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.
Key Ph.D. in Nursing vs. DNP Differences
>> Related: Top Online DNP Programs
Types of Ph.D. in Nursing Programs
The United States is home to over 135 Ph.D. in Nursing programs, which you can attend in multiple formats at nearly every educational level. The types of Ph.D. in nursing programs include the following:
- BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: These Ph.D. in nursing programs allow nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to pursue a career in nursing research without first attending an MSN program.
- MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: Designed for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) trained nurses, these programs typically include core courses for the doctoral program, electives, and dissertation study.
- DNP/Ph.D. Dual Degree: These rigorous programs allow students to concurrently attain expertise in scientific inquiry and faculty practice and hone the practical skills of expert nurse clinicians.
>> Show Me DNP Programs
Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs
Are Ph.D. in Nursing programs available online? The answer is yes; you can find several online options to pursue this degree. Since a Ph.D. in Nursing focuses on scientific inquiry, it doesn't have the same onsite practical hours as other nursing degrees.
Program dependant, you may still need to show up on campus a few times each year. However, for the most part, all you need to earn a Ph.D. in nursing is Wi-Fi, good study habits, and determination.
Top Ph.D. in Nursing Programs
Each Ph.D. in Nursing program is unique, offering its own benefits and features. We assembled the top five Ph.D. in Nursing programs nationwide following Nurse.org's proprietary ranking algorithm , which considers and ranks schools based on factors like:
- Tuition costs
- Program length
- Nursing school accreditation
- Admission requirements
- The variety of available programs
- Additional program accolades
1. University of Pennsylvania
- Program Cost: $46,934 per academic year
- Program Length: 4-6 years
- Application Due Date: Dec. 1st
The University of Pennsylvania boasts one of the top Ph.D. in nursing programs nationwide. To offset the expensive tuition, the university offers full-time students stipends during their first four years. In exchange, students may work as Teaching Assistants within UPenn's School of Nursing for up to 16 hours a week.
Contact UPenn about this program:
- Phone: (215) 898-4271
- Email: [email protected]
Source: University of Pennsylvania
2. Duke University
- Program Cost: Fully funded (up to 5 years)
- Application Due Date: November 30th
In 2023, U.S. News & World Report named Duke University the second-best graduate school for nursing. Duke's Ph.D. in Nursing program prepares nurses to become stalwart scholars. Graduates will build nursing science by leading multidisciplinary research that determines the relationship between chronic illness and care systems.
Contact Duke University about this program:
- Phone: (919) 684-3786
- Email: Contact Request Form
Source: Duke University
3. Duquesne University
- Program Cost: $1,765 per credit
- Program Length: 3-4 years
- Application Due Date: February 1st
As the first fully online Ph.D. in Nursing program, Duquesne offers a highly flexible education option to many students nationwide. Additionally, students attending the program may get to study abroad at the Duquesne campus in Dublin, Ireland. The 56-credit program culminates in a dissertation proposal and final defense in which students orally defend their research thesis to the dissertation committee.
Contact Duquesne University about this program:
- Phone: (412) 396-6219
- Email: [email protected]
Source: Duquesne University
4. Columbia University
- Program Cost: Fully funded (up to 3 years)
- Application Due Date: November 15th
Ph.D. in Nursing student at Columbia choose one of three major areas to study, which include Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science, Analytical Foundations of Nursing Science, and Electives and Applications. The programming heavily focuses on publication, grantsmanship, presentation, and networking. In addition to their coursework, students participate in research experience and training.
Contact Columbia University about this program:
- Phone: (212) 305-5756
- Email: [email protected]
Source: Columbia University
5. Rush University
- Program Cost: $1,344 per credit hour
- Program Length: 3-5 years
- Application Due Date: March 4th
Rush University's Ph.D. in Nursing is fully online except for an on-campus orientation and summer intensive learning sessions. The program focuses on preparing nurses and non-nurses with graduate degrees to become leaders in clinical research and educators who influence healthcare policy. While many students keep working throughout the program, they often must take fewer hours while completing their dissertation.
Contact Rush University about this program:
- Phone : (312) 942-7100
- Email: [email protected]
Source: Rush University
What to Expect in a Ph.D. in Nursing Program
Nursing Ph.D. degrees focus on scholarship and nursing research. By the end of the course, you'll be able to conduct and publish evidence-based research that can alter the face of nursing practice and healthcare policy for future generations.
Generally, these educational pathways combine graduate study and research activities and do not include clinical rotations. Instead, you will be required to complete a long-form research paper called a dissertation. To write your dissertation, you'll complete independent research based on a significant and relevant scientific inquiry in the nursing field.
>> Related: The Best Nursing Research Topics
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Nursing?
