including UC Davis; the highest number of Nobel Prize winners of any system.

University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center began when a private medical school in Omaha was acquired by the University of Nebraska as a site to build a comprehensive health center. The University of Nebraska system keeps tuition costs low as a way to make nursing education affordable and accessible.

The UNMC College of Nursing offers a fast-track BSN to PhD track for full-time students, which allows students with a nursing bachelor’s to earn a doctorate in as little as four years. 

Students with an MSN can take a more traditional path, part-time or full-time. UNMC nursing courses are available in a web-based, streaming format; while UNMC does not yet have asynchronous courses, they are on the way. 

Duke University

Duke’s School of Nursing is one of the most elite in the South, attracting the most dedicated and innovative faculty and most promising students. Duke nursing degrees benefit from the ample opportunities provided by Duke’s ground-breaking and well-funded research facilities.

• The South’s answer to the Ivy League is renowned for its medical programs, centered around the Duke University Medical Center, one of the most significant academic medical campuses.
• Students with a BSN or MSN can apply, and teaching assistantships are available for qualifying students. The Duke name is known everywhere, giving doctorate graduates a highly valuable advantage over their competition.

University of California-Los Angeles

The University of California-Los Angeles is one of the most significant public research institutions and an integral part of the UC system. UCLA is also central to healthcare in Southern California, with the UCLA Medical Center ranked as the third best in the nation. 

With deep connections to the vast system of medical facilities throughout Los Angeles and some of the most decorated instructors on the planet, UCLA’s nursing programs are more than impressive.

UCLA’s nursing programs are designed to prepare the nation’s premiere nurse scientists for education and research in the most cutting-edge aspects of the nursing profession. Research pursuits include everything from chronic and communicable diseases to protection for at-risk populations, led by dedicated professionals.

University of Texas Medical Branch

At a time when medical care in Texas was weak and most doctors lacked any university training, the University of Texas established its first medical school in Galveston to prepare for the needs of the growing state. UT Medical Branch remains a major influence over the healthcare system of Texas.

The UTMB School of Nursing is still working to alleviate suffering and provide care where it is needed by educating some of the most distinguished nurses in the region. UTMB is using online degree programs to close the gap in nursing leadership.

With both asynchronous and synchronous models, students can earn the doctorate with only one short campus visit per year. They can receive top-tier nursing education and perform research in a format that allows them to continue their careers uninterrupted.

University of Washington

An original Public Ivy, the University of Washington has a nationally acclaimed commitment to access that has made it one of the most generous public universities for providing tuition breaks and financial aid, with as many as 1/3 of undergraduates eligible for free tuition. That community mission extends throughout UW’s policies.

UW has some of the most acclaimed medical programs in the nation, with its medical and nursing programs ranked in the top 5 by U.S. News & World Report. The UW School of Nursing has been dedicated to providing for the medical needs of the Pacific Northwest, and that tradition continues with the nursing doctorate programs. 

The doctorate is thorough, with a concentration on research, teaching, and theory, designed to produce well-rounded scholars who can carry the nursing profession into the future.

Rush University

Named for Dr Benjamin Rush, physician to George Washington, and the first nationally prominent doctor in the new United States, Rush University’s reputation in medical education is unassailable as one of the first medical schools in the Midwest. 

As part of the Rush University Medical Center, the College of Nursing is one of the best-ranked programs in the nation, with a long history of excellence that dates back to the 19th century and continues until today.

Rush’s College of Nursing benefits from its intensive research environment, giving students access to the most current work being done in the field today.

University of Utah

Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah is the state’s foremost public research institution, a space-grant university that dominates education and study in medicine. With the state’s only medical school, Utah’s healthcare system depends on the University of Utah’s instructors and researchers to provide the care professionals and educators the state needs.

The UU College of Nursing is the finest in Utah, with numerous programs for the health and well-being of Utahans, including women’s health and birthing, mental health counseling, and other services. It also offers a doctorate designed to meet the educational needs of working nurses. 

Using a cohort model (for students to support one another), the program offers synchronous online courses year-round. Students can work around their demanding professional schedules. Costs are also kept low so students can trust that they will see rewards from their investment.

Yale University

Yale’s reputation, as the third university founded in the American colonies and one of the globally renowned Ivy League institutions, really needs no introduction. Yale’s history in medicine and nursing, however, may be less known than their reputation in politics and business. 

Yale was the first nursing school within a university, treating nursing education as a professional pursuit alongside physicians, lawyers, and businesspeople. As a pioneer in graduate nursing education and nursing research, Yale continues to set standards for advanced clinical practice.

The Yale School of Nursing prompts students to research and practice in any number of areas, from chronic sleep disorders to global healthcare policy, preparing for a career as an educator of nurses, advocate for nurse research, or nurse scientist. With the Yale name, graduates can go anywhere with confidence.

Arizona State University

An influential New American university, Arizona State University has been a major force in updating the higher education model for the 21st century through its entrepreneurial, risk-taking innovations. By improving access and using unconventional delivery models, especially by embracing online degree programs, ASU has grown into the largest student body in the US.

The ASU College of Nursing & Health Innovation is known for its top-quality education. It focuses on community service, including partnerships with numerous clinics and facilities in Tempe and the surrounding region. 

These settings allow the college to do well and perform research that benefits their programs, especially students who are dedicated to research and leadership. On-campus and online delivery formats allow students to choose the method best for them, their work schedules, and their families.

Johns Hopkins University

While Johns Hopkins University is best known for its medical and health research and publication, historically, Johns Hopkins is notable as the first research university in the US, to combine scientific research and instruction in one institution. 

That foresight led to Johns Hopkins University becoming one of the most respected and elite institutions on the planet, including the creation of one of the first university nursing schools, developed by Florence Nightingale.

The JHU School of Nursing ‘s incredibly auspicious beginning was just the beginning of a long, illustrious history, which continues today. It has access to some of the field’s finest researchers and research centers.

Columbia University

An Ivy League institution and one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution, Columbia University is the kind of university people mean when they say “Ivy League quality”. From engineering to political science, Columbia has excelled and led higher education.

The Columbia School of Nursing ‘s emphasis on research and scholarship, along with its supreme academic job market value, make it an obvious choice for students entering careers as nurse scientists. Columbia accepts both BSN and MSN holders.

The program is only available full-time, and students are expected to complete research-intensive, rigorous work. Most instructors are grant-funded researchers, giving students ample access to research mentors and thorough preparation for academic life.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

The UNC Health Care System, which consists of the UNC Hospitals, medical school, nursing school, and numerous other partners, is considered one of the best academic healthcare systems in the nation, and graduate students glean much from its research centers.

The UNC School of Nursing is one of the leading lights in nursing research and scholarship, and its students are active participants. UNC’s diverse student body benefits from over 100 interdisciplinary research centers and highly decorated instructors, giving new scholars strong support and mentoring from established academic researchers. All of this makes for one of the best nursing doctorate programs available – truly an Ivy League education at a public university price.

University of South Florida

In only six decades, the University of South Florida has grown from a small regional institution to a major research university with three campuses and a major economic presence in the Tampa, FL, metropolitan region. 

Much of USF’s success has been due to its spectacular online presence and its concentration on professional education programs geared toward working adults. USF has also been named one of the most military- and veteran-friendly institutions in the nation.

The USF College of Nursing has had particular success, reaching the top 25 institutions in NIH grant funding and building relationships with the healthcare system in Tampa. USF offers a nursing doctorate program with tracks for BSN and MSN holders, allowing graduate students to draw on the first-rate research being done by USF instructors.

University of Missouri - Kansas City

University of Missouri-Kansas City is a mid-sized public research university on the rise. UMKC’s extensive research instructors and strong research budget translate into useful knowledge and applicable data that directly improve the lives of Missourians.

UMKC’s School of Nursing and Health Studies plays a large role in that research culture. It uses its grant funding and top-notch instructors to meet the needs of the community and contribute to the overall knowledge of nursing science. 

With fully online courses and only two short summer residencies each year, students can complete their degree in only two years without sacrificing their current jobs.

University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver has become one of the premiere medical and healthcare educators across the globe. The Anschutz Medical Campus encompasses the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, the schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other healthcare fields, and the University of Colorado hospitals.

Not only is CU Denver a national leader in productivity, medical programs, and value. It’s also recognized as one of the top online educators thanks to the growth of CU Online.

The University of Colorado School of Nursing includes fully online courses and a few short, intensive campus visits. CU Denver’s tuition is reasonable, its education is top-of-the-line, and its faculty includes some of the most respected scholars in the field, making it a win for any Colorado nurse who wants to take on research and leadership.

Vanderbilt University

Like other institutions of its size and significance, Vanderbilt operates the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It’s home to the top hospital in Tennessee, one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals, and Vanderbilt’s highly-ranked medical and healthcare schools.

Vanderbilt’s School of Nursing has long been a leader in nurse education and scholarly nursing research. Vanderbilt offers an online doctorate that delivers Vanderbilt’s signature quality with synchronous and asynchronous classes. 

There are two possible tracks: Clinical Research and Health Services Research, focused on researching best practices and approaches to delivering medical care. With Vanderbilt’s name and reputation, a doctorate from Vanderbilt puts graduates in control of a competitive job market.

Boston College

Boston College is a private, Catholic university regularly ranked as one of the top national universities across the globe by publications. As a major Jesuit university, Boston University upholds the traditional Jesuit values of educational rigor, community service, and excellence.  

The Connell School of Nursing exemplifies this holistic approach to education and service with its numerous partnerships and broad community engagement throughout the Boston metropolitan area.

BC’s nursing doctorate emphasizes knowledge production, research, and nursing expertise, preparing students to become dedicated nurse scholars and scientists. Many students accepted to receive a full fellowship with paid tuition, making Boston College a top value.

New York University

One of the most renowned universities on the planet, regularly ranked in the Economist, and others, New York University is a private research institution that dominates academic life in New York City. NYU has produced winners of the Nobel Prize, the MacArthur Grant, and virtually every other major intellectual award in the world.

• The Rory Meyers School of Nursing is no less decorated, having been a major influence in the formation of modern nursing scholarship. That spirit is overarching in the NYU nursing doctorate. 
• Part-time nursing programs are available, and both BSN and MSN nurses can apply.

