phd nursing fully funded

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.   

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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

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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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PhD Resources

Recent News

McNelis to lead nursing science PhD program

Genomics course for doctoral nursing faculty seeks participants

VUSN Research Spotlight: Emma Clark

VUSN Research Spotlight: Deonni Stolldorf

VUSN Research Spotlight: Lori Schirle

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DISTINCTIONS

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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Nursing, PhD

The mission of the doctoral program of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is to develop scholars of the discipline of Nursing capable of building a program of research that advances nursing knowledge and contributes to the health of individuals, families, and communities.  

Graduates of this program will serve as leaders at the forefront of nursing research and its translation into practice locally, nationally, and globally. These nurse scientists will create new knowledge and be informed by a nursing perspective to enhance health and to develop and test innovations to improve outcomes of healthcare, with a priority on populations at greatest need.

The foundation of program success is the substantive match between the student and the faculty advisor. The educational experience focuses on the processes of exploring and examining substantive bodies of knowledge.  The researcher’s development is fostered through exposure to an array of philosophic and methodological aspects of nursing and related basic and applied disciplines.

Our full-time PhD students are fully funded for the first three years, which includes a living stipend and covers tuition, fees, and health insurance.

For more information: https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/academics/doctor-of-philosophy-in-nursing-phd/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

To earn the PhD, students must complete the 14 course units (CUs) in addition to satisfying several non-credit milestones.

The below requirements apply only to PhD students entering Fall 2018 and later . Students who entered in Fall 2017 and earlier should refer to the PhD Student Handbook for a complete listing of degree requirements.

Most students complete their coursework within three years and then will be on dissertation status until the final dissertation defense.

Program Milestones

• Qualifying Examination/MS-General Examination
• Candidacy Examination
• Dissertation Status
• Dissertation Defense

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study

Students will take 3 - 4 courses per semester for the first two to three years before moving into the dissertation phase of the program.

View sample plans of study: http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/academics/doctor-of-philosophy-in-nursing-phd/curriculum/sample-plan-of-study/

The  Hillman Scholars Program in Nursing Innovation  is an integrated BSN-to-PhD program designed to educate a new cadre of nurse scientists and leaders to develop innovative solutions in healthcare. The program is available for current Penn Nursing undergraduate students, as well as students applying to the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program.

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Nursing Leadership PhD

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

Credit Hours:

48-60 Hours

Cost per Credit Hour:

Calculate Your Tuition

Completion Time:

1-3 years   *pending hours enrolled

University Accreditation:

Special Requirements:

No additional requirements

Learn more about this program:

Thank you for your interest in online at southern miss.

Ready to take the next step?

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

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

Our Nursing PhD will allow you to participate in the health care field while impacting the development of up-and-coming nurses. Allow The University of Southern Mississippi to guide you from BSN to PhD in only 60 credit hours. This is your chance to make a wider impact without interrupting your position in the health care field by getting your fully online Nursing PhD from The University of Southern Mississippi.

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

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

The Graduate School is now offering standardized test waivers to applicants of this program. There is currently no GRE requirement for this degree!

Nurse Faculty Loan Program

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

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

A Nursing Ph.D. prepares you for leadership, research, and advanced clinical roles, allowing you to contribute significantly to the advancement of nursing science and the improvement of healthcare in your community.

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

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

Academic Progression

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

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

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

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education

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

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

Core I - 36 hours

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

Core II (12 hours)

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

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

Dissertation

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

Research Tools Requirements

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

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

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

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

Additional Note

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Admission Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PhD Financial Support

PhD student tuition and 12-month stipends are  fully funded  for up to five years. As a PhD student, you'll receive a competitive package that should provide financial support (tuition, stipend, health insurance) for the majority of the time you are registered and working toward your degree. PhD students are supported in various ways, including funding from the School of Nursing, Graduate School, or other governmental and private sources. 

PhD students also play an integral part in the financial commitment. All students are expected to make a good-faith effort to obtain external fellowships at some point during their funding period and will be encouraged to pursue these opportunities. PhD students will be required to apply for summer funding from the Graduate School for summers during years 3-5. If not awarded, the School of Nursing will work with the student to find other sources of support (e.g., TA or RA ship). 

