phd candidate of nursing

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

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

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

The Fall 2025 application deadline is December 1, 2024.

Virtual Open House Events

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

Upcoming Meetings:

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

Previous Meetings:

• September 26, 2023
• October 24, 2023
• November 14, 2023
• December 12, 2023 ‍
• September 10, 2024

Program Contacts

[email protected]

Jean Harrell Graduate Program Administrator

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

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

Signature Areas of Focus

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

• Aging Studies/Caregiving
• Artificial Intelligence/Data Science
• Climate and Environmental Health
• Cardiovascular/Brain/Biomarkers
• Women’s Health

Other Areas of Focus

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

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

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

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

Teaching Assistant Training & Teaching Opportunity Program

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

The Jones Program in Ethics

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

T32 Nurse Scientist Training Opportunities

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

Artificial Intelligence Track

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

Admission Requirements

Fall 2024 Application Deadlines

• Priority deadline: November 1, 2024
• Final deadline: December 1, 2024
• All applicants selected for an interview will be interviewed by video/zoom meeting, scheduled at a convenient time for applicant and faculty.
• Admitted applicants will visit campus January 26 – 27, 2025 to meet with faculty, other PhD students, and to experience Atlanta.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Application

Meet our students.

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

Student graduate’s dissertations include:

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

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

Here are just a few job titles of our graduates.

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

Tuition and Awards

Full-tuition scholarships.

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

T32 Predoctoral Fellowships through Spring 2023

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

Charting Innovative Paths for Nursing Research & Scholarship

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

Students gave the following presentations at the Event:

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

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

How to Successfully Apply to Our PhD Program

Application process questions.

How Much is the Application Fee

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

When exactly is the application deadline?

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

May I request a fee waiver?

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

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

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

Do I need to submit non-degree transcripts?

Yes. Admissions committees consider your complete academic record. 

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

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

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

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

How should I submit my transcripts in the application?

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

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

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

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

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

Must letters of recommendation be submitted by the application deadline?

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

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

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

Can I reactivate my application from last year?

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

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

Additional Questions

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

No, but strongly encouraged.

Can I start the PhD program in the spring semester?

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

Can this program be completed in 3 years?

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

What are the fees students pay?

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

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

When do I submit the application for the T32 program?

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

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

Laney Graduate School requires WES services review.

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

No.  Students can apply to the program with a BSN

Can I work/ be employed outside the program?

Any work/employment has to be approved by the program

How many hours can I work if approved?

Students are allowed to work 10 hours a week

Accreditation

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

Featured Story

Emory nursing doctoral students receive prestigious NIH predoctoral fellowship awards

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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)

Students who wish to focus on a program of research within the field of nursing will find ample support and mentorship in our Ph.D. program at the University of Michigan.

The Fall 2025 application is closed.

• Request More Information

Admission Requirements

• Financial Aid Opportunities
• Program Plans
• Tuition and Fees  

“Nurses are on the front line of caring for patients 24/7, but on a national level they are a minority in research and decision making. We’re doing it really well here at Michigan, but I’d like to see a stronger nursing emphasis on research and policy overall.”

— Alex Fauer, Ph.D., U-M School of Nursing Graduate

To be considered for the Ph.D. program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or are in the process of completing a BSN from a nursing education program accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA). Applicants may apply while a bachelor’s degree is still in progress but must receive the degree prior to the first term of enrollment at the School of Nursing.
• The University of Michigan School of Nursing considers post-baccalaureate and post-master's applicants for admission consideration. A Master of Science in Nursing is not required for admission consideration to the Ph.D. program.  
• Minimum grade point average of a 3.0 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution with no grading system) in both undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) nursing programs.   

Prior to their first term of enrollment, all admitted students must have an active and unencumbered RN license from any state within the United States. International PhD students must hold a nursing license from a recognized jurisdiction. International PhD students are not required to hold a valid U.S. RN license but those without a license may not perform as an RN while enrolled in the doctoral program. The decision to obtain a license should be informed by the student’s research focus and dissertation plans.

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission consideration to any of the University of Michigan School of Nursing’s graduate programs.

Application Information

Required supporting materials.