Ph.D. in Nursing programs prepare graduates to pursue careers in research and teaching, advanced clinical practice, health care administration, and policy. Following graduation, your future may hold a career as a nurse scientist, as an administrator, as a nurse educator, or in establishing health policy.
Ph.D. in Nursing Salary
Healthcare workers who hold a Ph.D. in nursing earn an average annual salary of $100,00 or $60.45 per hour , according to Payscale . However, your nursing salary will vary depending on your career, employer, location, experience, and other relevant factors.
How Much Does a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Cost?
Ph.D. in nursing programs range from $400 to over $2,300 per credit hour at more distinguished institutions. However, several universities will fund your Ph.D. tuition itself or through a federal research grant. Most often, these funding opportunities are only available to full-time students, while part-timers must pay the full tuition costs.
How Long Do PhD in Nursing Programs Take?
Most Ph.D. in nursing programs take between 4-6 years to complete. Your educational timeline will vary based on your previous education and whether you attend full or part-time.
What Will You Learn in a PhD in Nursing Program?
Since all Ph.D. degrees in nursing emphasize healthcare research, their curriculums will all share certain core elements, which include:
- The philosophical and historical foundations of nursing knowledge
- Review of existing and evolving nursing theory
- Methods and process of developing theory
- Research methodology and data management
- Academic, research, practice, and policy development
Your graduate nursing program will consist of several key milestones to reinforce your education. These include:
- Leadership strategies related to nursing, healthcare, and research
- Mentorship and working alongside faculty on their individual research programs
- Immersion experiences are designed to encourage leadership and scholarship.
- Each student will be required to complete a dissertation.
Ph.D. in Nursing Program Requirements
Each university sets its own entry standards, which vary based on the type of program . However, general Ph.D. in nursing admission requirements include the following:
- BSN, MSN, or non-nursing graduate degree
- Personal research statement
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Admissions interview
- Writing sample
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation
- Unencumbered RN license
- Official post-secondary school transcripts
- TOEFL or IELTS scores
Is a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Right for Me?
Your professional goals play a massive role in deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D. in nursing. If you're interested in scientific and academic nursing research, healthcare policy, or becoming a nurse educator, a Ph.D. in nursing is an excellent option. Remember, it will not qualify you for APRN positions, so if you have clinical aspirations, a DNP is the right doctoral nursing option.
Next Steps to Enroll in a PhD in Nursing Degree Program
Ready to start your educational journey toward earning a Ph.D. in Nursing? You can start working toward those goals today with these simple steps:
- Research Universities: Find a program that suits you based on your budget, attendance needs (e.g., part vs. full-time and in-person vs. online), and interests.
- Plan Applications: Understand the program requirements and application deadlines for each school you're applying to. Then, make a plan to collect and submit all the necessary materials and documentation on time.
- Prepare Properly: If a university considers you for Ph.D. candidacy, you'll attend an admissions interview. Planning and practicing this interview and paying close attention to why you chose the program and your research interests will optimize your chances of admission.
Popular Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
- DNP - Family NP
- DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
- DNP - Women's Health NP
- DNP - Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health NP
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.
Enrollment: Nationwide
- DNP - Educational Leadership
The CCNE-accredited online DNP program from Simmons University will prepare you to advance to the highest level of professional nursing practice — and to drive meaningful change in health care as a nurse leader. Learn from experienced professors-of-practice and join a legacy of more than 100 years developing nursing leadership and excellence by completing your DNP on a part-time basis over seven 14-week terms.
Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.
By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD Program Overview
Application Deadline: November 1 Application Available: September 1 Program Start: Fall, once a year only Length of Program: 4 years full-time Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy Part-Time Study: YES Distance Learning: Not at this time
Ranked #1 in Best Value PhD in Nursing Programs
( Value Colleges 2016 )
About the PhD
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing Doctoral program prepares students to become researchers and to assume advanced leadership roles in nursing and health care delivery. A combination of conceptual approaches, challenging interactions in seminar discussions, and work with active researchers produces a stimulating environment for scholarly development.
Each student selects a focus area based on their nursing background, interests, and goals. The focus area provides a broad structure for the student's individualized course of study. Courses from nursing and from non-nursing disciplines offer options for tailoring the program of study to a student's particular focus area. The program is designed to help students identify a dissertation topic, apply for research funding, and begin a lifelong research career.
PhD Resources
Objectives for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD and AE PhD) Program
The graduate of the PhD program in nursing is expected to:
- Conduct research to advance knowledge and practice in nursing and healthcare.
- Develop, test, and refine theories for nursing and healthcare.
- Participate as a scholar in the advancement of theoretical, ethical, and practice aspects of nursing and healthcare.
- Participate as a scholar in transdisciplinary teams to advance the science of nursing and healthcare.
- Assume leadership roles in practice, education, and policy arenas to promote high quality and innovative health care, especially in underserved populations.
