phd in nursing online schools

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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• Best Online Doctorate in Nursing (D.N.P.) Programs

Best Online Doctorate In Nursing (D.N.P.) Programs Of 2024

Updated: May 10, 2024, 11:58am

Ready to take the next step in your nursing career ? It might be time to consider a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Whether you hope to become a leader in clinical practice, education or administration—or if you simply want to improve your healthcare delivery and patient outcomes—earning a D.N.P. can arm you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a change agent in your field.

And with access to high-quality, accredited online programs across the country, busy nurses can pursue their doctoral degrees while balancing work and other commitments. Keep reading to discover the best online doctorate in nursing programs of 2024.

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Our Methodology

We ranked 99 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online nursing doctoral programs in the U.S. using 14 data points in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of February 2024. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Experience:

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

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

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

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 98% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Doctorate in Nursing Programs

Should you earn a doctorate in nursing online, accreditation for online doctoral degrees in nursing, how to find the right online doctorate in nursing for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in nursing, university of central florida, clemson university, mount carmel college of nursing, university of st francis, messiah university, university of massachusetts-amherst, west chester university of pennsylvania, university of cincinnati-main campus, maryville university of saint louis, concordia university-wisconsin.

Program Tuition Rate

$327/credit (in-state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

The University of Central Florida ’s online D.N.P. program prepares learners to enter clinical leadership roles after graduation. The curriculum covers topics including clinical management, practice model design and healthcare technologies. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Students are required to complete a six-credit doctoral project that demonstrates knowledge of advanced clinical practice applications. The project may encompass topics such as policy review, design and evaluation of new care models, quality improvement and program review. UCF also offers an executive D.N.P. for aspiring nurse administrators.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $31
• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Nursing environment management, epidemiology principles in advanced practice nursing
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner
• In-Person Requirements: No

$800/credit (in-state)

Clemson University —located in Clemson, South Carolina—offers a fully asynchronous online post-master’s D.N.P. and a hybrid post-baccalaureate D.N.P. program. The D.N.P. programs are accredited by CCNE.

Both programs prepare students to become change agents in the healthcare system and create new strategies for patient treatment, disease prevention and overall health promotion. Before graduation, students must complete a D.N.P. project that demonstrates their ability to apply evidence and attend a handful of immersion experiences on campus.

• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 35 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Clinical epidemiology and biostatistics; genomics, ethics and health policy
• Concentrations Available: Family NP, adult-gerontology NP, pediatric NP, health systems leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an in-person immersion

$955/credit (in-state)

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a private college in Columbus, Ohio. Its nursing D.N.P. program is fully online, but students are required to attend two on-campus immersion experiences during their first and second semesters of study. Each immersion is between four and five days. Keep in mind that online students must pay a $200 technology fee per semester.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the D.N.P. program is CCNE-accredited.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 37 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Ethical practices and policies in global population health; health care economics, finance and fund development
• Concentrations Available: Clinical practice leadership, executive healthcare leadership, executive academic leadership
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for in-person immersions

$799/credit (in-state)

The University of St. Francis ’ online D.N.P. curriculum focuses on managing the collective health of vulnerable patients, including elderly and low-income patients. Courses are delivered online, but the program includes practicum and translational research opportunities.

Throughout the program, students learn to manage populations experiencing health disparities, influence healthcare policy, and provide direct care to individuals and families.

The University of St. Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

• Degree Credit Requirements: 40 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare finance and practice management, translational research
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for residency

$940/credit (in-state)

Messiah University is a private school located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The online D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE. There are no additional fees outside of tuition.

While most classes are delivered online, two three-day, on-campus summer sessions are required for graduation. Students have the option to learn full time, part time or on an accelerated schedule.

The program includes a final D.N.P. project that evaluates students’ abilities to apply their skills to real-world nursing scenarios, including emotional intelligence, data collection and strengths-based leadership.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 86 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time, accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Health informatics, advanced writing for healthcare professions
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus summer sessions

$825/credit (in-state)

Other than clinical internship requirements, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst ’s D.N.P. courses are offered completely online. Depending on their prior education, students can pursue either a post-master’s D.N.P. or a post-baccalaureate D.N.P. with a concentration in family care, gerontology, mental health or public health. The D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE.

A final D.N.P. project is required for graduation. Students apply their research findings to in-clinic practice settings.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Application Fee: $85
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership of public health systems, healthcare quality
• Concentrations Available: Family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, public health nurse leader
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for clinical internships

$9,288/semester (in-state)

West Chester University ’s CCNE-accredited D.N.P. program is delivered almost entirely online; students are only required to attend their first class for one day on campus. In-state distance learners are charged a $522 technology fee per semester.

The curriculum covers three core components over eight semesters: the science of nursing, practice and leadership. This program is available only to nurses who hold an M.S.N. and RN certification.

• Application Fee: $50
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Transition to doctoral study, healthcare economics for the advanced practitioner
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for one hybrid class

$836/credit part time (in-state)

The University of Cincinnati ’s online D.N.P. program includes a variety of concentration options, almost all of which are offered entirely online. The nurse anesthesia concentration is on-campus only, and the adult-gerontology acute care concentration has just one in-person class requirement. Remote students are charged an online learning fee of $56.30 per credit.

A final D.N.P. project is required for graduation; common topics explored include policy analysis, quality improvement initiatives and database design.The University of Cincinnati’s D.N.P. program is accredited by CCNE.

• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 37-38 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Principles of population health, quality improvement and patient safety
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology acute care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, family NP, nurse anesthesia, occupational health nursing, pediatric acute care NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, public health nursing, systems leadership, post-MSN D.N.P.
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, in-person thesis defense expected for local students

$947/credit (in-state)

The D.N.P. program at Maryville University of Saint Louis allows students to earn their degrees fully online—no campus visits required. Students attend in-person clinical experiences in their local communities. Distance learners are charged a $725 technology fee per semester.

This program can be completed in as little as 20 months and is CCNE-accredited. Students also have the option to enroll in NP specializations while working towards their D.N.P.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 33 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, ethics for advanced nursing practice
• Concentrations Available: Adult-gerontology acute care NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, pediatric NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, pediatric/family NP

$840/credit (in-state)

Concordia University-Wisconsin ’s CCNE-accredited D.N.P. is an accelerated degree for working advanced practice registered nurses. It can be completed in two years. The only on-campus requirement is an introductory course. The rest of the program can be completed online and does not incur extra technology fees. Students can complete residencies in locations of their choice.

Concordia University-Wisconsin’s campus is located in Mequon, Wisconsin.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Business management for the doctor of nursing practice, healthcare informatics
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for on-campus meeting

Online college is known for its flexibility and relative affordability compared to traditional degree programs. Still, earning a degree online may not be for everybody . Here’s what to consider before enrolling in an online nursing doctoral program.

• Your budget. Online degree programs tend to cost less than in-person degrees, and many online programs charge students the same tuition rate regardless of whether they live in or out of state. Moreover, distance learning often eliminates expenses associated with housing and transportation.
• Your learning style. If you feel comfortable setting your own study schedule and learning independently, you could do well in an online program. However, an online program probably wouldn’t suit students who learn best with in-person teaching and real-time support.
• Your schedule. Distance learning often affords students the flexibility to work while earning their degrees. If you plan to continue working during your studies, an online program could provide you with the flexibility you need. Keep in mind that most nursing D.N.P. programs require a few days of on-campus immersions, internships or practicals, so ensure your schedule will allow for this.

To demonstrate their adherence to high quality standards, many colleges and universities pursue institutional accreditation. The college accreditation process involves an evaluation from an independent agency approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Individual programs within a school or university may earn subject-specific accreditation as well. This is called programmatic accreditation and validates that a program meets industry standards for education.

Accreditation ensures the validity of the school or program you attend. It demonstrates that your degree comes from an institution that meets peer-reviewed, expert-developed criteria. You can only qualify for federal student aid if you’re enrolled in an accredited institution. Plus, many employers and other higher learning institutions only recognized degrees from accredited schools.

Most colleges advertise their accreditation status on their websites. You can check a school’s FAQ page if this information isn’t readily available on its website. You can also browse ED’s searchable database for accredited institutions.

In general, most nursing programs are usually accredited by one of two programmatic accreditors: CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). CCNE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of State and ensures the quality and integrity of undergraduate, graduate and residency programs. ACEN is recognized by ED and CHEA as an accrediting body for programs of all levels.

There’s no shortage of reputable D.N.P programs on the market. How do you know which school is right for you? Think about the following factors when weighing your options.

Consider Your Future Goals

A D.N.P. is a terminal degree that prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice. It equips graduates with the skills to bring evidence-based practice, quality improvement and leadership into clinical settings. As a result, the D.N.P. enables you to enter a variety of medical specializations and career paths, including as a nurse practitioner , a midwife or a nurse anesthetist .

Unlike a Ph.D., the D.N.P. is not research-intensive and instead prepares graduates to work in clinical settings. If you’re interested in working in a lab—or potentially for a research or government organization—the D.N.P. might not be the best fit. Instead a Ph.D. could be the right option.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of earning a D.N.P. depends on the individual program and your status as an in-state or out-of-state student. Tuition for the programs ranked on this page ranges between $327 and $955 per credit. Total tuition among the top 10 online D.N.P. programs averages $44,510.

Some schools also charge distance learners technology fees per semester.

Achieving your D.N.P. shouldn’t break the bank. Here are a few common financial aid options available.

• Scholarships: Students may be awarded scholarships from individuals or organizations to fund their education. These are usually based on need or merit and don’t need to be repaid.
• Loans: Student loans are provided through private or public lenders, including the U.S. government. They accrue interest over time and need to be paid back.
• Assistantships: Nursing students may have part or all of their tuition waived in exchange for work. This usually comes in the form of teaching or research.
• Grants: Students with demonstrated financial need may apply for grants from local and state governments. These don’t need to be repaid.

To ensure you qualify for federal student aid, make sure to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ® (FAFSA). Individual universities and other aid providers may also use FAFSA data to determine their awards.

Can a D.N.P. be called a doctor?

No, not in clinical settings. Though a D.N.P. is a nursing doctorate, nurses who hold this degree are not licensed physicians.