It is essential to understand that the overall PhD Program awards budget depends on a significant number of students obtaining such external support. External grants and fellowships also benefit students because they bring distinction, and competing for such awards provides students with opportunities to practice grant-writing skills that may serve them well in their future careers.

PhD Student Graduate Assistantships (RA/TA):

Beginning with the second semester of Year 1, PhD students receiving financial support from the School of Nursing are required to engage in a Graduate Assistantship in research or teaching (approximately 8 hours per week). Graduate Assistantships support the mission of the school but also enhance the student’s scholarly portfolio.

Catherine Gilliss Endowed Scholarship Award:

The Duke University School of Nursing created the Catherine Gilliss Endowed Scholarship Award as a tribute to Catherine Gilliss and her legacy of excellence as Dean of the School of Nursing from 2004 to 2014. An incoming PhD student will receive the award annually based on excellent qualifications and academic promise.

The award provides an annual $5,000 stipend supplement for two years.

J ames B. Duke Fellowship : The James B. Duke 100th Anniversary Fund provides fellowships for students who wish to pursue a program leading to the PhD in The Graduate School. Its objective is to help attract and develop outstanding scholars at Duke. Selection of recipients is made by a faculty committee upon nomination by the appropriate department. These fellowships provide a $5,000 stipend supplement for four years in addition to any other award the student receives from the department, The Graduate School, or national fellowships. This award is offered through The Graduate School. Incoming students are nominated by their department; no direct application is necessary.

Dean's Graduate Fellowship:

The Dean's Graduate Fellowships are provided to students who-- because of their background, culture, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, work, and life experiences-- contribute to a fuller representation of perspectives within the University's academic life. The Graduate School's commitment to promoting and benefiting from diversity leads it to encourage nominations of students who are black/African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and Hispanic/Latino Americans. All nominees must be U.S. citizens. 

The Dean's Graduate Fellowship will provide a 12-month stipend during the first two years of study and a $6,500 stipend supplement (depending on the student's course of study)  in the third and fourth years of study. The Dean's Graduate Fellowship will also cover partial tuition (i.e., tuition remission) and total fees for the fall, spring, and summer terms during the first two years of study and summer tuition and fees during the third and fourth summers for students receiving a summer stipend from this Fellowship. The Graduate School will provide a scholarship for the balance of the tuition. 

This award is offered through The Graduate School. Incoming students are nominated by their department; no direct application is necessary. More details are included here . 

Duke Margolis Scholars Program in Health Policy and Management:

The Margolis Scholars program is a prestigious program for Duke University students that demonstrate a strong interest in and commitment to a career in health policy and management, as well as leadership potential to improve health policy. Named in honor of Rovert Margolis, M.D., the founder of Duke-Margolis and a pioneer of innovative integrated care delivery models, the Margolis Scholars program provides promising students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be the next generation of health care leaders. 

Margolis Scholars is a competitive program open to students at undergraduate and graduate levels. Selected Scholars are engaged in the program for 1-2 years, depending on their program of study.

More details are included here.  

Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI), Doctoral Scholars Program:

For current Duke doctoral students with a deep interest in global health, the Global Health Doctoral Scholars program offers the opportunity for dynamic intellectual exchange, faculty mentorship and rigorous dissertation research on a global health challenge. In collaboration with a faculty mentor, you will explore the social, economic, and cultural context of global health while conducting innovative research impacting health equity an expanding your professional skills and opportunities. 

As a Global Health Doctoral Scholar, you will receive 50% of your academic-year stipend for one year and may receive funding for a second year upon successful application for continuation. You will work closely with a DGHI faculty mentor or a mentoring team. Our world-class faculty provide research guidance an professional development opportunities designed to advance your career in global health.

More details are included here . 

Holditch-Davis PhD Student Pilot Study Award Program:

The PhD Student Pilot Study Fund was launched in 2013 to support the conduct of student research. The pilot fund was renamed the Holditch-Davis PhD Student Research Study Award in January 2022 in recognition of the generous endowment made to the Duke University School of Nursing from the Holditch-Davis family.