University of Arizona

Arizona’s first higher education institution, the University of Arizona, is still the leading public research university in the state, ranked as a top public university and one of the best for Hispanic students, especially in the medical field. The University of Arizona College of Nursing is one of the most diverse schools .

Those top-ranked online nursing degrees include the UA nursing doctorate. You can complete UA’s doctorate program completely online, except for a short on-campus orientation each year. There are paths for nurses with undergraduate and graduate school degrees, as well as options for part-time and full-time students. 

Arizona also offers a dual DNP/PhD degree for qualified students. The University of Arizona keeps tuition reasonable, making UA a nationally recognized best value.

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri has been on the front lines of education ever since it was founded as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. The University of Missouri Health Care System is renowned as one of the most comprehensive, quality academic medical complexes in the Midwest.

The Sinclair School of Nursing is one of the most scholarly and rigorous nursing schools in the region, with a great deal of first-rate research for doctorate students to take part in. 

Mizzou offers a distance-mediated program, mixing traditional and online modes of course instruction. This makes the program more convenient for working nurses while maintaining the formal integrity of the traditional doctorate.

Emory University

Emory University represents the Southern Ivy League, as an elite private research institution with the influence, funding, and reputation to stand confidently alongside Harvard, Yale, or Princeton. Emory operates Emory Healthcare, Georgia’s most prestigious medical system, which includes seven nationally recognized hospitals and hundreds of clinical partners. 

With one of the largest endowments, the highest level of research production, and copious grants, Emory is an exemplary research university.

Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory gained a distinct advantage from the highest caliber of research. This includes work on some of the most pressing public health concerns – Emory was the first institution in the US to treat Ebola, for instance. 

Ohio State University

Ohio State University has shown a level of foresight and innovation that has seen it grow from a small regional college to the third-largest research university in the US. Few institutions can match OSU’s entrepreneurial expertise and ambition, especially in online education, where Ohio State has made its mark in recent years.

OSU’s College of Nursing has risen to prominence through its top-ranked online degree programs and high level of scholarly research. Ohio State offers both full-time and part-time plans for the nursing doctorate program, with the number of required credits varying depending on specialization and prior experience. 

While most of OSU’s graduate nursing courses are available in an online format, the full program cannot be completed online.

Pennsylvania State University

One of the major public research institutions in the Northeast, Pennsylvania State University holds all four of the major federal research grants (land, sea, space, and sun), and is recognized as a Public Ivy. With over 10,000 students in its graduate programs alone, Penn has a global reputation as a research giant.

The Penn State nursing PhD engages terminal degree students in the research life of the university. Students will take part in the knowledge-creation and development that will be part of their career as nurse scientists and leaders, giving them a considerable advantage. 

Assistantships with stipends are available, and a dual PhD in nursing and bioethics is also offered for nurses who are interested in designing and guiding institutional research.

University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is a private research university with a reputation that stands high above its small size: having produced numerous Nobel Prize winners. UR also operates the University of Rochester Medical Center, made up of the schools of medicine, dentistry, and nursing, as well as the Strong Memorial Hospital.

The University of Rochester School of Nursing is guided by a philosophy integrating research, education, and practice, dedicated to leading students into the nursing field with all the components that make a great care-giving leader.

The Health Practice Research program is designed for students who already have an MSN to focus on building their research skills. Meanwhile, the MS-PhD accelerated nursing programs are for BSN students who want to complete both an MSN and PhD in an intensive, accelerated full-time program.

Oregon Health & Science University

For the entirety of the 20th century, and the first decade of the 21st, Oregon Health & Science University was the only medical school in the state of Oregon. It’s a rather surprising fact that has given OHSU a considerable level of domination over Oregon’s healthcare system. 

OHSU has been dedicated to the state to an exceptional degree, supplying a large proportion of Oregon’s doctors and nurses. The School of Nursing stands firm as the #7 graduate nursing school in the nation – major numbers for a school with fewer than 5000 students.

OHSU’s top-ranked School of Nursing offers a research-focused doctorate in nursing degree program that brings together all of OHSU’s resources to develop nurses into scientists and leaders. This real-life program is taught on OHSU’s state-of-the-art Portland, OR, campus by an instructional body steeped in the most current research, collaborative projects, and actual practice.

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati plays a major role in the health and wealth of Cincinnati, contributing significantly to both the Cincinnati economy and the healthcare system with the UC Academic Health Center. The University of Cincinnati boasts medical and health schools, research centers, hospitals, and clinics.

The UC College of Nursing takes an active part in Cincinnati’s ambition to be a top-tier urban research university. Its research directly impacts and improves health in Cincinnati and throughout the Midwest.

Students can count on doing real service while earning a research-focused degree that will prepare them for key roles wherever they go.

University of Oklahoma

The premiere public research institution in Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma has been bringing education and nationally-recognized research to the Great Plains since the days of the Oklahoma and Indian Territories. Online courses allow students to earn their degrees without sacrificing their current positions, and OU’s low tuition makes for a painless investment.

While the University of Oklahoma’s original campus remains in Norman, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, which houses OU’s medical and healthcare schools, is a top-class medical center in Oklahoma City. That includes OU’s hospital, children’s hospital, veteran’s hospital, and numerous specialist clinics

The Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing offers a fully online doctorate program through the OU Health Sciences Center, a research-heavy plan of study. One plan is designed for MSN students; an accelerated plan helps students with a BSN power through the master’s and doctorate courses, though full-time work is required.

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is a top college for social mobility and a strong online educator. FAU was founded as a non-traditional institution for degree completion and graduate education. They retain that focus on quality programs for working adults, non-traditional students, and underrepresented populations.

The FAU College of Nursing is dedicated to producing the best caregivers and health system leaders through its highly respected programs. 

The FAU nursing doctorate is taught in a web-assisted format, with once-monthly on-campus classes and online coursework. Working nurses can pursue their future in a flexible schedule at one of the lowest prices in the nation.

University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a major public research university, the foremost institution of its kind in Kansas. The KU Medical Center, in Kansas City, is made up of the university’s schools of medicine, nursing, and health professions, along with the University of Kansas Hospital. 

This is the setting for KU’s extensive medical research, especially for KU’s research-centered nursing programs. In the top 25 for NIH funding, the KU School of Nursing is the ideal setting for earning a PhD in nursing – in fact, the only nursing doctorate in Kansas.

The nursing doctorate has been offered online since 2006, when many schools were just beginning their doctorate nursing programs. It’s a quality, affordable doctorate from a nursing pioneer.

Michigan State University

As the first land-grant institution, Michigan State University’s curriculum has been defined by programs emphasizing research and development that can have real-life consequences, from agriculture to engineering to health. MSU’s profile has particularly risen in the 21st century with a concentrated effort to build its research experience and reputation.

Michigan State’s College of Nursing is a research-centered school that has made strides in recent years with work on cancer, nutrition, obesity, and other population-wide health crises. 

Students are a critical part of that work, engaging in valuable nursing research alongside instructors and working to become renowned nurse scientists in their own right. This on-campus program (with some online or hybrid courses available) puts students in contact with mentors and role models to inspire and guide them to their futures.

Villanova University

Villanova is a mid-sized private research institution in suburban Philadelphia, PA. As one of the oldest Catholic universities in the US, Villanova has a long history of excellence, including the College of Nursing, one of the most respected in Pennsylvania.

The College of Nursing offers a nursing doctorate program designed to prepare nurse educators and researchers for the future of the nursing field. While an on-campus option is available for international students, the Villanova PhD is an online program with on-campus summer sessions , oriented toward personal connection and nurse education. 

The most important aspect of nurse education is providing the best care and service, making Villanova College of Nursing a perfect choice for nurses who want to make the community a better home.

University of Texas at Arlington

A top regional university for the West, the University of Texas at Arlington is quickly outgrowing its regional status to become a major research institution on its own merits. UT Arlington’s emphasis on applied sciences, professional programs, and health has marked it as a model for the future of higher education.

The UTA College of Nursing offers a PhD degree program that uses blended online/on-campus courses to provide more flexibility for working nurses’ schedules while maintaining personal networking and mentorship. 

Students may begin with a BSN or MSN, full-time or part-time, and UT Arlington’s nursing program, as suits a program in a major metropolitan area, exemplifies diversity and inclusion.

Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman’s University is one of the nation’s most innovative, vanguard research institutions for women. TWU has been one of the most renowned educators of nursing and health sciences, with the largest nursing program in the US.

The TWU College of Nursing offers a fully online nursing doctorate program through its original Denton campus. It adapts TWU’s rigorous standards for research excellence and professional responsibility to the flexibility of an online format. 

A hybrid program is also available at the TWU Houston campus for students who prefer more personal contact. TWU’s tuition is one of the lowest rates in the US , a superior bargain for the high quality.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the leading public university in New England. UMass is noted by the Carnegie Foundation for its contributions to the community, its dedication to sustainability, and its leadership in the higher education field.

The UMass College of Nursing is a key part of UMass’ research culture, with students and instructors working in numerous healthcare facilities throughout the region. The UMass nursing doctorate is oriented toward making nurse scholars and leaders for the future of healthcare. 

Nursing doctorate courses are offered at Amherst in a hybrid format, with weekly class meetings and online coursework. In a region dominated by expensive private institutions, UMass keeps tuition reasonable, making it possible for nursing professionals to afford a career-making degree.

Washington State University

Washington State University has been commended by the Carnegie Foundation for community engagement. Educating over half of Washington’s nurses, the WSU College of Nursing has a major impact on the state’s well-being.

The College of Nursing is gaining a reputation as a research school, with grant-funded projects and a respected staff. Students complete their courses through synchronous online classes, except for a low-residency summer session of three weeks. 

With this hybrid format, WSU can provide students with models of scholarly work and personal attention, while still working around their professional obligations. It’s a well-organized system that prepares tomorrow’s leaders for Washington’s healthcare.

New Mexico State University

As the first university in New Mexico, New Mexico State University is the only designated Hispanic-serving major public research university in the US, a status that drives much of NMSU’s curriculum and community outreach. NMSU is New Mexico’s land-grant university, giving it the mission of bringing useful education to as many citizens as possible.