Which is better, a Ph.D. or a D.N.P.?

It ultimately depends on your education and career goals. Both Ph.D. and D.N.P.s are terminal degrees, but earning a Ph.D. can be a faster route given that the curriculum doesn’t require clinical hours. Nurses with D.N.P.s generally work in clinical settings, often in leadership positions; nurses with Ph.D.s hired as leaders in laboratories and research facilities.

How many years is a doctoral degree in nursing?

Most D.N.P. programs take around one to two years to complete, though some part-time programs can take longer. It also depends on how long it takes you to complete your required clinical hours.

Why would a nurse get a doctorate?

Earning a nursing doctorate can open the door to higher-paying jobs and leadership opportunities. Through leadership, nurses can become change agents within their organizations.

Cecilia is a freelance writer, content marketing strategist and author covering education, technology and energy. She is a current contributor to the Forbes Advisor education vertical and holds a summa cum laude journalism degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

PhD in Nursing Science 

Drive the future of nursing through scientific discovery.

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

About the Program

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

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

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

Facts & Stats

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

Key Takeaways   

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

Who Should Enroll ?

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

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

50 Best Online PhD Nursing Programs [2024 Guide]

Looking for Online PhD Nursing Programs for 2024? Compare PhD vs. DNP and see which doctoral nursing program is the best fit.

With your Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice, your job prospects are positive with a projected faster than average job growth rate of 45%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

List of Schools Offering Online PhD Nursing Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Boise State University

Established in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, Boise State University is located in Boise, Idaho.

The 8-semester DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) in Leadership program is a flexible, online course delivered in a cohort model with other Master’s prepared nurses across the country. There are 4 on-campus Orientation/Executive sessions. Students take 5-6 credits per semester.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership

Boise State University  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

2. Clarion University

Founded in 1867, Clarion University is located in Clarion, Pennsylvania.

The DNP course is a consortium program between the Edinboro and Clarion Universities. The online, 27-credit-hour, affordable Clarion and Edinboro Universities program is flexible and can be customized to match the student’s interest.

The courses can be taken over 5 semesters in a part-time format.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Clarion University ‘s programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

3. Delta State University

Located in Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta State University was established in 1924.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s Robert E Smith School of Nursing. There are different options for Registered Nurses, Post-Master’s FNP, and Post-Master’s non-FNP students, each with different credit hour requirements. Part-time options are also available.

Delta State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. Duquesne University

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne University is a Catholic university established in 1878.

The online DNP program is ranked #83 for Best Nursing Schools for DNP in the country by U.S. News & World Report. It has three start dates in the year, and there is no GRE requirement.

There is an option to study abroad at Duquesne’s Rome and Dublin campuses. Other programs include PhD Nursing and PhD Nursing Ethics.

• PhD in Nursing
• PhD in Nursing Ethics

Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

5. East Carolina University

Established in 1907, East Carolina University is located in Greenville, North Carolina.

The online/hybrid 36-semester hour DNP program provides two pathways to attain the degree – post-master’s and post-baccalaureate. Students are required to attend 1-5 day on-campus sessions at the beginning of every semester.

There are 5 core courses and 4 DNP project courses apart from the electives.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Hybrid)
• PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)

East Carolina University  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6. Georgia College & State University

Georgia College & State University is located in Milledgeville, Georgia. It was founded in 1889.

The 95% online DNP program comprises 37 semester hours and 540 clinical hours. The program includes a mentored capstone project that focuses on translational and clinical research. The program can be completed within 7 years.

Georgia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. Georgia Southern University

With its flagship campus in Statesboro, Georgia, GSU was established in 1906.

The 100% online only DNP program is spread over 6 semesters, with flexible schedules. Students can take 2-3 courses per semester, and the curriculum requirement is 37 credit hours. There are 9 electives offered in the program.

Georgia Southern University  is accredited by the Commission on Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

8. Hampton University

A historically black university that was established in 1868 by black and white leaders, Hampton University is located in Hampton, Virginia.

The post-master’s degree DNP program is delivered 100% online and requires a minimum of 33 hours of coursework (each course: 16 weeks) and 500 clinical hours. There are 3 campus residency sessions. The program can be completed in 2 years.

Hampton University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. Illinois State University

Located in Normal, Illinois, Illinois State University was founded in 1857.

The 34-hour online DNP program can be completed across 7 semesters and includes 18 hours core courses, 3 hours applied data analysis and management, 6 hours clinical residency, and 7 hours of a scholarly project.

Post-baccalaureate students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical work. International students must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Report and English proficiency scores.

Illinois State University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Indiana University – Purdue University – Indianapolis

Located on the White River/Fall Creek, Indiana, this school was established in 1969 with a merger of the two universities.

The online DNP program is offered by the IU School of Nursing. It is a post-master’s degree 37-41 credit hour professional doctorate program. Additional intensive in-person course-related interactions are focused on policy and advocacy.

• PhD in Nursing Science

IUPUI  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

11. Indiana State University

Indiana State University is classified as a Doctoral/Research University. It was established in 1865 and is located in Terre Haute, Indiana.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s College of Health and Human Services and is available across all but 15 states in the US.

The program has a 39-credit-hour requirement post master’s degree program, and students must complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical preceptorship. There is no dissertation requirement.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

12. Johns Hopkins University

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University was established in 1876.

The DNP program is available in Hybrid and Online formats, and students can choose one of two pathways.

Students can pick the DNP option that fits their career goals – the online local program that provides opportunities to work with Johns Hopkins faculty in Baltimore or the online with onsite immersion where students attend campus for 7 immersion sessions.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

13. Medical University of South Carolina

Established in 1874, the Medical University of South Carolina is located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is one of the oldest continuously operating medical schools in the USA.

The online DNP program is not available in 3 states across the country. It can be completed in 2 years. The university’s online programs were ranked #6 in the nation, #3 among public universities, and #2 for nursing programs for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

The  Medical University of South Carolina  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. Missouri State University

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Missouri State University was founded in 1905.

The online DNP program for Anesthesia Practice and Nursing Practice programs are both delivered 100% online and can be undertaken while pursuing a career.

The program comprises 29 hours of doctorate coursework and 528 clinical rotation hours and will take a minimum of 5 semesters to complete.

• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Missouri State University ‘s regional accreditation is through the Higher Learning Commission.

15. Murray State University

Murray State University was founded in 1922 and is located in Murray, Kentucky.

The 36-month DNP program curriculum combines distance learning and online learning, with the first year being 100% online. The second and third years are delivered in a hybrid format. Core courses are taught online, while specialty courses are delivered face-to-face.

Murray State University  is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16. Northern Arizona University

With its main campus in Flagstaff, Arizona, Northern Arizona University was established in 1899.

The online DNP program is delivered by the University’s College of Health and Human Services. The program comprises 74-79 units of graduate-level course work and 1,000 hours of clinical practice, with a minimum of 240 hours to be completed at the Northern Arizona University.

NAU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

17. Northern Kentucky University

Located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University was founded in 1948.

The100% online DNP program can be completed in 20 months. Students are required to complete 10 core courses of seven weeks length each over for 35 credit hours. The tuition is affordably priced, and multiple start dates are available throughout the year.

Northern Kentucky University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Established in 1856, the Northwestern State University of Louisiana has a colorful and interesting history. Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, it is one of the oldest educational institutions in the state.

The 100% online DNP program is completed over 42 hours of coursework. Students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical work at an approved institution.

Northwestern State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

19. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State University was established in 1870.

The online DNP program is delivered by the university’s College of Nursing. Students completing the DNP program are eligible for certification in one of the advanced practice specialties available. The program has limited authorization in some states and is not available in some states.

Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

20. Old Dominion University

Established in 1930, the Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia. The online DNP program is offered by the university’s College of Nursing. Students are required to take 10 courses to complete the degree either on a full or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the 37-credit course in 1.5 years.

• DNP – Advanced
• DNP – Executive

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. Radford University

Founded in 1910, Radford University is located in Radford, Virginia.

The post-master’s degree, 30-credit-hour, online DNP program can be done full time or part-time but must be completed within 8 years. Four different DNP concentrations are available.

The university offers a range of research resources, including tutoring in writing skills, online library compilation, etc.

Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

22. Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville

Located in Edwardsville, Illinois, this branch was established in 1957.

The post-master’s degree, 30-credit, online DNP program is offered by the university’s School of Nursing in combination with the School of Business. The program is structured to be fully online with two on-campus immersion experiences and is conducted over 54 hours of coursework.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

23. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University is a co-educational institution located in Denton, Texas. It was established in 1902.

The DNP program is available in a Hybrid format, combining both online study and classroom experience. It requires 46 hours, plus 500 hours of clinical work and a capstone project to complete. The program is offered at the university’s Dallas and Houston centers.

Texas Woman’s University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

24. University at Buffalo

The flagship institution of the State University of New York system, the University at Buffalo, was founded in 1846. It has campuses in Amherst and Buffalo, New York, and was originally founded as a medical college.

The online 5-7-semester post-master’s degree 36-credit-hour 100% online DNP program is offered by the University’s School of Nursing. Students must complete 400 hours of clinical work.

The  University at Buffalo  is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

25. University of Alabama

Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the University of Alabama was established in 1820.

The 30 credit online DNP program usually takes about 1.5 years to complete. Students are provided with a faculty advisor to support them through the program.

The program requires one or two campus-based immersion experiences and 1,000 practice hours, of which 500 are part of a supervised program.

• EdD in Instructional Leadership – Nurse Education (Hybrid)

The University of Alabama is accredited and/or recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

26. University of Alabama – Huntsville

Established in 1950 as an extension of the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama – Huntsville is located in Huntsville, Alabama.

The 40-credit-hour fully online DNP program is taken over several semesters as determined by the Graduate Faculty Adviser. It offers two pathways: Post-baccalaureate and Post-Master’s degree. The program has one required Intensive in the Spring Semester.

UAH  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

27. University of Arizona

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona was established in 1885.