Calls for proposals will be sent out twice per year: Spring and Fall. Funding amounts may vary based on the cycle but typically range between $800 - $1,000.

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. 

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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
• Safety and Quality of Care

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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Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

Academic Programs

Admissions at a glance.

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

Research Centers and Programs

Research areas of focus.

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

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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

Estimated funding package for the phd program, financial support.

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

2023-2024 PhD Program Funding Package (Projected) for Full-Time Students

• Tuition and Fees: covered 
• Health Insurance: covered
• Stipend: $46,680 annual 

2023-2024 Estimated PhD Program Costs 

• Tuition and Fees: $47,668
• Health Insurance: $4,541
• Food and Housing: $26,730
• Transportation: $127

International Students

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.

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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• News & Events
• Faculty & Staff

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

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

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

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

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

The School of Nursing is committed to assisting all full-time PhD students for four years of tuition, fees, stipend, and health insurance.

PhD Tuition and Financial Aid

Students may be funded internally or externally, depending on funding options available. The PhD program leadership will determine which funding is most appropriate for all incoming students. Students who choose part-time enrollment are responsible for paying for their own tuition, fees, and health insurance.

Internal Funding

External funding, supplemental employment, international students, scholarships & grants, academic practice partnership scholarship for employees of penn nursing’s academic partners, future of nursing scholars program, independence blue cross nurses for tomorrow scholarship.

Eligible to candidates for a Doctoral of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing degree and intend to pursue a career as a nurse educator or an advanced practice nurse. Recipients will be selected by committee and awards may vary, minimum award amount will be $2500. To qualify, you must be able to provide proof of residency (RN license, driver’s license, car registration, or voter registration) in one of the following areas:

• Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester or Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania
• New Castle County in Delaware
• Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem and Mercer Counties in New Jersey

Jonas Scholars Program

The program was created in 2008 to support doctoral nursing students to increase the number of doctorally-prepared faculty available to teach in nursing schools nationwide, as well as the number of advanced practice nurses providing direct patient care. Through an institutional grant to the school, the Program provides financial assistance, leadership development and networking support to expand the pipeline of future doctorally-prepared nurse faculty and advanced practice nurses.

Nurse Faculty Loan Program

Available to MSN, Post-Master’s, and PhD students who are interested in pursuing a career as a nursing educator, this loan forgiveness program is funded by HRSA – up to 85% forgivable. Awards may vary and can be awarded as high as $35,500, and require a 4-year work commitment as a full-time faculty member at any school of nursing.

Understanding Your Aid

Preparing financially for your doctoral program, program funding for full-time doctoral students, financial aid for part-time doctoral students.

Part-time doctoral students are responsible for their tuition, fees, and health insurance. You can submit a FAFSA if you would like to borrow Federal loans for your tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses.

Federal Direct Loans & Direct Graduate Plus Loans are available for full-time and part-time students who are attending at least half time (2 CUs). You can request $20,500 of unsubsidized Direct Loan funds every academic year. Keep in mind you must make a progression of 6 CUs to receive each new level of borrowing.

You can use Grad Plus Loans to cover your expected contribution and any difference between your needs and the combination of your grants, scholarships, and loans.

Loan forgiveness program

Working while enrolled in the doctoral program.

You are permitted to work in the School of Nursing to supplement your income:

• U.S. Citizens or permanent residents: Up to 10 additional hours per week
• International students: Up to 8 hours per week in addition to your primary appointment.

Many doctoral students work a secondary appointment in the school as a lecturer, clinical instructor, or as classroom support.

 As always, if you have any questions, we are here to help!

Related Links

See yourself here.

Online Nursing PhD Programs

Post-BSN or Post-MSN Options

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing

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

Online Nursing PhD at UCF

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

Funding Opportunities for PhD Students

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

Select a UCF Nursing PhD Program to Learn More

Online BSN to PhD

A faster, affordable path to a research career.

Post-MSN or post-graduate degree program.

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

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

• Universities

MAECI Scholarships 2024-2025: Fully Funded Masters & PhD in Italy

The Italian Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), offers scholarships for international students to pursue Masters and PhD degrees in Italy for the 2024-2025 academic year. These fully-funded MAECI scholarships cover tuition fees, health insurance, and provide a monthly stipend of 900 euros.