1. Academic statement of purpose Provide a comprehensive statement, not to exceed 1000 words, that describes your rationale for pursuing the Ph.D. program. The statement is most effective when it specifies your: professional goals for the future as a Ph.D. prepared nurse and appraisal of research interests.

2. Identification of a possible mentor match  Use the find a research mentor link to identify a possible mentor match.  Applicants are required to identify at least one possible mentor match but no more than three.  Mentor matches should be someone at the School of Nursing who is doing research similar in scope to your research interests.  

3. Personal statement Provide a comprehensive answer, not to exceed 500 words, to the following question within the Rackham application under the section 'Personal Statement':  How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue the Ph.D. at the University of Michigan?  Note that the personal statement should provide evidence that you have researched the Ph.D. program at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

4. Recommendations The University of Michigan requires three recommendations. At least two of the three required recommendations must be from individuals who have a Ph.D. in nursing. The recommendation form is part of the Rackham Graduate School application. We are unable to accept application forms that are not linked to the online application. Detailed recommendation form instructions are available on the  Rackham Graduate School website . Recommendations must be completed and submitted no later than the deadline. Recommendation letters should describe the applicant’s potential to become a future researcher/scientist. Each letter should be written on formal letterhead and signed by the recommender.  Do not use digital signatures.

5. Official post-secondary transcripts All applicants must upload a scanned copy, front and back, of their official transcript/academic record issued by the Registrar or Records Office to the applicant, to ApplyWeb for each bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree earned or in progress. The scanned copy of the official transcript is used for initial review by the graduate program faculty.  Include this information on page 5 of the application. If you completed coursework for your degree at a non-U.S. institution, please see the section below titled Non-U.S. Institution Transcripts for further instructions.

Note: A downloaded transcript from your school portal or system is an unofficial transcript and not acceptable for review.

If you have community or junior college, non-degree, or study abroad coursework, indicate this information on page 10 of the application under the “Additional Information” section.  Here, you'll be asked to  add transcripts for any additional education beyond your degree-granting institutions. For further instructions please refer to the Rackham Graduate School Website . 

After an offer of admission is made, an official transcript sent directly from the registrar’s office must be submitted to Rackham.

6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae Your current resume or CV should be uploaded as a Microsoft Word document within the online Rackham application. 

7. Scholarly Paper Provide a scholarly paper in support of your application. You should be either the first or sole author of this paper. The scholarly paper does not need to reflect your chosen area of focus within the Ph.D. program. The Admissions Committee will review the paper for writing style and scholarly quality, including the use of citations and references and evidence of critical thinking. Examples are: Master's thesis, published article, scholarly paper, research (data-based) paper. If you are a post-baccalaureate applicant, you may submit a high-quality scholarly paper that you wrote during your undergraduate program.

All required materials, not just the application, need to be submitted by the deadline. 

Non-U.S. Institution Transcripts 

All applicants must upload a scanned copy, front and back, of their official transcript/academic record issued by the Registrar or Records Office to the applicant, to ApplyWeb for each bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree earned or in progress. In addition to uploading copies of official transcripts, applicants that attended non-U.S. institutions must calculate a self-reported estimated GPA using Scholaro .

Converting Grades to a US GPA:

Please review Rackham’s website on Credentials from Non U.S. institutions in its entirety on how to submit a Scholaro report in order to complete your application.

Important notes on Scholaro:

• Applicants are required to complete a Scholaro report for each/any bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or doctoral degree earned or in progress for non-U.S. institutions attended.
• A Scholaro report can only be uploaded prior to submission. A Scholaro report should accompany an applicant’s transcripts on page 5 of the application.
• A WES, ECE or reports from other foreign evaluation vendors cannot be accepted in place of a Scholaro report.

Please indicate any non-degree coursework on page 10 of the application, along with any non-degree transcripts. This would include coursework such as a 1- or 2-year general nursing program completed prior to receiving your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. You do not need to complete a Scholaro report for a 1- or- 2-year general nursing program or for coursework that did not yield a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Applicants are highly encouraged to submit their applications and Scholaro reports as soon as possible as the Scholaro  process can be time consuming. 

The application and all required materials must be submitted by the deadline for your application to be reviewed. 