It offers a fully online nursing doctorate (with just one 1-week visit to campus once a year) to help meet the healthcare needs of New Mexico. Plus, NMSU’s unbelievably low tuition promises students that they will get their degrees without a lifetime of debt to hold them back.

NMSU sees its job as reaching out to the economically and ethnically diverse population of the state with educational opportunities, and the best health care they can provide, and the nursing doctorate is a key tool in doing that job. 

George Mason University

Students get drawn to George Mason University’s high reputation, reasonable tuition rates, and proximity to Washington, DC, along with the networking opportunities that proximity provides.

George Mason’s College of Health & Human Services offers a PhD in nursing that draws on GMU’s strong partnerships with the healthcare system of the northern Virginia region. It gives students ample opportunity for research and clinical work in a variety of populations, urban, rural, high-risk, and so on. 

Unlike other nursing programs, this is taught in a hybrid format, with approximately half the courses online, and half on-campus. Nurses preparing for a career in academia or research leadership can count on the George Mason University name.

University of San Diego

The University of San Diego looks over the city of San Diego – literally, from its high placement on one of the most beautiful hilltop campuses on the west coast, and figuratively, as it takes part in city life by educating ethical, responsible leaders in business, education, and health. 

USD emphasizes the Catholic values of educational excellence and humanitarian service throughout its programs, especially in the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science .

Students with a DNP degree may transfer as much as 11 credits toward a doctorate, much like a dual degree program, to combine the clinical experience of a DNP with the research expertise of the PhD. 

Florida International University

Part of the State University System of Florida, Florida International University is the college of choice for Florida high-school valedictorians. FIU has proven itself to be one of the most entrepreneurial and forward-looking public research universities out there.

• FIU’s Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences has one of the most diverse student bodies in the US, including 20% international students. 
• The program emphasizes research that improves nursing practices and healthcare conditions for diverse, underserved people.

University of Massachusetts Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell has practical, socially responsible professional education and research built into its DNA. As an urban research university, UMass Lowell focuses on fields that make everyday life better for modern people, from business and education to engineering and health sciences.

With productive, respected instructors and a vision to be one of the leading lights of nursing education in New England, UMass Lowell’s School of Nursing offers a doctorate emphasizing health promotion at all levels, from general practice to health policy.

For the convenience of working nurses, the program is a trim of 48 credits, with online and weekend executive-format courses. It’s also one of the best values in New England.

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is a unique animal. Many colleges and universities collaborate on dual degree programs or offer individual degrees that neither have the resources for alone.

The IUPUI nursing program is led by the Indiana University School of Nursing , a century-old institution that has quickly grown into one of the largest in the nation. The program is fully online, except for a short intensive course at the beginning of each year which requires campus residency. 

Coming from an urban research university, emphasizes health systems and the leadership of such efforts, preparing students for research and vision.

University of Texas Health Science Center - San Antonio

The University of Texas Health Science Center is the most important medical university in South Texas. As the only top-tier research institution in the region, it’s responsible for the health care of an extremely large, extremely diverse population, from rural to urban, from the most underprivileged to the wealthiest, and everyone in between. 

UTHSC has many of the highest-ranked programs in the region and is the top medical school for Hispanic students, a severely underrepresented group in medicine. The UTHSC offers the only nursing PhD in the region and is making great efforts to alleviate the shortage of qualified nurse educators and leaders in Texas. 

They offer a fast-track plan for BSN holders to complete master’s and doctorate courses in an accelerated time frame and students who come from an MSN program are sent along an advanced track. The UT Health Science Center keeps one of the lowest tuition rates around, making it a respectable value.

West Virginia University

West Virginia University has the most prominent role in the state’s medical and health system. Students are required to submit and publish an article in a peer-reviewed journal.

WVU’s research in neuroscience and biometrics is among the most innovative and productive in the nation. The Byrd Health Sciences Center is quite possibly the most important health institution in the region. It provides critical care and education throughout the rural regions of the West Virginia mountains.

The program is almost completely online, except for a short introductory meeting and one day a semester campus visit. 

East Carolina University

A growing regional research institution, East Carolina University has long been recognized as the state’s leader in nursing research and education. ECU’s reputation is built on medical and health sciences, and it is one of the most significant institutions providing quality care to the low-income, largely rural eastern North Carolina region.

Much of ECU’s research is directed toward improving care for rural areas lacking proper medical facilities, an approach that informs ECU’s nursing PhD . Students take part in key interdisciplinary projects combining practice with social and political knowledge.

ECU offers a streamlined BSN to PhD track, a traditional MSN to PhD track, and a DNP to PhD track that allows students to apply for as many as 21 credits from the DNP to the PhD for one of the lowest tuition rates in the region.

University of California, San Francisco

The University of California-San Francisco is the only University of California system university solely dedicated to medical and healthcare education. Nursing students at UCSF, then, have access to some of the most current opportunities that students get nowhere else.

UCSF has the highest rate of funding by the NIH. Instructors and students make breakthroughs in psychology and mental health, women’s health, and global health (including HIV/AIDS and pregnancy/childbirth).

Students engaged in original research that makes a tangible contribution to nursing practice, theory, and knowledge.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida has spent the 21st century becoming one of the dominant research universities in the south and the second-largest university in the nation. Ranking UCF in the top 100 public institutions recognizes it as an up-and-coming institution and one of the best values in the nation.

The UCF College of Nursing is also recognized as a top value, as well as one of the best online nursing programs in the US. With their connections to the US government, UCF Nursing is also recognized as a top choice for veterans. 

For UCF students, choices for research include Gerontology, Health Systems, and the most cutting-edge Simulation & Technology. This quality, with UCF’s low tuition, makes UCF a top investment.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Part of the respected UMass system, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a small, regional branch that is steadily growing in status and recognition as it adds programs and research initiatives. 

In particular, UMD is best known for its sustainability efforts, being the first university to perfectly meet global sustainability standards. UMD’s goal is to become a nationally-ranked university by 2020, a goal it is successfully reaching.

The UMD College of Nursing has been providing commuting students, non-traditional working adults, and first-generation students with the means to make their careers with nursing programs.

Methodology for Nursing PhD Rankings

Value Colleges features only the most trustworthy, proven universities and colleges with Nursing PhD programs that will deliver on their promises with meaningful jobs and lifelong careers.

We consider only regionally-accredited (and mostly AACN-accredited ) programs and rank them according to solid data:

• Reputability – US News 2017 Best Nursing Schools (at MSN level- no PhD avail.)
• ROI – mid-level salaries of Alumni reported by Payscale
• Cost – Actual tuition per credit as reported by the institution

From our formula , we determine which institutions offer the best balance between quality, job market reliability, and affordability, adding up to a respectable ROI.

What to Expect in a PhD in Nursing Program

A doctoral program in nursing is designed to equip students with advanced research skills and a deep understanding of nursing scholarship. Throughout the program, you’ll develop the expertise to conduct and publish evidence-based research that can shape nursing practices and healthcare policies for generations to come.

What Will You Learn in a PhD in Nursing Program?

PhD nursing programs will teach you the core elements, focusing on:

• Historical and philosophical foundations of nursing
• Nursing theories, methods, and processes
• Research methodology and data management
• Academic, research, practice, and healthcare policy development
• Leadership strategies and mentoring
• Dissertation and immersion experiences

How Long Do PhD in Nursing Programs Take?

Most nursing programs offering a doctorate typically take between four to six years to complete. The exact duration varies on factors such as your prior educational background and whether you pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Nursing?

Earning a doctorate nursing degree opens up diverse career opportunities in research, academia, healthcare administration, and health policy. With this advanced credential, you can pursue roles such as nurse scientist, nurse educator, and healthcare administrator, or contribute to shaping influential healthcare policies and regulations.

What Is the Average Salary for a Professional With a PhD in Nursing?

Professionals with nursing degrees who have obtained a PhD can expect to earn a lucrative salary, with the average annual income reaching approximately $100,000 or $60.45 per hour . However, your exact earnings may vary depending on factors such as your specific career path, employer, location, and level of experience

What Are the Requirements for PhD Nursing Programs?

Requirements for PhD nursing programs may vary, although you expect to prepare the following:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a non-nursing graduate degree
• Personal statement outlining research interests and goals
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Minimum GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher
• Successful completion of an admissions interview
• Writing sample demonstrating academic and research abilities
• Updated resume or curriculum vitae
• Professional letters of recommendation
• Active and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions
• For international applicants, TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency
• Other nursing programs may have additional requirements specific to their doctoral program

How Much Does a PhD in Nursing Degree Cost?

The cost of pursuing a PhD in nursing science can vary significantly, with tuition ranging from $400 to over $2,300 per credit hour at prestigious institutions. However, many universities offer funding opportunities, such as covering tuition fees or providing federal research grants.

Is a PhD in Nursing Degree Right for Me?

A nursing PhD is the right degree for you if you want to be specifically trained for positions in leadership, research, and best practices. Outside of the nursing profession itself, very few people think about the other side of nursing:

• The nurses who have charge over all the other nurses; 
• The nurses who advocate for other nurses in the board room, in front of Congress, and the public eye
• The nurses who research to determine scientifically what works best for patients on the ground.

A working nurse can only help their immediate patients. A nurse educator, nurse scientist, or nurse leader can help many more through their influence. 

The nursing PhD isn’t for everyone – only those with high grades and more of an interest in research than patient care are suitable. For those who have that desire, there are an ever-increasing number of options available, and not all of them are reputable.

DNP vs PhD in Nursing Practice

Unlike a DNP degree – a relatively new degree type that is designed for advanced practice, for using the insights of scientific research in the nitty-gritty of the nursing science profession – the nursing doctorate is designed for academic and scientific exploration, experimentation, and education. (see our comparison of DNP vs. PhD in Nursing )

• The nursing PhD-holders are the research scientists who are developing the knowledge that DNPs use for deciding what practicing nurses do on a day-to-day basis. 
• They are the professors, the scientists, and the advocates who may not spend their days in the ER or the hospital floor, but who figure out what those nurses need to best do their jobs.
• The nurse scientist teaches other nurses, conducts research, writes books, takes on leadership positions in organizations, and influences government healthcare policy. 
• They need the highest level of education and experience, and the contemporary healthcare system is in desperate need of them.

