Nursing PhD

Program Code: G-NUR-PHD
Degree Designation: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: School of Nursing
Website: nursing.duke.edu/academic-programs/phd-program-nursing

PhD programs follow the policies outlined in The Graduate School Bulletin.

Program Summary

The PhD Program in Nursing prepares nurse scholars who will advance nursing science and promote equitable health outcomes and care systems, with a focus on social determinants of health (SDOH). Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate innovative models of care that improve health outcomes across diverse populations. Graduates of the program will be prepared to lead and transform nursing practice, policy, and research to promote health equity and social justice. PhD student tuition and 12-month stipends are fully funded for up to five years.

At Duke University School of Nursing, we admit a small number of highly qualified, diverse applicants that work closely with one or more faculty members in a series of mentored experiences supported by formal coursework.

A baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by ACEN, CNEA, or CCNE is required for admission to the PhD in nursing program.

The PhD program is administered by and follows the policies of The Graduate School. Refer to The Graduate School's Bulletin at graduateschool.bulletins.duke.edu for information about its policies.

For additional information about the PhD in nursing program and curriculum details, consult nursing.duke.edu/academic-programs/phd-program-nursing. Prospective students may also contact the PhD Program Coordinator at (919) 684-8456 or cmhoglen@duke.edu.

Academic Requirements

The PhD Program in Nursing requires a minimum of 52 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students will work on research projects; it is expected most will graduate with several publications. Coursework is structured with a substantive core of nursing science and research methods to be taken in the School of Nursing. This core is expanded with elective courses that typically support the student’s dissertation and future research career. These can be taken in other Duke University departments or other Universities that have an arrangement with Duke (e.g., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University). Additional requirements include research practicums and elective credits that may count towards specialty certificates (e.g., teaching, global health, data science, entrepreneurship, etc.).

In addition to course work, the PhD Program in Nursing will require each student to develop a scholarly portfolio, successful completion of a preliminary examination, and a dissertation. Students are expected to disseminate their work through scholarly venues such as publications and conference presentations.

PhD Program in Nursing Plan of Studies