list of phd nursing programs

Top PhD in Nursing Programs

What is a ph.d. in nursing.

• Ph.D. in Nursing vs DNP
• Types of Programs
• Top Programs
• Program Overview
• Is a Nursing Ph.D. For Me?

The Ph.D. in Nursing degree opens career opportunities for nurses as researchers, forging new and cutting-edge nursing practices for future generations. This article explores this terminal nursing degree, how to get it, and the top Ph.D. in Nursing programs.

A Ph.D. in Nursing is the highest degree awarded to nurses and one of two terminal nursing degrees. Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy, and Ph.D. in Nursing programs focus on evidence-based research.

Throughout their 4-6 year study, nursing Ph.D. students learn how to conduct, analyze, and publish nursing research. The degree culminates in students conducting an independent research project and writing a dissertation on it.

Ph.D. in Nursing and DNP Differences

A Ph.D. in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are both terminal nursing degrees. However, comparing a  DNP vs. a Ph.D. in Nursing reveals distinct differences. Notably, the Ph.D. in Nursing prepares you for a science, academic, or research-focused career as opposed to a clinical one.

Key Ph.D. in Nursing vs. DNP Differences

>> Related:  Top Online DNP Programs

Types of Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

The United States is home to over 135 Ph.D. in Nursing programs, which you can attend in multiple formats at nearly every educational level. The types of Ph.D. in nursing programs include the following:

• BSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: These Ph.D. in nursing programs allow nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to pursue a career in nursing research without first attending an MSN program.
• MSN to Ph.D. in Nursing: Designed for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) trained nurses, these programs typically include core courses for the doctoral program, electives, and dissertation study.
• DNP/Ph.D. Dual Degree: These rigorous programs allow students to concurrently attain expertise in scientific inquiry and faculty practice and hone the practical skills of expert nurse clinicians. 

>> Show Me DNP Programs

Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Are Ph.D. in Nursing programs available online? The answer is yes; you can find several online options to pursue this degree. Since a Ph.D. in Nursing focuses on scientific inquiry, it doesn't have the same onsite practical hours as other nursing degrees. 

Program dependant, you may still need to show up on campus a few times each year. However, for the most part, all you need to earn a Ph.D. in nursing is Wi-Fi, good study habits, and determination.

Top Ph.D. in Nursing Programs

Each Ph.D. in Nursing program is unique, offering its own benefits and features. We assembled the top five Ph.D. in Nursing programs nationwide following Nurse.org's proprietary ranking algorithm , which considers and ranks schools based on factors like:

• Tuition costs
• Program length
• Nursing school accreditation
• Admission requirements
• The variety of available programs
• Additional program accolades

 1. University of Pennsylvania

• Program Cost:  $46,934 per academic year
• Program Length:  4-6 years
• Application Due Date: Dec. 1st

The University of Pennsylvania boasts one of the top Ph.D. in nursing programs nationwide. To offset the expensive tuition, the university offers full-time students stipends during their first four years. In exchange, students may work as Teaching Assistants within UPenn's School of Nursing for up to 16 hours a week. 

Contact UPenn about this program:

• Phone: (215) 898-4271
• Email: [email protected]

Source: University of Pennsylvania

2. Duke University

• Program Cost:  Fully funded (up to 5 years)
• Application Due Date: November 30th

In 2023, U.S. News & World Report named Duke University the second-best graduate school for nursing. Duke's Ph.D. in Nursing program prepares nurses to become stalwart scholars. Graduates will build nursing science by leading multidisciplinary research that determines the relationship between chronic illness and care systems.

Contact Duke University about this program:

• Phone: (919) 684-3786
• Email: Contact Request Form

Source: Duke University

3. Duquesne University

• Program Cost:  $1,765 per credit
• Program Length:  3-4 years
• Application Due Date:  February 1st

As the first fully online Ph.D. in Nursing program, Duquesne offers a highly flexible education option to many students nationwide. Additionally, students attending the program may get to study abroad at the Duquesne campus in Dublin, Ireland.  The 56-credit program culminates in a dissertation proposal and final defense in which students orally defend their research thesis to the dissertation committee.

Contact Duquesne University about this program:

• Phone: (412) 396-6219
• Email:  [email protected]

Source: Duquesne University

4. Columbia University

• Program Cost:  Fully funded (up to 3 years)
• Application Due Date:  November 15th

Ph.D. in Nursing student at Columbia choose one of three major areas to study, which include Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science, Analytical Foundations of Nursing Science, and Electives and Applications. The programming heavily focuses on publication, grantsmanship, presentation, and networking. In addition to their coursework, students participate in research experience and training.

Contact Columbia University about this program:

• Phone: (212) 305-5756
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Columbia University

5. Rush University

• Program Cost:  $1,344 per credit hour
• Program Length:  3-5 years
• Application Due Date:  March 4th

Rush University's Ph.D. in Nursing is fully online except for an on-campus orientation and summer intensive learning sessions. The program focuses on preparing nurses and non-nurses with graduate degrees to become leaders in clinical research and educators who influence healthcare policy. While many students keep working throughout the program, they often must take fewer hours while completing their dissertation.

Contact Rush University about this program:

• Phone : (312) 942-7100
• Email: [email protected]

Source: Rush University

What to Expect in a Ph.D. in Nursing Program

Nursing Ph.D. degrees focus on scholarship and nursing research. By the end of the course, you'll be able to conduct and publish evidence-based research that can alter the face of nursing practice and healthcare policy for future generations. 

Generally, these educational pathways combine graduate study and research activities and do not include clinical rotations. Instead, you will be required to complete a long-form research paper called a dissertation. To write your dissertation, you'll complete independent research based on a significant and relevant scientific inquiry in the nursing field. 

>> Related: The Best Nursing Research Topics

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Nursing?

Ph.D. in Nursing programs prepare graduates to pursue careers in research and teaching, advanced clinical practice, health care administration, and policy.  Following graduation, your future may hold a career as a nurse scientist, as an administrator, as a nurse educator, or in establishing health policy.

Ph.D. in Nursing Salary

Healthcare workers who hold a Ph.D. in nursing earn an average annual salary of $100,00 or $60.45 per hour , according to Payscale . However, your nursing salary will vary depending on your career, employer, location, experience, and other relevant factors.

How Much Does a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Cost?

Ph.D. in nursing programs range from $400 to over $2,300 per credit hour at more distinguished institutions. However, several universities will fund your Ph.D. tuition itself or through a federal research grant. Most often, these funding opportunities are only available to full-time students, while part-timers must pay the full tuition costs.

How Long Do PhD in Nursing Programs Take?

Most Ph.D. in nursing programs take between 4-6 years to complete. Your educational timeline will vary based on your previous education and whether you attend full or part-time.

What Will You Learn in a PhD in Nursing Program?

Since all Ph.D. degrees in nursing emphasize healthcare research, their curriculums will all share certain core elements, which include:

• The philosophical and historical foundations of nursing knowledge
• Review of existing and evolving nursing theory
• Methods and process of developing theory
• Research methodology and data management
• Academic, research, practice, and policy development

Your graduate nursing program will consist of several key milestones to reinforce your education. These include:

• Leadership strategies related to nursing, healthcare, and research
• Mentorship and working alongside faculty on their individual research programs
• Immersion experiences are designed to encourage leadership and scholarship.
• Each student will be required to complete a dissertation.

Ph.D. in Nursing Program Requirements

Each university sets its own entry standards, which vary based on the type of program . However, general Ph.D. in nursing admission requirements include the following:

• BSN, MSN, or non-nursing graduate degree
• Personal research statement
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Admissions interview
• Writing sample
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation
• Unencumbered RN license
• Official post-secondary school transcripts
• TOEFL or IELTS scores

Is a Ph.D. in Nursing Degree Right for Me?

Your professional goals play a massive role in deciding whether to pursue a Ph.D. in nursing. If you're interested in scientific and academic nursing research, healthcare policy, or becoming a nurse educator, a Ph.D. in nursing is an excellent option. Remember, it will not qualify you for APRN positions, so if you have clinical aspirations, a DNP is the right doctoral nursing option.

Next Steps to Enroll in a PhD in Nursing Degree Program

Ready to start your educational journey toward earning a Ph.D. in Nursing? You can start working toward those goals today with these simple steps:

• Research Universities: Find a program that suits you based on your budget, attendance needs (e.g., part vs. full-time and in-person vs. online), and interests.
• Plan Applications: Understand the program requirements and application deadlines for each school you're applying to. Then, make a plan to collect and submit all the necessary materials and documentation on time.
• Prepare Properly: If a university considers you for Ph.D. candidacy, you'll attend an admissions interview. Planning and practicing this interview and paying close attention to why you chose the program and your research interests will optimize your chances of admission.

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PhD Program in Nursing

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PhD Program in Nursing

Phd program in nursing goals.

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.

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Your work with our faculty will:

Socialize you to the role of nurse scientist;

Ensure you gain significant knowledge and acquire the skills for launching a successful independent program of research post-doctorate; and

Prepare yourself for an entry-level role as a nurse scientist in a research setting (e.g., academic, clinical, or industry).

To help our students succeed, the Duke School of Nursing PhD Program provides:

A broad perspective on the philosophy of science and its application to solving challenging health problems facing our nation, particularly those related to health equity, social determinants of health, and justice;

Experience with standard and emerging research designs and methods;

Rigorous training in statistics; and

Mentored research and teaching experiences to reinforce knowledge acquisition and skill development.

In addition to addressing the standards of Duke University and ensuring the highest-quality PhD education, the Duke PhD Program in Nursing is designed to meet the indicators of quality in research-focused doctoral programs set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Study with Duke expert faculty focused on:

Acute & Long-Term Care Systems

Adaptive Leadership

Data Science

Digital Health

Decision Making

Disease Prevention

Family Caregiving

Health Equity

Informatics

Mental Health

Multi-level Interventions

Nurse-led Models of Care

Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Perioperative Care

Social Determinants of Health

Symptom Management

Specialty Populations

Premature and High-Risk Infants

Children with Acute and Chronic Illnesses

Adults with HIV, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Sickle Cell Disease, Cancer, or Cardiovascular Disease

Older Adults

PhD Program in Nursing Description

The program 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 arrangement with Duke (i.e., 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 (i.e., 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.