English Proficiency Requirements

You qualify for an exemption from taking an English proficiency examination if one of the following criteria are met:

• You are a native speaker of English.
• You are an applicant from Puerto Rico.
• You completed all of your undergraduate education and earned an undergraduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only. Undergraduate degree requirements must be completed before the start of classes at U-M.
• You completed all of your graduate education and earned a graduate degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English only. Graduate degree requirements must be completed before the start of classes at U-M.
• You are a current U-M student.

Does not meet an English proficiency exemption:

• A one year graduate degree.
• If you completed a Master’s degree that was strictly research and no academic classes. This type of Master’s degree is generally awarded at a non-U.S. institution.

Applicants self-assess if they qualify for an English exception at the time of application. Applicants that are recommended for admission will have their files reviewed and will be notified if they do not meet an exception.

Applicants are required to upload the front and back of their transcript. Most universities indicate the language of the institution on the back of the transcript. If it is not indicated on the transcript, applicants can submit a letter from the Registrar’s Office, or equivalent, on university letterhead confirming the language of instruction. When applying, please upload documents confirming the language of instruction along with your transcript document(s).

English language test information

Scores must be sent directly to the University of Michigan

• Test scores are valid for two years after the test date.
• Official score reports must be received from the testing agency no later than the program application deadline. 
• Tests accepted are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for graduate applicants.
• Only the highest total score from one test date will be considered in the admissions process.

Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores will not be accepted.

TOEFL (Preferred)

• Total score must be 94 or higher
• We accept TOEFL internet-based-test
• Official scores should be sent directly to the University of Michigan, School Code 1839.
• For  testing information, please view: https://www.ets.org/toefl
• Total score must be 7.0 or higher
• We accept IELTS, IELTS indicator exam
• Official scores should be sent electronically to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• For testing information, please view:   https://www.ielts.org/en-us

Learn More and Visit Us

Have more questions.

You can contact an admissions member by requesting more information or sign up for a webinar for a general overview of our program details.  

Request more information 

Register for a webinar

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PhD in Nursing

Preparing students for careers as scholars, nurse scientists, and academics ready to contribute to nursing science, knowledge, theory, and practice through systematic inquiry..

PhD in nursing students will, by graduation, demonstrate advanced knowledge of nursing, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry, expand the research base of nursing theory and practice, and work with others to serve the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world by addressing major nursing and healthcare issues through research and in a scholarly manner. Every year, UVA's PhD nursing students earn grants to support their doctoral studies, and many publish and present around Virginia, the U.S., and internationally.

wide-ranging professional opportunities for PhDs

$108,306 average nurse faculty salary

PhD program is fully-funded

ranked among the nation's best

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

Because research is a critical element of the PhD program, we seek to admit students whose scholarly interests are congruent with those of our faculty who pursue nursing science across topics in aging, health disparities and health equity, and healthcare technology. A list of faculty eligible to chair PhD student committees is available on the School's Faculty Directory page .

• World-class scholar-mentors exploring topics across three focus areas: Aging, health equity and health disparities, and healthcare technology
• 4 years' tuition + generous annual stipends for graduate teaching assistantships for ALL admitted students
• Powerful development of students' grant and scholarly writing, and ample opportunities and funding to present at major conferences
• Loan forgiveness programs if pursuing full-time careers in academia
• Deadline to apply:   December 1  (for entry the following fall)

PhD, Years 1 to 3 [full-time] - Fall and Spring Terms

Phd tuition, year 4+ [full-time] - fall and spring terms, supplemental fees, phd tuition - january term, phd tuition - summer term.

Cost of estimated living expenses for graduate students (2024-2025)

All applicants for the PhD must possess at least a BSN. Many also possess an MSN and are nurse practitioners. Nurses who have earned other graduate degrees, including master's of public health, MBAs, or MS in health administration degrees, are also encouraged to apply.

