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Best Ph.D. in Nursing Programs – 2024

2024 - Best Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Texas Woman's University

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

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

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

Endicott College

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

Ph.D. in Nursing Online/Hybrid

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

Mercer University

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

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

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

University of Central Florida

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

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

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

William Carey University

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

Nursing Education - DNP to PhD Online/Hybrid

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

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

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

RELATED : Dual DNP/PhD Programs

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

Online Ph.D. Nursing Program Advantages

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

On-Campus Ph.D. in Nursing Program Advantages

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

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

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

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

Ph.D. in Nursing Course Topics

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

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

Program Length

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

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

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

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

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

Jump to Your State Listings

University of alabama at birmingham.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Campus

Arizona State University

Nursing and Healthcare Innovation, PhD Campus

University of Arizona

Nursing (PHD) Online

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)

PhD in Nursing Campus

Azusa Pacific University Monrovia

Nursing, PhD Campus

Loma Linda University

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

University of California San Francisco

PhD, Nursing Campus
PhD in Nursing: Health Policy Campus

University of California, Irvine

University of san diego.

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

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Hybrid

University of Northern Colorado

Nursing Education PhD Online

Connecticut

University of connecticut.

School of Nursing - PhD Program Campus

Yale University

PhD Program in Nursing Campus

University of Delaware

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Science Campus

Barry University

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Florida Atlantic University

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

Florida International University

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

University of Florida

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

University of Miami

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Campus

University of South Florida

PhD Program in Nursing Science Campus

Augusta University

Doctor of Philosophy with a Major in Nursing Hybrid

Emory University

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Hybrid

Georgia State University

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

University of Hawai'i at Manoa

PhD in Nursing Online

Idaho State University

Illinois state university.

PhD in Nursing Hybrid

Loyola University of Chicago

Rush university.

Nursing Science (PhD) Online

University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

Doctor of Philosophy Campus

Indiana University Online

PhD in Nursing Science Online

Purdue University

PhD in Nursing* Campus

University of Iowa

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

University of Kansas

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

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Campus

Johns Hopkins University

University of maryland.

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

Massachusetts

Boston college.

Ph.D. in Nursing Hybrid

Northeastern University

PhD in Nursing

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Nursing PhD Campus

University of Massachusetts Boston

University of massachusetts lowell.

Ph.D. in Nursing with Health Promotion focus Hybrid

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Michigan state university.

Ph.D. in Nursing Campus

Oakland University

Ph.D. in Nursing

University of Michigan

Nursing, Ph.D. Campus

Wayne State University

Ph.D. in Nursing Online

University of Minnesota

Mississippi, university of mississippi medical center.

Nursing Education - DNP to PhD Online

Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Hybrid

Mizzou Online- University of Missouri

Nursing: Online doctorate Online

University Of Missouri Kansas City

Nursing PhD Hybrid

University of Missouri - St. Louis

Nursing PhD Online

University of Missouri Health

Interdisciplinary Nursing PhD Campus

University of Nebraska Medical Center

University of nevada, las vegas.

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

Rutgers School of Nursing

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

Doctor Of Philosophy In Nursing, Phd Campus

Stony Brook University

University at buffalo.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Online

North Carolina

Duke university.

PhD Program in Nursing Online

East Carolina University

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