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Best Accredited Universities for Doctoral Phd program in Nursing Science

What is a PhD. in Nursing?

A PhD in Nursing is a terminal degree that aims to offer novel research discoveries to the scientific foundation of nursing and healthcare. The PhD in Nursing degree is one of two terminal degrees available to nurses. The other is the Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP. Unlike the DNP degree, which focuses on advanced clinical practice, the PhD in Nursing degree prepares you for a science-and research-focused profession that will allow you to advance knowledge that is essential to nurses and nursing education at all levels. Some nursing PhD programmes provide specialisations in high-priority areas that prioritise research and educate key skills such as leadership, teaching, healthcare administration, multidisciplinary health, and public health policy.

There are 25 universities that offer PHD programs in Nursing Science. Which one is the best-fit for you? Use Match me with graduate Program for Nursing Science to find the best college.

173 universities offer graduate PHD program in Nursing Science

Check out our exclusive data on scholarships and financial aid offered by universities for the Master's program in Nursing Science. There are also 700+ scholarships available from accredited sources with the amount ranging from $1000-$22k.

Yale University logo
Ranked as:  #3 in Best National University
Tuition:  $44,500 per year
Total Cost:  $89,000 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Connecticut
Acceptance:  6.53%
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Doctoral Scholarships $2,000 $3,500. Applications due October 24th. Applications due May 4th. ANF Research Grants, variable amounts with potential for supporting capstone. Applications due May 1st. Perioperative Nursing, variable amounts. Applications due September 1st.
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Yale School of Nursing - For Ph.D. Students

GRE score required at Yale University master's degree programs in Nursing Science
  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research assistantships:  1565
  • Teaching assistantships:  1598
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
Columbia University in the City of New York logo
Ranked as:  #4 in Best National University
Tuition:  $51,194 per year
Total Cost:  $102,388 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  New York
Acceptance:  6.66%
Two PhD students looking at a research poster together. The Columbia University School of Nursing PhD program is a full-time, research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurses for careers as nurse scientists who will conduct research across a broad range of populations and health conditions. Columbia Nursing provides three years of funding for tuition, related fees, health insurance, and a stipend for full-time PhD students.
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Columbia School of Nursing - Nursing PhD program

GRE score required at Columbia University in the City of New York master's degree programs in Nursing Science
  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research assistantships:  1081
  • Teaching assistantships:  1757
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
University of Pennsylvania logo
Ranked as:  #8 in Best National University
Tuition:  $41,760 per year
Total Cost:  $83,520 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Pennsylvania
Acceptance:  8.98%
Applicant will apply to both the university MSN and PhD programs at the same time, and if accepted into both, have a place held for applicant in the PhD program while applicant complete the MSN. Most of the university students successfully defend their dissertation after their fourth year with us, though MSN-PhD students have up to eight years to complete their work.
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University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science

GRE score required at University of Pennsylvania master's degree programs in Nursing Science
  • GRE Required:  Yes
  • Research assistantships:  -
  • Teaching assistantships:  1
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
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504 universities offer the Master's program in Nursing Science. Which one best suits your need? We will help make you a decision.

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Duke University logo
Ranked as:  #8 in Best National University
Tuition:  $59,140 per year
Total Cost:  $118,280 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  North Carolina
Acceptance:  7.74%
The Ph.D. Program in Nursing will prepare strong scientists to conduct nursing research in the broad area of Trajectories of Chronic Illness and Care Systems. Graduates will assume roles primarily in academic and research settings. The approach is to admit a small number of highly qualified applicants so that every student will work closely with one or more faculty members in a series of mentored experiences, supported by formal course work, to (a) ensure socialization to the role of research scientist; (b) ensure significant knowledge and skill acquisition for launching a successful program of research post doctorate; and (c) to prepare for an entry level role in an academic setting.
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Ph.D. in Nursing

Duke University admission requirements for graduate programs in Health Professions
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
  • Research assistantships:  Register to view the details
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Johns Hopkins University logo
Ranked as:  #12 in Best National University
Tuition:  $59,425 per year
Total Cost:  $118,850 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Maryland
Acceptance:  11.06%
Advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery with a Johns Hopkins PhD in nursing. 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. With access to world-renowned nursing faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with noted researchers throughout Johns Hopkins University, you'll build the skills to develop and implement a scientific research program and launch your career.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Johns Hopkins University admission requirements for graduate programs in Health Professions
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
  • Research assistantships:  Register to view the details
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Ranked as:  #14 in Best National University
Tuition:  $56,562 per year
Total Cost:  $113,124 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Missouri
Acceptance:  16.02%
The goal of the PhD program is to educate nurse scientists whose career goals include conducting nursing research. Students bring a unique combination of nursing knowledge and clinical experiences to doctoral study, and these serve as the basis for the development of programs of study that are both compatible with the core doctoral curriculum and individualized to allow for the gaining of in-depth knowledge in a specialized area of study.
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PhD in Nursing Science

Washington University in St Louis admission requirements for graduate programs in Health Professions
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
  • Research assistantships:  Register to view the details
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Vanderbilt University logo
Ranked as:  #16 in Best National University
Tuition:  $50,624 per year
Total Cost:  $101,248 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Tennessee
Acceptance:  11.62%
The PhD in Nursing Science Program is an academic program conferred by the Vanderbilt University Graduate School. Because of this, you receive new student orientation material from the Graduate School. The PhD in Nursing Science degree is organizationally structured under the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN).
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PhD in Nursing Science

GRE score required at Vanderbilt University master's degree programs in Nursing Science
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
  • Research assistantships:  Register to view the details
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Emory University logo
Ranked as:  #21 in Best National University
Tuition:  $44,676 per year
Total Cost:  $89,352 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  Georgia
Acceptance:  19.17%
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. Shortages of qualified mental health professionals are at crisis levels, nationally.
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Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

GRE score required at Emory University master's degree programs in Nursing Science
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
  • Research assistantships:  Register to view the details
  • Teaching assistantships:  Register to view the details
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
Georgetown University logo
Ranked as:  #21 in Best National University
Tuition:  $53,591 per year
Total Cost:  $107,182 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  -
Acceptance:  16.81%
Georgetown’s PhD in Nursing Program is a premier doctoral program designed for individuals seeking to advance the discipline and those we serve in academic, community health, health care, policy, global, and research settings.
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PhD in Nursing

GRE score required at Georgetown University master's degree programs in Nursing Science
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
  • Research assistantships:  Register to view the details
  • Teaching assistantships:  Register to view the details
  • Financial Aid: Register to view the details
University of California-Los Angeles logo
Ranked as:  #23 in Best National University
Tuition:  $28,131 per year
Total Cost:  $56,262 * This tuition data is based on IPEDS. For the latest tuition amount, refer to the respective college websites.
State:  California
Acceptance:  14.33%
Admissions Requirements for the Graduate Major in Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice. General application process for all UCLA Graduate Programs. 3, from colleagues able to address both academic abilities and work-related experience. See UCLA minimum requirements for all graduate program applicants.
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2023-2024 Admission Requirements for the Graduate Major in Nursing

GRE score required at University of California-Los Angeles master's degree programs in Nursing Science
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
  • Research assistantships:  Register to view the details
  • Teaching assistantships:  Register to view the details
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What kind of scholarships are available for Graduate Programs in Nursing Science?

We have 58 scholarships awarding up to $377,765 for Masters program in for Nursing Science, targeting diverse candidates and not restricted to state or school-based programs.

Scholarship nameAmountCredibility
Changemaker Scholarship for Masters Programs$5,775High
CastleBranch-GNSA Scholarship$2,500High
STEM Teacher Graduate Scholarships$2,500High
ABC Humane Wildlife Women In STEM Academic Scholarship$1,000High
GMiS STEM Scholarships$500High

Find scholarships and financial aid for Nursing Science graduate programs

$500 $20000

What is a DNP or Doctor of Nursing Practices program?