The 100% online DNP program has 7 concentration options and enables students who have completed the program to be licensed through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Students must complete at least 500 hours of clinical practice. The program is not offered to students in some states.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Executive Health Systems Leadership (Hybrid)
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nurse Anesthesia (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nursing Informatics (Hybrid)

The University of Arizona  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

28. University of Central Arkansas

Established in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, Arkansas and is noted for courses in nursing, psychology, education, business, and performing arts.

The online DNP program is delivered over 6 consecutive semesters. Students are required to take 2 intensive on-campus days each year, take 2 courses each semester, with 15 hours per week for each 3-hour course.

The University of Central Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

29. University of Central Florida

Located in Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida was established in 1963. UCF College of Nursing was adjudged among the Most Innovative in 2019-20.

The fully online post-master’s DNP program offers flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Students can take advantage of reduced tuition costs through fee waivers and campus amenities.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Advanced
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive

The  University of Central Florida  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

30. University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs was established in 1902.

The fully online 70-credit-hour DNP program can be completed in 3 years of full-time study and 5 years of part-time study. Students must also complete a capstone project and are required to complete 1,170 hours of supervised clinical coursework at a local medical facility.

UCCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

31. University of Iowa

Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the University of Iowa was founded in 1847. It is the oldest university in the state and the first co-educational institution in the US. The School of Nursing is ranked #14 among the Best Nursing Schools for DNP by U.S. News & World Report.

The top-ranked, online/Hybrid DNP program is offered in a flexible, affordable format tailored to suit individualized schedules and preferences.

The  University of Iowa  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

32. University of Kansas

With its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, the University of Kansas was established in 1866.

The post-master’s degree online DNP program requires 19 credit hours of DNP core courses. Students must fulfill at least 6 hours of the doctoral research project, 7 credit hours of specialty courses along with the university’s Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship requirement.

• DNP (Hybrid)

The  University of Kansas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

33. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette was established in 1898.

The online DNP program is offered in collaboration with the Intercollegiate Consortium for Master of Science Nursing, with concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner is available with a 42-45-credit-hour requirement.

Students can take the program across five semesters and is best suited for those living in Louisiana.

The University of Louisiana Lafayette  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

34. University of Mississippi

Established in 1844, the University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, Mississippi.

The flexible, online DNP program is offered by the university’s Medical Center School of Nursing. Students who have completed a master’s degree take 2-3 years. Course delivery combines online courses and intensive 1 or 2-day on-campus sessions each semester.

The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

35. University of Missouri

Located in Columbia, Missouri and established in 1839, the University of Missouri is the largest university in the state.

The online, 72-74.5 credit hour DNP program is offered by the University’s Sinclair School of Nursing. Students must complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical hours, based on the emphasis area, and a DNP Scholarly Project.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (Hybrid)
• DNP – Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)

The  University of Missouri  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

36. University of Nevada – Las Vegas

Established in 1959, the University of Nevada – Las Vegas is located in Paradise, Nevada.

The 100% online post-master’s degree DNP program comprises around 31 semester credit hours depending on the track chosen. Several specializations are offered. A loan program is available for qualified, eligible students. No GRE/GMAT is required. The program is not available in some states.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice: BSN – DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: BSN – DNP Nurse Executive
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Post-Master’s Advanced Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Post-Masters Nurse Executive
• Doctor of Philosophy – Nursing

The  University of Nevada, Las Vegas  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

37. University of Nevada – Reno

Located in Reno, Nevada, this university was established in 1874.

The online DNP program is available either via BSN to DNP or as a post-master’s degree. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in two years. Students can also take a 3-year study plan that also requires 30 credit hours.

The  University of Nevada, Reno  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

38. University of New Hampshire

With its main campus in Durham, New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire was founded in 1866.

The online DNP program requires 8 core courses, 3 doctoral seminars, two on-campus residencies, and 1,000 advanced practice clinical hours, a publishable scholarly paper, a successful oral defense of the DNP project, and its acceptance by your DNP team. Cohorts are admitted bi-annually.

The  University of New Hampshire  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

39. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Located across 16 of North Carolina’s campuses, the University of North Carolina was originally founded at Chapel Hill in 1789. It is the first residential school for gifted students to be set up in the US.

The online DNP program takes about two years to complete on a full-time basis. The program length varies between 37 and 41 credit hours for post-master’s degree students on a full or part-time basis.

• DNP – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Nursing
• DNP – Nursing Education

UNC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

40. University of North Dakota

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The university offers a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and also a PhD in Nursing. The online DNP program can be taken on a full-time, part-time, or accelerated basis.

Students take 18-24 months to complete the full-time program, 32 months for the part-time program, and 12 months for the accelerated one.

The University of North Dakota as a whole is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

41. University of South Alabama

Located in Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama was established in 1963.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s College of Nursing. Students can choose from among 15 different specialty areas. Three pathways are available for students based on their level of education. All requirements for the degree must be completed within 7 years.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Clinical Nurse Specialist
• DNP – Executive Nurse Administrator
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Nursing Informatics
• DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Psychiatric (Family) Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Public Health Administration
• DNP – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The  University of South Alabama  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

42. University of Southern Mississippi

With its main campus located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi was established in 1910.

The DNP program is available via three pathways. The BSN to DNP program is 100% online, while the Nursing (FNP) MSN and Nursing (FNP) Graduate Certificate programs are Hattiesburg Hybrid. Students require 34-43 credit hours to complete the program.

• PhD in Nursing Leadership

The  University of Southern Mississippi  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

43. University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler was founded in 1971.

The PhD Nursing program and partly online DNP programs are offered by the University’s Department of Graduate Nursing. The DNP program consists of 45 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours. Scholarship and financial support are available for eligible students.

The  University of Texas at Tyler  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

44. University of Toledo

Located in Toledo, Ohio, the University of Toledo was established in 1872.

The online DNP program is designed to admit BSN prepared nurses. There are four program major options. Some of the courses are available online, while students will have to attend classes at the UT Health Science Campus along with 1060-1150 hours of clinical practice.

The  University of Toledo  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

45. Villanova University

Established in 1842, Villanova University is a Catholic University located in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania.

The University offers a PhD in Nursing and a post-master’s DNP degree. The 32 credit hour DNP program is a blend of distance learning and classroom experiences. Distance learning classes are according to a fixed schedule.

Villanova University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

46. Virginia Commonwealth University

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, its DNP program ranked #37 among best nursing schools. It was established in 1838.

The online DNP program is available on a full or part-time basis with a 39 minimum credit hour requirement. Students are required to be on campus three times during a year. TOEFL scores are required for non-native-English-speaking students.

VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

47. West Virginia University

With its main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia, the West Virginia University was established in 1862.

The online DNP program offered by the University’s School of Nursing has a requirement of 33 credit hours completed over 7-10 semesters. Additional clinical and capstone credits may be required to complete the coursework.

West Virginia University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

48. William Carey University

William Carey University was established in 1892 and is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is a Christian college affiliated with the Southern Baptist Church.

The PhD Nursing program can be taken over two or three years through a trimester system. The pace can be tailored to the student’s requirements, but the program must be completed in 6 years.

• PhD in Nursing Education and Administration (Hybrid)

William Carey University  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

49. Wilmington University

Located in Newcastle, Delaware, Wilmington University was established in 1968.

The online DNP program is flexible and delivered 100% online. It can be completed in 28 months, culminating in a 9-credit, one-year long doctoral project. Core courses are delivered in 7-week-long blocks and DNP project courses over 15-week semesters.

• DNP – Advanced Practice
• DNP – Leadership

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

50. Winona State University – Rochester

Located in Rochester, Minnesota, the Winona State University – Rochester was founded in 1917.

The DNP program is designed for the RN prepared student with either a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing. The master’s degree student is required to complete 31 credit hours, which include 9 clinical scholarship credits and 540 clinical hours.

Winona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Types of Online PhD Nursing Programs

These are the three most common degrees for a doctoral degree in nursing. Click on the one that most interests you to jump to that section.

PhD in Nursing Education

Phd in healthcare leadership.

Each one can help prepare you for a different career in the medical field.

A doctor of philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Education can help prepare you to teach nursing at the university level.

As a practicing nurse yourself, you may have the experience and expertise for delivering high-quality care in a clinical setting. Your doctorate coursework can help you become an expert teacher as well so that you can pass on what you’ve learned to upcoming nurses.

The curriculum for this program typically focuses on learning theories and teaching strategies, curriculum development, how to evaluate nursing students, and the ethics of nursing.

After you graduate, you may become a professor, a professional trainer at a hospital, or a dedicated researcher who presents new findings to the nursing world. In any of these roles, you may be shaping the future of the medical field as you teach or otherwise inform nursing professionals.

With a PhD in Healthcare Leadership or Healthcare Management, you might teach at a university or continue working in a clinical setting as an administrator.

Your courses will likely focus on setting a vision for your institution, monitoring and evaluating your organization’s performance, financial management, patient care, and applicable laws and regulations.

You might also take classes that address specific issues or help you to develop certain skills, such as opioid medicines, environmental safety, health management information systems, research methods and statistics, and public speaking.

If you enjoy the business side of the medical world and want to make a real difference in your institution, this may be the track for you.

The two main options for graduates with this degree is to become a hospital or office administrator or to become a nurse practitioner. You may also serve as a trainer in your organization.

If you choose to go in the direction of administration, you might be a nurse manager or help to set policy for your organization. Your coursework will likely focus on delivering excellent patient care, management, and financial responsibility.

The second popular option is to study to be a nurse practitioner. While this degree doesn’t qualify you to be a doctor per se, you can perform many functions that a doctor does, including seeing and diagnosing patients, administering anesthesia, and delivering babies as a nurse midwife.

You’ll work under a doctor who approves any medicine prescriptions or certain treatment plans.

What Is the Difference between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing?

The main differences between a PhD and DNP include the following:

As you can see, the average salary range is fairly close, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The gap between PhD nursing programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs  boils down to what you plan on doing once you complete your coursework and how long your program will take.

PhD students focus on research and the development of nursing theory, as well as how to communicate with students and other parties once these graduates take on positions within the educational field. Though the coursework is shorter, PhD students will likely need to write a dissertation to demonstrate their research skills and expertise over the subject matter.