Terminal Objectives

After the PhD Program in Nursing, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of health equity, social determinants of health (SDOH), and nurse-led models of care to improve health outcomes for a population and/or system of care.
• Apply conceptual models and theories from nursing and other relevant disciplines to design and conduct research.
• Use a health equity, SDOH, and/or nurse-led models of care lens to critically evaluate and synthesize research conducted in nursing and other disciplines.
• Demonstrate scientific integrity and ethics in research across phases of the research process.
• Apply appropriate methods and analytic strategies to design, conduct, and evaluate research across phases of the research process, from discovery to translation.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams to perform research using socioculturally aligned approaches.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and other scholarly venues to advance the evidence base for nursing and healthcare, with a focus on promoting health equity and social justice.

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Top 50 Best Nursing PhD Programs [2024 Guide]

Find your perfect value college

Without proper guidance and awareness of nursing program rankings, you may end up selecting an institution that fails to meet your academic and career aspirations. This guide aims to help you find the right nursing PhD program for professional growth to drive innovation within the healthcare industry.

Nursing PhD Powerhouse: Nursing PhD Ranking

The University of Texas at Austin, University of Pennsylvania, University of California-Davis, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Duke University consistently rank among the top DNP programs. These prestigious institutions offer rigorous curricula, top-class instructors, and cutting-edge research opportunities, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to excel in advanced nursing.

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University of Texas at Austin

The top doctor of philosophy in the nursing program comes from the University of Texas, the most distinguished public research institution in Texas. One of the original Public Ivies, UT is widely recognized as a center of education, research, and culture for the Southwest, influenced by the bold, creative, entrepreneurial spirit of the city of Austin.

• The UT School of Nursing is known for its excellence, especially in bringing top-quality care to the Southwest, a region where poverty, remote rural communities, and chronic illness mean that many residents remain without necessary health care. 
• UT’s instructors and students are engaged in some of the most important health research in the nation. It has one of the highest rates of federal grant funding, which means major benefits for nursing.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, guided by founder Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy, was always oriented toward public service and applied sciences. As such, they became one of the first modern universities, introducing medical and business schools to the US, and they remain one of the most practical and innovative Ivy League schools.

Kelsey Ludeman , an education expert with 15 years of experience in the education sector, highly recommends this school to pursue your PhD in nursing:

“The University of Pennsylvania is well known for its highly esteemed PHD nursing program. The degree plan is completed in 3-4 years and offers multiple concentrations. Although the university’s tuition totes a high price tag, the school provides robust opportunities for funding and financial aid support, and the prestige and preparedness gained may very well be worth the cost.”

One of only three nursing schools in the Ivy League, and the only comprehensive (from bachelor to doctorate), the Penn School of Nursing is one of the highest-ranked and most prestigious nursing degree schools in the nation.

Penn is a perfect setting for the nurse-scientist training of the nursing doctorate, with all that an Ivy League institution can offer, from research resources to a marketable name and reputation.

University of California, Davis

The Moore School of Nursing at the University of California, Davis is serious about research, building upon the single largest grant ever made for nursing education. Every doctoral student admitted to the doctorate nursing program receives tuition fully paid.

The UC Davis nursing program is a full-time, four-year program open to students with a BSN. It is a highly rigorous, high-class program designed to prepare graduates for the most demanding positions in leadership, research, and education, so only the most dedicated students need to apply.

Quite possibly the foremost public higher education system, the University of California system is home to several Public Ivies, including UC Davis; the highest number of Nobel Prize winners of any system.

University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center began when a private medical school in Omaha was acquired by the University of Nebraska as a site to build a comprehensive health center. The University of Nebraska system keeps tuition costs low as a way to make nursing education affordable and accessible.

The UNMC College of Nursing offers a fast-track BSN to PhD track for full-time students, which allows students with a nursing bachelor’s to earn a doctorate in as little as four years. 

Students with an MSN can take a more traditional path, part-time or full-time. UNMC nursing courses are available in a web-based, streaming format; while UNMC does not yet have asynchronous courses, they are on the way. 

Duke University

Duke’s School of Nursing is one of the most elite in the South, attracting the most dedicated and innovative faculty and most promising students. Duke nursing degrees benefit from the ample opportunities provided by Duke’s ground-breaking and well-funded research facilities.

• The South’s answer to the Ivy League is renowned for its medical programs, centered around the Duke University Medical Center, one of the most significant academic medical campuses.
• Students with a BSN or MSN can apply, and teaching assistantships are available for qualifying students. The Duke name is known everywhere, giving doctorate graduates a highly valuable advantage over their competition.

University of California-Los Angeles

The University of California-Los Angeles is one of the most significant public research institutions and an integral part of the UC system. UCLA is also central to healthcare in Southern California, with the UCLA Medical Center ranked as the third best in the nation. 

With deep connections to the vast system of medical facilities throughout Los Angeles and some of the most decorated instructors on the planet, UCLA’s nursing programs are more than impressive.

UCLA’s nursing programs are designed to prepare the nation’s premiere nurse scientists for education and research in the most cutting-edge aspects of the nursing profession. Research pursuits include everything from chronic and communicable diseases to protection for at-risk populations, led by dedicated professionals.

University of Texas Medical Branch

At a time when medical care in Texas was weak and most doctors lacked any university training, the University of Texas established its first medical school in Galveston to prepare for the needs of the growing state. UT Medical Branch remains a major influence over the healthcare system of Texas.

The UTMB School of Nursing is still working to alleviate suffering and provide care where it is needed by educating some of the most distinguished nurses in the region. UTMB is using online degree programs to close the gap in nursing leadership.

With both asynchronous and synchronous models, students can earn the doctorate with only one short campus visit per year. They can receive top-tier nursing education and perform research in a format that allows them to continue their careers uninterrupted.

University of Washington

An original Public Ivy, the University of Washington has a nationally acclaimed commitment to access that has made it one of the most generous public universities for providing tuition breaks and financial aid, with as many as 1/3 of undergraduates eligible for free tuition. That community mission extends throughout UW’s policies.

UW has some of the most acclaimed medical programs in the nation, with its medical and nursing programs ranked in the top 5 by U.S. News & World Report. The UW School of Nursing has been dedicated to providing for the medical needs of the Pacific Northwest, and that tradition continues with the nursing doctorate programs. 

The doctorate is thorough, with a concentration on research, teaching, and theory, designed to produce well-rounded scholars who can carry the nursing profession into the future.

Rush University

Named for Dr Benjamin Rush, physician to George Washington, and the first nationally prominent doctor in the new United States, Rush University’s reputation in medical education is unassailable as one of the first medical schools in the Midwest. 

As part of the Rush University Medical Center, the College of Nursing is one of the best-ranked programs in the nation, with a long history of excellence that dates back to the 19th century and continues until today.

Rush’s College of Nursing benefits from its intensive research environment, giving students access to the most current work being done in the field today.

University of Utah

Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah is the state’s foremost public research institution, a space-grant university that dominates education and study in medicine. With the state’s only medical school, Utah’s healthcare system depends on the University of Utah’s instructors and researchers to provide the care professionals and educators the state needs.

The UU College of Nursing is the finest in Utah, with numerous programs for the health and well-being of Utahans, including women’s health and birthing, mental health counseling, and other services. It also offers a doctorate designed to meet the educational needs of working nurses. 

Using a cohort model (for students to support one another), the program offers synchronous online courses year-round. Students can work around their demanding professional schedules. Costs are also kept low so students can trust that they will see rewards from their investment.

Yale University

Yale’s reputation, as the third university founded in the American colonies and one of the globally renowned Ivy League institutions, really needs no introduction. Yale’s history in medicine and nursing, however, may be less known than their reputation in politics and business. 

Yale was the first nursing school within a university, treating nursing education as a professional pursuit alongside physicians, lawyers, and businesspeople. As a pioneer in graduate nursing education and nursing research, Yale continues to set standards for advanced clinical practice.

The Yale School of Nursing prompts students to research and practice in any number of areas, from chronic sleep disorders to global healthcare policy, preparing for a career as an educator of nurses, advocate for nurse research, or nurse scientist. With the Yale name, graduates can go anywhere with confidence.

Arizona State University

An influential New American university, Arizona State University has been a major force in updating the higher education model for the 21st century through its entrepreneurial, risk-taking innovations. By improving access and using unconventional delivery models, especially by embracing online degree programs, ASU has grown into the largest student body in the US.

The ASU College of Nursing & Health Innovation is known for its top-quality education. It focuses on community service, including partnerships with numerous clinics and facilities in Tempe and the surrounding region. 

These settings allow the college to do well and perform research that benefits their programs, especially students who are dedicated to research and leadership. On-campus and online delivery formats allow students to choose the method best for them, their work schedules, and their families.

Johns Hopkins University

While Johns Hopkins University is best known for its medical and health research and publication, historically, Johns Hopkins is notable as the first research university in the US, to combine scientific research and instruction in one institution. 

That foresight led to Johns Hopkins University becoming one of the most respected and elite institutions on the planet, including the creation of one of the first university nursing schools, developed by Florence Nightingale.

The JHU School of Nursing ‘s incredibly auspicious beginning was just the beginning of a long, illustrious history, which continues today. It has access to some of the field’s finest researchers and research centers.

Columbia University

An Ivy League institution and one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution, Columbia University is the kind of university people mean when they say “Ivy League quality”. From engineering to political science, Columbia has excelled and led higher education.

The Columbia School of Nursing ‘s emphasis on research and scholarship, along with its supreme academic job market value, make it an obvious choice for students entering careers as nurse scientists. Columbia accepts both BSN and MSN holders.

The program is only available full-time, and students are expected to complete research-intensive, rigorous work. Most instructors are grant-funded researchers, giving students ample access to research mentors and thorough preparation for academic life.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

The UNC Health Care System, which consists of the UNC Hospitals, medical school, nursing school, and numerous other partners, is considered one of the best academic healthcare systems in the nation, and graduate students glean much from its research centers.

The UNC School of Nursing is one of the leading lights in nursing research and scholarship, and its students are active participants. UNC’s diverse student body benefits from over 100 interdisciplinary research centers and highly decorated instructors, giving new scholars strong support and mentoring from established academic researchers. All of this makes for one of the best nursing doctorate programs available – truly an Ivy League education at a public university price.

University of South Florida

In only six decades, the University of South Florida has grown from a small regional institution to a major research university with three campuses and a major economic presence in the Tampa, FL, metropolitan region. 