Related Questions

Which phd is best after nursing .

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is often considered the best option after nursing. The DNP is a terminal degree focused on clinical practice, making it a great choice for advanced clinical expertise and leadership opportunities.

Which Country Is Best for a Doctorate in Nursing? 

The United States is generally considered one of the best countries for pursuing a PhD in nursing, as it offers many reputable and well-established doctoral programs at top universities. However, the best country for a doctorate in nursing ultimately depends on your professional goals and the specific program offerings that align with your research interests.

By thoroughly researching and understanding the rankings of nursing doctoral programs, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and career aspirations. Choosing a highly-ranked program can provide you with a top-notch education, valuable networking opportunities, and increased credibility in the job market, setting you up for success in your future endeavors.

Related Rankings:

• Top 25 Best Value Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree Programs
• Top 25 Best Value Master’s of Science in Nursing Programs
• Top 10 Cheapest Online MSN Programs
• Top 50 Best Value Online MSN Programs
• Top 10 Cheapest Online RN to BSN Nursing Programs
• Top 50 Best Value Online RN to BSN Programs
• Top 50 Best Value DNP Programs

Aya Andrews

Editor-in-chief.

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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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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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. 

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Application deadline for Fall 2025 is December 31, 2024.

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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

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DNP Advanced Practice/PhD Dual Degree

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Need your questions answered?

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is not accepting applications for the DNP/PHD program (all tracks) for 2025.

The best of both worlds

Students in the DNP Advanced Practice/PhD Dual Degree program are motivated by clinical practice and research innovations that will produce practice transformations and improve care. This program is the first in the country where students can receive both degrees simultaneously from one school, and graduates will be prepared at the highest level to conduct clinical research, teach, mentor, and implement innovations to enhance patient outcomes.

The DNP/PHD program creates rigorously prepared clinical scholars that offer the nursing profession a ’best of both worlds’ approach to creating innovative solutions for clinical curriculum development, faculty practice, and scientific inquiry. The program requires completion of both teaching and research residencies. Through the experiences, students will learn how to combine the roles of educator with clinician and scholar. Students will work with Hopkins faculty mentors to select courses and identify opportunities that align with their research and/or clinical training program.

Within the DNP portion of the program, students will select an advanced practice track from six nurse practitioner options, including pediatrics to family to adult/gerontology to psychiatric mental health. By combining the PhD goal of creating leaders in nursing science development with the DNP mission to prepare expert nurse clinicians into an integrated curriculum, students receive both outstanding research and clinical practice experience.

Program Details

Tuition & fees.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $2,222 per credit See Cost of Attendance Details Financial Aid: There are numerous options for financing your education including grants, scholarships, and federal loans.  Learn more.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

Fall entry: November 15

Requirements

Admission criteria.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree or an entry-level nursing master’s degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution

Scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Proof of current nursing licensure. Students must have or obtain Maryland RN licensure for matriculation (or RN license from a compact state)

One year of full-time RN experience preferred*

Three letters of recommendation (two academic and one professional)**

Official transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)

Current Resume/CV

A written statement of Advanced Practice role and research goals including reason for interest in Johns Hopkins

Writing sample (publication or graded paper)

GRE scores are accepted but not required

Research interests that match faculty expertise and School resources

Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)

TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Information for applicants with international education

*The DNP Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care NP track requires one year of full-time pediatric RN experience in an acute care setting engaged in the direct care of physiologically unstable pediatric patients within an acute care environment (critical care, intermediate care, Level 1 pediatric ED, stepdown, pediatric med-surg, hem-onc preferred) required by the start of the program. The DNP Dual Pediatric Primary and Acute Care NP track also requires Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

*The DNP Adult-Gerontological Acute Care NP track requires one year of full-time RN experience engaged in the direct care of adults and older adults who are physiologically unstable, technologically dependent, and require frequent monitoring and intervention within an inpatient, acute care setting (intensive or critical care, intermediate care, progressive care, stepdown or telemetry unit) by the start of the program.

**References should be recent, written for the purpose of your application to this program and from professors who know you as a student or employers who know you as a professional in a job setting preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from colleagues, friends, or family members do not meet the requirement. For PhD applicants, it is strongly preferred that a least one of your recommenders holds a PhD.

Prerequisites

No prerequisite courses.

Student Sponsorship

This program  does not  qualify for F-1 or J-1 student sponsorship. Legal Permanent Residents and non-immigrants who are otherwise physically present in the U.S.  and  in a status that allows for full or part-time study, may pursue this program.

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No. 3 nursing school in the world, according to 2024  QS World University  rankings

The program is designed to be completed in a five-year, full-time plan of study. The program highlights both a structured teaching and research residency. The plan below is a sample of the DNP Advanced Practice/PhD curriculum. For a dual degree, all coursework must be completed before either degree is awarded.

DNP Advanced Practice/PhD Total Number Of Credits And Clinical Hours By Track

Year 1 Fall 12 credits

• Quantitative Research Design and Methods [3cr]
• Statistical Methods in Public Health I (Biostats I) [3cr]
• Statistical Methods in Public Health II (Biostats II) [3cr]
• Philosophical Perspectives in Health [3cr]

Year 1 Spring 12 credits

• Qualitative Research Designs and Methods [2cr]
• Mixed Methods Research Designs [2cr]
• Statistical Methods in Public Health III (Biostats III) [3cr]
• Scientific Perspectives Nursing [3cr]
• Measurement in Healthcare [2cr]

Year 1 Summer 2 credits

• Grant Development & Writing [1cr]
• Clinical Research Residency I (EBP Project) [1cr]
• Comp Exams [NC]
• Teaching Experience [NC]

Year 2 Fall 12 credits

• Dissertation Seminar [1cr]
• Dissertation [2cr]
• PhD Elective [3cr]
• Introduction to Quality Improvement & Knowledge Translation (1st term) [2cr]
• Advanced Health Policy [2cr]
• Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Healthcare [2cr]
• Research Residency [NC]

Year 2 Spring 9 credits

• Responsibilities and Activities of Nurse Scientist [2cr]
• PhD Elective [4cr]
• Preliminary Oral Exams [NC]

Year 2 Summer 3 credits

• PhD Elective Credit [3cr]
• NRSA Submission [NC]

Year 3 Fall 11 credits

• Health Promotion and Disease Across the Lifespan [2cr]
• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology I [2cr]
• Pharmacology for Advanced Practice I [2cr]
• Introduction Comparative Effectiveness & Outcome Research (3rd term) [2cr]

Year 3 Spring 12 credits

• Advanced Health Assessment & Measurement [3cr]
• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology II [2cr]
• Pharmacology for Advanced Practice II [2cr]
• Diagnostic Skills and Procedures for Advanced Practice Nursing Part I [1cr]
• Diagnostic Skills and Procedures for Advanced Practice Nursing Part 2 Acute Care [1cr]
• Introduction to Acute Care Fundamentals [3cr]
• Introduction to Acute Care Clinical Management [1cr, 80 clinical hrs]
• Advanced Practice in Acute Care I Diagnostic Reasoning [3.5cr]
• Advanced Practice in Acute Care I Clinical Management [2cr, 160cl]
• Healthcare Finance for Advanced Nursing Practice [2cr]
• Teaching or Research Residency if needed [NC]
• Advanced Practice in Acute Care II Diagnostic Reasoning [2cr]
• Advanced Practice in Acute Care II Clinical Management [2.5cr, 200cl]

Year 4 Summer 1 credits

• Clinical Research Residency II (EBP) [1cr]

Year 5 Fall 10.5 credits, 200 clinical hours

• Advanced Practice in Acute Care III Diagnostic Reasoning [3cr]
• Advanced Practice in Acute Care III Clinical Management [2.5cr, 200cl]
• Advanced Applications of Information Technology in Healthcare Delivery [2cr]
• Final Oral Defense [NC]

Year 5 Spring 8.5 credits, 200 clinical hours

• Advanced Practice in Acute Care IV Diagnostic Reasoning [3cr]
• Advanced Practice in Acute Care IV Clinical Management [2.5cr, 200cl]

Program Total: 115 credits [cr], 840 Clinical Hours [cl] Please note, curriculum, credit hours, and sequencing are subject to change.

• Research Residency

Year 2 Spring 8 credits

• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Part I [2cr]
• Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Part I [2cr]

Year 3 Spring 13 credits

• Advanced Health Assessment and Measurement for Advanced Practice Nurses [3cr]
• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology Part II [2cr]
• Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Part II [2cr]
• Diagnostic Reasoning I: Wellness in Primary Care and Common Acute Health Conditions Across the Lifespan [3cr]
• Dissertation Seminar [2cr]

Year 3 Summer 6.5 credits, 200 clinical hours

• Diagnostic Reasoning II: Common Acute and Chronic Health Conditions Across the Lifespan [3cr]
• Clinical Management I: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]

Year 4 Fall 10.5 credits, 200 clinical hours

• Diagnostic Reasoning III: Clinical Management for the Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Gender/Reproductive, and Psych/Mental Health Care [3cr]
• Clinical Management II: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]

Year 4 Spring 9 credits, 160 clinical hours

• Diagnostic Reasoning IV Clinical Management for the Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Chronic, Complex and Multi-System Illnesses and Conditions [3cr]
• Clinical Management III: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [2cr, 160cl]
• Diagnostic Skills and Procedures for Advanced Practice Nursing 2: Primary Care [1cr]
• Clinical Management IV: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]
• DNP AP Elective [3cr]
• Clinical Management V: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]

Program Total: 119 credits [cr], 960 clinical hours [cl] Please note, curriculum, credit hours, and sequencing are subject to change.