On the other hand, DNP students plan to put this research and exploration of theory to practice in a more hands-on manner. Members of this group specialize in the application of their learning via clinical practice and administration. They might manage other nurses or serve as a family nurse practitioner  in a doctor’s office.

DNP students typically spend longer in their programs, but their final projects aren’t usually as time-consuming as writing a dissertation.

Online PhD in Nursing Program Curriculum

Before signing up for classes, it’s a good idea to review the required curriculum for the average PhD in a nursing program. You will likely cover the following topics and subject matter :

• Philosophical Perspectives in Health
• Activities and Responsibilities of the Nurse Scientist
• Quantitative Research Design and Methods
• Scientific Perspectives in Nursing
• Statistical Methods in Public Health

Typically, a PhD in Nursing requires a dissertation. However, some universities offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice with no dissertation .

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Concentrations

Like most other doctoral programs, there’s plenty of opportunities to further refine your learning experience via coursework specializations. Some of the most common concentrations include:

• Nursing Education
• Nursing Leadership
• Nursing Administration
• Health Policy
• Specializations for Nurse Practitioners

A concentration can help enhance your understanding of a unique area in the field, thereby increasing your value and competency when it comes time to apply this learning in a professional setting.

Doctorate in Nursing Career Outlook and Salary Information

Considering the near-constant need for reliable medical professionals and academic luminaries, it’s no surprise that the BLS reports a healthy career outlook for members of the nursing community. Specifically, job opportunities for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nursing practitioners are expected to grow by an average of 45% over the next ten years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the nursing field for PhD or DNP holders include:

Accreditation for Doctoral Nursing Programs

When you’re looking for a university to attend, make sure that it is properly accredited. Accreditation by an independent third-party can help ensure that your university and nursing program meets the highest standards. Your university as a whole should be accredited by one of these six regional boards.

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The university’s nursing program could also be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc . Note that it is not necessary to have these program-specific accreditations.

Financial Aid for Students in Online DNP or Nursing PhD Program

Financial aid is not just for undergrads. Doctoral students can take advantage of it as well. And earning your degree online or on campus doesn’t affect the aid that you qualify for.

When you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , you’ll see what grants and loans you qualify for. You can then look for scholarship opportunities at your university or through private organizations. Your university may also offer you a fellowship.

Talk to your employer about possible tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs. Also, look into any potential accelerated nursing programs to help reduce the time it takes you earn your PhD.

Questions Related to Earning Your PhD in Nursing

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have about earning your doctorate in nursing.

What Is a PhD in Nursing?

Usually spanning between 60 and 80 credit hours of coursework, most PhD in nursing programs cover the research of nursing best practices in the clinical, academic, and scientific environments. However, the application of managerial theory and administrative concepts also serves as a building block of this graduate-level learning experience.

PhD in nursing programs cater to nursing students and established practitioners alike. While returning to the medical industry is definitely a possibility, most recipients of this degree remain in the academic world, seeking tenure at accepting institutions and teaching others via experiential learning.

How Much Does a Nurse with a PhD Make?

Having a PhD puts you higher than students with a bachelor’s or even master’s degree.  For example, nurse instructors with a master’s in nursing education earn $74,600 on average. The highest earning potential for a nurse PhD as a professor is $133,460 on average (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Salary differences are mainly a result of a person’s experience, medical organizations or universities that a person works for, and the location where they live.

Do DNP Get Paid More than NP?

No, a DNP does not get paid more than an NP because they are essentially the same thing. DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice and is the degree that a Nurse Practitioner (NP) holds.

Is a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Worth It?

Yes, a doctor of philosophy in nursing is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 15% job growth in healthcare occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include acute care nurse practitioner, chief nursing officer, and nursing instructor.

It may take a lot of hard work completing the classes and writing your dissertation, but you’ve come this far in your education and career, so with determination, you can finish your doctoral degree as well.

You can start by deciding which degree you want – a PhD in Nursing Education, a PhD in Healthcare Leadership, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Then, narrow down your choice of schools by degree offering and possible concentrations. Apply to your top 3-5 choices and research financial aid opportunities.

In 3-5 years, you may be finished with your degree and an expert in your field.

Nursing Leadership PhD

The first fully-online nursing phd, program-at-a-glance (graduate).

Credit Hours:

48-60 Hours

Cost per Credit Hour:

Calculate Your Tuition

Completion Time:

1-3 years   *pending hours enrolled

University Accreditation:

Special Requirements:

No additional requirements

Learn more about this program:

Thank you for your interest in online at southern miss.

Ready to take the next step?

The online Nursing Leadership PhD at The University of Southern Mississippi is a groundbreaking new program designed to bring nurses into a leadership role. Every aspect of our Nursing PhD, from the coursework to the virtual residency and dissertation, is fully online. Y ou never have to come to campus for anything; it all can be completed online from the comfort of home.

This first-of-its-kind, fully-online Nursing PhD allows you the freedom to gain valuable experience without interrupting your schedule. The program and classes were carefully selected to prepare today’s busy nurses for research, academic careers, and leadership roles in universities and health organizations.

Already have your master’s degree? You can earn your Nursing Leadership PhD in as few as 48 credit hours. Looking for more? Our enrollment coaches are here to help. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!

Scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page  now!

Nurse Faculty Loan Program

Tuition can be expensive, and at Southern Miss, we want to help. In an effort to meet the demand for qualified nursing faculty, The University of Southern Mississippi is giving the opportunity to participate in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) to both full-time and part-time students working toward the nursing leadership PhD The NFLP will eliminate up to 85% of student loans for students who plan to teach at any accredited school of nursing in the country after graduation.

What can you do with a Nursing Ph.D.?

A Nursing PhD prepares you for leadership, research, and advanced clinical roles, allowing you to contribute significantly to advancing nursing science and improving healthcare in your community.

We are here to help! Our enrollment coaches are standing by to help you take the next step.

We’ll call you soon! In the meantime, learn more about us from our blog or start your application.

Academic Progression

A sequence of courses, examinations, and a dissertation mark the students’ progression in the Ph.D. program.

• Selection of a Doctoral Program Committee.
• A comprehensive examination administered after all major coursework has been completed.
• Selection of a dissertation committee which will oversee the student’s work toward the degree.
• A final oral examination (dissertation defense) which covers the dissertation research and related fields administered at the completion of the dissertation – students should consult the Human Subjects Committee (IRB).
• Fulfillment of the residency requirement, which may be met by continuous enrollment of 6 semester hours for each of 4 consecutive semesters, or 9 semester hours for each of 3 consecutive semesters, or 12 semester hours for each of 2 consecutive semesters.
• Fulfillment of Research Tool(s) requirements.
• A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirement specified in the front section of Admission Requirements and Procedures page of the Bulletin.

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education

All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The Department will require subsequent CITI training in other areas such as Human Subjects at a time closer to their dissertation. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information. Further, all faculty supervising student research, including regular or associate graduate status faculty must complete the CITI training module required by the Graduate School and their department.

A total of 48 semester hours are required for graduation, including 12 dissertation hours.

Core I - 36 hours

Requirements for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks

Core II (12 hours)

Additional Southern Miss requirements for BSN to Ph.D. track.

• NUR 827 – Structure and Governance in Higher Education 3 hrs.
• Support Courses (9 hrs.)

Dissertation

Required for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks. A total of 12 semester online hours is required for dissertation research (NUR 898).

Research Tools Requirements

Required for BSN to Ph.D. and Post-Master’s tracks

The following courses meet the research tools requirements for the School of Leadership and Advanced  Nursing  Practice:

These courses will be taken in a prescribed order not reflected here. Courses will also be taken during the summer semester.

• NUR 818 – Quantitative Research Design 3 hrs.
• NUR 821 – Qualitative Research Design 3 hrs.
• NUR 823 – Measurement in Nursing Science 3 hrs.
• Advanced Statistics 3 hrs.

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin . Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

To find pricing information,   visit our pricing page . For financial aid information,  view our financial aid page . For detailed tuition information,  visit our business services page .

The University of Southern Mississippi provides a Senior Citizen Tuition Scholarship Program for Mississippi residents age 62 or older. Legal residents of the State of Mississippi age 62 or older may enroll tuition-free in a maximum of six (6) semester hours for the fall or spring term. Courses on all campuses (Online, Hattiesburg, and Gulf Coast) are available to senior citizens on a space available, first come first serve basis.  This scholarship program applies to fall and spring courses only.

To inquire about the availability of this scholarship, contact   Precia Pedersen at [email protected] or the  registrar’s office . 

Yes! To view all the funding resources available to graduate students, please visit the  Graduate Admissions Funding Resources  page.

Yes. The online Nursing Leadership PhD is the first doctoral degree that can be completed  fully online.

No, online students pay resident tuition. For information about pricing, click here .

If yes, visit  online.usm.edu/military  for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We will help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions, and course enrollment.

The prospective student must complete the Graduate School admission application online and pay the application fee at  http://apps.usm.edu/graduate-school/grad-school-apps/ .

The requirement to be present during graduation has been waived for the online program. To obtain your degree, contact the department at  [email protected] . There are no penalty fees, but students will have to pay shipping charges for diploma and hood.

Admission Requirements

The purpose of the online Doctor of Philosophy degree in  Nursing  is to prepare scholars, with expertise in selected, substantive areas, who will contribute to the science and practice of  nursing  through systematic inquiry and theory development. Graduates will be prepared to meet state, regional, and national needs for doctorally prepared faculty in schools of  nursing  and other leadership positions in health-related organizations.

The Ph.D. program offers two tracks both 100% online: Post-Masters and BSN to Ph.D. The Post-Masters track requires 48 hours credits during a minimum of 24-30 months of full-time study. The BSN to Ph.D. track requires 60 hours credit during a minimum of 36-42 months of full-time study. Both full-time and part-time is available.

