fully funded phd in nursing

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.   

PhD Program in Nursing

Phd program in nursing goals.

The PhD Program in Nursing prepares nurse scholars who will advance nursing science and promote equitable health outcomes and care systems, with a focus on social determinants of health (SDOH). Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate innovative models of care that improve health outcomes across diverse populations. Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead and transform nursing practice, policy, and research to promote health equity and social justice. PhD student tuition and 12-month stipends are fully funded for up to five years.

At Duke University School of Nursing we admit a small number of highly qualified, diverse applicants that work closely with one or more faculty members in a series of mentored experiences supported by formal coursework.

PhD Academic Calendar

PhD Admissions

PhD Financial Support

Current Research Grants

What Makes Duke Great?

Reasons to Choose Durham

Your work with our faculty will:

Socialize you to the role of nurse scientist;

Ensure you gain significant knowledge and acquire the skills for launching a successful independent program of research post-doctorate; and

Prepare yourself for an entry-level role as a nurse scientist in a research setting (e.g., academic, clinical, or industry).

To help our students succeed, the Duke School of Nursing PhD Program provides:

A broad perspective on the philosophy of science and its application to solving challenging health problems facing our nation, particularly those related to health equity, social determinants of health, and justice;

Experience with standard and emerging research designs and methods;

Rigorous training in statistics; and

Mentored research and teaching experiences to reinforce knowledge acquisition and skill development.

In addition to addressing the standards of Duke University and ensuring the highest-quality PhD education, the Duke PhD Program in Nursing is designed to meet the indicators of quality in research-focused doctoral programs set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Study with Duke expert faculty focused on:

Acute & Long-Term Care Systems

Adaptive Leadership

Data Science

Digital Health

Decision Making

Disease Prevention

Family Caregiving

Health Equity

Informatics

Mental Health

Multi-level Interventions

Nurse-led Models of Care

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Perioperative Care

Social Determinants of Health

Symptom Management

Specialty Populations

Premature and High-Risk Infants

Children with Acute and Chronic Illnesses

Adults with HIV, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Sickle Cell Disease, Cancer, or Cardiovascular Disease

Older Adults

PhD Program in Nursing Description

The program requires a minimum of 52 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students will work on research projects; it is expected most will graduate with several publications. Coursework is structured with a substantive core of nursing science and research methods to be taken in the School of Nursing. This core is expanded with elective courses that typically support the student’s dissertation and future research career. These can be taken in other Duke University departments or other Universities that have arrangement with Duke (i.e., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University). Additional requirements include research practicums and elective credits that may count towards specialty certificates (i.e., teaching, global health, data science, entrepreneurship, etc.).

In addition to course work, the PhD Program in Nursing will require each student to develop a scholarly portfolio, successful completion of a preliminary examination, and a dissertation. Students are expected to disseminate their work through scholarly venues such as publications and conference presentations.

Terminal Objectives

After the PhD Program in Nursing, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of health equity, social determinants of health (SDOH), and nurse-led models of care to improve health outcomes for a population and/or system of care.
• Apply conceptual models and theories from nursing and other relevant disciplines to design and conduct research.
• Use a health equity, SDOH, and/or nurse-led models of care lens to critically evaluate and synthesize research conducted in nursing and other disciplines.
• Demonstrate scientific integrity and ethics in research across phases of the research process.
• Apply appropriate methods and analytic strategies to design, conduct, and evaluate research across phases of the research process, from discovery to translation.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to perform research using socioculturally aligned approaches.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and other scholarly venues to advance the evidence base for nursing and healthcare, with a focus on promoting health equity and social justice.

• Precepting at YSN
• Event Calendar

PhD Program in Nursing

Mentoring nurse scientists of the future is our priority.

PhD Program

Financial support.

Meet the Students

Focus on Clinical Research

Experience Yale

World Renowned Faculty

How to Apply

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

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

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

The Fall 2025 application deadline is December 1, 2024.

Virtual Open House Events

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

Upcoming Meetings:

• 08/20/2024 : Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 PM (EST)
• 09/10/2024 : Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 PM (EST)
• 10/08/2024 : Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 PM (EST)
• 11/05/2024 : Tuesday, 6:00-7:00 PM (EST)

Previous Meetings:

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

Program Contacts

[email protected]

Jean Harrell Graduate Program Administrator

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

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

Signature Areas of Focus

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

• Aging Studies
• Artificial Intelligence/Data Science
• Natural Disasters, Environmental, and Climate Science
• Translational and Neuroscience
• Women’s Health

Other Areas of Focus

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

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

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

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

Teaching Assistant Training & Teaching Opportunity Program

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

The Jones Program in Ethics

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

T32 Nurse Scientist Training Opportunities

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

Provisional Artificial Intelligence Track

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

Admission Requirements

Fall 2024 Application Deadlines

• Priority deadline: December 1, 2023
• Final deadline: January 2, 2024
• All applicants selected for an interview will be interviewed by video/zoom meeting, scheduled at a convenient time for applicant and faculty.
• Admitted applicants will visit campus February 5, 2024 to meet with faculty, other PhD students, and to experience Atlanta.

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

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

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

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

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

Application

Meet our students.

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

Student graduate’s dissertations include:

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

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

Here are just a few job titles of our graduates.

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

Tuition and Awards

Full-tuition scholarships.

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

T32 Predoctoral Fellowships through Spring 2023

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

Charting Innovative Paths for Nursing Research & Scholarship

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

Students gave the following presentations at the Event:

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

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

How to Successfully Apply to Our PhD Program

Application process questions.

How Much is the Application Fee

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

When exactly is the application deadline?

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

May I request a fee waiver?

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

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

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

Do I need to submit non-degree transcripts?

Yes. Admissions committees consider your complete academic record. 

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

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

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

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

How should I submit my transcripts in the application?

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

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

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

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

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

Must letters of recommendation be submitted by the application deadline?

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

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

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

Can I reactivate my application from last year?

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

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

Additional Questions

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

No, but strongly encouraged.

Can I start the PhD program in the spring semester?

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

Can this program be completed in 3 years?

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

What are the fees students pay?

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

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

When do I submit the application for the T32 program?

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

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

Laney Graduate School requires WES services review.

