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

Vanderbilt's PhD in Nursing Science offers a specialized concentration in Acute and Chronic Illness, providing advanced research training for aspiring nurse scientists. The hybrid program equips students with comprehensive skills in multidisciplinary health research, focusing on understanding complex disease processes and interventions. With fully funded tuition and personalized study plans, students receive expert mentorship while exploring innovative approaches to managing acute and chronic health conditions. The program prepares scholars for leadership roles in academic and healthcare research settings, emphasizing critical thinking, methodological rigor, and transformative healthcare solutions.

• 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

Vanderbilt's PhD in Nursing Science with a Maternal and Child Health concentration delivers an intensive research experience targeting critical family health challenges. Students engage in comprehensive study exploring pregnancy outcomes, pediatric care, and family wellness strategies. The hybrid program combines primarily online coursework with strategic on-campus interactions, making it accessible for working professionals. Participants benefit from fully funded tuition, personalized mentorship, and opportunities to develop groundbreaking research addressing maternal and child healthcare disparities. Qualifying exams and dissertation defense provide rigorous academic preparation for future nursing science leaders.

• 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's PhD in Nursing Science featuring a Data Science and Health Technologies concentration represents a cutting-edge pathway for technology-driven nurse researchers. This innovative hybrid program prepares professionals to leverage advanced analytics and emerging health technologies in scientific discovery. Students receive comprehensive training in multidisciplinary research methodologies, with a strong emphasis on transforming healthcare through data-driven insights. The fully funded four-year program offers annual stipends, personalized research study plans, and state-of-the-art curriculum designed to cultivate next-generation nursing science leaders capable of addressing complex healthcare challenges.

• 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
• Online with limited campus visits
• Competitive admission process

Washington University's PhD in Nursing Science propels aspiring nurse scholars through an intensive research-driven program. The comprehensive three-year curriculum encompasses 62 graduate units across critical domains: Nursing Science, Research Methods, Statistics, and Mentored Research Experience. Students benefit from flexible minor options in informatics, clinical investigation, or implementation science. Supported by renowned Goldfarb School of Nursing faculty, participants navigate rigorous coursework, preliminary and qualifying examinations, and substantive dissertation research. The program cultivates advanced scholarly skills, preparing graduates to make transformative contributions to nursing knowledge and healthcare innovation.

• 62 graduate units total
• Three-year full-time program
• Four core study areas
• Flexible minor options
• Mentored research experiences
• Preliminary and qualifying exams
• Dissertation research required

Washington University's PhD in Nursing Science Informatics concentration offers a cutting-edge pathway for technological healthcare innovation. This specialized three-year program blends 62 graduate units of intensive research training with targeted informatics expertise. Students develop sophisticated skills in healthcare technology through comprehensive coursework, interdisciplinary research opportunities, and mentored experiences. The curriculum prepares nurse scholars to drive digital transformation in healthcare, emphasizing advanced technological competencies, research methodologies, and strategic implementation of informative systems. Graduates emerge as expert practitioners capable of bridging clinical practice with technological advancement.

• 62 graduate units required
• Three-year full-time program
• Informatics concentration available
• Interdisciplinary research focus
• Mentored research experience
• Customizable minor tracks
• Five semesters coursework
• Taught by Goldfarb Nursing Faculty
• Preliminary and qualifying exams
• Dissertation research component

Washington University's PhD in Nursing Science Clinical Investigation concentration provides a rigorous research-oriented pathway for advanced nursing professionals. The comprehensive three-year program synthesizes 62 graduate units across core research domains, enabling students to develop sophisticated investigative skills. Participants engage in interdisciplinary training through the Goldfarb School of Nursing, focusing on clinical research methodologies, statistical analysis, and mentored research experiences. The curriculum cultivates high-level academic and research capabilities, preparing graduates to generate meaningful healthcare insights, design innovative studies, and contribute substantively to evidence-based nursing practice and knowledge development.