Admission to the online Ph.D. program depends upon sufficient enrollment, university resources, and qualifications of applicants. In addition to the criteria mentioned in  Admission Requirements and Procedures , a select number of students will be admitted to the program based on the following criteria as required by the School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice:

• Graduate from a baccalaureate or master’s program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for the most recent nursing degree.
• A current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
• Curriculum vitae or professional resumé.
• Submission of three (3) letters of reference from individuals (doctoral level nursing individuals preferred ) familiar with the applicant’s academic/professional background and experience in nursing practice, specifying in detail the applicant’s capability for doctoral study.
• Cover letter of introduction and a personal statement of research interests submitted with the application.
• Supplemental Nursing Application .
• An interview (online or telephone).
• Proof of recent health examination to include (a) proof of immunization against the Hepatitis B virus, (b) current tuberculosis (TB) skin test or quantiFERON G test, (c) current Tdap immunization, (d) Evidence of immunity to varicella, and (e) current MMR immunization.
• Submit proof of a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate.
• Completion of a criminal background check and drug screen.

Exceptions to the above criteria must be approved by the School Director, the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

• A final online oral examination (dissertation defense) which covers the dissertation research and related fields administered at the completion of the dissertation – students should consult the Human Subjects Committee (IRB).
• Fulfillment of the virtual residency requirement, which may be met by continuous online enrollment of 1) 6 semester hours for each of 4 consecutive semesters, or 2) 9 semester hours for each of 3 consecutive semesters, or 3) 12 semester hours for each of 2 consecutive semesters.

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). That means you can expect a program with the highest standards and quality.

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Online Nursing PhD Programs

Post-BSN or Post-MSN Options

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing

Led by faculty experts at the UCF College of Nursing, the online Nursing PhD program will prepare you for a career at the forefront of nursing science and in higher education as nursing faculty. Doctorally prepared nursing faculty are in high demand and needed to help address the nursing shortage and educate future generations.

Online Nursing PhD at UCF

• No GRE required
• Two entry points: post-BSN or post-graduate degree
• Full- or Part-time options
• Fully online courses, with two intensives annually

Funding Opportunities for PhD Students

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

Select a UCF Nursing PhD Program to Learn More

Online BSN to PhD

A faster, affordable path to a research career.

Post-MSN or post-graduate degree program.

Online Nursing, PhD

Get more information.

• Name * First Last
• Degree * Nursing, BSN to PhD Nursing, PhD
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Program at a Glance

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Build a distinctive career at the forefront of the nursing field.

Healthcare is constantly evolving and in need of energetic, diverse leadership among nurses. Your PhD in Nursing will allow you to advance the field as a research scientist. UCF Online provides an avenue through which students contribute to knowledge development in nursing and healthcare on the basis of sound conceptual, methodological and ethical research.

Through UCF Online, you’ll harness your full potential and gain the skills it takes to lead the way as innovative technologies and research shift the field of healthcare. Your classroom studies and dissertation will allow you to choose a specific area of focus, conduct research and apply your knowledge of theory, processes and methods of inquiry to the field of nursing.

The curriculum, along with your dissertation, will prepare you to become a leader who contributes to the body of nursing knowledge through your research. You’ll graduate as a nurse scientist prepared to work in a variety of roles, such as faculty member in a research-focused university, leader for nursing research within a healthcare system, industry, or an executive leader with a research focus. This program can be completed online, although two multiple-day onsite intensives per year are required. Get started today to begin your journey toward a PhD in Nursing.

As a participant in the PhD program, there are two online tracks available:

Program Tracks

Requiring a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond your bachelor’s degree, this program is designed to support students who wish to complete their PhD in a timely manner and attain longer research careers. This track can be completed part-time and is designed for working professionals.

Requiring a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond your master’s degree, this program is designed to support students who have already obtained their MSN.

Application Deadlines

Ready to get started, course overview, theory in nursing science.

Explore the foundations and application of theory in nursing science.

Scientific Writing for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

Identify, discuss, and practice effective scientific writing elements as they apply to nursing and healthcare related disciplines; prepare a scientific manuscript for publication.

Research Approaches and Designs for Nursing and Healthcare

Examine quantitative and qualitative approaches to studying nursing and health related phenomena; ethical issues; internal and external validity; comparison of designs.

Skills You'll Learn

• Gain the knowledge and skills in the areas of clinical research.
• Develop a program of scholarship that integrates research, teaching, leadership, and service to the profession.
• Learn how to contribute to interdisciplinary solutions that advance healthcare in a global society.

Career Projections

Annual Job Openings

Job Growth Between 2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2024

Career Opportunities

• Director Of Nursing Research
• Nurse Scientist
• Nursing Faculty
• Nursing Professor
• Research Scientist

Related Online Programs

• Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track
• Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track

• Online Nursing Programs
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
• RN to MSN - Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) to MSN
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
• Post-Graduate/APRN Certificate
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

PhD in Nursing

• Why Wilkes Online
• Clinical Placement Support
• Accreditation & Rankings
• Message from the Dean
• Online Experience
• Faculty Profiles
• State Authorization
• Tuition & Financial Aid
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Admission Requirements

• Program Outcomes
• Program Faculty
• Compare PhD and DNP

Lead as a Scholar and Educator

With an online Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) from Wilkes University, you will achieve the terminal degree for advanced practice nurses. This online, doctorate-level program is designed to be taken on a part-time basis so you can balance your education with your professional career and personal life.

Our online PhD in Nursing is focused on research and will prepare you for a career in scientific inquiry aimed at developing new knowledge in nursing science. It will empower you for leadership roles and prepare you with the expertise to conduct research that will advance the nursing profession and improve nursing outcomes.

Applicants will be evaluated on an individual basis based on the following criteria.

• Master’s degree in nursing (3.0 cumulative GPA) with official transcripts from an institution with programmatic (ACEN, NLNAC, CCNE) and regional accreditation*
• A minimum grade of 3.0 for gap analysis courses only
• A current unencumbered RN license; APRN license if appropriate**
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Letter of intent describing your professional goals, research topic and the reason for pursuing the Ph.D. degree
• Two recommendations from graduate-level nurses or faculty who can attest to your ability to be successful in a Ph.D. program
• Check  state authorization  

These admissions standards represent the minimum eligibility requirements for programs. Admission committee members reserve the right to request additional information from candidates as needed for a more in-depth review of qualifications.

Transfer Credits:  All graduate programs will allow 9 total transfer credits (must be a 3.0 or higher).

* Students who graduated from a non-programmatically accredited institution and meet all other admission requirements will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Admission is not guaranteed. **Applications presenting a history of disciplinary action on professional licenses will be subject to an additional review process by the Special Licensure Discrepancy Committee of the University.

Still accepting applications for Fall 2024

* The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/ Doctor of Nursing Practice and post graduate APRN certificate programs at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( www.ccneaccreditation.org )

PhD Program Outcomes

Online PhD students can expect a variety of beneficial program outcomes.  

Build critical knowledge  as it relates to nursing theory, healthcare issues, nursing education and obtaining research funding:  

• Explore scientific philosophies and ethical theories as they pertain to the nursing profession.
• Analyze the concepts of evidence-based research on policy and politics that impact population health outcomes.
• Consider specific issues in science and ethics as they relate to nursing education.
• Learn about the current state of scientific research and major funding trends in nursing and healthcare.

Advance your research skills  in qualitative and quantitative analysis while expanding on study design:  

• Learn the seven steps of the research process, focusing on the development of researchable problems, literature review, and hypothesis generation. 
• Develop the skills to write quantitative research questions and how to select appropriate research methodologies.
• Explore ways to apply qualitative inquiry as an approach to knowledge discovery. 
• Understand principles of measurement, instrument design and data collection methods. 

Develop a comprehensive dissertation  with the support of a dedicated chairperson:  

• Receive early engagement with a chairperson, providing structured guidance from start to finish, including dissertation research.
• Formulate a dissertation that answers a pertinent research question and contributes to the body of knowledge in nursing.  
• Develop a literature review and mode of inquiry for your dissertation as you prepare to defend your proposal. 
• Implement your study through data collection and analyze the results in preparation for your dissertation defense.

To see the full program curriculum,  access your free program guide .

Time to Complete 3 years (on average — depending on dissertation)

Courses 17 Courses (9 terms)

Course Lengths 12 weeks

This seminar is online and focuses on the dissertation process and student orientation to the university and PhD program.    Course Prerequisites: Doctoral Standing   Credits: 1

The focus of this course is to prepare doctoral students to examine the development and organization of nursing knowledge. Philosophies of science, epistemologies and their influence on knowledge development in the discipline of nursing, and strategies for theory development and analysis are explored. Credits: 3 

This course acquaints students with philosophical issues and nursing theories relevant to nursing education. An overview of central metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical system, considering specific issues in the philosophies of science and ethics that are of particular focus in nursing education. Credits: 3 

The nurse researcher contributes towards the development of healthcare policy and politics in local, state, national, and global healthcare markets. Application and analysis of evidence-based research on policy and politics will impact population health outcomes and the future of nursing education, research, and practice. Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the seven steps of the research process, focusing on the development of researchable problems, literature review, and hypothesis/question generation within the context of quantitative and qualitative research designs and methods. Credits: 3 

This course builds on the knowledge of philosophy, theory, and research process. The student, in consultation with his/her chairperson, begins the dissertation process. Credits: 3 

This course applies knowledge of statistical methods used in nursing research. Topics include parametric and non-parametric methods of data analysis and model building. Alternate approaches to analysis of data are considered. Credits: 3 

This course explores the current state of nursing research and the major research and funding trends in nursing and health care. Students will be engaged in preparing a fundable grant application for dissertation study and strategies used to publish research funding. Credits: 3

This course focuses on research methodologies that guide the design of studies, which collect and analyze quantitative data. The focus will be on writing quantitative research questions and selecting appropriate research methodologies. Focus is placed on descriptive, correlational, experimental and quasiexperimental designs as applied to nursing problems. Course Prerequisites: NSG 619, 621   Credits: 3

The focus of this course is on qualitative inquiry as an approach to the discovery of knowledge in the science of nursing. This course will focus on the scientific underpinnings, methodologies, and data analysis techniques in qualitative research for advancing nursing knowledge. Course Prerequisites: NSG 619 Credits: 3 