Much of USF’s success has been due to its spectacular online presence and its concentration on professional education programs geared toward working adults. USF has also been named one of the most military- and veteran-friendly institutions in the nation.

The USF College of Nursing has had particular success, reaching the top 25 institutions in NIH grant funding and building relationships with the healthcare system in Tampa. USF offers a nursing doctorate program with tracks for BSN and MSN holders, allowing graduate students to draw on the first-rate research being done by USF instructors.

University of Missouri - Kansas City

University of Missouri-Kansas City is a mid-sized public research university on the rise. UMKC’s extensive research instructors and strong research budget translate into useful knowledge and applicable data that directly improve the lives of Missourians.

UMKC’s School of Nursing and Health Studies plays a large role in that research culture. It uses its grant funding and top-notch instructors to meet the needs of the community and contribute to the overall knowledge of nursing science. 

With fully online courses and only two short summer residencies each year, students can complete their degree in only two years without sacrificing their current jobs.

University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver has become one of the premiere medical and healthcare educators across the globe. The Anschutz Medical Campus encompasses the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, the schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other healthcare fields, and the University of Colorado hospitals.

Not only is CU Denver a national leader in productivity, medical programs, and value. It’s also recognized as one of the top online educators thanks to the growth of CU Online.

The University of Colorado School of Nursing includes fully online courses and a few short, intensive campus visits. CU Denver’s tuition is reasonable, its education is top-of-the-line, and its faculty includes some of the most respected scholars in the field, making it a win for any Colorado nurse who wants to take on research and leadership.

Vanderbilt University

Like other institutions of its size and significance, Vanderbilt operates the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It’s home to the top hospital in Tennessee, one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals, and Vanderbilt’s highly-ranked medical and healthcare schools.

Vanderbilt’s School of Nursing has long been a leader in nurse education and scholarly nursing research. Vanderbilt offers an online doctorate that delivers Vanderbilt’s signature quality with synchronous and asynchronous classes. 

There are two possible tracks: Clinical Research and Health Services Research, focused on researching best practices and approaches to delivering medical care. With Vanderbilt’s name and reputation, a doctorate from Vanderbilt puts graduates in control of a competitive job market.

Boston College

Boston College is a private, Catholic university regularly ranked as one of the top national universities across the globe by publications. As a major Jesuit university, Boston University upholds the traditional Jesuit values of educational rigor, community service, and excellence.  

The Connell School of Nursing exemplifies this holistic approach to education and service with its numerous partnerships and broad community engagement throughout the Boston metropolitan area.

BC’s nursing doctorate emphasizes knowledge production, research, and nursing expertise, preparing students to become dedicated nurse scholars and scientists. Many students accepted to receive a full fellowship with paid tuition, making Boston College a top value.

New York University

One of the most renowned universities on the planet, regularly ranked in the Economist, and others, New York University is a private research institution that dominates academic life in New York City. NYU has produced winners of the Nobel Prize, the MacArthur Grant, and virtually every other major intellectual award in the world.

• The Rory Meyers School of Nursing is no less decorated, having been a major influence in the formation of modern nursing scholarship. That spirit is overarching in the NYU nursing doctorate. 
• Part-time nursing programs are available, and both BSN and MSN nurses can apply.

University of Arizona

Arizona’s first higher education institution, the University of Arizona, is still the leading public research university in the state, ranked as a top public university and one of the best for Hispanic students, especially in the medical field. The University of Arizona College of Nursing is one of the most diverse schools .

Those top-ranked online nursing degrees include the UA nursing doctorate. You can complete UA’s doctorate program completely online, except for a short on-campus orientation each year. There are paths for nurses with undergraduate and graduate school degrees, as well as options for part-time and full-time students. 

Arizona also offers a dual DNP/PhD degree for qualified students. The University of Arizona keeps tuition reasonable, making UA a nationally recognized best value.

University of Missouri

The University of Missouri has been on the front lines of education ever since it was founded as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. The University of Missouri Health Care System is renowned as one of the most comprehensive, quality academic medical complexes in the Midwest.

The Sinclair School of Nursing is one of the most scholarly and rigorous nursing schools in the region, with a great deal of first-rate research for doctorate students to take part in. 

Mizzou offers a distance-mediated program, mixing traditional and online modes of course instruction. This makes the program more convenient for working nurses while maintaining the formal integrity of the traditional doctorate.

Emory University

Emory University represents the Southern Ivy League, as an elite private research institution with the influence, funding, and reputation to stand confidently alongside Harvard, Yale, or Princeton. Emory operates Emory Healthcare, Georgia’s most prestigious medical system, which includes seven nationally recognized hospitals and hundreds of clinical partners. 

With one of the largest endowments, the highest level of research production, and copious grants, Emory is an exemplary research university.

Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory gained a distinct advantage from the highest caliber of research. This includes work on some of the most pressing public health concerns – Emory was the first institution in the US to treat Ebola, for instance. 

Ohio State University

Ohio State University has shown a level of foresight and innovation that has seen it grow from a small regional college to the third-largest research university in the US. Few institutions can match OSU’s entrepreneurial expertise and ambition, especially in online education, where Ohio State has made its mark in recent years.

OSU’s College of Nursing has risen to prominence through its top-ranked online degree programs and high level of scholarly research. Ohio State offers both full-time and part-time plans for the nursing doctorate program, with the number of required credits varying depending on specialization and prior experience. 

While most of OSU’s graduate nursing courses are available in an online format, the full program cannot be completed online.

Pennsylvania State University

One of the major public research institutions in the Northeast, Pennsylvania State University holds all four of the major federal research grants (land, sea, space, and sun), and is recognized as a Public Ivy. With over 10,000 students in its graduate programs alone, Penn has a global reputation as a research giant.

The Penn State nursing PhD engages terminal degree students in the research life of the university. Students will take part in the knowledge-creation and development that will be part of their career as nurse scientists and leaders, giving them a considerable advantage. 

Assistantships with stipends are available, and a dual PhD in nursing and bioethics is also offered for nurses who are interested in designing and guiding institutional research.

University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is a private research university with a reputation that stands high above its small size: having produced numerous Nobel Prize winners. UR also operates the University of Rochester Medical Center, made up of the schools of medicine, dentistry, and nursing, as well as the Strong Memorial Hospital.

The University of Rochester School of Nursing is guided by a philosophy integrating research, education, and practice, dedicated to leading students into the nursing field with all the components that make a great care-giving leader.

The Health Practice Research program is designed for students who already have an MSN to focus on building their research skills. Meanwhile, the MS-PhD accelerated nursing programs are for BSN students who want to complete both an MSN and PhD in an intensive, accelerated full-time program.

Oregon Health & Science University

For the entirety of the 20th century, and the first decade of the 21st, Oregon Health & Science University was the only medical school in the state of Oregon. It’s a rather surprising fact that has given OHSU a considerable level of domination over Oregon’s healthcare system. 

OHSU has been dedicated to the state to an exceptional degree, supplying a large proportion of Oregon’s doctors and nurses. The School of Nursing stands firm as the #7 graduate nursing school in the nation – major numbers for a school with fewer than 5000 students.

OHSU’s top-ranked School of Nursing offers a research-focused doctorate in nursing degree program that brings together all of OHSU’s resources to develop nurses into scientists and leaders. This real-life program is taught on OHSU’s state-of-the-art Portland, OR, campus by an instructional body steeped in the most current research, collaborative projects, and actual practice.

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati plays a major role in the health and wealth of Cincinnati, contributing significantly to both the Cincinnati economy and the healthcare system with the UC Academic Health Center. The University of Cincinnati boasts medical and health schools, research centers, hospitals, and clinics.

The UC College of Nursing takes an active part in Cincinnati’s ambition to be a top-tier urban research university. Its research directly impacts and improves health in Cincinnati and throughout the Midwest.

Students can count on doing real service while earning a research-focused degree that will prepare them for key roles wherever they go.

University of Oklahoma

The premiere public research institution in Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma has been bringing education and nationally-recognized research to the Great Plains since the days of the Oklahoma and Indian Territories. Online courses allow students to earn their degrees without sacrificing their current positions, and OU’s low tuition makes for a painless investment.

While the University of Oklahoma’s original campus remains in Norman, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, which houses OU’s medical and healthcare schools, is a top-class medical center in Oklahoma City. That includes OU’s hospital, children’s hospital, veteran’s hospital, and numerous specialist clinics

The Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing offers a fully online doctorate program through the OU Health Sciences Center, a research-heavy plan of study. One plan is designed for MSN students; an accelerated plan helps students with a BSN power through the master’s and doctorate courses, though full-time work is required.

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University is a top college for social mobility and a strong online educator. FAU was founded as a non-traditional institution for degree completion and graduate education. They retain that focus on quality programs for working adults, non-traditional students, and underrepresented populations.

The FAU College of Nursing is dedicated to producing the best caregivers and health system leaders through its highly respected programs. 

The FAU nursing doctorate is taught in a web-assisted format, with once-monthly on-campus classes and online coursework. Working nurses can pursue their future in a flexible schedule at one of the lowest prices in the nation.

University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a major public research university, the foremost institution of its kind in Kansas. The KU Medical Center, in Kansas City, is made up of the university’s schools of medicine, nursing, and health professions, along with the University of Kansas Hospital. 

This is the setting for KU’s extensive medical research, especially for KU’s research-centered nursing programs. In the top 25 for NIH funding, the KU School of Nursing is the ideal setting for earning a PhD in nursing – in fact, the only nursing doctorate in Kansas.

The nursing doctorate has been offered online since 2006, when many schools were just beginning their doctorate nursing programs. It’s a quality, affordable doctorate from a nursing pioneer.

Michigan State University

As the first land-grant institution, Michigan State University’s curriculum has been defined by programs emphasizing research and development that can have real-life consequences, from agriculture to engineering to health. MSU’s profile has particularly risen in the 21st century with a concentrated effort to build its research experience and reputation.

Michigan State’s College of Nursing is a research-centered school that has made strides in recent years with work on cancer, nutrition, obesity, and other population-wide health crises. 

Students are a critical part of that work, engaging in valuable nursing research alongside instructors and working to become renowned nurse scientists in their own right. This on-campus program (with some online or hybrid courses available) puts students in contact with mentors and role models to inspire and guide them to their futures.