• 62 graduate units required
• Three-year full-time program
• Four core study areas
• Minor/cognate options available
• Interdisciplinary research training

Washington University's PhD in Nursing Science Dissemination and Implementation Science concentration equips nurses to transform research into practical healthcare improvements. This specialized three-year program integrates 62 graduate units, emphasizing advanced skills in translating scientific discoveries into actionable strategies. Students explore comprehensive research methodologies, policy development, and implementation techniques. The flexible curriculum allows customized research tracks aligned with faculty expertise, enabling participants to develop nuanced understanding of healthcare innovation. Graduates emerge as expert change agents, prepared to bridge research, clinical practice, and systemic healthcare improvements through sophisticated dissemination and implementation strategies.

• 62 graduate units required
• Three-year full-time study plan
• Four core study areas
• Customizable research tracks
• Mentored research experience
• Minor/cognate options available
• Interdisciplinary faculty collaboration

The University of Massachusetts Amherst PhD in Nursing offers an intensive research-driven program designed to cultivate advanced nursing professionals. Students dive deep into comprehensive coursework covering research methodologies, theoretical foundations, and advanced statistical analysis. The curriculum prepares nurses to tackle complex healthcare challenges through scholarly investigation and innovative problem-solving. Graduates emerge as influential leaders capable of transforming nursing practice, conducting groundbreaking research, and addressing critical health issues across diverse populations. Mentored research experiences and comprehensive examinations ensure students develop exceptional scholarly capabilities.

• Prepare nurse researchers
• Mentored research experience
• Focus on complex health problems
• Work with renowned faculty
• Areas include chronic illness
• Comprehensive examination required
• Dissertation completion mandatory

UMass Amherst's PhD in Nursing with a concentration in Self/Symptom Management, Chronic Illness, and Addiction Care provides specialized training for nurses seeking advanced research expertise. The program emphasizes in-depth understanding of complex health conditions, symptom intervention strategies, and addiction treatment approaches. Students engage in rigorous research methodologies, developing critical skills to investigate and address challenging healthcare needs. Graduates are equipped to lead transformative research initiatives, design innovative interventions, and contribute significant knowledge to nursing practice and academic scholarship in managing chronic health conditions.

• Prepare nurse researchers and scholars
• Mentored research experience
• Comprehensive examination required
• Dissertation completion mandatory
• Work with renowned nursing faculty
• Focus on complex health problems
• Advanced nursing knowledge development
• Research in multiple specializations

The University of Massachusetts Amherst PhD in Nursing focusing on Health Disparities, Social Justice, and Vulnerable Populations offers a powerful program for nurses committed to addressing systemic healthcare inequities. Students explore intricate social determinants of health, develop advanced research skills, and learn to advocate for marginalized communities. The curriculum combines intensive theoretical training with practical research methodologies, enabling graduates to design interventions that promote health equity. Participants gain comprehensive understanding of social justice principles, preparing them to conduct meaningful research and implement transformative strategies in healthcare settings.

• Prepares nurse researchers, scholars
• Focus on health disparities
• Mentored research experience
• Comprehensive dissertation required
• Renowned nursing faculty
• Advanced research methodology training
• Expertise in chronic illness
• Healthcare systems knowledge
• Social justice emphasis

UMass Amherst's PhD in Nursing specializing in Healthcare Systems, Quality, Safety, and Informatics provides cutting-edge training for nurse researchers and leaders. The program integrates advanced technological understanding with comprehensive healthcare system analysis, emphasizing quality improvement and patient safety strategies. Students develop sophisticated research skills, learning to leverage informatics and data-driven approaches to enhance healthcare delivery. Graduates are prepared to drive systematic improvements, implement innovative technologies, and lead complex healthcare transformations across academic, clinical, and administrative environments.

• Prepares nurse researchers and scholars
• Mentored research experience
• Comprehensive dissertation required
• Renowned nursing faculty
• Expertise in healthcare systems
• Advanced nursing knowledge focus
• Research methods training
• Leadership development
• Multiple research concentrations

Florida Atlantic University's doctoral nursing program cultivates advanced nurse scholars prepared to revolutionize healthcare through comprehensive research methodologies. The hybrid program strategically develops researchers capable of addressing critical healthcare challenges across diverse populations. Students explore sophisticated research domains including healthy aging, health equity, holistic health, and complex healthcare environments. With a strong emphasis on caring science philosophy, graduates emerge as ethical, interdisciplinary researchers equipped to generate transformative knowledge and drive meaningful improvements in nursing practice and community health outcomes.