This course builds on the understanding of quantitative designs in nursing and health related topics. The course provides the opportunity for applied practice in quantitative methods using common statistical tests and SPSS.    Course Prerequisites: NSG 623   Credits: 3 

This course provides an overview of principles of measurement, instrument design, and data collection methods. Methods to critically evaluate and select theoretically congruent instruments are explored.     Course Prerequisites: NSG 621   Credits: 3 

The student, in consultation with his/her chairperson, writes chapters II and III of the dissertation proposal.   Course Prerequisites: NSG 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626   Credits: 3 

The comprehensive written examination is a series of questions that focus on the synthesis and integration of knowledge learned during doctoral coursework. Students demonstrate their ability and preparedness to move forward in the doctoral research program.    Course Prerequisites: NSG 627 and authorization from the PhD Program Coordinator to register for comprehensive examination Credits: 1 

This course focuses on completion of the first three chapters of the dissertation and submission of the proposal to the IRB committee(s) for approval. Students will then undertake proposal defense before continuing into dissertation implementation. Course Prerequisites: NSG 628   Credits: 3 

This course focuses on implementation of the student’s doctoral research study. After completion of the first three chapters, successful proposal defense, and IRB approval, the student, under guidance from their chair, begins the data collection process.    Course Prerequisites: NSG 629   Credits: 3 

This course continues with the implementation of the dissertation. Students complete data collection and analysis thus, finalizing chapters 4 and 5 and satisfying final defense.    Course Prerequisites: NSG 630   Credits: 3 

Get More Program Details

•    Applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2024

PhD Faculty Research Areas

• Nursing administration 
• Leadership skills relating to emotional intelligence/competency 
• Quality improvement 
• Risk Management and Patient Safety
• Cultural competency 
• Advanced practice 
• Maternal-child health 
• Clinical practice paradigms 
• Nurse competency 
• Theory-guided practice 
• Complex Healthcare Systems
• Diabetes and health care outcomes 
• Pain management 
• Congestive heart failure 
• Depression 
• Infection prevention 
• Cancer survivorship 
• Patient self-management 
• PTSD in veterans 
• Disparities in women’s health 
• Patient advocacy  
• Healthcare Policy
• Social Discriminants of Health
• Teaching/leading models and strategies 
• Innovation and technology in teaching 
• Educational practice gaps and assessment of learning needs 
• Interprofessional collaboration 
• Simulation 
• Minority students 

Compare PhD and DNP Programs

Obtaining a Ph.D. in Nursing online allowed me to work full-time while accomplishing my career and educational goals. The Wilkes faculty provided a caring learning environment and promoted academic excellence.

Rebecca Cavill , PHD, CRNP

Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing Ph.D. program was designed for the working person. Because of the design, I felt my dream of obtaining the Ph.D. was indeed possible.

Sonya Carothers , Family Nurse Practitioner; PhD

Wilkes University PhD in Nursing online program afforded me the opportunity to advance my professional education and career goals while working full-time.

Regina Prosser , PhD in Nursing

Read More About Wilkes Online PhD Program

• Wilkes University Nursing

Comparing Online vs. On-Campus Nursing Programs Pros and Cons

Discover the pros and cons of online vs. on-campus nursing programs, including cost differences, flexibility, and curriculum. Read More

• Phd in nursing

Is a PhD in Nursing Right for You?

Each year, 4,000 to 5,000 nurses enroll in online PhD in Nursing programs at schools like Wilkes University. Read More

Information can be found on our Get Started page, and by completing the form at the top of the page. Or, you can contact an admissions counselor by emailing us at [email protected], calling us at  888-413-5633 , or scheduling a time to chat. .

We do the heavy lifting for you. For more information on the nursing clinical placement process, visit our  Clinical Placement Services page,   access your free program guide , or email us at  [email protected] . You can also call us directly at  888-413-5633 or schedule a time to speak with us . 

No, there are no GRE or GMAT requirements to enroll. 

Yes, they're accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)*.

Note: The length of time listed is based on the total amount of required courses for each program. An analysis of previous coursework may shorten total length of time to complete.

Course length is 15 weeks, and the PhD in Nursing takes 17 courses / 9 terms/ 3 years (on average — depending on dissertation)

Financial Aid

Yes, financial aid is available to qualifying nursing students. Please fill out a form or  schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor to learn if you qualify for financial assistance. You can also give us a call at   888-413-5633 . We're happy to help! 

Note: Tuition listed is based on the number of required courses for each program. An analysis of previous coursework may allow for fewer courses and a lower net cost, when applicable. A review of official transcripts will determine a student’s course of study.

Tuition for the PhD in Nursing program ranges from: $52,217

Yes. They’re accredited by the CCNE*. 

Excluding nursing clinicals and residencies, all coursework is 100% online. Each course experience is primarily asynchronous. 

Sharon Mills-Wisneski

Congratulations to Sharon Mills-Wisneski, one of our online PhD faculty members, who has been recognized for her extraordinary nursing accomplishments by the Delaware Nurses Association

Cavill, R., & Dittman, P. (2022).

Conceptual model for interhospital transferred patients: Caring and quality outcomes. International Journal for Human Caring, 27(1).

Adams Traister, T.A. (2023).

Virtual reality simulation's influence on nursing student's anxiety and communication skills with anxious patients: A pilot study, Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 82.

More About Wilkes

At Wilkes, we support and applaud lifelong learning. We are constantly changing, evolving and growing to meet the needs of our online student nurses. We look ahead to the degree programs, experiences and opportunities our students will need to succeed, and that includes complimentary nursing clinical placement services.

Our online nursing programs offer a variety of options for working nurses. Whether you're looking to advance your current role or broaden your career path and pursue a new specialty, Wilkes has a flexible program for you. Going back to school is a big decision. That's why we offer the mentoring and faculty member support of skilled nurse educators you need to succeed.

Accreditation and Rankings

Clinical Placement Services

Reach Out to an Admissions Counselor

We’re here to talk about everything Wilkes, everything nursing and anything you need to make the right choice for your career. We'll even help with the application process. Call us or click the link below to start the conversation. We can’t wait! 

888-413-5633 Get Started

Out-of-State Students

Our online nursing degree programs prepare graduates to take the national board certification exam appropriate to their degree or chosen NP concentration. ABSN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Please see our full list of state authorizations to determine whether our program fulfills requirements for licensure in your home state. For the online ABSN program, your primary state of residence must be PA. Wilkes University will not be able to place any students who move to an unauthorized state before or during the program and this may impact your ability to continue with the program.

Primary State of Residence (PSOR)

Your PSOR is the state in which you declare as your primary residence for legal purposes. Sources used to verify your PSOR may include driver's license, federal income tax return, or voter registration. Only one state can be identified as the primary state of legal residence.

Top PhD in Nursing Programs

What is a ph.d. in nursing.

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

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

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

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

Ph.D. in Nursing and DNP Differences

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

Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs

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

Enrollment: Nationwide

• DNP - Educational Leadership

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

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

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

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

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

Enrollment: FL

Key Ph.D. in Nursing vs. DNP Differences

>> Related:  Top Online DNP Programs

Types of Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

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

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

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Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

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

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

Top Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

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

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

 1. University of Pennsylvania

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

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

Contact UPenn about this program:

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

Source: University of Pennsylvania

2. Duke University

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

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

Contact Duke University about this program:

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

Source: Duke University

3. Duquesne University

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

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

Contact Duquesne University about this program:

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

Source: Duquesne University

4. Columbia University

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

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

Contact Columbia University about this program:

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

Source: Columbia University

5. Rush University

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

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

Contact Rush University about this program:

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

Source: Rush University

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

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

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

>> Related: The Best Nursing Research Topics

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

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

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

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

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

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

How Long Do PhD in Nursing Programs Take?

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

What Will You Learn in a PhD in Nursing Program?

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

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

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

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

Ph.D. in Nursing Program Requirements

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

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

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

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

Next Steps to Enroll in a PhD in Nursing Degree Program

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

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

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

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Online PhD in Nursing PHD

The School of Nursing online PhD program integrates science, theory and research to educate the next generation of nurse scientists and leaders. Our students strive to advance nursing knowledge and translate research into practice that promotes the health and care of patients.

The UWM online PhD in nursing is a research-intensive program that prepares doctoral students as scientists who generate knowledge to advance nursing.

Program Type

Program format, about uw-milwaukee school of nursing.

As the largest School of Nursing in the state of Wisconsin, UW-Milwaukee partners with over 160 agencies to prepare nurse scientists, researchers and educators. Go beyond the bedside and make an impact on the world around you with a PhD in nursing from UWM.

• How to Apply
• Statistics Courses

About Our Online PhD Nursing Program

Similar to graduates of the college’s traditional PhD program, graduates of the online PhD nursing program are ready for careers in education, research and practice, and to assume leadership positions. Students work closely with major professors to define their success early so students can plan and conduct cutting-edge research using a variety of research methods.

Students are admitted as a cohort and are required to attend a one-week orientation at the beginning of the program and return to campus at the end of their program of study. Online courses are offered every two years and must be taken in sequence.

Scholarships & Funding

We understand that financial support is important to every student. A variety of options are available to help students finance their education at UWM, including over $500,000 in nursing scholarships & funding awarded annually, as well as loans, grants, student employment, fellowships, military education benefits and more. UWM offers generous aid options for students seeking to be nurse educators or nurse faculty.

Students in the online PhD in Nursing program progress as a cohort, starting in the summer of odd years.

Online Graduate Tuition

Tuition for the Online PhD in Nursing and Online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (Advanced Practice) is $935 per credit (flat fee) for courses within the curriculum. Specialty courses offered outside of the College may be subject to campus tuition rates.

Summer Start

All applicants must apply through the  Graduate School’s application system and upload the following:

• a nonrefundable application fee;
• unofficial transcripts from each academic institution attended where at least nine or more credits were attempted or completed. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts after an admission offer is accepted;
• current curriculum vitae;
• references from three different people who know about your academic experience and your potential for graduate study in nursing.
• a written statement from the applicant that includes previous professional experience, professional career goals, research interests, motivation for PhD study and educational objectives for the program.
• Two examples of original work that demonstrate the applicant’s academic potential.
• A conversation with a faculty member is required as part of the application process. A telephone conversation or video meeting (e.g. Zoom, Skype) may be used when travel is prohibitive.

Prerequisites

Applicants to the UWM Online PhD in Nursing must have:

• a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nursing or health-related field from a professionally accredited program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (4.0 scale) for all previous graduate coursework;
• completion of a graduate-level statistics course (within the last five years) with a grade of B or higher or must complete within the first semester of the program;
• Bachelor-prepared applicants must complete fifteen credits PRIOR to entering the Online PD program: NURS 720, 725, 735, 728 and 804. Contact academic advisor to create a plan.

UWM College of Nursing Approved Graduate Statistics Courses:

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Online Nursing Ph.D.

Conduct original research as a nurse scientist to inform policy and improve the health of rural and underserved populations.

The development of a scholar requires immersion into research. The Ph.D. in Nursing program at UND will educate you to synthesize in-depth knowledge of rural health and underserved populations, integrate philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of science to guide research, conduct ethical and rigorous research, and contribute to a global community of scholars.

Why earn an online doctorate in nursing at UND?

You'll join a highly collaborative environment at the University of North Dakota with unique resources to study rural health in behavioral and environmental contexts. To actualize the focus of becoming a nurse scientist, you will gain skills in:

• Rural health, rural and underserved populations, and rural programs and policies.
• Conduct original research as a nurse scientist, which includes rural and underserved populations.
• Disseminating new knowledge through publications and presentations.
• Obtaining grant funding to support your research.

Ph.D. in Nursing Online Research Opportunities

UND has a variety of research opportunities for our online Nursing Ph.D. students. You'll get the opportunity to collaborate on active research with the:

• Center for Rural Health
• USDA Human Nutrition Research Center (federally funded)
• National Resource Center on Native American Aging
• Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center (MPATTC)
• Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MPMHTTC)

The MPATTC and MPMHTTC are both located within UND's College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) to serve Region 8 in the U.S.

Before graduation you'll be required to:

• Develop and submit a nationally competitive grant to support your doctoral research.
• Submit an article for publication to a refereed journal.
• Present dissertation progress or results to a regional or national audience.

Online Nursing Ph.D. Program at UND

Connect 1-on-1 with doctoral faculty who share your passion for nursing research.

Engage in annual face-to-face intensive experiences (on campus or at the Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference) that supplement your online learning and immerse you into a community of scholars.

Participate in the UND chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society.

Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

Transfer up to 30 master's level credits with approval.

What can you do with an online doctorate in nursing?

Average salary for nurse researchers

Nursing jobs available by 2026

Most Ph.D. in Nursing students go on to teach in academic or clinical settings or conduct research on topics designed to improve patient health, health care services and health care outcomes. UND alumni of the Ph.D. program have gone on to hold a wide variety of positions, some of which include:

• Assistant professor of nursing at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio
• Associate professor of nursing at Bethel University in St Paul, Minn.
• Associate professor at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn.
• Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs, Winona State University-Rochester Campus, Rochester, Minn.
• Chair/director of nursing at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn.
• Dean of Health Sciences at Rappahannock Community College in Glenns, Va.
• State representative in North Dakota House of Representatives
• Postdoctoral Fellows at Virginia Commonwealth University, Yale University and Mayo Clinic

Ph.D. in Nursing Online Courses You Could Take

NURS 558. Research Design. 3 Credits.

This course prepares the doctoral student to understand the link between research design and the study purpose. Prerequisite: Admission to PhD program or consent of instructor. F.

NURS 573. Research Funding. 3 Credits.

This course integrates the scientific and practical aspects of professional writing and grant proposal development to obtain funds for research. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program or approval of instructor. Prerequisite or Corequisite: NURS 574 and/or NURS 575 ; Non-nursing programs: Graduate level quantitative and/or qualitative research methods coursework required. F.

NURS 577. Healthcare Ethics for Rural & Underserved Populations. 3 Credits.

This course is directed toward the development of critical dialogue and leadership strategies for dealing with ethical issues related to nursing, health care and research. Commitment to discussion, understanding and acceptance of the rights of others in dilemmas is emphasized. Reflexive nursing, which brings attention to one's own position and objectivity, is encouraged. The ethical challenges associated with serving rural and underserved populations are included in the discourse. Prerequisite: Admission to the Nursing doctoral Program or consent of the instructor. SS.

NURS 586. Rural and Underserved Health Programs, Policies, and Research. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on policies, programs and research related to rural and underserved population health. Prerequisite: NURS 565 or consent of instructor. F.

NURS 565. Rural and Underserved Population Health. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of characteristics of rural and underserved population health. Factors that contribute to health, morbidity, and mortality are examined, and the intersection of multiple vulnerabilities and disparities is analyzed. Prerequisite: A graduate level Epidemiology course or permission of instructor. SS.

NURS 581. The Nurse Scientist. 3 Credits.

This course prepares the doctoral student to actively engage in doctoral study with knowledge of the discipline of nursing and skills that facilitate success as an emerging nurse scientist. Prerequisite: Admission to PhD program. F.

UND's Online Nursing Ph.D.

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best online college in North Dakota

Intelligent

How are the Ph.D. in nursing online courses offered?

UND is a top choice for an online Nursing Ph.D. We’ve designed the online Nursing Ph.D. to incorporate 100% online coursework and yearly face-to-face intensive experience visits on campus or at a regional research conference.

You must attend a face-to-face intensive experience each year during the spring semester while you are enrolled as a student. You are able to claim 4 credits (1 credit per year for four years) toward program requirements.

The Ph.D. Nursing courses are all offered online with synchronous and asynchronous delivery depending on the course and instructor.

Asynchronous Online Nursing Ph.D. Courses ( Open this section)

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous Online Nursing Ph.D. Courses ( Open this section)

Designated synchronous classes are most often offered on Tuesdays from 11 – 2 p.m. or 3 – 6 p.m. CST, although some variation from this schedule may occur.

In your “live” online Nursing Ph.D. classes, you’ll:

• Interact with your instructors and other students using web conferencing technology
• See your instructor’s materials as though you were sitting in a classroom on the UND campus

In this manner, the class lectures, discussion and collaboration are conducted in a very similar fashion to traditional on campus classes.

In-Person Requirements

To complete your coursework in NURS 556, face-to-face intensive experiences are required once per year (usually in the spring semester) , but not always on campus. The intensive experiences are held on campus or at the Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference. You must be enroll in NURS 556 every spring until you graduate, and claim credit (1credit, four times), for a total of 4 credits. These intensive experiences are 3-4 days in length. During your intensive experience, you will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, your advisor and your peers. You will be submersed into a community of scholars, gain skills in scholarly discourse and be mentored into your future role as a nurse scientist, through a variety of activities, presentations and workshops.

Top-Tier Online Nursing Ph.D.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

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Nursing (MS to PhD), PhD (Online)

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Program Description

The PhD degree in nursing is designed to prepare nurse researchers, educators and leaders who are ready to engage in knowledge development relevant to nursing science and practice. The program is offered in a hybrid format, only requiring 2-4 days on campus each quarter.  Concentration and elective courses are taken during the academic year, with LLU, through the NEXus partnership, or at another university (a limited number of units may be transferred). A student’s dissertation interest should fit with established research programs or professional expertise of School of Nursing faculty. After completion of coursework, the student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate all that was learned in their didactic coursework through completion of a comprehensive examination. In consultation with the student’s chosen committee the dissertation proposal is written and presented. Following approval, data collection ensues and the final defense conducted.

This schedule is designed to accommodate the needs of adult learners, either full time or part time students who have a professional commitment during the academic year. The program may be completed in 3-4 years full-time and up to 7 years part-time.

Program Website

Program Length

Possible careers, application deadlines.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic year 2024-2025.

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.

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• DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Nurse Anesthesia

DNP Advanced Practice/PhD Dual Degree

• DNP Executive/MBA Dual Degree
• DNP Executive/MPH Dual Degree
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
• Post-Master’s Healthcare Organizational Leadership CERTIFICATE
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• Post-Master’s Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner CERTIFICATE
• Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner CERTIFICATE
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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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Speak with Admissions to learn more about our programs.

Virtual Info Sessions

See recordings of some of our recent virtual info sessons.

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

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Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

Academic Programs

Admissions at a glance.

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

Research Centers and Programs

Research areas of focus.

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

Patient Care

Primary care services.

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

Global Health

Global opportunities for students.

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

Doctor of Philosophy

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

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

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

Program Design

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

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

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

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

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

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

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

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

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

Concurrent with Coursework

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

Request a Sample Academic Program Plan

Qualifying Examination

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

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

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

Dissertation

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

Scholarship Expectations

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

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

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

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

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

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

PhD Student Handbook

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

Request a PhD Student Handbook

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

Required courses (excluding electives).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total Credits:

• Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Executive Nurse Leadership
• Family Nurse Practitioner Track
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Track
• Nurse-Midwifery Track
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Track
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
• Rankings and Recognition
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• Become a Student

Online Nursing Programs

• I Hold an MSN

Programs for Bachelor's Degree Holders

•   Online Coursework
•   Placement Support
•   CCNE Accredited
• Earn your Bachelor of Nursing degree from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing, ranked #25 for Most Innovative Schools
• Main coursework is online with 2 on-campus visits, followed by clinicals in the field
• Practicum requirement total: 720 hours 
• Courses range from 3 to 10 weeks in length, with 2 admission intakes per year
• Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
• Clinical Placement Support for students
• Total credits: 62
• Completed bachelor's degree in any non-nursing discipline
• 52 pre-req credits must be completed before start
• 3.0 GPA on pre-req courses, 2.75 GPA on science pre-req courses

Now Accepting Applications. Seating is limited.