In this Article:

Eligibility Criteria for MAECI Scholarships

To be eligible for the Italian Government Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a foreign citizen or an Italian citizen living abroad (IRE)
• Hold an appropriate academic qualification required to enroll in an Italian university
• Meet the age requirements:Under 28 years old for Masters programs
• Under 30 years old for PhD programs
• Under 40 years old for Research projects
• Provide proof of Italian or English language proficiency (minimum B2 level)

Scholarships are available for the following types of courses offered by Italian universities:

• Masters Degree programs (Laurea Magistrale)
• PhD courses
• Research under academic supervision (Progetti in co-tutela)
• Courses in Arts, Music and Dance (AFAM)

Benefits of the MAECI Scholarship

The Italian Government Scholarship provides recipients with:

• 900 euros monthly allowance, paid quarterly
• Exemption from tuition fees at public universities
• Health and accident insurance coverage for the scholarship duration

The scholarship is awarded for a period of study ranging from 6 to 9 months, starting from November 1, 2024. Renewal of the scholarship for subsequent years is possible based on academic performance.

How to Apply for the MAECI Scholarship

The application for the 2024-2025 MAECI scholarships must be submitted online through the  Study in Italy portal  between May 15 and June 14, 2024.

To apply, candidates need to:

• Register an account on the Study in Italy portal
• Fill out the online application form
• Upload the required documents, including:CV
• Proof of academic qualifications
• Language certificates
• Admission letter from an Italian university (if available)
• Passport copy
• Motivation letter (max 1000 words)

Applications are evaluated by a Committee set up by the Italian Diplomatic Mission in the applicant’s country of origin. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and other criteria related to the applicant’s CV.

Top Italian Universities Offering MAECI Scholarships

Many prestigious Italian universities participate in the MAECI scholarship program. Some of the top institutions international students can apply to with this scholarship include:

• University of Bologna  – Founded in 1088, it is the oldest university in continuous operation.
• Sapienza University of Rome  – The largest European university by enrollments with over 110,000 students.
• Politecnico di Milano  – A leading university in Italy and Europe for Engineering, Architecture and Design.
• University of Padua  – A premier Italian university founded in 1222, where Galileo Galilei was a lecturer.
• University of Pisa  – Known for its distinguished role in fields like Physics, Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science.

These universities offer a wide range of Masters and PhD programs taught in English across various disciplines. Their research output, industry connections, and international environment make them attractive destinations for scholarship recipients.

Other Scholarship Opportunities in Italy

In addition to the MAECI scholarships, international students can explore other funding options to study in Italy:

• Invest Your Talent in Italy  – A scholarship program supporting students from select countries to pursue postgraduate studies in Engineering, Advanced Technologies, Architecture, Design, Economics and Management.
• University-specific scholarships – Many Italian universities offer their own merit-based scholarships and tuition fee waivers for international students. For example, the University of Pavia provides  150 tuition fee exemptions
• While Politecnico di Milano awards  scholarships of €5,000-€10,000 per year  to talented Master’s students
• Regional scholarships – Some Italian regions and local authorities grant scholarships to international students based on academic merit and financial need, such as the  EDISU Piemonte Scholarships  for students enrolled at universities in the Piedmont region

Researching and applying to multiple scholarship opportunities can increase your chances of receiving funding for your studies in Italy.

The Italian Government Scholarships offered by MAECI provide an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue Masters or PhD degrees at top Italian universities for free.

With a generous monthly stipend, tuition fee exemption, and insurance coverage, these scholarships enable talented students to study and live in Italy without financial burdens.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about studying in Italy, don’t miss the chance to  apply for the MAECI scholarships  between May 15 and June 14, 2024. Prepare your application materials in advance, research your preferred universities and programs, and submit a compelling application showcasing your academic achievements and motivation.

In addition to the MAECI scholarships, explore other funding options like regional scholarships and university-specific grants to maximize your chances of studying in Italy for free. With the right scholarship support, you can turn your dream of pursuing a Masters or PhD in Italy into reality.

Start your journey towards an enriching study experience in Italy today!