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

No.  Students can apply to the program with a BSN

Can I work/ be employed outside the program?

Any work/employment has to be approved by the program

How many hours can I work if approved?

Students are allowed to work 10 hours a week

Accreditation

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

Featured Story

Emory nursing doctoral students receive prestigious NIH predoctoral fellowship awards

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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.

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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PhD in Nursing Science Program

  Applications for Fall 2024 will open on August 1, 2023 . Learn More

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Vanderbilt’s PhD in Nursing Science prepares nurse scientists who will engage in multidisciplinary and team-based research that aims to transform the discipline of nursing through scientific discovery. Our students’ academic experience is closely aligned with our faculty’s scholarship and area of research focus. Graduates of our program conduct and disseminate research that responds to regional, national and international priorities. Vanderbilt University School of Nursing offers a rich array of resources through Vanderbilt University and the nonprofit Vanderbilt University Medical Center. PhD in Nursing Science student tuition is fully funded , covering up to four years of required didactic and research coursework. Additionally, admitted students receive annual stipends, for the same period, while enrolled in the PhD in Nursing Science program.  

PhD Webinar

Our webinars include an outline of the PhD in Nursing Science Program, program format, application process, components of funding, etc. Webinars are conducted throughout the academic year, and particularly ahead of a new application cycle (which open annually on August 1). Contact the PhD Program Manager to request information on upcoming live webinars. You may also click here to view a previously recorded webinar (August 10, 2022) .

 Why Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt provides an interdisciplinary, inclusive, collegial and supportive environment with close faculty interaction promoting team science. Our atmosphere is unique and stimulating, and includes rich mentoring experiences. Our faculty represent diverse backgrounds and are committed to preparing nurse scholars who can lead the nation in extending the body of nursing knowledge. Our research is organized into signature areas and include:

• Acute and Chronic Illness
• Data Science and Health Technologies
• Palliative Care Science
• Pregnancy Outcomes and Mother, Infant, Child and Family Health

PhD students benefit from close mentoring and collaboration with Vanderbilt faculty in the area of the faculty’s scholarly expertise and area of research focus. Collaborative and interdisciplinary experiences are further strengthened through the many resources available at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University and the School of Nursing.

PhD students are offered highly competitive financial aid packages that include full tuition scholarships and annual stipends for up to four years of full-time study. At the same time, students have a crucial role in the financial obligation of their PhD education. They are asked to make a continuing effort to obtain external grants and/or fellowships throughout the tuition and stipend support stage. In this, they are supported by faculty advisers who engage and support students as they seek and apply for external funding opportunities. Receiving competitive external fellowships and grants advance student success and distinction; students receive ample opportunities to enhance grant-writing expertise, which provide additional benefits well into their prospective careers.  

Admission to the Vanderbilt PhD in Nursing Science program is competitive. Students are selected on the basis of their scholastic preparation and intellectual capability. Admission to the program requires research and career goals that are consistent with the school's research foci and faculty expertise. We will only accept a student if we have faculty who are actively engaged in that area of research. For more information or to speak with someone regarding the program, please email [email protected] .

Program Overview

The PhD in Nursing Science Program at Vanderbilt University prepares diverse scholars for research and academic careers in public or private sectors of health care. Graduates of our program serve as global leaders in advancing the discipline and practice of nursing through research, education and health policy. Our ultimate goal—and the ultimate goal of nursing science—is to improve health and health care for all individuals, families and communities. Learn more . 

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Ph.D. Program

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Preparing Nurse Science Leaders

Our Ph.D. program integrates science, theory, and research to educate the next generation of nurse scientists, educators, policy-makers, and practitioners. 

Application Deadline

January 15   

Financial Support

The Connell School fully funds every full-time Ph.D. student’s tuition, fees, and insurance for three years.

At a Glance

Most students take 21 courses (48 total credits). 

Students typically complete the program in 4 years. 

The program begins in the fall semester.

Three core areas of study:

Knowledge development in nursing.

Students build on their foundation in nursing science. Includes courses in philosophy of science, epistemology of nursing, and strategies for developing nursing knowledge.

Substantive nursing content

Challenges students to take what is currently known in nursing science and expand on it to address contemporary issues in health care. Includes courses in ethics, policy, and cognate courses in the student's area of focus. 

Research methods

Prepares students to begin their program of research. Includes courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics, and research practica as well as dissertation advisement.

Students develop their research expertise through:

• Independent study
• Interdisciplinary colloquia
• Collaboration with a dissertation advisor
• Electives in research concentrations 
• Clinical research in top-tier health centers in the Boston area
• Access to other graduate courses within Boston College 
• Access to courses through a consortium with area research universities, including Tufts, Boston University, and Brandeis University.

Ph.D. Program Objectives

• Constructively critique and synthesize nursing and interdisciplinary knowledge within their area of inquiry relative to nursing science.
• Design, conduct, and disseminate innovative, rigorous, and ethically sound research that advances nursing science.
• Assume leadership roles and collaborate with other disciplines to address contemporary health care concerns.
• Use scholarly inquiry to generate and disseminate knowledge that facilitates humanization, advances the discipline, informs practice, and reshapes policy.
• Articulate the perspective of nursing in interdisciplinary dialogue for the common good of a diverse and global society.

Approved by Faculty Assembly, December 20, 2017

Download Ph.D. Curriculum

Fall Semester

Spring semester, each semester until graduation, featured faculty.

Andrew Dwyer, Ph.D., FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN

View Faculty Directory & Expertise

“ Throughout your CSON journey, you'll work with dedicated faculty who are committed to your success and will prepare you to impact health care and nursing science. ”

Our Students

CSON's Ph.D. Program attracts students from a variety of backgrounds and with an array of research interests.

CSON Doctoral Student Research

Our Ph.D. students regularly disseminate research findings in respected forums and receive prestigious awards, including being inducted into the American Academy of Nursing and named Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence Scholars.