• Hybrid doctoral nursing program
• Four research focus areas
• Caring science philosophy
• Research-intensive curriculum
• Ethical nurse researcher preparation
• Advanced research methodology training
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Focus on healthcare transformation

Florida Atlantic University's PhD program in Nursing with a Healthy Aging concentration provides a specialized pathway for nurse scholars dedicated to understanding and improving aging populations' health trajectories. This innovative hybrid doctoral track focuses on developing advanced research competencies specifically tailored to optimizing elder health development. Students engage in comprehensive investigations exploring complex aging dynamics, learning to design interventions that enhance quality of life and address intricate healthcare challenges faced by older adults. The program integrates caring science principles with rigorous research methodologies to prepare future nursing leaders in gerontological research.

• Hybrid doctoral nursing program
• Healthy Aging research concentration
• Four distinct research focus areas
• Caring science philosophy
• Research-driven curriculum
• Prepares nurse scholars
• Interdisciplinary research approach

Florida Atlantic University's doctoral nursing program with a Health Equity concentration empowers nurse scholars to address systemic healthcare disparities through advanced research strategies. This hybrid program cultivates researchers committed to understanding and dismantling complex socioeconomic and demographic barriers in healthcare delivery. Students develop sophisticated research skills focused on creating equitable health interventions across diverse populations. By emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and caring science philosophy, graduates become transformative leaders capable of generating impactful scientific knowledge and implementing meaningful strategies to reduce healthcare inequities.

• Hybrid doctoral nursing program
• Four research focus areas
• Health equity concentration
• Caring science philosophy
• Nationwide research opportunities
• Ethical nurse researcher training
• Interdisciplinary research approach

The University of Virginia's PhD Nursing program in Aging offers a transformative research-driven experience for nursing professionals seeking advanced scholarship. With a concentrated focus on geriatric healthcare, students explore innovative approaches to elder care, health management, and age-related wellness. The fully-funded program eliminates financial barriers, providing comprehensive tuition coverage and annual stipends. Students benefit from no GRE requirements, flexible BSN or MSN entry pathways, and exceptional mentorship from world-class scholars. Graduates are equipped to lead groundbreaking research, address complex aging challenges, and drive meaningful improvements in geriatric nursing practice and policy.

• Fully-funded 4-year program
• Research focus in aging, health equity
• Tuition + annual graduate stipends
• No GRE requirement
• BSN or MSN entry pathways
• Loan forgiveness for faculty careers
• World-class scholar mentors
• Extensive research training

UVA's PhD Nursing program in Health Disparities and Health Equity empowers nurse scholars to address critical systemic healthcare inequities. Through an intensive research curriculum, students develop advanced skills in identifying, analyzing, and developing interventions for population health challenges. The program offers unique opportunities for scholarly development, including graduate teaching assistantships, conference presentations, and comprehensive research training. With no GRE admission requirement and full funding, students can deeply explore multifaceted dimensions of health equity across diverse communities. Graduates emerge as influential researchers prepared to transform healthcare systems and promote social justice through evidence-based nursing practice.

• Fully-funded PhD program
• Research focus on health disparities
• World-class scholar mentors
• Graduate teaching assistantships
• Loan forgiveness for faculty careers
• No GRE required for admission
• BSN or MSN entry pathways
• 32-33 total credit hours
• Four research focus areas

The University of Virginia's Healthcare Technology PhD Nursing program represents a cutting-edge approach to nursing science and technological innovation. Students engage in rigorous research exploring how emerging technologies can revolutionize healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and clinical practices. The fully-funded program provides comprehensive training in advanced research methodologies, emphasizing systematic inquiry and technological integration. With opportunities for scholarly writing, conference funding, and world-class faculty mentorship, students develop critical skills to become leaders in healthcare technology research. Graduates are strategically positioned to drive technological advancements, improve patient care, and shape the future of nursing through innovative technological solutions.