- Accept responsibility and accountability for disseminating knowledge.
Program requirements for the PhD in Nursing include core courses and other courses to ensure preparation in a focused area of study. The PhD program prepares nurse researchers to make significant contributions to nursing knowledge and nursing practice through ongoing scientific inquiry and the dissemination of research findings.
Degree Plans (All files are in PDF format.)
- BSN to PhD Program of Work
- BSN to PhD Sample Schedule
- PhD Program of Work
- PhD Sample Schedule
There are various avenues for support during the doctoral program. Every student who applies by the November 1 deadline and is accepted into the PhD program, will be considered for a one-year Fellowship. Those applying after the November 1 deadline may also be considered for financial support. Monetary amounts range from $7,000 - $25,000, based on admission scores and full time/part time status. Competitive continuing fellowships are available after year one, based on timely academic progression and scholarly activities. Other small scholarship opportunities (usually $1,000-$2,000) may be available yearly through the School of Nursing. Doctoral students may work as Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, and Assistant Instructors. These appointments have tuition and benefits assistance based on appointment hours/week.
Additionally, US citizen and permanent resident doctoral students can apply to the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). The NFLP is a loan-cancellation program funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professions. This program allows nursing schools to provide financial loans to students enrolled in advanced degree nursing programs and who intend to teach in a nursing program after graduation. This is not a need-based loan program; however, students must complete a FAFSA. For more information, visit UT Financial and Administrative Services - Nursing Faculty Loan Services page.
- UT Austin offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary study ( doctoral portfolio programs ) in fields such as gerontology, Mexican American studies, and women's studies.
- Internationally recognized nursing faculty with over $10 million in NIH research funding.
- Nursing faculty at UT Austin have diverse backgrounds in preparation and experience.
- Thirteen of the current 26 graduate nursing faculty are Fellows in the prestigious American Academy of Nursing.
- The doctoral program emphasizes development of a sound foundation in nursing science.
- Participation in faculty research projects is an integral part of the doctoral program.
All students interested in applying for graduate study in Nursing at the University of Texas at Austin must meet the admission requirements established by the University’s Graduate School and the School of Nursing. Applicants are expected to be graduates of accredited colleges or universities. Below are the minimum requirements for admission.
- Degree: A bachelor's or a master's degree in nursing from an acceptable accredited program or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution.
- GPA : 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or comparable GPA in upper-division work (junior- and senior- level courses) and in any graduate work complete.
- Recommendations : 3 required
- Statement of Purpose
- Curriculum Vitae/resume
- Nursing License: Current RN licensure, if admitted.
All students applying for formal admission to the PhD program must complete the online application and submit the following application materials by the November 1 deadline .
Application for Admission
Complete online application using the Graduate School Application for Admission and pay the application fee. Select program start date fall 2025. The application is only open between September 1st and November 1st. The application is only open between September 1st and November 1st. The online application is data entry only. All supporting application documents are uploaded on the My Status page, approximately 72 hours after the application is submitted and paid.
* Recommendation : Complete the online application, at minimum, 2 weeks before the November 1 deadline, ensuring all documents are provided by the application deadline.
Supporting Documents
- Official transcripts dated one year or less, from all four-year institutions attended.
- See PhD Application Checklist (PDF) for transcript upload procedures.
- Curriculum Vitae/resume.
- Personal Statement: Maximum two (2) pages. Readable font, 12-point, double spaced, 1-inch margins)
- Using our secure, personalized form, three (3) professional recommendations that attest to the applicant's academic ability, professional competency and personal character must be submitted electronically by each recommender.
- Written recommendations are not accepted.
- See the International Students webpage for English language requirements.
For additional details on how to prepare your graduate application materials and personal statement instructions, please view PhD Application Checklist (PDF).
Visit the Graduate Admissions webpage for additional information.
All materials must be submitted electronically to the My Status Check page which is available approximately 72 hours after completion of the Graduate School Application for Admission .
The School of Nursing Graduate Admissions and Progression Committee (GAPC) begin preliminary admission reviews after the November 1st deadline. All application materials are required to be submitted by the program’s application deadline; files that remain incomplete will not be reviewed or acted upon by GAPC.
If admitted, applicants will be notified of the admission decision by March. Decisions are communicated in the following ways:
- Offers of admission are sent via email by the School of Nursing.
- Official e-letters from the Graduate and International Admission Center notifying you of the admission decision of the Office of Graduate Studies are available on the application Status Check page.
NOTE: Email is the official means of communication for all university business.
If not admitted, applicants will be notified by the GIAC only.
Please feel free to email Graduate Student Services Office if you have questions about the admission process.
All files are in PDF format.
- Choosing a Quality PhD Program
- PhD Application Checklist
IMAGES
VIDEO