Year 2 Fall 13 credits

• Introduction to Quality Improvement & Knowledge Translation (1st term) [3cr]

Year 2 Spring 10 credits

• Human Growth, Development and Supervision Birth through Adolescence [2cr]
• Clinical Management I: Family Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]
• Diagnostic Reasoning III: Psych Mental Health, Gender Specific/Reproductive, and Healthcare Conditions Across the Lifespan [3cr]
• Clinical Management II: Family Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]
• Diagnostic Reasoning IV: Complex, Chronic Multi-Symptom, and Special Population Health Across the Lifespan [3cr]
• Clinical Management III: Family Nurse Practitioner [2cr, 160cl]

Year 4 Summer 2.5 credits, 200 clinical hours

• Clinical Management IV: Family Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]
• Clinical Management V: Family Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]

Program Total: 121 credits [cr], 960 Clinical Hours [cl]

• Diagnostic Reasoning I: Newborn and Young Child: Wellness, Nutrition, and Developmental Surveillance in Pediatric Primary Care [3cr]

Year 3 Summer 5.5 credits, 120 clinical hours

• Diagnostic Reasoning II: Common Acute Health Conditions in Pediatric Primary Care [3cr]
• Clinical Management I PNP [1.5cr, 120cl]

Year 4 Fall 10 credits, 160 clinical hours

• Diagnostic Reasoning III: Children and Adolescents: Wellness, Behavioral/Mental Health, and Gender/Reproductive Health in Pediatric Primary Care [3cr]
• Clinical Management II: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner [2cr, 160cl]
• Diagnostic Reasoning IV: Chronic, Complex, and Multi-System Illnesses in Pediatric Primary Care [3cr]
• Clinical Management III: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner [2cr, 160cl]

Year 4 Summer 2 credits

• Clinical Management IV: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]
• Clinical Management V: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner [2.5cr, 200cl]

Program Total: 119.5 credits [cr], 960 Clinical Hours [cl]

Year 4 Summer 2.5 credit, 120 clinical hours

• Pediatric Acute Care Practicum I [1.5cr, 120cl]
• Advanced Topics for the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I [3cr]
• Pediatric Acute Care Practicum II [2.5cr, 200cl]
• Advanced Topics for the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner II [3cr]
• Pediatric Acute Care Practicum III [2.5cr, 200cl]

Please note, curriculum, credit hours, and sequencing are subject to change.

Year 3 Fall 13 credits

Year 3 Summer 5 credits

• Introduction to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Practice Interview Techniques [2cr]
• Diagnostic Skills for Psychiatric and Mental Health Advanced Practice Nursing [1cr]
• Elective [2cr]

Year 4 Fall 13 credits

• Neurobiology of Mental Disorders [1cr]
• Clinical Psychopharmacology [2cr]
• Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders [3cr]
• Psychotherapeutic Frameworks and Modalities [2cr]

Year 4 Spring 8 credits, 240 clinical hours

• Diagnostic Reasoning I: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Adult/Gero [1cr]
• Clinical Management I: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Adult/Gero [3cr, 240cl]
• Integrated Care I for the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner [1cr]

Year 4 Summer 4 credits, 160 clinical hours

• Diagnostic Reasoning II: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Children and Families [1cr]
• Clinical Management II: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Children and Families [2cr, 160cl]

Year 5 Fall 11 credits, 320 clinical hours

• Integrated Care II for the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner [1cr]
• Clinical Management III: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner [4cr, 320cl]

Year 5 Spring 8 credits, 320 clinical hours

• Clinical Management IV: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner [4cr, 320cl]
• DNP AP Elective [1cr]

Program Total: 126 credits [cr], 1040 Clinical Hours [cl] Please note, curriculum, credit hours, and sequencing are subject to change.

* Curriculum, credit hours, and sequencing are subject to change. ** Transfer Credits from the JHSON MSN (Entry into Nursing) Program to the DNP Advanced Practice Track can vary based on current curriculum & start date. ***Transfer of credit is granted on an individual basis. Please see the transfer of credit policy and complete the form to make a request. Note – A minimum of 1000 practice hours is required for the DNP. The Dissertation Seminar & Dissertation courses will provide additional practice hours to meet this requirement.

“I wanted to be a provider to care for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s as well as work toward new treatments and interventions. … The DNP/PhD is training me to become an adult-gerontological nurse practitioner and a researcher—I can get evidence-based care to my patients sooner.” Inga Antonsdottir, DNP/PhD Candidate

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Tuition & Other Costs

Financial aid.

View the costs for the DNP Advanced Practice/PhD Dual Degree. 2024-2025

State Authorization Disclosures

PhD/DNP Dual Adult Gerontological Acute Care NP PhD/DNP Dual Adult Gerontological Primary Care NP PhD/DNP Dual Pediatric Acute and Primary Care NP PhD/DNP Dual Family Primary Care NP PhD/DNP Dual Pediatric Primary Care NP PhD/DNP Dual Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Scholarships & Grants: Grants are awards based on financial need that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from scholarships and awards based on merit. Learn more.

Loans: Many students will avail themselves of loans to help finance their School of Nursing education. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely essential to cover your educational costs. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The research area in an admission application should be well-defined but not overly rigid. Candidates should demonstrate a clear focus within their field of interest, outlining specific research questions or problems they aim to address. The proposal should show a solid understanding of current literature and gaps in knowledge, indicating how their research could contribute to the field. While applicants may have a general idea of their methodology and potential outcomes, there should be room for refinement and adaptation as they progress in their studies and clinical practice. The research area should align with the program’s strengths, integration with advanced practice role, and faculty expertise. Overall, the essay should reflect the applicant’s understanding of the issue, and critical thinking skills, and potential for conducting meaningful research, while still allowing for guidance and development throughout the program.

Although contacting a faculty member in your research area is not required, it is an opportunity to become familiar with researchers in your area of interest and to ask questions not addressed on the school’s website. While it can be helpful to have a direct match, students often have great success in the program when a piece of the research overlaps with the advisor.  If there is a particular faculty member whose work interests you, you may discuss this as part of your application essay.  The best place to start is with the DNP/PhD Assistant Director of Recruitment, Cesar Nuñez at  [email protected]  and with a review of our most recent PhD virtual information session at  https://nursing.jhu.edu/admissions/index.html

DNP/PhD faculty advisors take an active role in the education of our DNP/PhD Students who are assigned PhD and DNP faculty advisors. PhD and DNP faculty advisors and are responsible for program oversight and student mentorship. This advising support for DNP/PhD students is for the duration of their clinical and research training with a particular emphasis on transitions and preparing for successful careers as APRN Clinical Scientists

Once you are admitted to the DNP/PhD program, the PhD Admissions Committee determines who will be your PhD advisor. You will also be assigned a DNP faculty advisor whose clinical role and scholarship aligns with your interest as a DNP/PhD Advanced Practice Clinical Scientist. While the DNP/PhD faculty advisors have primary faculty advising for the respective DNP AP and PhD program, the advisors work together to bridge and integrate learning rather than separate parallel program mentorship.

Students will complete one dissertation that integrates rigorous scientific research with direct clinical practice application, bridging the gap between theory and practice in advanced nursing. The study would focus on a significant healthcare issue to address both the depth of inquiry expected in a PhD and the practice-oriented focus of a DNP. This integrated approach would demonstrate the candidate’s ability to conduct high-level research, critically analyze complex healthcare issues, and directly apply findings to improve nursing practice and patient outcomes – effectively meeting the core requirements of both DNP and PhD programs.

The DNP/PhD Advanced Practice program is designed to be completed in a five-year full-time plan of study. This shorter timeframe to achieve two doctoral degrees is accomplished by designing the program to align each educational component with the students desired research focus, creating connections that allow the DNP Advanced Practice Track/PhD student to seamlessly transfer evidence to practice, practice to research, and research to the classroom.  Students complete one doctoral dissertation that meets the outcomes of the DNP and PhD programs. The program also highlights both a structured teaching residency and a structured research residency.

In the dual DNP AP/PhD, the first semesters of the combined program focus on developing students’ ability to conduct clinical research. In the second year and third year, students refine their research focus while integrating DNP advanced practice core courses. This provides the basis for students to propose and conduct clinical research while completing clinical specialty experiences (practicums). In the fourth and fifth year, student’s focus their dissertation practice research in the area of their PhD and DNP faculty advisors’ program of research and advanced practice. 

GRE scores are accepted but not required.

The DNP/PhD program is a full-time, on-site program. All PhD courses, research and teaching experiences, and NP clinical experiences are in-person in the Baltimore/DC area. DNP courses are hybrid with onsite immersions.

Working while pursuing this dual doctoral program is strongly not advised given the demands of a dual doctoral program. Quality is the defining characteristic of academic life at Johns Hopkins and the School of Nursing.  Students can expect to devote fulltime efforts to this program.

DNP/PhD students are required to achieve various milestones (see below) in progressing through the program that culminate in the dissertation and APRN role. These processes assure quality of the scholarship and rigor of the scientific process and actualization of the DNP APRN role. 

• Annual Review with advisor in May of each year
• Annual Review with DNP/PhD Dissertation Committee members
• Comprehensive Examination
• Preliminary Oral Examination
• Completion of DNP APRN Core Courses
• Completion of APRN Specialty Core Courses and Clinicals
• Final Defense (Oral Examination)

Coursework completed outside the United States must be evaluated and translated into US equivalencies.  Official transcript evaluations must be submitted as part of the application process, and applications will not be considered complete until all evaluations for any work completed outside the United States are received.  The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing recommends  WES-ICAP .

Contact Cesar Nuñez, Assistant Director of Recruitment for the DNP Executive tracks, at  [email protected]  with any additional questions or to schedule a phone call to discuss ways to make your application as strong as possible.

Pathway to PhD Nursing Scholars Program

Home / Nursing Degree / Best Ph.D. in Nursing Programs – 2024

Best Ph.D. in Nursing Programs – 2024

2024 - Best Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Which ph.d. in nursing program is right for me, on-campus vs. online phd in nursing programs, admission requirements & curriculum, which nursing careers require a ph.d., list of ph.d. in nursing programs.

Many nurses, after working at the bedside, seek different ways to utilize their knowledge and clinical skills. Some prefer to advance their career and become nurse practitioners and earn either an MSN or DNP . However, some nurses hope to take their knowledge and apply it to something a bit different than a clinical focus – research and education. Ph.D. prepared nursing helps address critical issues in healthcare and even helps shape policies and legislation.

Nursing knowledge in healthcare and research is essential. Nurses provide a unique perspective and use a patient-centered approach to various issues in healthcare. This perspective helps to benefit both patients and organizations and improves care outcomes. Since many who choose the Ph.D. in a nursing pathway do so to become educators, this degree type paves the way to shape the next generation of nurses.