To be considered for the PhD program, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (not the School of Nursing) and pay an $85 application fee
• Have at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program and a minimum "B" average
• Submit transcripts for all post-secondary work
• Submit three letters of reference that speak to the applicant's ability to pursue doctoral studies (two must be from doctorally-prepared nurse educators and one may be from a current or recent employer)
• Submit a CV reflecting professional achievements and productivity
• Submit an essay (1,000 words or fewer) describing the applicant's educational, research, and professional goals, including a specific description of the planned focus of study and a researchable topic for development
• Have completed a recent course in statistics (with software applications) and a statistics prerequisite (one option is to complete courses 1 to 3 of this series and submit a certificate of completion) 
• Be available for an interview with one or more faculty members (conducted in Charlottesville or via Zoom as needed)
• International applicants have  additional requirements  
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is no longer required to apply to the PhD program but applicants may provide scores if they choose (UVA's institutional code is R-5820)

Required courses (32-33 credits)

• GNUR 8000: Seminar in Nursing Science (2 credits)
• GNUR 8110: Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• GNUR 8120: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• GNUR 8130: Statistical Methods for Health Care Research I (3 credits)
• GNUR 8140: Statistical Methods for Health Care Research II (3 credits)
• GNUR 8210: Scholarly Writing for Nursing Science (3 credits)
• GNUR 8220: Philosophy of Science and Development of Nursing Knowledge (3 credits)
• GNUR 8230: Historical Inquiry in Nursing (3 credits)
• GNUR 8410: Grant Writing Seminar (3 credits)
• GNUR 8435: Scholarship in Research Ethics (1 creditGNUR 9110: Research Practicum (1-4 credits; total of 4 credits are required)
• GNUR 9890: Dissertation Seminar (enroll post-comprehensive exam; 1 credit)
• GNUR 9998: Doctoral Research (enroll pre-dissertation proposal defense; 1-12 credits)

GNUR 9998: Dissertation Research (enroll post-dissertation proposal defense; 3-12 credits. A total of 12 credit hours of GNUR 9999 are required.)

Cognates (9-12 credits)

Requirement includes course work in a single field or combination of fields outside of nursing that complement the student’s major scholarly focus. Cognates plus electives must total at least 15 credits.

Electives (3-6 credits)

Electives are selected on the basis of individual interest and should complement the total program of study. Cognates plus electives must total at least 15 credits.

Research Practicum (4 credits)

Requirement includes a total of 4 credit hours in GNUR 9110. All 4 credits do not need to be completed in the same semester.

Dissertation (12 credits)

Dissertation is a culminating experience that requires the student to plan and implement a research study of significance to nursing.

All students admitted to the PhD program are eligible for four years of scholarship to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, in exchange for serving as a graduate teaching assistant for 10 hours per week. 

The School also offers financial support programs to students considering full-time faculty positions through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program and the Virginia Nurse Faculty Loan. Through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an arm of the federal government, doctoral students may borrow funds for their academic expenses (tuition and books). If they become a full-time faculty member at any accredited institution, up to 85% of the loan (principal and interest) is forgiven.

Doctoral students enrolled in UVA’s PhD or DNP programs who are planning on teaching full-time in Virginia can apply to the Virginia Nurse Faculty Loan program. Students may be eligible to borrow up to $25,000 per year during the coursework phase of their programs. This loans is eligible for cancelation if graduates go on to teach full-time at any public or private nursing education program in Virginia for four years.

Want to learn more?

PhD: Doctor of Philosophy

Good news! There are no application fees ever for PhD applicants!

For more than four decades, the University of Maryland School of Nursing's PhD program has prepared scholars and researchers to tackle the greatest challenges facing health care.

Learn more about research at UMSON:

• explore our faculty members' areas of expertise
• read  profiles on our nurse researchers
• browse our web directory , where faculty available to chair PhD student committees are noted as "accepting PhD students"
• see a list of  recent PhD dissertation projects

As a PhD student at UMSON, you'll:

• conduct important research that not only builds a foundation for your career, but also contributes to the advancement of nursing science
• study under accomplished faculty members from UMSON's organized research centers while taking full advantage of our state-of-the-art health sciences campus.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is the state's public health, law, and human services university devoted to excellence in professional education, research, patient care, and public service.

How the Program Works:

• Half of your coursework is delivered in a seminar format with some online modules.
• The other half includes electives, practicum experiences, and dissertation research.
• Electives are available in varied formats across University System of Maryland schools.
• Full-time and part-time options are available.