Learn about CSON Research

“ CSON provides an atmosphere of academic rigor. The faculty are incredibly supportive and have been wonderful mentors to me. It is inspiring to be surrounded by so many respected nurse scientists and educators. ”

Recent Dissertation Topics

Birth Center Decision-Making among Women and Birthing People in the United States

Health Patterning of Im/migrant and Asylum-Seeking Emerging Adults from Guatemala and Honduras

Multimethod Approach to Understanding the Biopsychosocial Underpinnings of Chronic Cancer-Related Pain in Cancer Survivors

Associations Between Reproductive Coercion, Intimate Partner Violence, and Adverse Birth Outcomes among Postpartum Women

The Meaning of Empathy in the Context of Clinical Nursing Practice Among Senior Baccalaureate Students 

Measuring Psychological Safety, HRO Perception and Safety Reporting Intentions Among Pediatric Nurses  

The Influence of #MeToo on Sexual Assault Survivors’ Decision Making and Health Behaviors: A Qualitative Inquiry 

Sexual Minority Adolescents: Understanding Disparities in Sex Education and Parent Communication About Sex  

Improving Healthcare for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness Across the Lifespan 

Nurse Educators' Description of Ethics from a Disciplinary Perspective  

Associations between reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence, and adverse birth outcomes among postpartum women 

A Multimethod Approach to Understanding the Biopsychosocial Underpinnings of Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors 

Life Patterning: Im/migrant and Asylum Seeking Emerging Adults from Guatemala and Honduras 

Fertility-Awareness Practices Among Women Seeking Pregnancy  

The Meaning of Being Considered a Sex Offender for a Person Who is Reintegrating into Society

Tongue-Tie: Prevalence, Significance, and its Contribution to Maternal Feeding Challenges and Problematic Infant Feeding

The Role of the Social Determinants of Health in Rural Health Equity

Measuring Diabetes Distress in Emerging Adulthood

Mental Health and Mental Health Treatment Experiences of Transgender and Gender Diverse Persons

The Meaning of the Transition to Retirement at Midlife from Active Duty Military Service in the United States

Intensive Care Unit Nurses’ Experience of Watson’s Theory of Human Caring Caritas Process Three: Cultivation of One’s Own Spiritual Practice and Transpersonal Self, Going Beyond Ego-Self

Occupational Health Across Generationally-Defined Age Groups in a Cohort of Hospital Nurses

Critical Care Nurse Intentions to Report to Work During an Influenza Pandemic

Caregivers’ Perception of Nurse-Led Discharge Education Interventions: Knowledge Needed for Adequate Care of a Technology-Dependent Infant in the Home Setting

The Experience of Older Adult Couples Living with Chronic Illness at Home

Factors Associated with Refeeding Hypophosphatemia in Adolescents and Young Adults Hospitalized with Anorexia Nervosa

Identification of Optimal Stool Donor Health and Intestinal Microbiome Characteristics for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Level of Mindfulness in Persons with Anorexia Nervosa Entering Residential Treatment and the Relationship with Eating Disorder Symptomology and Clinical Indicators of Health

Understanding Patient Engagement in Breast Cancer Survivorship Care: A National Web-Based Survey

Nutrition Related Clinical Decision Making of Pediatric Oncology Nurses

The Experience of Young Women Living with Advanced Breast Cancer: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study

The Development and Psychometric Validation of the Ethical Awareness Scale

News from the Connell School

• Health Equity for Women and Children
• Person- and Family-Oriented Aging
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Opportunities at the Connell School

Graduate nurses’ association.

The GNA facilitates professional development opportunities and sponsors social events, connecting you to your fellow students and serving as a voice for the CSON graduate community.

Keys to Inclusive Leadership in Nursing

The KILN program helps students maximize their leadership potential, prepares them to provide nursing care in an increasingly multicultural society, and nurtures their ability to create positive social change.

Global Trips

Participation in CSON's international programs can count toward nurse practitioner (NP) supervised hours for graduate students.

Program Eiligibility

• A master's degree from a nationally accredited university in nursing or a related field
• A completed course in statistics (AP credits cannot be accepted)
• A current RN license

Application & Deadlines

Preference will be given to applicants with the following qualifications:

• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Research experience, written clarity in area of research, and match to faculty research or methodology as described by applicant and determined by Ph.D. committee
• Publications preferred, as listed on curriculum vitae
• Excellence in writing, sample essay of course paper, or manuscript submitted by applicant
• Leadership/leadership potential

Résumé or CV

To be uploaded to your online Application Form.

In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.

Goal Statement & Writing Sample

1. Goal Statetment

Please submit a goal statement which will be used as a source of information about your educational objectives and as a sample of your writing ability. The goal statement should be typewritten (double-spaced) and no more than four pages in length.

Goal Statement Prompt & Guidelines

2. Evidence of Scholarly Writing

All applicants to this program are required to submit one piece of work that demonstrates graduate-level writing ability. This document may be an academic term paper, a published work in which you are the primary author, a training manual that you have created, a clinical case formulation, or another representative sample of your writing.

Letters of Recommendation

• A current or recent employer, preferably a nurse with a Ph.D. or a professional colleague
• A professor with whom you have had recent academic interaction who can assess your potential for doctoral study and performance in your desired area of study
• A person who is not a relative and who is well acquainted with your professional preparation and clinical practice
• Letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically. When you register your reference writers through the application system, they will immediately receive an email with the link to the electronic reference form. For this reason, we suggest that you contact your references prior to registering them through the online application.
• References will have the option to upload a supporting letter in Word or PDF format.
• If you would like your references to receive the electronic form before you have completed the online application, you may go directly to the "Recommendations" link on the application and register your references before filling out the rest of the form.
• You can log back into your application to check which letters have been received, as well as to send reminder emails to your references.

Transcripts

Official transcripts are preferred but not required upon application. If admitted, official transcripts will be required.

Official digital transcripts can be sent to csongrad@bc.edu.

All hard copy transcripts may be sent to the following mailing address:

Boston College Graduate Nursing Office Maloney Hall - 2nd Floor 140 Commonwealth Avenue Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

*If the last name on your transcript does not match the application name, please contact  csongrad@bc.edu  after submitting the application. 

Standardized Tests

Official GRE scores are a preferred component of the application, but are not required to apply.