Already have a nursing degree and looking to advance your education to a Ph.D. in Nursing? Bridge programs such as the BSN to Ph.D. , MSN to Ph.D. , and DNP to Ph.D . are available.

For highly skilled and ambitious nurses, the Ph.D. in Nursing pathway is the pinnacle of registered nursing education. Many RNs feel called to research and academia, and a Ph.D. can provide ample opportunities for success in these areas. There are few things more important than choosing the right Ph.D. program, which is why we have ranked the top online/hybrid Ph.D. in Nursing programs available across the country. Check out our rankings below and take the first step toward a high-level nursing career.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page ( https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/ ).

Texas Woman's University

At Texas Woman's University in Houston, Ph.D. students become experts in nursing theory development and research methods as they embark on a journey to bolster the future of nursing. Many graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program go on to teach at the college level while others pursue a career in nursing administration or research.

• PhD in Nursing Science Online/Hybrid
• DNP to PhD Bridge Program Online/Hybrid

Recipient of Quality Matters Implementation Plan award. Offering hybrid or online-only degree completion options. The historical women’s college does admit men.

Endicott College

Through research, innovation, and collaboration, the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree at Endicott College enables nurses to become leaders both in and outside the world of academia. The hybrid program offers flexible weekend and evening in-person and online course delivery options.

• Ph.D. in Nursing Online/Hybrid

• A private college located outside of Boston.
• Includes a loan option for those looking to teach.
• Very low faculty-to-student ratios for each cohort.

Mercer University

Nurses can transition their bedside and clinical experiences into scholarship when they decide to earn their Ph.D. at Mercer University. The online terminal degree readies nurses for careers in education and research to advance the profession of nursing.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Online/Hybrid

• A dissertation is required to complete the degree.
• The program receives funding via the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.
• A private research university in Macon, Georgia.

University of Central Florida

Nurses can perform different professional roles aside from caring for patients in a hospital or clinical setting. From conducting original research to teaching, nurses can pursue their Ph.D. in Nursing online at the University of Central Florida. Students learn to contribute to the discipline as an academic.

• PhD in Nursing: BSN to PhD Online/Hybrid
• PhD in Nursing: MSN to PhD Online/Hybrid

• Only open to RNs licensed in Florida. • Students complete Dissertation / Doctoral Research. • One of the first universities to offer a nursing Ph.D.

William Carey University

William Carey University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education Program (DNP to PhD). Nurses who think they’d like to make a career educating the next generation of healthcare professionals can enroll in this online program. Nurses can continue to work while earning this terminal degree.

• Nursing Education - DNP to PhD Online/Hybrid

• Can be completed in 2-3 years.
• There are four weekend meetings per year  (two synchronous online and two in-person)
• A private Christian university located in Hattiesburg, MS.

Selecting a Ph.D. program can be challenging. Each nurse has individual work and family demands, so the school needs to fit into the nurse’s busy life. There are a few considerations nurses should take into account when looking for a Ph.D. program:

• Online Learning vs. Classroom Learning – Selecting an online program vs. an on-campus program is a personal choice. While some prefer the convenience and flexibility of online learning, some enjoy face-to-face, interactive learning, along with peer support. Some programs are 100% online, and some require minimal campus visits (often referred to as "hybrid" programs). Whichever the learning method, nurses should choose the one right for them.
• Accreditation – National accreditation is critical when selecting a Ph.D. program. Proper accreditation ensures the school meets strict quality standards and allows the nurse to pursue future degree options. Also, nursing boards in some states require national (as opposed to local) accreditation for licensure. Students should look for accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( CCNE ) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing ( ACEN ) when researching schools.
• Program History – Some nursing programs, including online programs, are popping up left and right. Students should be cautious and do their research when looking at Ph.D. programs. Schools that have been around a long time tend to be more reputable, and they also likely have enough data (for example, graduation rates) that the student can use to measure the program’s success.
• Program Cost – Cost is a significant factor when deciding to return to school. Most websites are transparent with the tuition cost and associated expenses, so there won't be any surprises. Many schools offer financial aid options as well as the choice to attend part-time. However, students should also prepare for additional expenses such as immunization requirements, technology equipment requirements, supplies, parking fees, and graduation or university fees.
• Residency/Internship Requirements – Studying course material is one part of Ph.D. programs, but nurses must also apply what they’ve learned to real life. Nurses should make sure that whichever program they choose, they are able to meet the practicum requirements. Ensuring they have resources and mentors in the community and surrounding organizations is crucial to the student's success.

RELATED : Dual DNP/PhD Programs

As stated earlier, choosing an online program vs. an on-campus depends on the needs of the student. Below are some advantages of both online and on-campus programs:

Online Ph.D. Nursing Program Advantages

• Flexible schedule – Nurses can work around the clock. They may work weekends, holidays, swing shifts, and graveyard shifts. For this reason, a school must be flexible. Online programs allow nurses to study course material when they can as well as learn at their own pace. They can submit assignments and correspond with instructors and peers electronically, not having to wait until the class or the instructor's office hours.
• Tuition and Costs – An advantage of online Ph.D. programs is cost. In some cases, students may select a school that is based outside their state. Schools sometimes don't charge different tuition rates for out-of-state students in their online programs, which is a significant cost-saver and allows more education options. Students are encouraged to research this thoroughly, however.
• Accessibility and Convenience – As stated earlier, online programs are far more flexible than campus programs. At the touch of a button, students can access learning materials, peers, instructors, and online learning modules. They can study in the middle of the night, on holidays, on weekends, or whenever it's convenient. They are not limited to certain hours on certain days. Plus, they don’t need to waste time commuting, parking, and walking to class.
• Fast Completion – Many online programs boast rapid completion. While students need to be wary of schools that advertise this (specific curricula must be completed), some legitimate online programs do allow students to finish faster than traditional, campus programs. This is because students can study at their own pace. If eager to start out in their new role, online learning might be the way to go.

On-Campus Ph.D. in Nursing Program Advantages

While more and more online nursing programs are popping up, some students still prefer traditional campus learning. Some advantages of on-campus education include:

• The ability to interact face-to-face with peers and instructors
• Not having to worry about technology issues
• Not needing to spend extra money on electronic or technological supplies
• Accreditation is usually not a concern

While admission requirements for a Ph.D. in nursing program may vary between schools, prospective students may be required to:

• Hold a current, unencumbered RN/APRN license
• Hold a BSN or MSN from an accredited university (some schools allow admission for BSN nurses)
• Have completed a specific number of clinical hours
• Provide transcripts from all schools attended
• Have a GPA of 3.5 or higher (specific GPA requirements may vary between schools)
• Submit a written goal statement to include research career goals
• Interview with faculty

Ph.D. in Nursing Course Topics

Since the Ph.D. in nursing is more research and education-focused, the course topics differ from that of a more clinically-focused degree program (such as the DNP). Course topics may include:

• Qualitative and quantitative research
• Scientific inquiry
• Synthesis and application of nursing knowledge
• Research development
• Chronic illness and care systems

Program Length

The didactic/clinical portion of the Ph.D. program can take around 1-3 years to complete depending on if the nurse starts from a BSN or MSN. The first year is reserved for core courses, while the following year and beyond focus on electives specific to the student's goals and the completion of a teaching practicum. Students are also required to complete a dissertation as well; the dissertation period may take another 1-3 years to complete, depending on the student’s area of focus.

While some nurses choose to earn a Ph.D. to fulfill their educational goals, sometimes it is a requirement for certain positions. Examples include:

• Nurse educator or instructor
• Nurse or hospital administrator
• Research facilities
• Government and public health nursing roles

Some may even consider a Post-Doctoral Nursing Fellowship Program .

Popular with nurses interested in teaching and research, Ph.D. nursing programs have grown in popularity and are available at schools across the United States. Below you will find a state-by-state guide on available Ph.D. in nursing programs.

Jump to Your State Listings

University of alabama at birmingham.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Campus

Arizona State University

• Nursing and Healthcare Innovation, PhD Campus

University of Arizona

• Nursing (PHD) Online

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)

• PhD in Nursing Campus

Azusa Pacific University Monrovia

• Nursing, PhD Campus

Loma Linda University

• BS to PhD in Nursing Online
• MS to PhD in Nursing Online
• Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership Doctor of Philosophy Campus
• UCLA School of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Campus

University of California San Francisco

• PhD, Nursing Campus
• PhD in Nursing: Health Policy Campus

University of California, Irvine

University of san diego.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing- BSN to PhD Campus
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing- Post-MSN PhD Campus
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing- DNP to PhD Campus

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Hybrid

University of Northern Colorado

• Nursing Education PhD Online

Connecticut

University of connecticut.

• School of Nursing - PhD Program Campus

Yale University

• PhD Program in Nursing Campus

University of Delaware

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Science Campus

Barry University

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Florida Atlantic University

• PhD in Nursing Program Campus
• PhD in Nursing Program BSN to PhD Campus
• PhD in Nursing Program MSN to PhD Campus
• PhD in Nursing Program DNP to PhD Campus

Florida International University

• BSN-to-PhD in Nursing Campus
• PhD in Nursing: BSN to PhD Online
• PhD in Nursing: MSN to PhD Online

University of Florida

• PhD in Nursing Sciences Campus
• PhD in Nursing Sciences: BSN to PhD Campus
• Adult Gerontology NP: MSN to PhD Campus

University of Miami

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Campus

University of South Florida

• PhD Program in Nursing Science Campus

Augusta University

• Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing Hybrid

Emory University

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Hybrid

Georgia State University

• Doctor Of Philosophy In Nursing Hybrid
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Online

University of Hawai'i at Manoa

• PhD in Nursing Online

Idaho State University

Illinois state university.

• PhD in Nursing Hybrid

Loyola University of Chicago

Rush university.

• Nursing Science (PhD) Online

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

• Doctor of Philosophy Campus

Indiana University Online

• PhD in Nursing Science Online

Purdue University

• PhD in Nursing* Campus

University of Iowa

• College of Nursing PhD Campus
• College of Nursing PhD BSN to PhD Campus
• College of Nursing PhD MSN to PhD Campus

University of Kansas

University of louisville, southern university and a&m college.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Campus

Johns Hopkins University

University of maryland.