Apply now for the 2024-2025 MAECI Scholarships  and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to advance your education and career in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

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Unlock Your Academic Dreams with the Fully Funded Italy Scholarship at University of Calabria

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ITALY Scholarships 2024-2025: How to Apply for Sapienza University Rome Scholarships for Bachelors, MS C

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Fellowship aimed at diversifying the nursing workforce celebrates a meaningful milestone

First cohort of cure fellows graduates.

When Bridget Acquah walked onto the hematology floor at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) in June of 2023 to begin her final co-op rotation of UC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, she quickly realized that none of the other care providers looked like her.

“We have a lot of sickle cell patients who come on the hematology floor and the people who treat them don’t [typically] look like them, so sometimes they can’t express how they feel or tell [if their providers hear and understand them],” says Acquah, who emigrated from her home country of Ghana, West Africa, to Cincinnati with her family in 2019.

Acquah recalls an instance where a Black female patient didn’t feel comfortable answering questions asked by her social worker or Acquah’s nursing preceptor, who were both white. Recognizing that the patient might feel more comfortable with her, Acquah spoke with the patient privately to learn how they could best care for her. She then acted as the patient’s voice by communicating her concerns and needs to her care team.

Racial and ethnic concordance between patients and providers correlates to higher levels of perceived patient satisfaction of care, quality of healthcare, and trust, according to research by The National Center for Biotechnology Information. However, the lack of underrepresented minority (URM) providers makes it difficult to ensure racial and ethnic concordance for all patients.

To help prepare and expand a nursing workforce that is reflective of and responsive to an increasingly diverse patient population, UC College of Nursing launched its Cultivating Undergraduate Nursing Resilience and Equity (CURE) program in the fall of 2021. The college received a four-year $1.7 million Nursing Workforce Diversity grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to invest in the program, which is rounding out its third year and steered by Program Director Donna Green, PhD, MSN, RN C-EFM, associate professor and nursing department chair, as well as Deputy Director Ann Gakumo, PhD, RN, associate professor and associate dean for inclusion and community impact.

If it wasn’t for CURE, I don’t know how many loans I would have piled up by now. It gave me the courage to go to nursing school.

Bridget Acquah CURE Fellow, Class of 2024

Acquah is one of seven students who, as part of the first graduating cohort of CURE fellows, earned a BSN from UC this spring thanks to the financial, academic, and social support provided through the CURE program. As a first-generation college student, she says the program allowed her to focus on her studies and not stress about finances.

“The CURE program has been a lifesaver” says Acquah, who completed her freshman year at Cincinnati State Technical Community College to save on tuition before transferring to UC and becoming a program fellow in the fall of 2021. “If it wasn’t for CURE, I don’t know how many loans I would have piled up by now. It gave me the courage to go to nursing school.”

A Look at the CURE Program’s Impact

From left to right: Ann Gakumo, Emily Cole, Dorcas Sarbah, Caroline Kwiatkowski, Bridget Aquah, Lauyrn James, Roselyn Torkornoo, Aylessa Carter, Naiah Mensha, Donna Green

• Increase the sophomore application rate of disadvantaged/URM students to the BSN program to 20%;
• Provide comprehensive financial, academic, and social support for 35 disadvantaged/URM students;
• Embed curricula and experiential learning addressing targeted health disparities in Hamilton County, using maternal mortality as an exemplar; and
• Hire at least four new faculty from URM backgrounds.

The college has either achieved or made significant progress toward all four objectives. Since launching CURE, the college’s average sophomore URM application rate has more than doubled from 7% to 18.5%, which is supported by the college’s holistic admissions process. Additionally, the number of URM students who enroll each year in the BSN program has nearly tripled, with the URM enrollment average jumping from four students to 11 students.

In addition to the seven seniors who graduated this spring, 19 BSN students are receiving financial support through the program, and a fourth cohort of sophomore students will become fellows in the fall. All CURE fellows meet monthly with an academic advisor and receive emotional support from CURE Program Manager Emily Cole, who meets with them individually to help build their confidence and share resources like test-taking strategies, smart study habits, interview tips, and relevant books and podcasts. The social support aspect is bolstered by the sense of connectedness created by the cohort structure, as well as the program’s regular study table sessions and cross-cohort tutoring opportunities.