Institutional code 3062

*  Please allow 2-4 weeks for test scores to be received in order to meet application deadline

Supplemental Forms

Based on the answers you provide in your application, you may need one or more of the following forms to complete your application:

• Suspended or Revoked License Explanation Form  (if you indicated a suspended or revoked license on your application)
• Learning Disability Documentation Form  (if you indicated a learning disability on your application)
• Supplementary Information Form  (if you wish to submit any supplementary information in addition to the standard application)

International Students

• Official transcript(s) evaluation (by the  Commission on Graduate Foreign Nursing Schools  or  World Education Services ) from all post-secondary institutions at which you have studied
• CGFNS  examination results
• NCLEX-RN examination results/RN licensure
• You can get application forms and information about testing dates for the TOEFL from many U.S. consulates, USIA centers, and TOEFL centers overseas by writing to: TOEFL Registration, CN 6152, Princeton, New Jersey 08541 USA, or  www.toefl.org .
• The TOEFL score is not required if you meet both of the following criteria: You are a citizen of the United States, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Guyana, an anglophone country of Africa, or an English-speaking country of the Caribbean AND your native language is English.

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• Home  /  Academics  / PhD in Nursing

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Our PhD in nursing offers students a chance to become nurse scientists, nursing professors, and nurse policy- and change-makers.

• World-class scholar-mentors  exploring a rich variety of research
• 4 years' free tuition + generous annual stipends 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 15 (for entry the following fall)

The PhD in Nursing is administered by the School of Nursing, but the degree is conferred by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS). Therefore, applicants will complete the application through GSAS.  Please review this detailed information about the application process and admission requirements .

[VIDEO] Discover the PhD in Nursing

Download the video file .

The PhD in nursing program prepares students for careers as scholars, nurse scientists., and academics ready to contribute to nursing science, knowledge, theory, and practice through systematic inquiry. By graduation, PhD in nursing students will:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge of nursing, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry
• expand the research base of nursing theory and practice
• serve the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world by addressing major nursing and healthcare issues through research and in a scholarly manner

All applicants for the PhD must possess a BSN. Many also possess an MSN and nurses with other graduate degrees (MPH, MBA, MS in Health Administration, etc.) are also encouraged to apply.

Every year, UVA PhD nursing students earn grants to support their doctoral studies, and many publish and present around Virginia, the U.S., and internationally.

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 such a critical element of the PhD program, we seek to admit students whose scholarly interests are congruent with those of our faculty. A list of faculty eligible to chair PhD student committees is available on the Faculty Directory page .

PhD in Nursing Admission Requirements

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)
• 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; however, the option remains for applicants to provide scores as part of the application. The institutional code for UVA is R-5820 .

Statistics Prerequisite

One option is to complete Courses 1-3 of this series: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/statistical-analysis-r-public-health . Please note that the certificate showing successful completion of the course is required. The student needs to choose the paid option to receive the certificate. This is one example; please contact [email protected] if you have questions.

Steps to Apply for the PhD in Nursing

Those interested in applying to the PhD in nursing program apply through UVA's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), which prefers to receive one package containing all supporting materials (recommendations, transcripts and scholarly writing). The completed application, the application fee and all supporting data must be received no later than December 15.

Financial Aid for PhD in Nursing Students

Graduate teaching assistant (gta) positions.

• All admitted students to the PhD program are eligible to be awarded four years of scholarship to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, in exchange for serving as a GTA 10 hours per week. 
• See the  Financial Aid page for more information.

Loan Programs for Future Nursing Faculty

• 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 HRSA, 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. 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.

Visit our Tuition and Financial Aid web pages for more information.

Plans of Study for the PhD in Nursing

Please see a suggested Nursing PhD Plan of Study .

Please visit the  Graduate Record for the official program requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing.

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

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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. 

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

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

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

Doctor of Philosophy

Phd admissions, estimated funding package.

• Columbia University School of Nursing provides three years (eight semesters) of funding for tuition, related fees, health insurance, and stipend.
• Estimated Funding Package for the PhD Program

Admission Criteria

• Bachelor's or master's degree in nursing, or 
• Note: Official transcripts from all institutions attended will be required prior to enrollment in the program.
• New York State RN licensure or eligibility
• International Applicants Only: TOEFL Exam Score

For our general application requirements, please visit the  Apply to the PhD Program  page.

Prerequisite Courses

Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework for an accredited college or university. It is required that completed courses have a grade of a C or better.  Note: Grades of C- or below are not sufficient as successful completion of the course. Applicants must plan their courses accordingly where if they need to retake the course, they have enough time to do so during the application process. This will guarantee completion prior to enrollment in the program.

• Graduate Level Health Policy Course - This type of course can vary. A pplicants may mail the Office of Admissions to request review and approval of a proposed health policy course or for suggestions for approved courses. 

Prerequisite courses are required to be completed by the start of the program, not by the application deadline.

PhD and MDE/PhD applicants may be invited to an interview by the PhD program. The timeframe on when interviews take place are as follows:

• PhD applicants - December 2022
• Accepted Applicants Admitted Students Days – January 2023 

International Applicants

Beginning in Fall 2021, Columbia Nursing will fund international PhD students. Funding includes tuition and fees, Student Health Services health insurance, and a stipend. International applicants are encouraged to visit the Columbia University International Students & Scholars Office  for information about housing, Visas, and other topics.

Contact the Office of Admissions

• 212-305-5756
• [email protected]

Walk-in Hours: Mon, Tue, and Fri: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Appointments Only: Wed and Thu: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Note: We are not accepting any walk-ins or in-person appointments until further notice.

Join our mailing list and receive our digital brochure:

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Apply to the PhD Program

30 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

These fully funded Ph.D. programs are in fields like business, computer science, education and nursing.

(Getty Images) |

Many Ph.D. programs are fully funded.

Students interested in graduate research in various fields, from public health and English to computer science and engineering, have numerous options for Ph.D. programs that offer full funding. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees and an annual stipend. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. Gaining admittance into these small cohorts can be highly competitive, and the programs can be time-consuming . Here are 30 fully funded Ph.D. programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list – there are others out there.

• Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of Chicago

Anthropology Ph.D. students at the University of Chicago can receive funding for up to eight years of study, assuming they are in good standing at the university. During that time, they will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus health insurance and a living stipend – which equated to $33,000 for the 2022-2023 school year – and can apply for external fellowships.

Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University (MA)

Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston offers a Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health that aims to provide students with expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend and health insurance for five years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. International students receive the same benefits. Current research in the school's laboratories involves diseases like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria and tuberculosis.

(Dominick Reuter) |

• Ph.D. in business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Students enrolled in the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can study a range of fields like organization studies, accounting and information technology. Those pursuing a Ph.D. will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus a monthly stipend of $4,267, capped at $51,204. They will also receive medical insurance, new laptops at the beginning of their first and fourth years of study and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.

(Tommy Lavergne | Rice University)

Ph.D. in business at Rice University (TX)

At the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business in Texas, students enjoy full financial assistance upon admission to the Ph.D. program. Aiming to prepare students to teach in fields like accounting, finance, organizational behavior and strategic management, the program provides students with a research or teaching assistantship. Students receive a tuition waiver and a $40,000 annual stipend contingent on making satisfactory academic progress and maintaining full-time student status.

Office of Strategic Communication | University of Iowa

• Ph.D. in business at the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business offers Ph.D. degrees in fields such as accounting, economics, business analytics and marketing. The college says it provides full funding to "virtually all admitted students." This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments and comprehensive health insurance covered at 90%. Some departments offer funding for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships and paid time off for independent research.

Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University (NY)

According to Cornell University 's website, all students admitted to the chemical engineering Ph.D. program at the New York school receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance and a stipend. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.

Chris Taggart | Columbia University

Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University (NY)

Students enrolled in Columbia University 's Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at the Teachers College in New York receive fully funded tuition and a $25,000 stipend annually for three years. The stipend also carries into a student's fourth year. These doctoral fellows "may be expected to serve" as graduate teaching or research assistants. Students typically complete the mentor-matched program, which includes a full-year internship, in five to seven years.

Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University (RI)

Brown University 's Ph.D. students in computer science have access to "full financial support while completing the degree," plus the option to take classes at nearby schools without incurring additional costs, according to the school's website. In fact, doctoral students in any program at the Rhode Island university are guaranteed five years of financial support, which includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees and a subsidy for health insurance.

Georgetown University |

Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University (DC)

Georgetown University 's Ph.D. program in computer science provides scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition at the Washington, D.C., school and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years. Once enrolled in the program, students must complete the Apprenticeship in Teaching Program and ultimately write and defend a full research dissertation in a seminar open to the public.

Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University in St. Louis

Ph.D. students in the computer science or computer engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support and health insurance. According to the university's website: "As a doctoral candidate, you will also receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses and a new, high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree." Doctoral students may also qualify for one of three fellowships.

Jeff Miller | UW-Madison

• Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

Incoming Ph.D. students at the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin—Madison are guaranteed full funding for the duration of the time that they are expected on campus, according to the university's department of counseling psychology website. Doctoral students also receive a benefits package that includes health insurance. Funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships and/or traineeships.

Emory University |

Ph.D. in economics at Emory University (GA)

Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding, according to the Georgia university's website. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student's cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.

• Ph.D. in education at New York University

New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers more than 30 degree programs. Many can be pursued on campus or online. Ph.D. degrees are offered in areas like developmental psychology, educational leadership and childhood education. Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.

L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service |

Ph.D. in education at Stanford University (CA)

Stanford University's Graduate School of Education allows students numerous fellowship and assistantship opportunities at the California school, along with a "five-year funding guarantee that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary, and covers the standard cost of attendance," the program website reads. At the Graduate School of Education, doctoral students can choose from a range of academic areas like curriculum studies and teacher education, and developmental and psychological sciences.

• Ph.D. in education at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.

• Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor can choose from numerous areas of specialization under umbrella categories like aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, macromolecular science and engineering, and robotics. All engineering doctoral students are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend and health insurance. The exact amount can vary, according to the program's website, and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.

Boston University Photography |

• Ph.D. in English at Boston University

Annually, doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, according to the university's website, but it's not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships and short-term research and travel grants.

(Stephanie Diani) |

• Ph.D. in English at the University of California—Los Angeles

Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at the University of California—Los Angeles are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes "a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support and up to four years of teaching assistantships," according to the school website. Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Jeff Watts |

Ph.D. in international relations at American University (DC)

American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean's Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant. Students also must "demonstrate competency in a modern foreign language" before graduating.

Jonathan Cohen | Binghamton University

• Ph.D. in management at Binghamton University—SUNY

All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years. This STEM-designated business doctoral degree prepares students for careers in academia and work in the public and private sectors, and has a student-faculty ratio of 1-to-1, according to the university's website.

Duke University Communications |

Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University (NC)

Doctoral students at Duke University in North Carolina studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university's student medical insurance plan. The doctoral program aims to help students publish with a faculty adviser and develop research skills, with the opportunity to present research at professional conferences.

Homewood Photography | JHU

Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University (MD)

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland provides most doctoral students with three fully funded years of study. Available financial aid includes graduate assistantships, targeted fellowships and nursing-specific funding. The university aims to "advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery" with the degree, its website reads. "By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career."

• Ph.D. in nursing at the University of Virginia

All students admitted to the University of Virginia 's Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant. With a heavy research focus, students can expect courses in qualitative, quantitative and historical research, and will have to submit a research proposal for peer review.

Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University (CT)

At Yale University in Connecticut, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care. The program allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular area of study. Every incoming Ph.D. student gets paired with a faculty adviser "whose area of expertise and active research most closely matches with the student’s scholarly interest," according to the school's website.

University of Minnesota |

• Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend and subsidized health insurance. Funding comes from some combination of teaching assistantships, traineeships, research assistantships and fellowships. Students in the program can specialize in areas like cognitive and brain sciences, industrial-organizational psychology and social psychology.

Matt Cashore | University of Notre Dame

Ph.D. within the Romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame (IN)

University of Notre Dame doctoral students who focus on French and Francophone studies, Iberian and Latin American studies or Italian studies are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance. Anyone who completes the Ph.D. degree requirements at the Indiana university within five years will automatically receive a one-year postdoctoral fellowship via the university's 5+1 Program. Fellows will have a teaching load limited to one course per semester.

Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College (PA)

Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College 's Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and "substantial stipends" toward living expenses. The Pennsylvania college's website says: "Consistent with our model, all Ph.D. students are funded equally, and do not compete for basic financial support during coursework." The program's cohorts typically include only three or four students each year. According to the college, it awarded the first Ph.D. degree in social work in the U.S. in 1920.

Vanderbilt University |

Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University (TN)

Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. This includes full tuition, a "competitive" monthly stipend and health insurance for up to four years. Students may also be nominated for additional honor scholarships and fellowships. Areas of focus within the Ph.D. program include high-incidence disabilities and early childhood education.

Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University (IL)

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Northwestern University in Illinois combines coursework in humanities, social science and the visual arts. The program's students receive a five-year full-tuition scholarship plus an annual living stipend. Ph.D students enrolling at this program in fall 2022 will receive a living stipend of at least $36,960 during the 2023-2024 school year. Stipend amounts may change from year to year. Students can apply for subsidies to facilitate conference travel and summer language study.

(Photo by Sarah L. Voisin | The Washington Post via Getty Images)

• Ph.D. in women, gender and sexuality studies at University of Maryland

At the University of Maryland 's Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master's degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master's degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships. Since the program's establishment in 1999, the department has granted 36 Ph.Ds, according to UMD's website.

Learn more about paying for graduate school.

Finding a fully funded program isn't the only option to offset the costs of graduate school. See these seven strategies to pay for graduate school to learn more. Check out the latest Best Graduate Schools rankings to see the country's top business, medicine and law programs – and more. For additional grad school tips, follow U.S. News Education on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Ph.D. programs that are fully funded

• Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University
• Ph.D. in business at Rice University
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University
• Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University—St. Louis
• Ph.D. in economics at Emory University
• Ph.D. in education at Stanford University
• Ph.D. in international relations at American University
• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University
• Ph.D. within the romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame
• Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College
• Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University
• Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University

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Florence S. Downs PhD Program in Nursing Research and Theory Development

Tab section offlorence s. downs phd program in nursing research and theory development.

• Eligibility

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is home to one of the first PhD nursing programs in the nation. The faculty is composed of some of the most lauded, published, and funded researchers in the profession. The College’s affiliations with hundreds of hospitals, private practices, clinics, professional journals, and other institutions provide a wealth of resources for PhD students.

The College’s PhD program in nursing research and theory development is designed to support students and guide them in achieving their academic and professional goals. The curriculum provides an excellent foundation in the philosophy of scientific inquiry, theory development in nursing science, quantitative and qualitative research designs, and methodological approaches to data management and analyses. Faculty members are dedicated to challenging and encouraging students to conduct groundbreaking original research and examine their own interests and passions for public service. There is a strong commitment by the faculty to conduct research that improves health and healthcare equity across the lifespan and mentor students committed to achieving the same goals.

Our PhD students come from all backgrounds and from all stages of personal and career development. However, they share one common thread: the excellence of their thought and dedication to the nursing field.

Why NYU Meyers?

• Our faculty are experts in their field and in mentoring PhD students for successful research careers.
• We facilitate networking and relationship building within nursing and related fields for long-term career development.
• Our students graduate with an average of four peer-reviewed publications each, setting them up for highly attractive post-doctoral fellowships or faculty positions.
• Alumni from our PhD program have become distinguished nursing leaders in the US and globally.
• We are consistently at the top of NIH-funded nursing schools.
• We guarantee all students four years of funding for tuition, stipend, and health insurance. That is above the rates of peer schools.
• Students have access to statisticians, prominent guest speakers, and other resources through the Pless Center for Nursing Research .
• Students have access to diverse patient populations across the New York metropolitan area and the globe through both public and private healthcare systems.
• Students live and work in New York City, taking part in its culture and events and becoming involved in the multitude of opportunities within its healthcare ecosystem.   

Environment

• We have an outstanding interdisciplinary environment that is designed to produce both independent investigators and those with team-based research skills.
• We encourage a supportive, collaborative environment amongst our PhD students who celebrate each other’s successes.
• Our students are encouraged to take advantage of the many classes, seminars, events, and resources available to students across campus.
• Behavioral Sciences Training in Drug Abuse Research
• Center for Precision Health in Diverse Populations P20
• Division of Special Studies in Symptom Management
• Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing
• Muriel and Virginia Pless Center for Nursing Research
• Occupational and Environmental Health T42
• Oral Health Initiative (OHNEP) 

Research areas

Adults & aging - domestic & international.

• Heart disease
• Geriatrics & care of older adults
• Minority health
• LGBTQ Health
• Social determinants of health
• Informatics for interventions
• Substance use
• Palliative care   

Children, Youth, & Families - Domestic & International

• Maternal-child health
• Children < 5
• School-age children
• Adolescents
• Chronic disease prevention & management
• Infectious disease prevention & management
• Addressing health equity in early life

Health Services Research - Domestic & International

• Structural disparities analyses
• Community-based care delivery
• Home health care
• Hospital-based care
• Health policy
• Deployment (e.g. staffing)
• Informatics for Health Systems
• Interprofessional care
• Occupational Health

Please review the Academic Bulletin.

Post-BS to PhD entry point

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 from an NLN or AACN accredited Bachelor’s program in Nursing. 
• The ability to demonstrate professional performance or contribution to nursing as evidenced by research efforts, publications, presentations, membership in professional organizations, honors/awards, community service, or letters of recommendation. 
• As of Fall 2021, GRE scores are no longer required as part of the application for the Florence S. Downs PhD program in Nursing Research and Theory Development . Prospective students may still submit GRE scores if they have them as part of the application.

Post-Master’s entry point

• At least one degree (bachelors or master's) in nursing
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 
• The ability to demonstrate professional performance/contribution to nursing as evidenced by research efforts, publications, presentations, membership in professional organizations, honors/awards, community service, or letters of recommendation

For students with international credentials

If your academic credentials are not in English and/or are from a foreign school with a grading system not based on a 4.0 overall GPA, we strongly suggest evaluation and translation. Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE) is the preferred service. ECE prepares evaluation reports that identify the United States equivalents of educational qualifications earned in other countries. To request an evaluation report, you must complete and submit an application form, along with all required documentation and all applicable fees. ECE will complete most evaluation reports in approximately 15 to 20 business days from the date they receive all required documentation and fees. They also offer one-day, five-day, and 12-day Rush Service and Express Delivery. Please visit the  ECE website  for more information.

Technical standards requirements

Applicants must meet the  Technical Standards for Core Professional Nursing Competency Performance  in order to be eligible for admission to, progress in, and graduate from the nursing program.

Criminal background check policy

Please be advised that prior to or during clinical learning experiences at an acute or community and/or school-based health care facility, that facility may require a criminal background check in order to meet the facility's clinical placement policy or requirements. Such checks may be conducted by the facility or the student may have to independently obtain a criminal background check that meets the facility's requirements. We do not conduct criminal background checks.

Equal opportunity statement

NYU Meyers does not discriminate due to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, or any other legally protected basis. Prospective students of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to apply for all of our programs.

Contact the Office of Admissions

For any questions regarding the PhD program, please contact NYU Meyer's Office of Admissions at [email protected] or 212-998-5317.

PhD curriculum total program (46 credits)

Students must have the equivalent of three years of full-time study to earn a PhD in New York State. This requirement can be met by course load, course load, and equivalencies, or by maintenance of matriculation after finishing coursework and working at least 40 hours per week on a dissertation. See PhD handbook for rules and explanations of full-time status and below for the curricula.

Access application for all graduate programs

Application deadlines

The application for Fall 2024 will be available September 15.

Fall 2024 Deadline: December 15, 2023

Please note: All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by December 1st at 11:59 PM EST . Applications that become complete after this time may not be reviewed. 

Mandatory Interview Day:  January/February 2024 (exact date TBD)

Application requirements

Access the application for our PhD program . All applicants to our PhD program are required to submit the following documents at the time of application:

• One (1) transcript from each post-secondary school attended. We can review applications with unofficial transcripts. Admitted students will be asked to submit official transcripts prior to beginning coursework at NYU Meyers.
• A two- to three-page personal statement.
• At least three (3) letters of recommendation.
• RN (and NP, when applicable) license and registration certificate.

Supplemental materials

Please attach the following original documentation to demonstrate professional performance/contribution to the nursing field:

• A list of research, writing/publications. Please submit no more than two papers that are most illustrative of your ability. If you are not published, you may submit papers from previous academic work and/or forward additional letters of recommendation.
• A list of professional organizations or student groups in which you are involved. Acceptable documentation includes program listings or letters from colleagues.
• A list of honors from professional societies; a duplicate copy of the honor is acceptable.

The above information should be uploaded to the online application. If you do not have any of the above documents, you can select "no" to the application question which asks if you have any of these supplemental materials. 

Important Notes

Applications are reviewed by a panel of professors from NYU Meyers. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview in January/February.

Applicants who have attended a post-secondary institution outside of the United States are required to upload one (1) transcript from each post-secondary school attended and submit one (1) official course-by-course evaluation of each foreign transcript directly to our office at the time of application. Your application will not be reviewed without these documents. Please mail your official course-by-course evaluation(s) to the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions (complete address listed above).

For applicants whose native language is not English, a copy of your latest TOEFL or IELTS score is required. Admitted students will be asked to submit official test scores prior to beginning coursework at NYU Meyers. We require a minimum TOEFL internet-based score of 100 on TOEFL with no less than 22 on the writing.

We encourage you to fill out a FAFSA form at the time that you apply.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. All deadlines listed are 'in-office' deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is always to the candidate's best advantage to apply early, especially when applying for financial aid. Should any of the dates listed fall on a weekend, the deadline will be the next working day.

After submitting your application, you may check on your admissions status using your application login. Should you have any questions about the admissions process, you are encouraged to call the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions at (212) 998-5317.

Application fee

The application fee is $85. Your application will not be processed until your application fee has been paid. Application fees are non-refundable and must be received by the stated application deadlines.

Fee Waivers

NYU Meyers waives fees for applications based on financial hardship or US military service/US veteran status. To request that the application fee is waived, please submit a request to  [email protected]  before submitting your application. The request should include your full name and the program to which you are applying. We will notify you via email when your request for an application fee waiver has been approved. 

Do I need to know exactly what I am going to do for my dissertation research?

Students should have a general idea of their area of research interest, to make certain that an appropriate NYU Meyers faculty member can mentor you. Acceptance into the PhD Program is dependent on a strong "match.” As students progress through the first year of full time study, however, their ideas evolve as they learn more about the research process.

The maximum time to complete the PhD at NYU Meyers is seven years. Will it take me seven years to complete the PhD program?

Absolutely not! Seven years is the absolute maximum that is allowed, and is not encouraged. The college’s goal is to prepare graduates to conduct real-world research that benefits the profession and our patients. Many students can complete the PhD in fours years. Students work closely with advisors to ensure that barriers to completion are identified and addressed to ensure timely completion of the program.

What funding sources are available to me?

Most students receive tuition and stipend support for a four-year period; however, the College encourages and offers resources for students to prepare proposals for predoctoral funding either through the National Institutes of Health or other organizations. Federal traineeships and loans are also available. Other funding sources include scholarship funds from private grants and gifts. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) provides an important option as well. The NFLP is a loan cancellation program with a post-graduation obligation.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Does the college offer a post-doctoral program.

New York University has a Postdoctoral and Transitional Program for Academic Diversity Fellowship and we have had several postdoctoral students placed here at the College through this fellowship. NYU Meyers faculty with grant funding will also hire qualified candidates into research-intensive post-doctoral positions. These positions are available based on current funding for faculty and inquiries can be made directly with them. We also accept individuals interested in developing an individual F32 application through NIH to support post-doctoral training.

What is the application deadline for the PhD program?

The final application deadline for the fall semester (September) admission is December 15. This is a hard deadline. We will not be accepting applications after December 15.

Is the GRE required for admission?

The GRE is not required or considered for admission to the PhD program.

Does NYU Meyers require any specific nursing licensure for admission?

US-educated PhD applicants must hold a current professional United States nursing license. These PhD students must maintain their nursing license while matriculated at NYU Meyers. International students are not required to hold a US license to study in our program.

How can I check the status of my application?

After submitting your application, you may check on your admissions status using your application login.