You're an ideal candidate for the PhD program if you are a bachelor's- or master's-prepared nurse or other health-related professional who wants a research career focused on some of the most important disciplines, topics, and trends, including:

• Aging Populations
• Cardiovascular Health
• Health Systems Outcomes
• Implementation Science
• Women's Health and Birth Outcomes
• Occupational Health
• Pain and Symptom Science
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care

The UMSON PhD program was initiated in 1979 as the 16th doctoral nursing program in the nation. Every student is carefully chosen and matched to the faculty member who can offer the greatest opportunity to succeed in developing his or her research program. As a graduate, you will join a thriving group of alumni—many of whom hold key leadership positions in academia, research, and administration across the country. 

What You'll Do

After graduating from the phd program, you'll be prepared to:.

• Design, conduct, analyze, and disseminate research findings to expand knowledge in nursing and related disciplines
• Initiate, facilitate, and participate in interdisciplinary research with nurses and scholars from related disciplines
• Assume leadership roles in academic and health care settings

Courses You'll Take

For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details .

In this Section:

• Full-Time Plan of Study All full-time students with Graduate Research Assistantships must consult with their advisor and the associate dean for the PhD program before registering to ensure that their credits align with the requirements of the GRA.

Part-Time Plan of Study

Full-time plan of study.

*Grant Writing Seminar: Offered only in spring.

**Research Rotation: A total of 2 research rotation credits are required for all students – 1 credit equals 3 hours/week or 45 hours over the semester.

***Research Practicum: A total of 6 credits of NURS 818 are required – these are intended to focus on the student’s research area where time is spent preparing for comprehensive exams, learning new techniques, conducting preliminary analyses, etc. As with NURS 819, for 1 credit students are expected to devote 45 hours over the semester. P - Prerequisite C - Concurrent

*Grant Proposal Writing: Offered only in spring.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your nursing education is an important investment. financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality..

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.

Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships

All students receiving funds through the University must:

• be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
• complete a  Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
• FAFSA Submission deadline:  June 30, 2023
• FAFSA School code:  002104

The  UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education  is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.

Contact Us:

UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office 410-706-0489 | [email protected]

UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office 410-706-7347 | [email protected]

PhD Admission Information

Phd applicants apply through umb’s graduate school., in this section:.

• Qualifications
• Application Materials and Instructions  *There are  no application fees ever  for PhD applicants!
• Fall Enrollment:  Dec. 1

PhD applicants apply through UMB’s Graduate School . Your application and all supplemental materials must be received by this date.

Should the deadline fall on a weekend or holiday, applications will be accepted through the subsequent business day.

Qualifications:

Applicants should possess a bachelor's or master's degree with a major in nursing or a related health field from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution.  For International Applicants or those with a degree outside the United States, please review the International Applicants webpage.

Application Materials and Instructions: 

There are no application fees ever for PhD applicants!

PhD applicants apply through UMB’s Graduate School. All applicants must satisfy the general requirements of the University of Maryland Graduate School and submit the following materials:

Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard .

If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact  [email protected]  to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

Recent Dissertation Topics

View the List of PhD Dissertations.

• Louisville.edu
• Health Sciences Center
• PeopleSoft HR
• PeopleSoft Campus Solutions
• PeopleSoft Financials
• Business Ops
• Cardinal Careers
• Academic Programs /
• PhD in Nursing

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

About the doctor of philosophy in nursing program.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing at the University of Louisville is designed to prepare nurse scientists who will assume various roles in education, research, leadership, and health policy.

Why Choose the UofL School of Nursing PhD Program?

• Three tracks for you to choose:
• Student-centered, encouraging, and inclusive learning environment
• A holistic admission-review process
• GRE is not required
• Our PhD graduates are highly sought-after and recruited academically and clinically

I welcome all the current and prospective PhD students!

Please contact me for any PhD-program-related questions:

Ratchneewan Ross, PhD, RN, FTNSS, FAAN Professor and Interim Director, PhD Program University of Louisville School of Nursing 555 South Floyd Street, K-Wing Room 4056 Louisville, KY  40202 Office: 502.852.6458 Email: [email protected]  

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program can be entered with either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

The PhD in Nursing consists of at least 40 semester credit hours of coursework beyond an MSN degree or 55 semester credit hours beyond a BSN degree plus dissertation credit hours.

View Program Curriculum

The PhD program is offered in a hybrid format with five synchronous classes per semester. Some cognate courses may be offered in person or online.  Most courses are offered in a traditional semester long format; however, selected nursing core courses may be offered in an intensive format.