Villanova University

Villanova is a mid-sized private research institution in suburban Philadelphia, PA. As one of the oldest Catholic universities in the US, Villanova has a long history of excellence, including the College of Nursing, one of the most respected in Pennsylvania.

The College of Nursing offers a nursing doctorate program designed to prepare nurse educators and researchers for the future of the nursing field. While an on-campus option is available for international students, the Villanova PhD is an online program with on-campus summer sessions , oriented toward personal connection and nurse education. 

The most important aspect of nurse education is providing the best care and service, making Villanova College of Nursing a perfect choice for nurses who want to make the community a better home.

University of Texas at Arlington

A top regional university for the West, the University of Texas at Arlington is quickly outgrowing its regional status to become a major research institution on its own merits. UT Arlington’s emphasis on applied sciences, professional programs, and health has marked it as a model for the future of higher education.

The UTA College of Nursing offers a PhD degree program that uses blended online/on-campus courses to provide more flexibility for working nurses’ schedules while maintaining personal networking and mentorship. 

Students may begin with a BSN or MSN, full-time or part-time, and UT Arlington’s nursing program, as suits a program in a major metropolitan area, exemplifies diversity and inclusion.

Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman’s University is one of the nation’s most innovative, vanguard research institutions for women. TWU has been one of the most renowned educators of nursing and health sciences, with the largest nursing program in the US.

The TWU College of Nursing offers a fully online nursing doctorate program through its original Denton campus. It adapts TWU’s rigorous standards for research excellence and professional responsibility to the flexibility of an online format. 

A hybrid program is also available at the TWU Houston campus for students who prefer more personal contact. TWU’s tuition is one of the lowest rates in the US , a superior bargain for the high quality.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the leading public university in New England. UMass is noted by the Carnegie Foundation for its contributions to the community, its dedication to sustainability, and its leadership in the higher education field.

The UMass College of Nursing is a key part of UMass’ research culture, with students and instructors working in numerous healthcare facilities throughout the region. The UMass nursing doctorate is oriented toward making nurse scholars and leaders for the future of healthcare. 

Nursing doctorate courses are offered at Amherst in a hybrid format, with weekly class meetings and online coursework. In a region dominated by expensive private institutions, UMass keeps tuition reasonable, making it possible for nursing professionals to afford a career-making degree.

Washington State University

Washington State University has been commended by the Carnegie Foundation for community engagement. Educating over half of Washington’s nurses, the WSU College of Nursing has a major impact on the state’s well-being.

The College of Nursing is gaining a reputation as a research school, with grant-funded projects and a respected staff. Students complete their courses through synchronous online classes, except for a low-residency summer session of three weeks. 

With this hybrid format, WSU can provide students with models of scholarly work and personal attention, while still working around their professional obligations. It’s a well-organized system that prepares tomorrow’s leaders for Washington’s healthcare.

New Mexico State University

As the first university in New Mexico, New Mexico State University is the only designated Hispanic-serving major public research university in the US, a status that drives much of NMSU’s curriculum and community outreach. NMSU is New Mexico’s land-grant university, giving it the mission of bringing useful education to as many citizens as possible.

It offers a fully online nursing doctorate (with just one 1-week visit to campus once a year) to help meet the healthcare needs of New Mexico. Plus, NMSU’s unbelievably low tuition promises students that they will get their degrees without a lifetime of debt to hold them back.

NMSU sees its job as reaching out to the economically and ethnically diverse population of the state with educational opportunities, and the best health care they can provide, and the nursing doctorate is a key tool in doing that job. 

George Mason University

Students get drawn to George Mason University’s high reputation, reasonable tuition rates, and proximity to Washington, DC, along with the networking opportunities that proximity provides.

George Mason’s College of Health & Human Services offers a PhD in nursing that draws on GMU’s strong partnerships with the healthcare system of the northern Virginia region. It gives students ample opportunity for research and clinical work in a variety of populations, urban, rural, high-risk, and so on. 

Unlike other nursing programs, this is taught in a hybrid format, with approximately half the courses online, and half on-campus. Nurses preparing for a career in academia or research leadership can count on the George Mason University name.

University of San Diego

The University of San Diego looks over the city of San Diego – literally, from its high placement on one of the most beautiful hilltop campuses on the west coast, and figuratively, as it takes part in city life by educating ethical, responsible leaders in business, education, and health. 

USD emphasizes the Catholic values of educational excellence and humanitarian service throughout its programs, especially in the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science .

Students with a DNP degree may transfer as much as 11 credits toward a doctorate, much like a dual degree program, to combine the clinical experience of a DNP with the research expertise of the PhD. 

Florida International University

Part of the State University System of Florida, Florida International University is the college of choice for Florida high-school valedictorians. FIU has proven itself to be one of the most entrepreneurial and forward-looking public research universities out there.

• FIU’s Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences has one of the most diverse student bodies in the US, including 20% international students. 
• The program emphasizes research that improves nursing practices and healthcare conditions for diverse, underserved people.

University of Massachusetts Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell has practical, socially responsible professional education and research built into its DNA. As an urban research university, UMass Lowell focuses on fields that make everyday life better for modern people, from business and education to engineering and health sciences.

With productive, respected instructors and a vision to be one of the leading lights of nursing education in New England, UMass Lowell’s School of Nursing offers a doctorate emphasizing health promotion at all levels, from general practice to health policy.

For the convenience of working nurses, the program is a trim of 48 credits, with online and weekend executive-format courses. It’s also one of the best values in New England.

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is a unique animal. Many colleges and universities collaborate on dual degree programs or offer individual degrees that neither have the resources for alone.

The IUPUI nursing program is led by the Indiana University School of Nursing , a century-old institution that has quickly grown into one of the largest in the nation. The program is fully online, except for a short intensive course at the beginning of each year which requires campus residency. 

Coming from an urban research university, emphasizes health systems and the leadership of such efforts, preparing students for research and vision.

University of Texas Health Science Center - San Antonio

The University of Texas Health Science Center is the most important medical university in South Texas. As the only top-tier research institution in the region, it’s responsible for the health care of an extremely large, extremely diverse population, from rural to urban, from the most underprivileged to the wealthiest, and everyone in between. 

UTHSC has many of the highest-ranked programs in the region and is the top medical school for Hispanic students, a severely underrepresented group in medicine. The UTHSC offers the only nursing PhD in the region and is making great efforts to alleviate the shortage of qualified nurse educators and leaders in Texas. 

They offer a fast-track plan for BSN holders to complete master’s and doctorate courses in an accelerated time frame and students who come from an MSN program are sent along an advanced track. The UT Health Science Center keeps one of the lowest tuition rates around, making it a respectable value.

West Virginia University

West Virginia University has the most prominent role in the state’s medical and health system. Students are required to submit and publish an article in a peer-reviewed journal.

WVU’s research in neuroscience and biometrics is among the most innovative and productive in the nation. The Byrd Health Sciences Center is quite possibly the most important health institution in the region. It provides critical care and education throughout the rural regions of the West Virginia mountains.

The program is almost completely online, except for a short introductory meeting and one day a semester campus visit. 

East Carolina University

A growing regional research institution, East Carolina University has long been recognized as the state’s leader in nursing research and education. ECU’s reputation is built on medical and health sciences, and it is one of the most significant institutions providing quality care to the low-income, largely rural eastern North Carolina region.

Much of ECU’s research is directed toward improving care for rural areas lacking proper medical facilities, an approach that informs ECU’s nursing PhD . Students take part in key interdisciplinary projects combining practice with social and political knowledge.

ECU offers a streamlined BSN to PhD track, a traditional MSN to PhD track, and a DNP to PhD track that allows students to apply for as many as 21 credits from the DNP to the PhD for one of the lowest tuition rates in the region.

University of California, San Francisco

The University of California-San Francisco is the only University of California system university solely dedicated to medical and healthcare education. Nursing students at UCSF, then, have access to some of the most current opportunities that students get nowhere else.

UCSF has the highest rate of funding by the NIH. Instructors and students make breakthroughs in psychology and mental health, women’s health, and global health (including HIV/AIDS and pregnancy/childbirth).

Students engaged in original research that makes a tangible contribution to nursing practice, theory, and knowledge.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida has spent the 21st century becoming one of the dominant research universities in the south and the second-largest university in the nation. Ranking UCF in the top 100 public institutions recognizes it as an up-and-coming institution and one of the best values in the nation.

The UCF College of Nursing is also recognized as a top value, as well as one of the best online nursing programs in the US. With their connections to the US government, UCF Nursing is also recognized as a top choice for veterans. 

For UCF students, choices for research include Gerontology, Health Systems, and the most cutting-edge Simulation & Technology. This quality, with UCF’s low tuition, makes UCF a top investment.

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Part of the respected UMass system, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a small, regional branch that is steadily growing in status and recognition as it adds programs and research initiatives. 

In particular, UMD is best known for its sustainability efforts, being the first university to perfectly meet global sustainability standards. UMD’s goal is to become a nationally-ranked university by 2020, a goal it is successfully reaching.

The UMD College of Nursing has been providing commuting students, non-traditional working adults, and first-generation students with the means to make their careers with nursing programs.

Methodology for Nursing PhD Rankings

Value Colleges features only the most trustworthy, proven universities and colleges with Nursing PhD programs that will deliver on their promises with meaningful jobs and lifelong careers.

We consider only regionally-accredited (and mostly AACN-accredited ) programs and rank them according to solid data:

• Reputability – US News 2017 Best Nursing Schools (at MSN level- no PhD avail.)
• ROI – mid-level salaries of Alumni reported by Payscale
• Cost – Actual tuition per credit as reported by the institution

From our formula , we determine which institutions offer the best balance between quality, job market reliability, and affordability, adding up to a respectable ROI.

What to Expect in a PhD in Nursing Program

A doctoral program in nursing is designed to equip students with advanced research skills and a deep understanding of nursing scholarship. Throughout the program, you’ll develop the expertise to conduct and publish evidence-based research that can shape nursing practices and healthcare policies for generations to come.

What Will You Learn in a PhD in Nursing Program?

PhD nursing programs will teach you the core elements, focusing on:

• Historical and philosophical foundations of nursing
• Nursing theories, methods, and processes
• Research methodology and data management
• Academic, research, practice, and healthcare policy development
• Leadership strategies and mentoring
• Dissertation and immersion experiences

How Long Do PhD in Nursing Programs Take?

Most nursing programs offering a doctorate typically take between four to six years to complete. The exact duration varies on factors such as your prior educational background and whether you pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Nursing?

Earning a doctorate nursing degree opens up diverse career opportunities in research, academia, healthcare administration, and health policy. With this advanced credential, you can pursue roles such as nurse scientist, nurse educator, and healthcare administrator, or contribute to shaping influential healthcare policies and regulations.

What Is the Average Salary for a Professional With a PhD in Nursing?

Professionals with nursing degrees who have obtained a PhD can expect to earn a lucrative salary, with the average annual income reaching approximately $100,000 or $60.45 per hour . However, your exact earnings may vary depending on factors such as your specific career path, employer, location, and level of experience

What Are the Requirements for PhD Nursing Programs?

Requirements for PhD nursing programs may vary, although you expect to prepare the following:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or a non-nursing graduate degree
• Personal statement outlining research interests and goals
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Minimum GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher
• Successful completion of an admissions interview
• Writing sample demonstrating academic and research abilities
• Updated resume or curriculum vitae
• Professional letters of recommendation
• Active and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions
• For international applicants, TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency
• Other nursing programs may have additional requirements specific to their doctoral program

How Much Does a PhD in Nursing Degree Cost?

The cost of pursuing a PhD in nursing science can vary significantly, with tuition ranging from $400 to over $2,300 per credit hour at prestigious institutions. However, many universities offer funding opportunities, such as covering tuition fees or providing federal research grants.

Is a PhD in Nursing Degree Right for Me?

A nursing PhD is the right degree for you if you want to be specifically trained for positions in leadership, research, and best practices. Outside of the nursing profession itself, very few people think about the other side of nursing:

• The nurses who have charge over all the other nurses; 
• The nurses who advocate for other nurses in the board room, in front of Congress, and the public eye
• The nurses who research to determine scientifically what works best for patients on the ground.

A working nurse can only help their immediate patients. A nurse educator, nurse scientist, or nurse leader can help many more through their influence. 

The nursing PhD isn’t for everyone – only those with high grades and more of an interest in research than patient care are suitable. For those who have that desire, there are an ever-increasing number of options available, and not all of them are reputable.

DNP vs PhD in Nursing Practice

Unlike a DNP degree – a relatively new degree type that is designed for advanced practice, for using the insights of scientific research in the nitty-gritty of the nursing science profession – the nursing doctorate is designed for academic and scientific exploration, experimentation, and education. (see our comparison of DNP vs. PhD in Nursing )

• The nursing PhD-holders are the research scientists who are developing the knowledge that DNPs use for deciding what practicing nurses do on a day-to-day basis. 
• They are the professors, the scientists, and the advocates who may not spend their days in the ER or the hospital floor, but who figure out what those nurses need to best do their jobs.
• The nurse scientist teaches other nurses, conducts research, writes books, takes on leadership positions in organizations, and influences government healthcare policy. 
• They need the highest level of education and experience, and the contemporary healthcare system is in desperate need of them.

Related Questions

Which phd is best after nursing .

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is often considered the best option after nursing. The DNP is a terminal degree focused on clinical practice, making it a great choice for advanced clinical expertise and leadership opportunities.

Which Country Is Best for a Doctorate in Nursing? 

The United States is generally considered one of the best countries for pursuing a PhD in nursing, as it offers many reputable and well-established doctoral programs at top universities. However, the best country for a doctorate in nursing ultimately depends on your professional goals and the specific program offerings that align with your research interests.

By thoroughly researching and understanding the rankings of nursing doctoral programs, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and career aspirations. Choosing a highly-ranked program can provide you with a top-notch education, valuable networking opportunities, and increased credibility in the job market, setting you up for success in your future endeavors.

Related Rankings:

• Top 25 Best Value Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree Programs
• Top 25 Best Value Master’s of Science in Nursing Programs
• Top 10 Cheapest Online MSN Programs
• Top 50 Best Value Online MSN Programs
• Top 10 Cheapest Online RN to BSN Nursing Programs
• Top 50 Best Value Online RN to BSN Programs
• Top 50 Best Value DNP Programs

Aya Andrews

Editor-in-chief.

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

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The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, relationships, confidence, critical thinking and analytical capacity essential for discovering and disseminating research-based evidence to support innovative solutions that lead to better health outcomes and advance the science of nursing.

What makes our program distinct?

The PhD in Nursing curriculum provides students two options to attend their course class sessions. One option is to be in the classroom with the faculty and the other option is to attend the class via a video connection with the students and faculty in the classroom. Students choose the one delivery method that works best for them. Please note that due to student  visa requirements, international students must attend courses in-person. Courses may use a HyFlex instruction format that combines synchronous in-person scheduled class sessions and asynchronous online learning activities.

At the start of their program (last week in August) and the last week in May, all students gather on campus annually for a four-day Doctor of Nursing Philosophy Immersive Experience (DIvE) focused on engagement, mentorship and professional development and a 1 credit academic course.

PhD students are eligible for significant financial assistance in their first two years through a combination of graduate assistantships and scholarships for students devoted full-time to their studies following the relevant recommended plan of study.

We also advocate for and support our PhD students with funding from a range of national sources. Current PhD students are supported with substantial grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Jonas Philanthropies.

The PhD in Nursing program is enriched by the vibrant research and academic programs at the School of Nursing and the university.

You will be carefully matched with faculty who are uniquely suited to help you develop your research focus and build an ongoing research program. Nationally-renowned faculty mentor PhD students throughout the program and build long-standing professional relationships beyond graduation.

Why a nursing PhD?

Across the country and around the world, demand for PhD-prepared nurses who can mentor future nurses and advance nursing science continues to grow. Our PhD program focuses on areas of science in which the health needs are greatest as described by AACN's strategic plan. We seek to admit students with exceptionally strong backgrounds in a major field of study such as nursing or the physical or behavioral sciences.

While many applicants are registered nurses with Masters degrees, we admit individuals who are not nurses to the PhD program if they desire to learning about and conducting research that contributes to nursing science. We also strongly encourage nurses with a BSN degree to apply. We support both types of students with additional formal coursework to be successful.

See admission criteria and application procedures

Length and commitment

Our past graduates have completed their degree in 4-5 years.

Full-time students follow the relevant recommended program plans typically take the required courses with a consistent cohort of students to foster peer support and learning.

Program Plans

Program Plan - MSN or DNP Prepared

Program Plan - BSN/Pre-Licensure Master's Prepared Nurse

Program Plan - Prior Degree in Non-Nursing Discipline

Information for international students

Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity

The School of Nursing welcomes and affirms all. We embrace the equity and diversity commitment of the University of Minnesota. Learn more on our  Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity  page. Read about our  Doctoral Education Pathway for American Indian/Alaska Native Nurses .

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Charles Osingada

A student in the PhD program

“We can take advantage of what is before us and improve on the delivery of services to clients living with HIV in developing countries.”

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PhD and DNP Degrees

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Why Earn a PhD or DNP?

The two most common types of doctoral nursing degrees are the doctor of philosophy in nursing, or PhD in nursing, and the doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Nurses with a doctorate in nursing can teach and conduct research and have more opportunities for advancement. For nurses looking for a fulfilling career as a leader in the nursing profession, a PhD in Nursing or DNP degree are exciting options.

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There is no doubt that education is the path for a nurse to achieve greater clinical expertise. At the same time, however, the nursing profession needs more nurses educated at the doctoral level to replenish the supply of faculty and researchers. The national shortage of faculty will soon reach critical proportions, having a significant impact on educational programs and their capacity to educate future generations of nursing students.

Although the number of doctorate programs has continued to increase, the total enrollment of students in these programs has remained fairly constant, resulting in a shortage of newly minted PhDs to renew faculty ranks.  As a result, approximately 50% of nursing faculty possess the doctorate as a terminal degree. Furthermore, with many advances being made in the treatment of chronic illnesses, there is a continuing need for research that assists patients in living with their illness.  This research requires individual investigators who are prepared on the doctoral level.

One reason there is a lack of nurses prepared at the doctoral level is that, compared with other professions, nurses have more interruptions in their careers. Many in the profession are females who work as nurses while fulfilling responsibilities as wives and mothers.  As a result, many pursue their education on a part-time basis. Also, the nursing profession traditionally has viewed clinical experience as being a prerequisite to graduate education. This career path results in fewer individuals completing the doctorate at an earlier stage in their career, thereby truncating their productivity as academics, researchers, and administrators. To reverse this trend, many nursing schools have developed programs that admit students into graduate (doctorate and master's) programs directly from their undergraduate or master's programs.

Nursing Research

When nurses do research for their doctorates, many people tend to think that it focuses primarily on nurses and nursing care. In reality, nurses carry out clinical research in a variety of areas, such as diabetes care, cancer care, and eating disorders. 

In the last thirty years, advances in medicine have involved, for the most part, advancing treatment not cures. In other words, no cure for the illness has been discovered, but treatment for that illness has improved. However, sometimes the treatment itself causes problems for patients, such as the unwelcome side effects of chemotherapy. Nurses have opportunities to devise solutions to problems like these through research, such as studies on how to manage the illness and its treatment, thereby allowing individuals to lead happy and productive lives.

The Curricula

Doctoral programs in nursing are aimed at preparing students for careers in health administration, education, clinical research, and advanced clinical practice. Basically, doctoral programs prepare nurses to be experts within the profession, prepared to assume leadership roles in a variety of academic and clinical settings, course work and research, students are trained as researchers and scholars to tackle complex health-care questions. Program emphasis may vary from a focus on health education to a concentration on policy research. The majority of doctoral programs confer the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, but some award the Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS), and the Doctor of Education (EdD).

Doctoral nursing programs traditionally offer courses on the history and philosophy of nursing and the development and testing of nursing and other healthcare techniques, as well as the social, economic, political, and ethical issues important to the field. Data management and research methodology are also areas of instruction. Students are expected to work individually on research projects and complete a dissertation.

Doctoral programs allow study on a full- or part-time basis. For graduate students who are employed and therefore seek flexibility in their schedules, many programs offer courses on weekends and in the evenings.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for doctoral programs vary. Generally, a master's degree is necessary, but in some schools a master's degree is completed in conjunction with fulfillment of the doctoral degree requirements. Standard requirements include an RN license, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores, college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay. Students applying for doctoral-level study should have a solid foundation in nursing and an interest in research. Programs are usually the equivalent of three to five years of full-time study.

Selecting a Doctoral Program

Selecting a doctoral program comes down to personal choice. Students work closely with professors, and, thus, the support and mentoring you receive while pursuing your degree is as vital as the quality of the facilities. The most important question is whether there is a "match" between your research interest and faculty research. Many of the same questions you would ask about baccalaureate and master's degree programs apply to doctoral programs. However, in a doctoral program, the contact with professors, the use of research equipment and facilities, and the program's flexibility in allowing you to choose your course of study are critical.

Some questions to consider asking include: Are there opportunities to present research findings at professional meetings? Is scholarship of faculty, alumni, and students presented at regional and national nursing meetings and subsequently published? Has the body of research done at a university enhanced the knowledge of nursing and health care?

Other questions to consider include: Does the university consider research a priority? Does the university have adequate funding for student research? Many nurses with doctorate degrees make the natural transition into an academic career, but there are many other career options available for nurses prepared at this level. For example, nurses prepared at the doctoral level are often hired by large consulting firms to work with others in designing solutions to health-care delivery problems. Others are hired by large hospital chains to manage various divisions, and some nurses with doctorate degrees are hired to manage complex healthcare systems at the executive level. On another front, they conduct research and formulate national and international healthcare policy. In short, because of the high level of education and a shortage of nurses prepared at this level, there are a number of options.

Salaries are related to the various positions.  Faculty salaries vary by the type of institution and by faculty rank, typically ranging from approximately $80,000 at the assistant professor level to over $115,000 at the professor level.  Salaries of nurse executives also vary, with the lowest salaries being in small rural hospitals and the highest being in complex university medical centers. Consultant salaries are wide ranging but often consist of a base plus some percentage of work contracted. Clinical and research positions vary considerably by the type of institution and the nature of the work.  Needless to say, a doctoral education does provide individuals with a wide range of opportunities, with salaries commensurate with the type and level of responsibilities. 

50 Best Online PhD Nursing Programs [2024 Guide]

Looking for Online PhD Nursing Programs for 2024? Compare PhD vs. DNP and see which doctoral nursing program is the best fit.

With your Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice, your job prospects are positive with a projected faster than average job growth rate of 45%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

List of Schools Offering Online PhD Nursing Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Boise State University

Established in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, Boise State University is located in Boise, Idaho.

The 8-semester DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) in Leadership program is a flexible, online course delivered in a cohort model with other Master’s prepared nurses across the country. There are 4 on-campus Orientation/Executive sessions. Students take 5-6 credits per semester.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership

Boise State University  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

2. Clarion University

Founded in 1867, Clarion University is located in Clarion, Pennsylvania.

The DNP course is a consortium program between the Edinboro and Clarion Universities. The online, 27-credit-hour, affordable Clarion and Edinboro Universities program is flexible and can be customized to match the student’s interest.

The courses can be taken over 5 semesters in a part-time format.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Clarion University ‘s programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

3. Delta State University

Located in Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta State University was established in 1924.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s Robert E Smith School of Nursing. There are different options for Registered Nurses, Post-Master’s FNP, and Post-Master’s non-FNP students, each with different credit hour requirements. Part-time options are also available.

Delta State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. Duquesne University

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne University is a Catholic university established in 1878.

The online DNP program is ranked #83 for Best Nursing Schools for DNP in the country by U.S. News & World Report. It has three start dates in the year, and there is no GRE requirement.

There is an option to study abroad at Duquesne’s Rome and Dublin campuses. Other programs include PhD Nursing and PhD Nursing Ethics.

• PhD in Nursing
• PhD in Nursing Ethics

Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

5. East Carolina University

Established in 1907, East Carolina University is located in Greenville, North Carolina.

The online/hybrid 36-semester hour DNP program provides two pathways to attain the degree – post-master’s and post-baccalaureate. Students are required to attend 1-5 day on-campus sessions at the beginning of every semester.

There are 5 core courses and 4 DNP project courses apart from the electives.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Hybrid)
• PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)

East Carolina University  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6. Georgia College & State University

Georgia College & State University is located in Milledgeville, Georgia. It was founded in 1889.

The 95% online DNP program comprises 37 semester hours and 540 clinical hours. The program includes a mentored capstone project that focuses on translational and clinical research. The program can be completed within 7 years.

Georgia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. Georgia Southern University

With its flagship campus in Statesboro, Georgia, GSU was established in 1906.

The 100% online only DNP program is spread over 6 semesters, with flexible schedules. Students can take 2-3 courses per semester, and the curriculum requirement is 37 credit hours. There are 9 electives offered in the program.

Georgia Southern University  is accredited by the Commission on Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

8. Hampton University

A historically black university that was established in 1868 by black and white leaders, Hampton University is located in Hampton, Virginia.

The post-master’s degree DNP program is delivered 100% online and requires a minimum of 33 hours of coursework (each course: 16 weeks) and 500 clinical hours. There are 3 campus residency sessions. The program can be completed in 2 years.

Hampton University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. Illinois State University

Located in Normal, Illinois, Illinois State University was founded in 1857.

The 34-hour online DNP program can be completed across 7 semesters and includes 18 hours core courses, 3 hours applied data analysis and management, 6 hours clinical residency, and 7 hours of a scholarly project.

Post-baccalaureate students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical work. International students must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Report and English proficiency scores.

Illinois State University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Indiana University – Purdue University – Indianapolis

Located on the White River/Fall Creek, Indiana, this school was established in 1969 with a merger of the two universities.

The online DNP program is offered by the IU School of Nursing. It is a post-master’s degree 37-41 credit hour professional doctorate program. Additional intensive in-person course-related interactions are focused on policy and advocacy.

• PhD in Nursing Science

IUPUI  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

11. Indiana State University

Indiana State University is classified as a Doctoral/Research University. It was established in 1865 and is located in Terre Haute, Indiana.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s College of Health and Human Services and is available across all but 15 states in the US.

The program has a 39-credit-hour requirement post master’s degree program, and students must complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical preceptorship. There is no dissertation requirement.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

12. Johns Hopkins University

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University was established in 1876.

The DNP program is available in Hybrid and Online formats, and students can choose one of two pathways.

Students can pick the DNP option that fits their career goals – the online local program that provides opportunities to work with Johns Hopkins faculty in Baltimore or the online with onsite immersion where students attend campus for 7 immersion sessions.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

13. Medical University of South Carolina

Established in 1874, the Medical University of South Carolina is located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is one of the oldest continuously operating medical schools in the USA.

The online DNP program is not available in 3 states across the country. It can be completed in 2 years. The university’s online programs were ranked #6 in the nation, #3 among public universities, and #2 for nursing programs for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

The  Medical University of South Carolina  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. Missouri State University

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Missouri State University was founded in 1905.

The online DNP program for Anesthesia Practice and Nursing Practice programs are both delivered 100% online and can be undertaken while pursuing a career.

The program comprises 29 hours of doctorate coursework and 528 clinical rotation hours and will take a minimum of 5 semesters to complete.

• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Missouri State University ‘s regional accreditation is through the Higher Learning Commission.

15. Murray State University

Murray State University was founded in 1922 and is located in Murray, Kentucky.

The 36-month DNP program curriculum combines distance learning and online learning, with the first year being 100% online. The second and third years are delivered in a hybrid format. Core courses are taught online, while specialty courses are delivered face-to-face.

Murray State University  is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16. Northern Arizona University

With its main campus in Flagstaff, Arizona, Northern Arizona University was established in 1899.

The online DNP program is delivered by the University’s College of Health and Human Services. The program comprises 74-79 units of graduate-level course work and 1,000 hours of clinical practice, with a minimum of 240 hours to be completed at the Northern Arizona University.

NAU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

17. Northern Kentucky University

Located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University was founded in 1948.

The100% online DNP program can be completed in 20 months. Students are required to complete 10 core courses of seven weeks length each over for 35 credit hours. The tuition is affordably priced, and multiple start dates are available throughout the year.

Northern Kentucky University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Established in 1856, the Northwestern State University of Louisiana has a colorful and interesting history. Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, it is one of the oldest educational institutions in the state.

The 100% online DNP program is completed over 42 hours of coursework. Students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical work at an approved institution.

Northwestern State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

19. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State University was established in 1870.

The online DNP program is delivered by the university’s College of Nursing. Students completing the DNP program are eligible for certification in one of the advanced practice specialties available. The program has limited authorization in some states and is not available in some states.

Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

20. Old Dominion University

Established in 1930, the Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia. The online DNP program is offered by the university’s College of Nursing. Students are required to take 10 courses to complete the degree either on a full or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the 37-credit course in 1.5 years.

• DNP – Advanced
• DNP – Executive

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. Radford University

Founded in 1910, Radford University is located in Radford, Virginia.

The post-master’s degree, 30-credit-hour, online DNP program can be done full time or part-time but must be completed within 8 years. Four different DNP concentrations are available.

The university offers a range of research resources, including tutoring in writing skills, online library compilation, etc.

Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

22. Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville

Located in Edwardsville, Illinois, this branch was established in 1957.

The post-master’s degree, 30-credit, online DNP program is offered by the university’s School of Nursing in combination with the School of Business. The program is structured to be fully online with two on-campus immersion experiences and is conducted over 54 hours of coursework.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

23. Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University is a co-educational institution located in Denton, Texas. It was established in 1902.

The DNP program is available in a Hybrid format, combining both online study and classroom experience. It requires 46 hours, plus 500 hours of clinical work and a capstone project to complete. The program is offered at the university’s Dallas and Houston centers.

Texas Woman’s University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

24. University at Buffalo

The flagship institution of the State University of New York system, the University at Buffalo, was founded in 1846. It has campuses in Amherst and Buffalo, New York, and was originally founded as a medical college.

The online 5-7-semester post-master’s degree 36-credit-hour 100% online DNP program is offered by the University’s School of Nursing. Students must complete 400 hours of clinical work.

The  University at Buffalo  is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

25. University of Alabama

Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the University of Alabama was established in 1820.

The 30 credit online DNP program usually takes about 1.5 years to complete. Students are provided with a faculty advisor to support them through the program.

The program requires one or two campus-based immersion experiences and 1,000 practice hours, of which 500 are part of a supervised program.