When will I know if I am admitted or not?

Applicants are notified of admissions decisions on a rolling basis. Typically the application review process takes between four and six weeks.

What is the minimum G.P.A. required for acceptance to NYU Meyers?

Applicants with an earned master’s degree must have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.0 from a NLNAC or CCNE accredited program. For baccalaureate students or those applying concurrently with the master’s program, the minimum grade point average is 3.5.

What are computer specifications recommendations for incoming PhD students?

Hardware recommendations are the following:

• Processor: Intel i7 (PC) or A1 (Apple) 
• Memory: 16 GB 
• Storage: 500GB SSD Drive

This hardware will allow you to efficiently run statistical and research software. 

If you are shopping for a new laptop, NYU Meyers highly encourages you to look at the offerings from the NYU Computer Store . The store has competitive pricing. 

Helpful links:

• Tuition & Fees
• Course Schedules
• Academic Calendar
• Application System

Resources for:

• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• MS-PhD Combined Program
• PhD in Nursing & Health Science Program
• Academics & Curriculum
• Eligibility & Admissions
• Tuition & Financial Support
• Careers & Student Bios

The MS-PhD Combined program  at the University of Rochester offers baccalaureate-prepared nurses the ability to earn a master’s in one of six nurse practitioner specialty areas, alongside a PhD in Nursing & Health Science.

As a bachelor’s-prepared nurse, earn your master’s and PhD in Nursing and Health Science in five years of full-time effort, moving more quickly toward becoming the health care leader and researcher you want to be.

The University of Rochester is dedicated to helping you discover new knowledge in a dynamic, collaborative environment. We offer the resources and challenges you need so you are prepared to embark on a new kind of career as a researcher in nursing and health science.

Below is a map of what it takes to earn your master's and PhD at the UR School of Nursing.

Note:  We are not currently accepting applications to the MS-PhD Combined program.

MS-PhD Combined Program Curriculum

The full-time MS-PhD in Nursing & Health Science Combined program curriculum prepares you to conduct research both independently and as a key member of an interdisciplinary team. Before you begin the program, you will work closely with an advisor to map your degree plan.

MS and PhD courses are taken in a very rigorous three years of full-time enrollment after which the master’s degree is awarded. You will then continue to complete the PhD dissertation proposal and dissertation research. Throughout the program, you will work closely with faculty who are active in research and experts in their field.

The first three years of MS and PhD coursework are very intensive, with five days per week of classes, clinical hours, and study time required to meet the program goals. Having a strong support system while in this program is key to your success. Students are strongly discouraged from taking on employment more than one day per week. Financial support is available for full-time study.

 Sample Degree Plan 

Review a sample degree plan for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-PhD program.

Sample MS-PhD Degree Plan

Please note: This is a sample degree plan only. Please contact Admissions or your program director to discuss your specific degree plan.

 Master’s Specialty Curriculum 

See below for specifics on specialty coursework related to the master’s degree curriculum:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

MS-PhD in Nursing Program Phases

 coursework .

The first three years of this program feature fast-paced, intensive MS and PhD coursework. The master’s portion of the program for nurse practitioner students becomes increasingly clinical, including full-day precepted clinical experiences with expert nurse practitioner mentors. The PhD in Nursing & Health Science coursework  then becomes increasingly specialized as students seek out cognate courses to support their individual research interests.

 Proposal Development: One to Two Semesters 

• Constitution of a dissertation committee
• Participation in Dissertation Workshop in preparation for proposal defense
• Finalization and defense of the dissertation research proposal

 Dissertation Research: Six to 18 Months, depending on nature of research 

Once the proposal has been successfully defended and research review board approval has been secured, the student conducts the dissertation research project independently under guidance of the committee. The final dissertation is then written, revised with critique from the committee, and defended publicly with a private critique to follow.

Connect With Us

Interested in earning your PhD? Connect with us to discuss the PhD degree in nursing and health science and the opportunities available at the University of Rochester. 

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PhD Nursing (4 years) / Programme details

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

Programme description

Our PhD 4-year Nursing programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Nursing.

This postgraduate research programme in nursing gives you the opportunity to work with internationally renowned scholars engaged in innovative research that will make a difference in people's lives and in health and social care.

We particularly welcome students from all health and social care disciplines who have an interest in exploring related subject areas.

4-year PhD (full time and full time distance learning only)

This is a four year PhD programme for students who:

• have not previously studied research methods
• have studied research methods but not in the UK
• have limited English language skills
• have not completed a master's degree.

In this programme, the first year is a foundation year designed to prepare you for the following three years of the PhD programme.

This will include completing taught research methods units from our MClin Res in Clinical Research , developing a research proposal with your supervision team and English language tuition (if English is not your first language).

We also offer a standard three year PhD programme (as well as MPhil ) for students who do not need to do the foundation year.

Special features

Training and development

All of our postgraduate researchers attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Researcher Development team . The programme provides key transferable skills and equips our postgraduate researchers with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy. The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.

Coursework and assessment

Students must submit work at specific stages, review their progress, identify their learning and development needs, and meet with their supervisors throughout their course. Some meetings and evaluations are informal, while others are formal and documented.

4-year PhD  

In order to complete the foundation year and progress to year 2 all students must pass 4 MRes units with a mark of 50% or higher. Students will also write a proposal of about 2,000-2,500 words that will provide a platform for an end of year 1 meeting with supervisors and advisor; this is not formally assessed. Students will also be expected to complete English language tuition as required.

You will submit a continuation report at the end of 23 months. This will summarise your knowledge and skills in your topic of study and your ability to apply this to produce a robust research plan to complete your study. It is examined by two external examiners by a viva examination, and must be passed to progress to Year 3.

At the end of Year 3, you will submit a progress report via eProg for assessment by the supervisors and postgraduate research tutor. At the end of Year 4, the PhD thesis will be examined by an internal and external examiner.

Scholarships and bursaries

Funded programmes and projects are promoted throughout the year. Funding is available through UK Research Councils, charities and industry. We also have other internal awards and scholarships for the most outstanding applicants from within the UK and overseas.

What our students say

The wider facilities of the University are of an excellent standard, with one of the best library collections and resources in Europe.

Disability support