Full or part-time programs of study are available. Each student's plan of study includes required core courses and elective courses based on individual student interests. In addition to course work, students receive intensive mentoring by experienced faculty researchers. Emphasis is placed on developing relationships between established and developing scholars to facilitate student success in research, grant writing and dissemination activities.

Following completion of course work, students take a qualifying examination. A dissertation is required once coursework is completed and the qualifying exam is successfully taken. The dissertation may be completed in a traditional or manuscript option format.

Alumni Testimonials

Lisa Carter-Harris, PhD, APRN, ANP-C

Melissa D. Pinto, PhD, RN, FSAHM, FAAN

I consider studying as a PhD degree candidate at UofL School of Nursing (SON) as the best thing that has ever happened to me. I benefited from the intellectual stimulating environment and experienced faculty in the classrooms and outside the classrooms. The program opened my horizon and helped me shape my future as a PhD degree holder. Working as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) provided me with invaluable experience and skills that are very handy in my current job as a nursing faculty. I attribute my success to the supportive, nurturing, and healthy culture of SON on both the academic and social level. As an international student and a GRA, studying and working in a diverse environment that UofL SON embraces, made life easy. There wasn’t even a moment that I felt like a stranger. I am grateful to be a student, a GRA, and forever alumnus of UofL SON.

Maryam Alaradi, PhD, RN

Ready to Get Started?

Learn More! Apply!

School of Nursing

Health Sciences Campus, K-Wing 555 South Floyd Street Suite 3019 Louisville, KY 40202

If planning a visit, view our visitor information.

View contact information.

1-877-81-NURSE

502-852-5825

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No Weekend or Holiday Hours

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The bachelor of science in nursing , master of science in nursing , doctor of nursing practice , and APRN certificate programs at University of Louisville are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor, master, specialist, doctoral, and first-professional degrees (D.M.D., J.D., M.D.). UofL Accreditation

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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) represents the highest level of formal education for a career in nursing research and the scholarship of discovery. It prepares scholars for expression and communication of the knowledge base in the profession of nursing. PhD graduates develop the scientific foundation, steward the profession, define its uniqueness, maintain its professional integrity and educate the next generation of nurses. The PhD in Nursing program at Stony Brook University (SBU) School of Nursing (SON) will have a strong scientific emphasis within the discipline of nursing and an understanding of the science of related disciplines and translation science. The program is designed in a broad, cross-functional perspective to prepare nurse scientists to collaborate across disciplines to solve complex problems and address multiple issues facing individuals, families, communities and populations. Translational and innovative research, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration at the highest level, will be foundational to the program. The PhD program in nursing will attract candidates oriented towards developing new nursing knowledge who will select an area of research congruent with interdisciplinary faculty expertise in basic and clinical sciences. A key strength to this program is the School of Nursing’s research partnerships with the five health professions schools of Stony Brook Medicine as well as partnerships with biomedical engineering and computational science, biomedical informatics, and basic sciences. Key areas of nursing science in which potential PhD students may focus include, but are not limited to; symptom science, health promotion and illness prevention, and self-management.

To foster success and promote transformational, far-reaching opportunities, students will engage in a diversified curriculum. The 54-credit curriculum is designed for Master’s-prepared nurses who aspire to research and academic roles within health care and educational settings. It will build on the foundation of research and scholarship gained at the master’s level. The full-time, cohort-based program, to be offered on-site (one day/week) with web- enhanced technologies, contains three phases: Coursework, Proposal Development and Dissertation. Coursework and proposal development will take two and one-half years to complete with an additional minimum of one year for dissertation completion. The PhD candidate will select an area of research congruent with interdisciplinary faculty expertise. The SBU intensive research environment provides opportunities for mentorship by faculty within and outside the SON. Our Office of Nursing Research assists faculty and doctoral students in meeting research goals by providing administrative support, grant preparation support and management, statistical consultation, and dissemination of research findings through poster/podium presentation and manuscript preparation.

PhD Program Outcomes

PhD Course Requirement

By Advisement

For more information please contact Amy Prokop, PhD Program Assistant, at  [email protected]  or 631-444-3549.

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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: