[2025 Updated] Best Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Endicott College offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program that stands out for its online delivery and research-intensive curriculum. Tailored for nurses aiming to excel as scholars and healthcare leaders, this 45-credit program can be completed in three years without the need for GRE scores. It emphasizes scientific inquiry, theory development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates to tackle global health issues. The program features a cohort model for peer support, individualized advising, and expert dissertation guidance, all at an affordable tuition rate. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention to foster their academic and professional growth.

• 100% online doctoral nursing program
• 3-year completion time
• No GRE required
• 45 total credits
• Cohort learning model
• Advanced research methodology training
• Optional nursing education credits
• 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Individualized advising
• Skilled dissertation mentoring

The University of Missouri-St. Louis provides an online PhD in Nursing program tailored for future nurse leaders and scholars. This program stands out for its research-intensive curriculum, enabling students to explore critical areas such as health promotion, chronic illness, and healthcare systems without the need for GRE scores. Offering both full-time and part-time study options, it caters to BSN and MSN graduates aiming for roles in research, academia, or healthcare leadership. The program's flexibility is enhanced by 95% asynchronous coursework, with a notable median graduate salary of $93,000. Applications are prioritized by January 15.

• Online doctorate program
• No GRE required
• Full-time and part-time options
• Research-focused curriculum
• Diverse career opportunities
• Median salary $93,000
• 95% asynchronous learning
• Priority application deadline Jan 15

Vanderbilt University's PhD in Nursing Science with a concentration in Acute and Chronic Illness is a hybrid program that blends online coursework with on-campus research opportunities. This fully funded program is designed for aspiring nurse scientists, offering a rigorous curriculum focused on multidisciplinary health research. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized study plans, and mentorship from leading faculty. The program emphasizes innovative research in acute and chronic illness, preparing graduates for leadership roles in academia and healthcare. Highlights include full tuition coverage, a research-intensive approach, and a concentration tailored to addressing complex health challenges.

• Fully funded tuition
• Primarily online courses
• Small class sizes
• Personalized study plans
• 72 total credit hours
• Research-focused program
• Mentorship from expert faculty
• Concentration in Acute/Chronic Illness

The PhD in Nursing Science at Vanderbilt University, concentrating on Maternal and Child Health, is a hybrid program that prepares nurse scientists to tackle pressing health issues through research. This fully funded program offers a unique blend of online learning and on-campus engagements, ideal for working professionals. It focuses on improving pregnancy outcomes and family health, supported by expert faculty mentorship. Key features include a research-intensive curriculum, personalized study plans, and the requirement of qualifying exams and a dissertation defense, equipping graduates to make significant contributions to maternal and child health research and policy.

• Fully funded tuition
• Primarily online courses
• Personalized study plans
• Focus on Maternal Health
• Research-intensive program
• 72 total credit hours
• 3+ years of graduate study
• Mentorship from expert faculty
• Qualifying exams required
• Dissertation defense

Vanderbilt University offers a PhD in Nursing Science with a Data Science and Health Technologies concentration, a hybrid program designed for nurses aiming to lead in healthcare innovation. This fully funded program provides an annual stipend and covers tuition, enabling students to focus on groundbreaking research. The curriculum integrates data science with nursing research, offering a personalized study plan and access to state-of-the-art resources. With a competitive admission process, the program seeks to develop leaders capable of transforming healthcare through technology and research, preparing graduates for high-impact roles in academia and industry.

• Fully funded PhD program
• Hybrid learning format
• Personalized research study plan
• Annual stipend provided
• Multidisciplinary research focus
• State-of-the-art curriculum
• Data Science concentration available
• Top-ranked university
• Online with limited campus visits
• Competitive admission process

Mercer University's Ph.D. in Nursing is an online program designed to cultivate advanced nurse scholars capable of leading healthcare innovation. With options for Post-Master's and BSN to Ph.D. tracks, it equips students with essential research and leadership skills. The curriculum is centered around enhancing nursing science through rigorous research, ethical practice, and theoretical application. Graduates are prepared to tackle healthcare challenges, improve clinical outcomes, and contribute to the nursing profession's evolution. Highlights include the flexibility of online learning, a focus on nursing research, and opportunities for HRSA funding and Jonas Scholars participation.

• Online distance learning program
• Two program tracks available
• Focus on nursing research
• Develops nurse scholars
• Leadership-oriented curriculum
• HRSA funding potential
• Jonas Scholars program option

Thomas Jefferson University offers a PhD in Nursing program designed to foster advanced nurse scientists capable of pioneering healthcare research. This 47-credit hybrid program spans four years, blending online and on-campus learning to accommodate both full-time and part-time students. It emphasizes interdisciplinary research, health equity, and social justice, preparing graduates to lead in healthcare innovation and nursing education. Students benefit from mentorship by expert faculty, dual degree options, and research lab participation, making it ideal for those aiming to impact healthcare significantly.

• 47 credit doctoral program
• Hybrid learning format
• Full and part-time options
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Focuses on health equity
• Mentorship from expert faculty
• Dual degree possibilities
• Research lab participation
• 4-year program duration

The PhD in Nursing/MPH Dual Degree at Thomas Jefferson University is a 56-credit hybrid program that combines nursing science with public health expertise. Tailored for aspiring nurse scientists, it focuses on addressing public health challenges through research, with an emphasis on health equity and social justice. The program offers flexibility for working professionals, featuring interprofessional research teams and mentorship opportunities. Graduates are equipped to lead in healthcare research, policy, and education, making a tangible difference in community wellness and public health.

• 56-credit dual degree program
• Hybrid learning format
• Interprofessional research teams
• Mentorship from expert faculty
• Focus on health equity
• Research funding available
• 4-year program duration
• Center City campus location

The University of Massachusetts-Boston's Nursing PhD program with a concentration in Health Policy or Population Health is designed for those aiming to lead in nursing research and policy development. This program stands out for its rigorous training in advanced research methodologies and its focus on preparing students to address global health challenges. Offering both BS-PhD and MS-PhD tracks, it emphasizes evidence-based strategies for healthcare transformation. Graduates are equipped to take on roles as nurse scientists, policy analysts, and educators, contributing to health policy and population health improvements. The program requires a dissertation and comprehensive exams, with an eight-year completion limit.

• BS-PhD and MS-PhD options
• Health Policy and Population Health concentrations
• Advanced research methodology training
• 48 total credit program
• Dissertation research required
• Eight-year program completion limit
• Prepares nurse leaders and researchers
• Comprehensive exam for candidacy
• En route master's degree possible

At the University of Massachusetts-Boston, the Nursing PhD program prepares future nurse leaders to address pressing population health issues through advanced research and policy analysis. Without a specified concentration, the program offers a broad foundation in health policy and population health, alongside training in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods. Flexible BS-to-PhD and MS-to-PhD tracks cater to diverse educational backgrounds, culminating in a dissertation. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, healthcare administration, and academic leadership, with the program requiring comprehensive exams and allowing up to eight years for completion.

• BS-to-PhD and MS-to-PhD options
• Health Policy and Population Health track
• 48 total credits required
• Research methods emphasis
• Dissertation research component
• Eight-year statute of limitations
• Comprehensive doctoral candidacy exams
• Career paths in healthcare leadership

The University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program designed for nurses aiming to lead in research and academia. This online program emphasizes advanced research methodologies, preparing students to tackle pressing healthcare issues, especially in underserved communities. With a curriculum that spans 58-72 credit hours, it supports both full-time and part-time students, requiring a GRE for admission. The program, established in 2008, is ideal for those holding a BSN or MSN, offering mentorship and an interdisciplinary approach to nursing science. Graduates are poised to contribute significantly to healthcare research and policy.

• PhD program established 2008
• Accepts BSN or MSN degrees
• Research-focused curriculum
• Flexible study options
• Competitive admission requirements
• 58-72 credit hours total
• Mentorship opportunities
• Interdisciplinary research approach
• GRE required for admission

Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a hybrid PhD in Nursing program tailored for aspiring nurse scientists. This program stands out for its rigorous research methodology training and evidence-based practice, facilitated by faculty engaged in cutting-edge research. Students benefit from hands-on research practicums, preparing them for leadership roles in academia, clinical settings, and research. With competitive tuition rates and financial aid options, it's an excellent choice for nurses aiming to impact healthcare through research. The program's hybrid format provides flexibility for working professionals, combining online coursework with on-campus requirements.

• Prepares nurse scientists
• Renowned research faculty
• Diverse career opportunities
• Research practicum included
• Financial assistance available
• Hybrid program format
• State university tuition rates

The University of Missouri-Kansas City's PhD in Nursing program stands out for its hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person research opportunities. Designed for aspiring nurse scientists, it emphasizes rigorous research methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle pressing healthcare issues. With options for both Post-BSN and Post-MSN students, the program tailors to individual academic backgrounds, guided by a mentor-match faculty model. A standout feature is the mandatory summer research institute, fostering a deep dive into specialized research areas. Graduates are well-equipped to lead in clinical, educational, and systems innovation, backed by a minimum 3.2 GPA requirement for admission.

• Online and hybrid program format
• Post-BSN and Post-MSN tracks
• Minimum 3.2 GPA required
• Mandatory summer research institute
• Research-intensive environment
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Mentor-match faculty model
• Nationally recognized nursing program
• Specialized research focus areas
• Clinical and biological research emphasis

The University of Southern Mississippi's Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing with a concentration in Leadership is tailored for nurses aiming to lead transformative changes in healthcare. This 100% online program emphasizes scholarly research, leadership development, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address health disparities. Over 48-60 semester hours, students engage in rigorous coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation, all under the guidance of experienced faculty. The program not only requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and an RN license but also mandates the GRE for admission. Unique benefits include access to the Nurse Faculty Loan Program and opportunities for impactful research in leadership.

• 100% Online Doctoral Program
• Leadership Research Focus
• 48-60 Semester Hours
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Extensive Faculty Research
• Nurse Faculty Loan Support
• Comprehensive Exam Required
• Dissertation Defense Needed
• RN License Prerequisite
• GRE Examination Required