For nurse practitioners, educators, administrators, and other nursing professionals, the best way to take advantage of job expansion is to enhance your credentials. One method, of course, might be earning additional healthcare certifications, but the best way to ensure job stability and advance your career is to pursue a master’s in nursing, or DNP, which includes a core master’s curriculum plus a specialisation module that fits each student’s area of professional interest.

Following the completion of an MSN, enthusiasts may perceive the DNP as a Doctor of Nursing Practice; it is not a role but a degree, and a doctoral-level preparation can be considered the next level of nursing above an MSN degree. DNP programs are for those who want to reach one of the highest levels of nursing, along with the PhD.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, or DNP, is a terminal degree in nursing which focuses on advanced clinical practice in the field of nursing. Nurses who have their DNP are sought after for positions in nursing leadership focused on clinical applications and are considered key players in the future of healthcare in the United States.

E.g. Arizona University offers DNU programs such as Nursing (DNP) - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner(67 credit units), Nursing (DNP) - Exec Health Systems Leadership (50 credit units), Nursing (DNP) - Family Nurse Practitioner (68 credit units), Nursing (DNP) - General (35 credit units), Nursing (DNP) - Informatics (53 credit units), Nursing (DNP) - Nurse Anesthesia (85 credit units), Nursing (DNP) - Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing (DNP) - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (64 credit units), Nursing (DNP) - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (67 credit units) which requires an RN (Registered Nurse) license, a BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, a TOEFL or IELTS score.

Find the top Universities which offer Online Master’s in Nursing.

What are the admission requirements for the Doctoral program in Nursing Science?

The major requirements for a Doctoral Program in Nursing are

>Prior Degree in Nursing: Applicants are required to have an MSN (Master’s in Nursing) degree with transcripts expected to demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.4. However, candidates who have a BSN degree or a BSN degree with a Master’s degree in other health-related fields can also opt for a Doctoral Program in Nursing.

>GRE requirements vary by university, with some not requiring it for admission.

>A TOEFL or IELTS score is required for non-native English speakers

>Practice Experience of 240 eligible practice hours during prior master’s or post-master's coursework and a transcript verifying the practice.

>RN licence: Applicants must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN)

Can I earn a Ph.D. in nursing online?

Yes, definitely a PhD. in nursing can be earned online, There are three options to earn a PhD. in Nursing online, either by BSN to PhD. method if you’re an RN in the US, by MSN to PhD. also if you are an RN in the US, and by a bridge program for Doctor of Nursing Practice if you want to pursue a phD. in a shorter timespan. Some of the Universities offering an online PhD. in Nursing

How long does it take to get a PhD in Nursing Science?

PhD. programs typically involve coursework, lab work, and writing a thesis or dissertation. A PhD doctoral program in Nursing is normally completed in three to six years

Can I pursue a PhD in nursing without a Master's degree?

There are certain prerequisites to earning a PhD in nursing, which is often a BSN degree. Yes, there are certain universities that offer a direct BSN to PhD in Nursing program. Some of the examples include the University of Florida, Illinois State University, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and the University of San Diego.

Can I enrol in a DNP program (Doctor of Nursing Practice) without having a Master's degree?

Unlike a popular misconception, the majority of DNP programs do not require an MSN as a prerequisite. Instead, the DNP program is an expanded version of the MSN degree that may require only a nursing bachelor's degree in some cases.

Is a PhD in nursing worth it?

Nurses who choose to pursue a Ph.D. in nursing are making a long-term commitment to the profession's future and the quality and delivery of patient care. As a Ph.D. nurse, you have the assurance that your contributions to the profession can influence public policy on a national and worldwide scale. You will also be meeting a critical need in the American healthcare system. The Institute of Medicine's Future of Nursing report has encouraged nurses to pursue PhD degrees, stating that the fundamental changes currently underway would require a higher demand for highly educated nurses to serve as mentors, faculty, leaders, and policymakers in the future.

How can I compare the Nursing Science Graduate Programs?

Compare the GRE score requirements, admission details, credit requirements and tuition for the Master's Program, from 504 universities offering Graduate PHD/Doctoral Programs in Nursing Science. Compare Graduate PHD/Doctoral Programs in Nursing Science

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