• Post-BSN to PhD in Nursing (without a master's) Campus
• Post-BSN with a Master's to PhD in Nursing Campus
• Post-Master's to PhD in Nursing Campus

Massachusetts

Boston college.

• Ph.D. in Nursing Hybrid

Northeastern University

• PhD in Nursing

University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Nursing PhD Campus

University of Massachusetts Boston

University of massachusetts lowell.

• Ph.D. in Nursing with Health Promotion focus Hybrid

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Michigan state university.

• Ph.D. in Nursing Campus

Oakland University

• Ph.D. in Nursing

University of Michigan

• Nursing, Ph.D. Campus

Wayne State University

• Ph.D. in Nursing Online

University of Minnesota

Mississippi, university of mississippi medical center.

• Nursing Education - DNP to PhD Online

Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Hybrid

Mizzou Online- University of Missouri

• Nursing: Online doctorate Online

University Of Missouri Kansas City

• Nursing PhD Hybrid

University of Missouri - St. Louis

• Nursing PhD Online

University of Missouri Health

• Interdisciplinary Nursing PhD Campus

University of Nebraska Medical Center

University of nevada, las vegas.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing; Nursing Education Online
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing; Post Doctor of Nursing Practice Online
• Doctor of Philosophy - Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Campus

Rutgers School of Nursing

Seton hall university, the university of new mexico, adelphi university, binghamton university, columbia university, nyu rory meyers college of nursing, pace university - pleasantville campus.

• Doctor Of Philosophy In Nursing, Phd Campus

Stony Brook University

University at buffalo.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Online

North Carolina

Duke university.

• PhD Program in Nursing Online

East Carolina University

The university of north carolina at chapel hill, the university of north carolina at greensboro, north dakota, university of north dakota, case western reserve university.

• Dual Doctorate PhD/DNP Hybrid

Kent State University

The ohio state university.

• Post-Master's PhD in Nursing Campus
• BSN to PhD in Nursing Campus

University of Cincinnati

• PhD in Nursing Research Campus

Oklahoma City University

• BSN-PhD in Nursing Campus

The University of Oklahoma

Oregon health & sciences university, pennsylvania, drexel university.

• Nursing: MSN-PhD Joint Degree Program Campus

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (MSN-PhD) Campus

University of Pittsburgh

Rhode island, university of rhode island, south carolina, medical university of south carolina.

• Ph.D. in Nursing Science Online

University of South Carolina

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (Ph.D.) Campus

East Tennessee State University

• College of Nursing - PhD Program Hybrid

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center- Memphis

• DNP/PhD Dual Degree Campus

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) BSN to PhD Campus
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) MSN to PhD Campus

University of Memphis

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Online
• DNP to PhD Bridge Program Online

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

• Nursing PhD BSN to PhD Online
• Nursing PhD MSN to PhD Online

The University of Texas at Arlington

The university of texas at austin.

• Alternate Entry Doctoral (AE-PhD) in Nursing Campus
• Doctoral (PhD) in Nursing Campus

The University of Texas at Tyler

University of texas health science center at san antonio - ut health san antonio.

• BSN to PhD FT in Nursing Campus
• BSN to PhD PT in Nursing Campus
• Post-MSN FT in Nursing Campus
• Post-MSN PhD PT in Nursing Campus

University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston

University of utah, george mason university.

• Nursing, PhD Hybrid

Hampton University

• Nursing, PhD Online

University of Virginia

Virginia commonwealth university.

• Online Nursing PHD Online

University of Washington

• PhD Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science Campus

Washington State University Vancouver

West virginia, west virginia university, marquette university.

• Ph.D. In Nursing Campus

University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of wisconsin-milwaukee.

• Nursing BS to PhD Campus
• Nursing Online PhD Online

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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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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Here Are This Year's Top Graduate Nursing Programs

— u.s. news moves ahead with nursing rankings despite medical school drama.

by Jennifer Henderson , Enterprise & Investigative Writer, MedPage Today April 25, 2023

U.S. News & World Report released more of its graduate school rankings Tuesday, including those for graduate degrees in nursing, even though its annual medical and law school listings remain in flux .

Emory University in Atlanta took the top spot on this year's best nursing master's program list , followed by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in second place, and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in third.

Johns Hopkins placed first on the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program list . There was a four-way tie for second place between Columbia University in New York City, Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, Rush University in Chicago, and the University of Washington in Seattle.

Last year, Johns Hopkins topped both the master's and DNP rankings, as previously reported by MedPage Today .

A number of top medical schools publicly announced that they would no longer take part in the the U.S. News rankings . Amid an ongoing delay in the release of this year's medical school rankings, a preview of top schools was recently pulled from the media outlet's website . A number of law schools decamped from the ranking system in 2022.

U.S. News surveyed 648 nursing schools with master's or doctoral programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Just under 300 nursing programs responded to a data collection survey, according to the outlet, and of those, 184 provided enough data to be included in the master's programs rankings, while 169 were eligible for inclusion in DNP programs list.

Many institutions were ranked in both lists using some overlapping data, U.S. News said. A new element to this year's rankings was that a school with an active program that did not report data for the most recent edition, but did for the previous edition, was ranked using the older statistical data.

Each school's ranking was determined using 15 ranking factors, U.S. News said. This year's rankings had an increased emphasis on program size, research, and faculty resources, but a reduced emphasis on reputation.

"A school's Best Nursing Schools rank should be one consideration and not the lone determinant in where a student applies," the outlet stated. "The rankings assess academic quality and research success -- factors that are universally important to prospective students. But personal considerations involving location, environment, strength in different specialties, and cost after tuition and financial aid are also very important."

2023-2024 Best Nursing Schools: Master's

1. Emory University

Overall score: 100/100

2022 master's acceptance rate: 47.1%

2022 mean full-time average undergraduate grade point average (GPA): 3.49

2022 master's program enrollment: 846

Tuition: $2,022 per credit (full-time)

2. Johns Hopkins University

Overall score: 99/100

2022 master's acceptance rate: 71.1%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.53

2022 master's program enrollment: 535

Tuition: $1,826 per credit (full-time)

3. University of Pennsylvania

Overall score: 94/100

2022 master's acceptance rate: 69.6%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.79

2022 master's program enrollment: 388

Tuition: $48,784 per year (full-time)

4. University of Washington (tie)

Overall score: 93/100

2022 master's acceptance rate: 92.6%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.62

2022 master's program enrollment: 122

Tuition: $18,471 per year (in-state, full-time)

4. Duke University (tie)

2022 master's acceptance rate: 62.1%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.56

2022 master's program enrollment: 458

Tuition: $1,984 per credit (full-time)

6. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (tie)

Overall score: 92/100

2022 master's acceptance rate: 48.3%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.58

2022 master's program enrollment: 665

Tuition: $1,883 per credit (full-time)

6. Columbia University (tie)

2022 master's acceptance rate: 30.6%

2022 master's program enrollment: 339

Tuition: N/A

8. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (tie)

Overall score: 91/100

2022 master's acceptance rate: 65.6%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.61

2022 master's program enrollment: 130

Tuition: $1,439 per credit (in-state, full-time)

8. The Ohio State University, Columbus (tie)

2022 master's acceptance rate: 81.5%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.45

2022 master's program enrollment: 436

Tuition: $973 per credit (in-state, full-time)

10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (tie)

Overall score: 89/100

2022 master's acceptance rate: 60.5%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.67

2022 master's program enrollment: 110

Tuition: $964 per credit (in-state, full-time)

10. University of Alabama at Birmingham (tie)

2022 master's acceptance rate: 68.2%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.37

2022 master's program enrollment: 919

Tuition: $682 per credit (in-state, full-time)

10. University of California San Francisco (tie)

2022 master's acceptance rate: 25.4%

2022 master's program enrollment: 335

Tuition: $12,852 per year (in-state, full-time)

2023-2024 Best Nursing Schools: DNP

1. Johns Hopkins University

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 53.9%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.44

2022 DNP program enrollment: 624

Tuition: $1,901 per credit (full-time)

2. Columbia University (tie)

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 35.1%

2022 DNP program enrollment: N/A

2. Duke University (tie)

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 49.2%

2022 DNP program enrollment: 337

2. Rush University (tie)

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 66.9%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.52

2022 DNP program enrollment: 765

Tuition: $1,286 per credit (full-time)

2. University of Washington (tie)

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 56.6%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.71

2022 DNP program enrollment: 328

Tuition: $30,636 per year (in-state, full-time)

6. Emory University (tie)

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 28.2%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.50

2022 DNP program enrollment: 180

Tuition: $1,721 per credit (full-time)

6. Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey (tie)

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 34.6%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.59

2022 DNP program enrollment: 514

Tuition: $1,000 per credit (in-state, full-time)

6. University of Michigan (tie)

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 82.7%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.63

2022 DNP program enrollment: 157

6. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (tie)

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 48.4%

2022 mean full-time average undergrad GPA: 3.51

2022 DNP program enrollment: 362

Tuition: $28,431 per year (in-state, full-time)

10. University of Pittsburgh

Overall score: 88/100

2022 DNP acceptance rate: 34.5%

2022 DNP program enrollment: 197

Tuition: $978 per credit (in-state, full-time)

Jennifer Henderson joined MedPage Today as an enterprise and investigative writer in Jan. 2021. She has covered the healthcare industry in NYC, life sciences and the business of law, among other areas.

PhD Education

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

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

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

Nursing Research

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

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

The Curricula

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

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

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

Admission Requirements

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

Selecting a Doctoral Program

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

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

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

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

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Nursing, Ph.D.

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The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing's Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program prepares nurses as scholars and beginning nurse scientists who will contribute to the continued knowledge development of the discipline and profession of nursing.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program takes place in both a traditional classroom format and distance learning with live, real-time digital teleconferencing. 

The Valentine School of Nursing is renowned for excellence in nursing education. U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks our graduate program as a top program in their Best Graduate Schools survey.

Program Highlights

SLU's Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing features:

• Full- and part-time curriculum plans
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) and Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) entry options
• Responsive faculty who are nationally recognized for teaching excellence, nursing leadership, scholarly research and student mentorship
• Faculty advisors who are individually assigned to mentor each student throughout the program
• An online library
• An online writing center
• State-of-the-art teaching facilities

Curriculum Overview

Students can enter the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program through one of two programs: the post-baccalaureate to Ph.D. track (BSN to Ph.D.), or the post-master's to Ph.D. track (MSN to Ph.D.).