Next Start Date:  September 2024

Programs for MSN Holders

•   No GRE/GMAT Required
• Stand out at your organization as a proven nurse leader and practice scholar.
• Develop advanced business acumen and leadership skills to transform hospitals and/or healthcare systems.
• 100 percent online program with no required campus visits.
• Gain advanced knowledge while creating a network of colleagues and mentors.
• Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing , ranked 60th in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Graduate Schools.
• Master of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited school of nursing, or any master’s in business/health-related degree
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing
• GPA: 3.0 or above (BSN)
• Current unencumbered RN license
• Two years of supervisory/management experience at Director level or above, with strategic planning, budgetary, and financial responsibilities within the past five years
• CCNE-accredited**  and  U.S.  N ews & World Report  ranked program
• Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
• Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1,000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
• Courses are 15 weeks, with three terms per year
• Clinical placement support 
• Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway
• BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
• 3.0 cumulative GPA
• One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse by the first day of class (additional work experience may be required by faculty)
• Complete an acceptable written personal statement 
• Three letters of recommendation 
• No GRE or MAT Required 

Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

• Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1.000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
• The equivalent of a minimum (1) year of full-time Level 3 NICU neo-natal clinical practice experience (by the first day of class). Experience MUST be current and required within the last five years as a registered nurse in the care of critically ill neonates or infant in critical care inpatient settings. Students may participate in the pre-clinical portion of the program while obtaining the necessary practice experience.
• Complete an acceptable written personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD prepared nurse
• No GRE or MAT Required
• ACME-accredited* ,  CCNE-accredited**  and  U.S. News & World Report  ranked program
• Courses are 15 weeks, with three terms per year
• Clinical placement support

See all pass and graduation rates  here

• BSN or MSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
• At least one year of full-time experience as a professional nurse in labor and delivery, on the mother-baby unit, or in an outpatient OB/GYN setting at time of application. Extensive observational experiences of birth, or education and practice as a doula will be considered. Applicants with other experiences in the maternal-child health specialty will be considered individually.

Programs for BSN Holders

• Earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON), ranked No. 60 (Top 10%)  in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022  Best Graduate Schools: DNP
• Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for Primary Care, with an additional 600 hours for Acute Care track
• Courses are 15 weeks long, with three terms per year
• Students learn from a nationally recognized faculty
• Clinical placement support provided
• Total credits: 75 for Primary Care track; 14 for the additional Acute Care track
• BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
• One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse caring for pediatric patients by the first day of class
• CCNE-accredited** and U.S. News & World Report ranked program
• Online main coursework with on-campus immersions throughout the program
• Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours
• 15-week courses with three terms per year
•  Nationally recognized faculty for students to learn from
•   Clinical Placement Support 
• Total credits: 75 
• Three letters of recommendation
• CCNE-accredited ** and ranked by  U.S. News & World Report   
• Online main coursework with on-campus immersions throughout the program 
• Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours 
• 15-week courses with three terms per year 
• Nationally recognized faculty for students to learn from 
• Clinical Placement Support   
• BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing 
• 3.0 cumulative GPA 
• One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse by the first day of class 
• Current unencumbered RN license 
• Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD-prepared nurse 

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

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

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

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

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

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

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

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• Private Nonprofit University
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• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Potential Career Opportunities

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

Featured Courses

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

Course guides available upon request

Degree Information

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

Degree Completion Plan

Not sure what to choose?

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

• Tuition & Aid

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

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

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

Admission requirements.

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

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

Preliminary Acceptance

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

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

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

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

Admissions Office Contact Information

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Email for Questions

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Email for Documents

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Submit your application online or over the phone.

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

Who May Qualify?

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

Military Tuition Discount

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets this program apart from other similar offerings.

Our nursing faculty are nationally recognized educational leaders.

What does the career potential look like for this field?

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

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Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Admission Requirements
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• Nursing Degrees
• DNP Student Handbook (PDF)
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With a focus on real-world relevancy, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree continues a  tradition of excellence  in nursing education at The University of Tampa. This convenient,  online program  consists of 30 credit hours spread over six semesters. Students may choose from tracks in advanced practice nursing or nursing leadership.

The next DNP cohort will begin in Spring 2025.

Students will complete advanced-level courses in topics such as health policy and advocacy, health care leadership and management, health care informatics, clinical epidemiology, genomics and research translation. The DNP degree requires 1,000 precepted practicum hours post-baccalaureate. APRN students apply 500 hours from their MSN degree program towards the DNP. Leadership students apply practicum hours from prior graduate education on a case-by-case basis. During the DNP program, students will complete 504 practicum hours working on a  clinical change project  to benefit their own practice. 

The DNP program’s online format, with only three required visits to campus, allows students to continue their full-time careers. UT nursing faculty are respected researchers and practitioners and are committed to students’ educational mastery and career advancement.

Doctorate-prepared nurses are increasingly in demand. Don't get left behind!

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Two unique tracks, accreditation, complete to receive more information about the doctor of nursing practice..

The program offers students  two unique tracks , one for nurse practitioners and one for nurse leaders. The leadership track is open to students with current nursing licensure in Florida and/or one of the nursing compact states.

Advanced Practice Nursing . Designed for nationally certified nurse practitioners seeking to become clinical leaders, contribute to health care policy and accelerate implementation of clinical research.  Requires Florida APRN license.

Leadership in Population Health.  Ideal for health care professionals, including those with an MHA, MBA or MPH, who are preparing for advancement in health care administration or government roles.  Requires APRN or RN license.

UT's Doctor of Nursing Practice program gives you the skills to advance your career and:

• Become a leader among nurse practitioners
• Contribute to the development of health care policy
• Accelerate the implementation of clinical research
• Address today’s health care challenges by putting solutions into practice
• Manage interdisciplinary clinical teams
• Qualify for leadership roles in hospital administration
• Gain tenure-track teaching positions
• Prepare for evolving health care environments

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master’s degree  program in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the post-graduate APRN certificate programs at The University of Tampa are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

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• Nursing >
• How to apply to nursing programs at NAU >
• How to apply for graduate nursing programs at NAU

How to apply for graduate nursing programs

Apply to the college of nursing’s online graduate programs.

We are thrilled that you’re interested in joining the College of Nursing at Northern Arizona University for your graduate education. You will complete an online application for the university through the Graduate College, which will then be sent to the College of Nursing for review. There is no separate graduate nursing application.

ON THIS PAGE

• Apply to the College of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing

• Post-Master’s NP Certificates
• Clinical Nurse Specialist

Doctor of Nursing Practice

These admission requirements apply to the following degrees:

Ms in nursing.

With emphasis options in Strategic Systems Leadership

MS in Nursing – Advanced Practice

With emphasis options in Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

To apply to one of the programs above, you’ll need:

• a completed Graduate College application
• a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program OR an associate degree in nursing (AAS) from an accredited program and a baccalaureate degree in another field
• If the applicant’s GPA is below 3.0, we recommend taking two graduate nursing courses; if the applicant’s grades are B or better, they can then apply to the graduate program.
• MS in Nursing  students : A current RN license, in good standing. Graduate students living in Arizona during their enrollment at Northern Arizona University must have an RN license to practice nursing in Arizona.
• MS in Nursing – Advanced Practice  students : A current RN license, in good standing, to practice as a registered nurse in Arizona OR eligibility to obtain an Arizona license, or to meet the regulations of the Arizona Board of Nursing regarding multi-state licensure.
• completion of an undergraduate introduction to statistics course from a college or university with a passing grade of C or better OR completion of a graduate course in statistics, passed with a grade of B or better, and completed prior to enrollment in NUR 530 (EBP)
• completion of an undergraduate course in nursing research with a grade of B or better
• for applicants with an associate degree in nursing and a baccalaureate degree in another field, completion of undergraduate public health nursing (theory and clinical) course(s) passed with a grade of B or better
• a comprehensive statement about your experiences, interests, and goals
• a structured interview with College of Nursing faculty may be required

*If applying to the Advanced Practice track, we recommend 3–5 years of general nursing practice before applying. However, students may begin their core courses sooner and will be considered on an individual basis.

Post-Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

• a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program
• a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all nursing coursework for the master’s degree
• RN licensure: a current RN license, in good standing, to practice as a registered nurse in Arizona OR eligibility to obtain an Arizona license or meet the Arizona Board of Nursing regulations regarding multi-state licensure
• a structured interview with faculty may be required

Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

• a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program
• a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all nursing coursework for the master’s or doctorate in nursing program

Clinical Nurse Specialist Prescriptive Authority Endorsement

• CNS certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification, or an equivalent organization as determined by the Board
• a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited institution
• an RN/APRN license in good standing
• an intent to apply (or already submitted application) for APRN prescribing authority in Arizona

The  Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed for nurses holding a master’s degree (MS) to obtain a doctorate degree in nursing. The DNP builds on master’s education to provide expanded unique knowledge and expertise. These graduates will have a broader capability to provide high-quality care in a complex and increasingly strapped healthcare system. The DNP is an online clinical doctorate with emphasis on enhancing leadership expertise in rural and underserved populations.

• If the institution and the program are outside of the US, equivalent accreditation standards must be met.
• minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (4.0=A) in all nursing coursework of your master’s degree program
• current RN license in good standing to practice as a registered nurse
• recommendations from three professional persons knowledgeable about your potential to work effectively in advanced professional and scholarly roles
• a comprehensive statement about your experiences, interests, and goals in your personal and professional life that make you a good fit for this degree
• upon acceptance, you will be required to provide an official letter directly from the degree issuing institution with the actual total number of clinical hours completed

• News & Events
• Faculty & Staff

A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education . From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Penn Nursing Launches New Online Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Master’s Program

Applications are now being accepted for a summer 2025 start Penn Nursing is excited to announce the launch of a new online Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Master’s (MSN) program beginning in the summer of 2025. This innovative 10 CU program, which combines and enhances the curriculum of the Nursing and Healthcare Administration (NADM) and Health Leadership (HLMP) Master’s programs, will provide students with a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience that prepares graduates for leadership roles in the ever-changing healthcare environment. 

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer our students a new leadership program in an online format to meet the needs of busy nursing professionals,” said program director Meghan Fitzpatrick, DNP, RN, NEA-BC. “And by streamlining the curriculum to 10 CUs, we’re able to make the program more cost-effective for our students.”

In addition to providing students with a more efficient and cost-effective path to earning their MSN, the curricular changes include 500 field hours and exceed the standards set forth in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Level 2 Essentials.

To apply or learn more about the program, please visit our web site and register for one of our upcoming information sessions .

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