• Fully-funded 4-year program
• Healthcare Technology concentration
• World-class research faculty
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships
• Loan forgiveness available
• BSN or MSN entry pathways
• Tuition + annual stipends
• No GRE required
• Scholarly writing development
• Conference presentation funding

Yale's PhD in Nursing program offers an exceptional four-year doctoral journey for aspiring nurse scientists. Fully funded and designed to cultivate advanced research capabilities, the program provides interdisciplinary training under world-renowned faculty mentorship. Students engage in comprehensive clinical research exploration, developing skills to drive innovative healthcare solutions. The program emphasizes professional development, leveraging Yale's prestigious research environment to prepare scholars for transformative roles in nursing science and healthcare innovation.

• 100% funded four-year program
• Interdisciplinary research focus
• World-renowned faculty mentorship
• Diverse clinical research topics
• Mentoring future nurse scientists

Yale's PhD in Nursing with a Chronic Illness concentration prepares nurse scientists to address complex healthcare challenges. This rigorous four-year program focuses on advanced research methodologies specific to chronic disease management. Students receive comprehensive training in critical thinking and scholarly excellence, guided by distinguished faculty. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding, preventing, and treating chronic conditions, positioning graduates to make significant contributions to healthcare research and patient care strategies.

• 100% Funded for Four Years
• Interdisciplinary Research Focus
• World-Renowned Faculty Mentorship
• Diverse Clinical Research Topics
• Mentoring Future Nurse Scientists

Yale's PhD in Nursing Global Health concentration equips nurses with advanced skills to address worldwide healthcare disparities. This innovative four-year program provides comprehensive training in international health research, emphasizing cross-cultural healthcare strategies. Students develop expertise in global health challenges, research methodologies, and transformative interventions. The fully funded program offers unique opportunities to collaborate with international experts, preparing nurse scientists to lead groundbreaking research and implement sustainable healthcare solutions across diverse global contexts.

• 100% funded four-year program
• Interdisciplinary research focus
• World-renowned faculty mentorship
• Diverse clinical research topics
• Global health concentration available

Florida International University's PhD in Nursing propels healthcare professionals into advanced research and leadership roles. The comprehensive program emphasizes evidence-based scientific innovations, particularly targeting minority and vulnerable populations' healthcare needs. Students receive distinguished faculty mentorship, developing critical research skills and policy development expertise. The curriculum integrates robust scientific foundations with practical leadership training, preparing graduates to transform nursing practice through groundbreaking research and strategic healthcare interventions. Unique program features include diverse clinical proficiencies, research-focused doctorate tracks, and specialized nursing research opportunities across academic, clinical, and policy-making domains.

• Research-focused doctorate tracks
• MSN-to-PhD and BSN-to-PhD options
• Leadership career preparation
• Evidence-based practice curriculum
• Diverse clinical proficiencies
• Modesto A. Maidique Campus location
• Mentorship by research-active faculty
• Specialized nursing research opportunities

Florida International University's PhD in Nursing - Chronic Health concentration provides specialized training for nursing professionals seeking advanced research expertise. This program uniquely prepares students to address complex healthcare challenges through evidence-based research methodologies. Focusing on chronic health conditions, students develop sophisticated analytical skills and innovative intervention strategies. The curriculum combines rigorous academic training with mentorship from research-active faculty, enabling graduates to lead transformative healthcare initiatives. Interdisciplinary research opportunities and leadership preparation distinguish this program, empowering nurses to make significant contributions in academic, clinical, and policy-driven healthcare environments.

• Research-focused doctorate tracks
• Two entry pathways: MSN-to-PhD, BSN-to-PhD
• Mentorship from research-active faculty
• Leadership preparation for healthcare roles
• Focus on evidence-based practice
• Located at Modesto A. Maidique Campus
• Approved by Florida Board of Governors
• Diverse student population
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities

Florida International University's PhD in Nursing - Health Disparities concentration offers a targeted approach to addressing systemic healthcare inequities. This innovative program cultivates advanced nursing researchers capable of developing strategic interventions for marginalized populations. Students receive comprehensive training in evidence-based practice, health policy advocacy, and scientific research methodologies. The curriculum emphasizes understanding and mitigating health disparities through rigorous academic preparation and hands-on research experiences. Distinguished faculty mentorship enables students to develop critical leadership skills, preparing them to drive meaningful change across academic, healthcare, and governmental sectors.