Both options offer the choice of taking classes on campus or at a distance. Distance students interact live with students on campus through online conferencing software.

Most doctoral-level nursing classes are offered on Friday mornings and afternoons during fall and spring semesters. The scheduled time for the class takes into consideration students in different time zones. The academic year also includes two shorter, intensive courses, taken over the summer on Fridays.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing includes doctoral coursework (plus a maximum of 18 credits accepted from a master's program) and 12 credits of dissertation research.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in nursing are prepared for careers as nurse scientists, nurse researchers and nurse educators.

Admission Requirements

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing adheres to the principles of a holistic admission process in which selection criteria are broad-based and linked to our University’s and school’s mission and goals. While we do consider academic metrics, we also look at applicant experiences, attributes, potential for success, and how applicants may contribute to the school’s learning environment and to the profession.

Ph.D. admissions faculty at the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing evaluate all applications and may request interviews with applicants who meet the following criteria:

• Post-M.S.N. to Ph.D. - Master's degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency
• Post-B.S.N. to Ph.D. - Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
• Cumulative grade point average of 3.25 on a 4.0 system
• Current, unencumbered registered professional nurse licensure in the state/country of residence/employment or eligibility for licensure in the State of Missouri
• Evidence of high potential for scholarship and leadership in nursing

Application Requirements

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Professional goal statement
• To apply for the Ph.D. program at the Valentine School of Nursing, go to https://nursingcas.org .

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate  English Language Proficiency
• Courses taken and/or lectures attended
• Practical laboratory work
• The maximum and minimum grades attainable
• The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
• Any honors or degrees received.
• WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadlines

The priority deadline is February 1st for international students and June 1st for domestic students.  

Review Process

Applicants are considered on a rolling basis. An application answer may be expected after two weeks. There is a deadline to accept an offer of admission.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financing for this program may be available through grants, scholarships, loans (federal and private) and institutional financing plans. For price estimates, please review the SLU Cost Calculator .

The Saint Louis University Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing offers scholarship and graduate research assistantship opportunities to eligible graduate students. Additionally, most nursing students will participate in a tuition assistance program provided through their employer.

For more information, visit the Office of Student Financial Services .

Accreditation

The Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing is fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice at the Valentine School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing . To achieve its educational objectives, the school uses the hospitals within SSM Health and many health care organizations in the greater St. Louis area.

• Graduates will be able to articulate multiple perspectives on knowledge development and a broad understanding of research methods.
• Graduates will be able to critique and synthesize nursing and interdisciplinary knowledge in a substantive area of inquiry.
• Graduates will be able to generate and disseminate nursing knowledge through research that is innovative, rigorously conducted, ethically sound and culturally sensitive.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate leadership by disseminating scientific findings and implications for future research practice and policy.

Post-Master of Science in Nursing Requirements

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact the School of Nursing's recruitment and enrollment staff:

Undergraduate Inquiries 314-977-8995  [email protected]  

Graduate Inquiries 314-977-8976  [email protected]

Nursing School in Nation’s Top 25 in Graduate School Rankings

• by Julia Ann Easley
• April 09, 2024

The Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing tied for 24th place in the nation for master’s degree nursing programs in U.S. News & World Report’s most recent rankings of professional and graduate programs. 

The news outlet released updated rankings Monday, April 8, for four disciplines and 11 specialties in its 2024 edition of the Best Graduate Schools .

It is the fourth consecutive year that the UC Davis nursing school has been ranked in the top 25 in the nation for its master’s degree nursing programs.

On Monday before its scheduled publication of the rankings, U.S. News announced it would be delaying publication of its rankings for medical and engineering schools, as well as for clinical psychology programs.

After sharing its rankings with schools for their confidential review last week U.S. News said it was reviewing questions from some graduate schools concerning  the extent to which data from affiliated institutions were considered and which accrediting body was used as a source of reference for the clinical psychology programs.

Last year, an unprecedented number of inquiries from schools led the media company to first delay all rankings by a week and further delay release of medical and law school rankings.

Also among this year’s rankings, the School of Education tied for 42nd among the 255 schools that qualified.

The Graduate School of Management ’s Full-Time MBA continues to be ranked among the top programs in the nation with a tie for 57th. U.S. News surveyed more than 500 institutions with master’s-level business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The UC Davis Part-Time MBA, offered in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area, was tied for 28th among the 269 that qualified.

Among specialties considered this year, public health was tied for 29th  among 213 ranked, and computer science was tied for 36th among 205 programs ranked.

About U.S News rankings

U.S. News ranks some disciplines annually and others periodically. Each set of rankings is based on different types of data, including expert opinions relating to a program’s academic excellence and statistical indicators that assess students and faculty achievements. The rankings are available on the  U.S. News and World Report website . Visit the  UC Davis rankings page  for highlights from earlier rankings, and see UC Davis’ stories about rankings since 2016 .

UC Davis and rankings

A world-class university, UC Davis is highly ranked for how it transforms students’ lives, the impact of its research, the excellence of its academic programs, its sustainability and more. The university performs self-evaluations and also appreciates the value of third-party assessments. However, ranking methods vary, change over time and can be subjective. UC Davis focuses on those rankings that most closely align with its mission and values — including serving the public good, inclusiveness and equity, and social mobility — and in national rankings looks most closely at its standing among public universities. UC Davis encourages prospective students and their families to weigh rankings among other factors in their college decision, talk with counselors and UC Davis admissions advisors, and, if possible, visit the campus.

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School of Nursing

Idaho state university to offer idaho's first nurse anesthesia degree program.

The first cohort begins Fall 2025

POCATELLO – Idaho State University’s School of Nursing is thrilled to announce the implementation of the first nurse anesthesia (CRNA) program in the state of Idaho. The program received regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in July and is currently undergoing the Capability Review Process for accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). Its first cohort would begin in Fall 2025 at the ISU Meridian campus, pending initial accreditation being granted by the COA. Graduates from this three-year program will receive a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree and be eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam to become a CRNA. They will be prepared to provide a full range of anesthesia services to meet the growing needs of Idaho’s diverse population and remedy the critical anesthesia shortage in the region. The Idaho health care community has expressed significant interest in the development of this program. As nearly every hospital in the state is experiencing challenges with hiring and retaining qualified anesthesia providers, the new program is a long-term solution for this problem.

For questions, please email the CRNA Program Director at [email protected] or see our DNAP/CRNA Program

The ISU School of Nursing is an integral part of the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences at Idaho State University.

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12 Best universities for Nursing in Moscow, Russia

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Moscow ranked based on their research performance in Nursing. A graph of 55.5K citations received by 5.92K academic papers made by 12 universities in Moscow was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Moscow Medical Academy

For Nursing

2. Moscow State University

3. National Research University Higher School of Economics

4. Russian National Research Medical University

5. RUDN University

6. Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration

7. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

8. Finance Academy under the Government of the Russian Federation

9. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia

10. Moscow State Pedagogical University

11. National Research Nuclear University MEPI

12. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

Universities for Nursing near Moscow

Medicine subfields in Moscow

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, looking for the best nursing programs in pennsylvania..

I've decided to pursue nursing and I'm trying to stay in Pennsylvania for college. Any suggestions about the nursing programs that stand out in this state?

Absolutely, there are quite a few strong nursing programs within Pennsylvania. Here are a few that often get mentioned for their excellence:

1. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn): This university boasts an extremely strong nursing program. In fact, UPenn's School of Nursing is frequently ranked as one of the top nursing schools in the country. This program can be quite competitive, so make sure to highlight your commitment and prior experiences related to nursing in your application.

2. University of Pittsburgh : Their nursing program offers a solid blend of clinical experience and classroom learning. The School of Nursing also provides various levels of study, ranging from Bachelors to Doctoral degrees in Nursing.

3. Drexel University : Drexel has a focus on experiential learning, its nursing students benefit from the university's partnerships with numerous healthcare institutions.

4. Villanova University : Villanova's M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program known for its emphasis on clinical integration, service to the community, and preparation of nurse leaders.

5. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): Penn State is recognized for its College of Nursing, which balances rigorous academics, research, and practical application through clinical experiences. It's a great choice for students looking for broad exposure in the field.

Each of these schools has unique advantages, so I recommend you investigate them further to see which aligns best with your personal and career goals. Best of luck as you navigate your college search!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Fairfield University Earns Top Spots in National Rankings

Fairfield was featured on College Raptor's lists of Top 25 Best Mid-Sized Colleges and Best Colleges for Nursing, and among The Princeton Review's 2024 Best Business Schools rankings.

Fairfield University continues to earn top honors in prestigious rankings. The University has been named among College Raptor’s Top 25 Best Mid-Sized Colleges and the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies is featured on its Top 25 Best Colleges for Nursing in the U.S.

These accolades underscore the University’s outstanding academic performance and commitment to excellence, and highlight our impressive student-to-faculty ratio and exceptional retention and graduation rates, as detailed by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The list of College Raptor’s Top 25 Best Mid-Sized Colleges contains schools that have total graduate and undergraduate student enrollments between 3,000 and 9,999.

For the Top 25 Best Colleges for Nursing , College Raptor considered the “overall excellence of the school,” and highlighted “schools where nursing is among the most popular programs, as well as schools that excel in graduating a large number of nurses each year.”

Additionally, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business continues to shine, with its MBA programs featured in The Princeton Review’s 2024 Best Business Schools Rankings. Not only has Fairfield Dolan been recognized among the top business schools nationwide, but it also stands out for its diverse and flexible MBA concentrations, boasting a remarkable 99-percent job placement rate for graduates.

The Princeton Review’s Best On-Campus MBA  and Best Online MBA  lists feature Fairfield Dolan among business schools selected based on various factors, including institutional data such as career outcomes, admissions selectivity, and academic rigor, among others. Data is collected through surveys of school administrators and current students, who provide insights into their experiences. For the 2024 rankings, data was gathered from 409 business school administrators and 32,200 MBA students.

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