• EdD in Instructional Leadership – Nurse Education (Hybrid)

The University of Alabama is accredited and/or recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

26. University of Alabama – Huntsville

Established in 1950 as an extension of the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama – Huntsville is located in Huntsville, Alabama.

The 40-credit-hour fully online DNP program is taken over several semesters as determined by the Graduate Faculty Adviser. It offers two pathways: Post-baccalaureate and Post-Master’s degree. The program has one required Intensive in the Spring Semester.

UAH  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

27. University of Arizona

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona was established in 1885.

The 100% online DNP program has 7 concentration options and enables students who have completed the program to be licensed through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Students must complete at least 500 hours of clinical practice. The program is not offered to students in some states.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Executive Health Systems Leadership (Hybrid)
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nurse Anesthesia (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nursing Informatics (Hybrid)

The University of Arizona  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

28. University of Central Arkansas

Established in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, Arkansas and is noted for courses in nursing, psychology, education, business, and performing arts.

The online DNP program is delivered over 6 consecutive semesters. Students are required to take 2 intensive on-campus days each year, take 2 courses each semester, with 15 hours per week for each 3-hour course.

The University of Central Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

29. University of Central Florida

Located in Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida was established in 1963. UCF College of Nursing was adjudged among the Most Innovative in 2019-20.

The fully online post-master’s DNP program offers flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Students can take advantage of reduced tuition costs through fee waivers and campus amenities.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Advanced
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive

The  University of Central Florida  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

30. University of Colorado – Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs was established in 1902.

The fully online 70-credit-hour DNP program can be completed in 3 years of full-time study and 5 years of part-time study. Students must also complete a capstone project and are required to complete 1,170 hours of supervised clinical coursework at a local medical facility.

UCCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

31. University of Iowa

Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the University of Iowa was founded in 1847. It is the oldest university in the state and the first co-educational institution in the US. The School of Nursing is ranked #14 among the Best Nursing Schools for DNP by U.S. News & World Report.

The top-ranked, online/Hybrid DNP program is offered in a flexible, affordable format tailored to suit individualized schedules and preferences.

The  University of Iowa  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

32. University of Kansas

With its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, the University of Kansas was established in 1866.

The post-master’s degree online DNP program requires 19 credit hours of DNP core courses. Students must fulfill at least 6 hours of the doctoral research project, 7 credit hours of specialty courses along with the university’s Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship requirement.

• DNP (Hybrid)

The  University of Kansas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

33. University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette was established in 1898.

The online DNP program is offered in collaboration with the Intercollegiate Consortium for Master of Science Nursing, with concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner is available with a 42-45-credit-hour requirement.

Students can take the program across five semesters and is best suited for those living in Louisiana.

The University of Louisiana Lafayette  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

34. University of Mississippi

Established in 1844, the University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, Mississippi.

The flexible, online DNP program is offered by the university’s Medical Center School of Nursing. Students who have completed a master’s degree take 2-3 years. Course delivery combines online courses and intensive 1 or 2-day on-campus sessions each semester.

The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

35. University of Missouri

Located in Columbia, Missouri and established in 1839, the University of Missouri is the largest university in the state.

The online, 72-74.5 credit hour DNP program is offered by the University’s Sinclair School of Nursing. Students must complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical hours, based on the emphasis area, and a DNP Scholarly Project.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (Hybrid)
• DNP – Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)

The  University of Missouri  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

36. University of Nevada – Las Vegas

Established in 1959, the University of Nevada – Las Vegas is located in Paradise, Nevada.

The 100% online post-master’s degree DNP program comprises around 31 semester credit hours depending on the track chosen. Several specializations are offered. A loan program is available for qualified, eligible students. No GRE/GMAT is required. The program is not available in some states.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice: BSN – DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: BSN – DNP Nurse Executive
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Post-Master’s Advanced Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Post-Masters Nurse Executive
• Doctor of Philosophy – Nursing

The  University of Nevada, Las Vegas  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

37. University of Nevada – Reno

Located in Reno, Nevada, this university was established in 1874.

The online DNP program is available either via BSN to DNP or as a post-master’s degree. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in two years. Students can also take a 3-year study plan that also requires 30 credit hours.

The  University of Nevada, Reno  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

38. University of New Hampshire

With its main campus in Durham, New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire was founded in 1866.

The online DNP program requires 8 core courses, 3 doctoral seminars, two on-campus residencies, and 1,000 advanced practice clinical hours, a publishable scholarly paper, a successful oral defense of the DNP project, and its acceptance by your DNP team. Cohorts are admitted bi-annually.

The  University of New Hampshire  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

39. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Located across 16 of North Carolina’s campuses, the University of North Carolina was originally founded at Chapel Hill in 1789. It is the first residential school for gifted students to be set up in the US.

The online DNP program takes about two years to complete on a full-time basis. The program length varies between 37 and 41 credit hours for post-master’s degree students on a full or part-time basis.

• DNP – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Nursing
• DNP – Nursing Education

UNC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

40. University of North Dakota

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The university offers a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and also a PhD in Nursing. The online DNP program can be taken on a full-time, part-time, or accelerated basis.

Students take 18-24 months to complete the full-time program, 32 months for the part-time program, and 12 months for the accelerated one.

The University of North Dakota as a whole is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

41. University of South Alabama

Located in Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama was established in 1963.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s College of Nursing. Students can choose from among 15 different specialty areas. Three pathways are available for students based on their level of education. All requirements for the degree must be completed within 7 years.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Clinical Nurse Specialist
• DNP – Executive Nurse Administrator
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Nursing Informatics
• DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Psychiatric (Family) Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Public Health Administration
• DNP – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The  University of South Alabama  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

42. University of Southern Mississippi

With its main campus located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi was established in 1910.

The DNP program is available via three pathways. The BSN to DNP program is 100% online, while the Nursing (FNP) MSN and Nursing (FNP) Graduate Certificate programs are Hattiesburg Hybrid. Students require 34-43 credit hours to complete the program.

• PhD in Nursing Leadership

The  University of Southern Mississippi  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

43. University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler was founded in 1971.

The PhD Nursing program and partly online DNP programs are offered by the University’s Department of Graduate Nursing. The DNP program consists of 45 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours. Scholarship and financial support are available for eligible students.

The  University of Texas at Tyler  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

44. University of Toledo

Located in Toledo, Ohio, the University of Toledo was established in 1872.

The online DNP program is designed to admit BSN prepared nurses. There are four program major options. Some of the courses are available online, while students will have to attend classes at the UT Health Science Campus along with 1060-1150 hours of clinical practice.

The  University of Toledo  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

45. Villanova University

Established in 1842, Villanova University is a Catholic University located in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania.

The University offers a PhD in Nursing and a post-master’s DNP degree. The 32 credit hour DNP program is a blend of distance learning and classroom experiences. Distance learning classes are according to a fixed schedule.

Villanova University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

46. Virginia Commonwealth University

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, its DNP program ranked #37 among best nursing schools. It was established in 1838.

The online DNP program is available on a full or part-time basis with a 39 minimum credit hour requirement. Students are required to be on campus three times during a year. TOEFL scores are required for non-native-English-speaking students.

VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

47. West Virginia University

With its main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia, the West Virginia University was established in 1862.

The online DNP program offered by the University’s School of Nursing has a requirement of 33 credit hours completed over 7-10 semesters. Additional clinical and capstone credits may be required to complete the coursework.

West Virginia University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

48. William Carey University

William Carey University was established in 1892 and is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is a Christian college affiliated with the Southern Baptist Church.

The PhD Nursing program can be taken over two or three years through a trimester system. The pace can be tailored to the student’s requirements, but the program must be completed in 6 years.

• PhD in Nursing Education and Administration (Hybrid)

William Carey University  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

49. Wilmington University

Located in Newcastle, Delaware, Wilmington University was established in 1968.

The online DNP program is flexible and delivered 100% online. It can be completed in 28 months, culminating in a 9-credit, one-year long doctoral project. Core courses are delivered in 7-week-long blocks and DNP project courses over 15-week semesters.

• DNP – Advanced Practice
• DNP – Leadership

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

50. Winona State University – Rochester

Located in Rochester, Minnesota, the Winona State University – Rochester was founded in 1917.

The DNP program is designed for the RN prepared student with either a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing. The master’s degree student is required to complete 31 credit hours, which include 9 clinical scholarship credits and 540 clinical hours.

Winona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Types of Online PhD Nursing Programs

These are the three most common degrees for a doctoral degree in nursing. Click on the one that most interests you to jump to that section.

PhD in Nursing Education

Phd in healthcare leadership.

Each one can help prepare you for a different career in the medical field.

A doctor of philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Education can help prepare you to teach nursing at the university level.

As a practicing nurse yourself, you may have the experience and expertise for delivering high-quality care in a clinical setting. Your doctorate coursework can help you become an expert teacher as well so that you can pass on what you’ve learned to upcoming nurses.

The curriculum for this program typically focuses on learning theories and teaching strategies, curriculum development, how to evaluate nursing students, and the ethics of nursing.

After you graduate, you may become a professor, a professional trainer at a hospital, or a dedicated researcher who presents new findings to the nursing world. In any of these roles, you may be shaping the future of the medical field as you teach or otherwise inform nursing professionals.

With a PhD in Healthcare Leadership or Healthcare Management, you might teach at a university or continue working in a clinical setting as an administrator.

Your courses will likely focus on setting a vision for your institution, monitoring and evaluating your organization’s performance, financial management, patient care, and applicable laws and regulations.

You might also take classes that address specific issues or help you to develop certain skills, such as opioid medicines, environmental safety, health management information systems, research methods and statistics, and public speaking.

If you enjoy the business side of the medical world and want to make a real difference in your institution, this may be the track for you.

The two main options for graduates with this degree is to become a hospital or office administrator or to become a nurse practitioner. You may also serve as a trainer in your organization.

If you choose to go in the direction of administration, you might be a nurse manager or help to set policy for your organization. Your coursework will likely focus on delivering excellent patient care, management, and financial responsibility.

The second popular option is to study to be a nurse practitioner. While this degree doesn’t qualify you to be a doctor per se, you can perform many functions that a doctor does, including seeing and diagnosing patients, administering anesthesia, and delivering babies as a nurse midwife.

You’ll work under a doctor who approves any medicine prescriptions or certain treatment plans.

What Is the Difference between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing?