• Research-focused doctorate tracks
• Mentorship from research-active faculty
• Two doctoral entry pathways
• MSN and BSN-to-PhD options
• Leadership career preparation
• Health policy advocacy focus
• Diverse student population
• Located in Miami campus

UMass Boston's Nursing PhD program specializes in Health Policy and Population Health, offering a transformative educational journey for aspiring nurse leaders. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based research methodologies and policy development strategies, preparing students to address complex healthcare challenges. With flexible BS-PhD and MS-PhD tracks, students gain comprehensive skills in research design, data analysis, and critical policy assessment. The 48-credit program includes comprehensive doctoral candidacy exams and dissertation research, enabling graduates to become expert nurse scientists and policy innovators who can substantially impact healthcare systems at local, national, and global levels.

• 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

The University of Massachusetts Boston's Nursing PhD program provides an advanced pathway for nurses seeking to become transformative healthcare leaders and researchers. Designed to cultivate sophisticated research skills, the program integrates qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Students explore critical healthcare domains, developing expertise in research methodologies, policy analysis, and academic leadership. With flexible entry options including BS-to-PhD and MS-to-PhD tracks, the program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in nursing research, administration, and education. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes innovative thinking and evidence-based strategies to address contemporary healthcare challenges.

• 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

Rutgers University's PhD in Nursing program emerges as a premier pathway for nurses seeking to elevate their scientific research capabilities. By integrating advanced methodological training with evidence-based practice, the program empowers students to become innovative healthcare researchers. Leveraging a hybrid learning format, students engage with distinguished faculty who actively contribute to cutting-edge nursing research. The curriculum cultivates critical analytical skills, preparing graduates for influential roles in academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and research settings. With opportunities for substantial financial assistance and competitive state university tuition, this doctoral program represents a strategic investment for ambitious nursing professionals aiming to drive transformative healthcare innovations.

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

Drexel University's PhD in Nursing program stands out as an innovative research-driven doctorate targeting advanced nursing professionals seeking scholarly leadership. The hybrid program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, social justice, and transformative healthcare research. Students explore critical domains like health equity, technological advancements, and population health through mentored research experiences. With flexible study options, the program welcomes MSN graduates demonstrating strong academic credentials. Competitive candidates benefit from an optional GRE submission, collaborative learning environments, and opportunities to develop advanced nursing leadership skills across diverse research emphasis areas.

• Community-engaged research program
• Hybrid and flexible study options
• Interprofessional curriculum
• Social justice research focus
• Diverse research emphasis areas
• Mentored research experience
• MSN to PhD pathway
• Optional GRE submission
• Collaborative learning environment
• Advanced nursing leadership

Specializing in Aging and Caregiving, Drexel University's PhD in Nursing offers a sophisticated research pathway for nursing professionals committed to understanding elder care dynamics. The program integrates social justice principles with advanced research methodologies, providing students comprehensive insights into aging populations' healthcare challenges. Through mentored research experiences and interprofessional curriculum, students develop nuanced interventional strategies addressing complex caregiving needs. The hybrid format accommodates working professionals, while maintaining rigorous academic standards with a 3.25 GPA requirement and a focus on community-engaged learning approaches.

• Hybrid/Flexible Study Options
• Interprofessional Research Curriculum
• Social Justice Research Focus
• 3.25 Minimum GPA Required
• Research Mentorship Model
• Community Engaged Learning
• Aging and Caregiving Concentration

Drexel University's PhD in Nursing with a Behavioral Interventions and Implementation Science concentration prepares nurse scientists to revolutionize healthcare through targeted research methodologies. The program cultivates advanced research skills, emphasizing health equity and innovative intervention strategies across diverse populations. Students receive dedicated mentorship, develop interprofessional collaboration capabilities, and learn sophisticated research techniques. The hybrid format offers flexibility for working professionals, with a strong commitment to social justice and independent research initiatives. Admission requires an MSN or related master's degree, maintaining a competitive 3.25 GPA threshold for program entry.

• Hybrid PhD nursing program
• Social justice research focus
• Mentored research experience
• Flexible full/part-time options
• MSN or health-related master's required
• 3.25 GPA minimum
• Interprofessional curriculum
• Research mentorship model
• Multiple research focus areas