The program supplements UC’s nursing curriculum—which is underpinned in the social determinants of health—by integrating additional inclusive pedagogy, including instructional modules from public health and maternal health agencies. While the curriculum focuses on addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, it highlights specific content on disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity. A course on obstetrical nursing care, for example, incorporates materials from the CDC’s  Hear Her campaign , which aims to increase awareness of urgent maternal warning signs during and after pregnancy and improve communication between patients and providers.

Fellows Roselyn Torkornoo and Bridget Acquah at CURE end-of-year celebration

“Our fellows’ interests reinforce a lot of these curriculum components,” says Cole, who adds that several fellows have declared minors in public health, minority health, social work, and Africana studies. “They are voluntarily pursuing more schooling around the social determinants of health, and this particular population is doing so at a higher rate than most BSN students, which will be really impactful when they graduate and become nurses caring for those communities.”

CURE fellows also benefit from rotating seminar-like sessions that are designed to help them thrive. So, on top of their nursing coursework, they learn how to manage procrastination, build their professional profile, prepare for interviews, improve their financial literacy, and engage in experiential learning opportunities like co-ops, clinicals, and study abroad programs. An assistant chief nursing officer from UC Health also leads fellows through a resiliency workshop.

The college has also met its goal of hiring four new faculty from URM backgrounds, which supports its larger initiative to better reflect the diversity of the Greater Cincinnati community and broader U.S. population. Sustaining a program like CURE, which boasts a 100% retention rate, is part of the college’s greater diversity, equity and inclusion strategic initiatives. With grant funding set to expire next summer, the college plans to pursue additional funding to continue supporting current and future CURE fellows.

A Look at CURE Graduates’ Future Impact

Naiah Mensah planned on studying neuroscience at the University of Kentucky. The Louisville, Kentucky, native changed course during the final months of her senior year of high school when she learned about UC’s co-op program and the nursing college’s direct admission program. She was accepted into the direct admission program and became a CURE fellow as a sophomore in the fall of 2021. Now, after graduating alongside Acquah in April as the BSN 2024 Senior Class President and a College of Nursing Student Ambassador, Mensah is excited to work as a labor and delivery nurse at University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC).

Mensah fell in love with labor and delivery when she witnessed her first vaginal birth during an obstetrics co-op rotation last spring. The mother who was giving birth wasn’t receiving emotional support from family members due to cultural reasons. Recognizing that she could support her, Mensah held the patient’s hand and coached her through the birthing process while offering words of encouragement.

“It was the most beautiful experience because I got to see her before she was a mom, while she was in labor, and then after her baby was delivered and she was officially a mother,” Mensah recalls. “It makes me feel so in love with life and that this is where I’m supposed to be.”

Underrepresented patients don’t always have people to advocate for them. As a nurse, I want to make a difference in their lives and be an advocate for them...

Naiah Mensah CURE Fellow, Class of 2024

In her role at UCMC, Mensah will care for a lot of Black mothers and underrepresented patients from lower socio-economic backgrounds. She’s determined to champion health equity and serve as an advocate for safe and fair care for all patients.

“Underrepresented patients don’t always have people to advocate for them. As a nurse, I want to make a difference in their lives and be an advocate for them,” Mensah says. “I know that all [my fellow CURE graduates] are going to do that. Every single young woman in CURE will do that because that’s just what we do.”

Several of the recently graduated CURE fellows plan to work in women’s health and maternal health–adjacent areas. Acquah, for example, will be working in the neonatal care unit at CCHMC. Besides her passion for caring for babies, Acquah chose to start her nursing career at CCHMC due to its initiatives to increase staff diversity. She wants to be part of the hospital’s efforts to increase racial and ethnic concordance for patients who look like her. And, who knows, maybe one day a young co-op nursing student will feel encouraged by her presence.

Featured Image at top: Front row, left to right: Dorcas Sarbah, Caroline, Kwiatkowski, Aylessa Carter, Bridget Aquah. Back row, left to right: Lauyrn James, Naiah Mensah, Roselyn Torkornoo

Written by: Katie Coburn

• Student Experience
• College of Nursing

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