The main differences between a PhD and DNP include the following:

As you can see, the average salary range is fairly close, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The gap between PhD nursing programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs  boils down to what you plan on doing once you complete your coursework and how long your program will take.

PhD students focus on research and the development of nursing theory, as well as how to communicate with students and other parties once these graduates take on positions within the educational field. Though the coursework is shorter, PhD students will likely need to write a dissertation to demonstrate their research skills and expertise over the subject matter.

On the other hand, DNP students plan to put this research and exploration of theory to practice in a more hands-on manner. Members of this group specialize in the application of their learning via clinical practice and administration. They might manage other nurses or serve as a family nurse practitioner  in a doctor’s office.

DNP students typically spend longer in their programs, but their final projects aren’t usually as time-consuming as writing a dissertation.

Online PhD in Nursing Program Curriculum

Before signing up for classes, it’s a good idea to review the required curriculum for the average PhD in a nursing program. You will likely cover the following topics and subject matter :

• Philosophical Perspectives in Health
• Activities and Responsibilities of the Nurse Scientist
• Quantitative Research Design and Methods
• Scientific Perspectives in Nursing
• Statistical Methods in Public Health

Typically, a PhD in Nursing requires a dissertation. However, some universities offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice with no dissertation .

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Concentrations

Like most other doctoral programs, there’s plenty of opportunities to further refine your learning experience via coursework specializations. Some of the most common concentrations include:

• Nursing Education
• Nursing Leadership
• Nursing Administration
• Health Policy
• Specializations for Nurse Practitioners

A concentration can help enhance your understanding of a unique area in the field, thereby increasing your value and competency when it comes time to apply this learning in a professional setting.

Doctorate in Nursing Career Outlook and Salary Information

Considering the near-constant need for reliable medical professionals and academic luminaries, it’s no surprise that the BLS reports a healthy career outlook for members of the nursing community. Specifically, job opportunities for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nursing practitioners are expected to grow by an average of 45% over the next ten years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the nursing field for PhD or DNP holders include:

Accreditation for Doctoral Nursing Programs

When you’re looking for a university to attend, make sure that it is properly accredited. Accreditation by an independent third-party can help ensure that your university and nursing program meets the highest standards. Your university as a whole should be accredited by one of these six regional boards.

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The university’s nursing program could also be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc . Note that it is not necessary to have these program-specific accreditations.

Financial Aid for Students in Online DNP or Nursing PhD Program

Financial aid is not just for undergrads. Doctoral students can take advantage of it as well. And earning your degree online or on campus doesn’t affect the aid that you qualify for.

When you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , you’ll see what grants and loans you qualify for. You can then look for scholarship opportunities at your university or through private organizations. Your university may also offer you a fellowship.

Talk to your employer about possible tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs. Also, look into any potential accelerated nursing programs to help reduce the time it takes you earn your PhD.

Questions Related to Earning Your PhD in Nursing

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have about earning your doctorate in nursing.

What Is a PhD in Nursing?

Usually spanning between 60 and 80 credit hours of coursework, most PhD in nursing programs cover the research of nursing best practices in the clinical, academic, and scientific environments. However, the application of managerial theory and administrative concepts also serves as a building block of this graduate-level learning experience.

PhD in nursing programs cater to nursing students and established practitioners alike. While returning to the medical industry is definitely a possibility, most recipients of this degree remain in the academic world, seeking tenure at accepting institutions and teaching others via experiential learning.

How Much Does a Nurse with a PhD Make?

Having a PhD puts you higher than students with a bachelor’s or even master’s degree.  For example, nurse instructors with a master’s in nursing education earn $74,600 on average. The highest earning potential for a nurse PhD as a professor is $133,460 on average (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Salary differences are mainly a result of a person’s experience, medical organizations or universities that a person works for, and the location where they live.

Do DNP Get Paid More than NP?

No, a DNP does not get paid more than an NP because they are essentially the same thing. DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice and is the degree that a Nurse Practitioner (NP) holds.

Is a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Worth It?

Yes, a doctor of philosophy in nursing is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 15% job growth in healthcare occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include acute care nurse practitioner, chief nursing officer, and nursing instructor.

It may take a lot of hard work completing the classes and writing your dissertation, but you’ve come this far in your education and career, so with determination, you can finish your doctoral degree as well.

You can start by deciding which degree you want – a PhD in Nursing Education, a PhD in Healthcare Leadership, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Then, narrow down your choice of schools by degree offering and possible concentrations. Apply to your top 3-5 choices and research financial aid opportunities.

In 3-5 years, you may be finished with your degree and an expert in your field.

Best Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs – 2024

What Factors Were Considered for Ranking the Best Ph.D. in Nursing Online Programs?

Following are the 10 best online ph.d. in nursing programs in the nation for 2024, 1) university of central florida - orlando, fl.

If gaining knowledge and expertise in nursing research interests you, then pursuing an online Ph.D. can be a fruitful decision. The University of Central Florida offers two online Ph.D. tracks that can be completed without keeping your current work assignments on hold. So, there is BSN to Ph.D. track that requires completing 75 credit hours post-BSN, whereas, if you have completed a master’s in nursing, your coursework for the MSN to Ph.D. track demands finishing 60-credit hours. Except for two intensives that require few days of campus visits per year, all courses are offered through the web.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to explore promising employment opportunities, such as the director of nursing research, nurse scientist, nursing faculty, and research scientist.

Key Highlights

• UCF’s College of Nursing is highly ranked by the U.S. News and World Report in recognition of its innovative and pathbreaking online education. • The college has the expertise of offering quality web-based programs for the last 20 years that are well supported by its experienced faculty.

2) Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN

Specializations Offered:

Vanderbilt University’s online Ph.D. in nursing science prepares you for a career in nursing research and education. Depending on your career goals, you can choose from either Clinical Research or Health Services Research. If you are inclined towards improving health outcomes by researching treatments that involve physical, psychological, and educational therapies, then the clinical research specialization is better suited. Whereas, the health services research specialty is focused on designing systems that evaluate treatments administered, their costs, and what happens to the patient, after that.

The coursework requires completion of at least 57 credit hours and is delivered completely online, with some parts being synchronous and some asynchronous. Out of the 57 credits, 32 are core courses, 15 credits are to be completed in your specialty-specific courses, and ten credits are towards your research thesis. To participate in experiential learning and interactive sessions with faculty, you must visit the campus for around 15 to 20 days per academic year.

• Vanderbilt University offers Ph.D. students multiple opportunities to interact with research scholars across the university and the nation. • You will be taught by a faculty that is nationally recognized and actively participates in research in your chosen specialty. • Eligible students can transfer 15 credits from their master’s degree towards this Ph.D.

3) Walden University - Minneapolis, MN

If you are keen on positively impacting the future of healthcare by actively participating in research, teaching, and policymaking, then completing your Ph.D. in any of the tracks offered by Walden University can be given a thought. One of the sought-after Ph.D. in Nursing online programs in MN, you need at least a master’s degree to be eligible for this program. Acknowledging your past education, the college allows a transfer of up to 40 credits towards the Ph.D. With five tracks in education, healthcare administration, interdisciplinary health, leadership, and population health, you can opt for the one that matches your career aspirations.

Regardless of what specialization you choose, the degree requires completing a total of 81 credits, comprising 20 credits of research courses, 25 credits in core courses, and 15 credits in courses of your chosen specialization. The curriculum culminates with a research thesis of 20 credits. Upon completion of this Ph.D. in your chosen specialty, you can go on to work as either a nursing professor, head a research organization, or become a health policymaker in a health organization.

• If you have completed your DNP, you can opt for the DNP to Ph.D. Bridge program where you can transfer 26 credits and save considerable time and tuition costs. • With Walden’s Sigma Theta Tau chapter, you can network with other nurses and share your nursing research ideas and gain a broader perspective.

4) University of Kansas - Kansas City, KS

The University of Kansas has been offering Ph.D. education since 1983, and its over 125 graduates are successfully working as nurse educators and research scholars in various educational and healthcare organizations. Graduates are trained in the skills and advance art and science of nursing, with emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based decision making. On average, students complete this online program in three years on a full-time basis.

Well, you can enter this program after your bachelor’s or upon completion of your master’s in nursing. With the master’s, you will require six fewer credits, whereas as a post BSN student, you must complete additional courses in theories for practice research and healthcare research as part of your Ph.D. curriculum.

The curriculum involves completing 52-credit coursework plus 15 credits of thesis, and there are three areas of specialization to choose from - Health Systems, Symptom Science, and Education. Well, to enhance your chances of admission into this or for that matter any other Ph.D. in Nursing online programs, ensure you earn a minimum GPA of 3.50 in your BSN or 3.25 in your MSN, apart from holding an active nurse license and demonstrating an aptitude for leadership and research activities.

• You will be able to select up to 11 credits of your total coursework in the topic related to your research thesis. • You can opt to be mentored by a graduate faculty who shares your research interests.

5) University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

University of Arizona College of Nursing offers several pathways to Ph.D. aspirants. You can enter this program either post your BSN or MSN. Alternatively, you can also opt to complete your Ph.D. along with a DNP or even earn a Ph.D. after completing the DNP. Whichever path you choose, you can complete this program online, both on a part-time and full-time basis. Besides the online courses, you are required to attend a mandatory one week of on-campus orientation, where you will collaborate with peers and faculty to explore the Ph.D. curriculum.

This online Doctor of Philosophy in nursing is offered in three areas of focused study-Precision Science, Health Determinants Science and Data and System Science, out of which you must choose one. This study constitutes 12 credits of your Ph.D. coursework and helps gain specialized knowledge in your area of focus. The total Ph.D. curriculum requires completing 64 credits. The coursework includes an 18-credit dissertation that is completed over multiple terms.

• The college is among the top nursing schools in receiving funding from the NIH. As a potential student, you will certainly benefit from the school’s dynamic research profile. • The school’s stellar faculty is accomplished, and they engage in research and scholarly activity in all the three areas of focused study.

6) Indiana University - Bloomington, IN

Indiana University’s online Ph.D. training prepares you for a career in private or public organizations as nursing faculty, director of clinical research, and director of clinical services. The program is grounded in nursing science and offers concentration options in Clinical Nursing Science and Health Systems. Clinical Nursing Science is ideal if you are inclined towards the research of prevention and early detection of diseases and disabilities across the lifespan, whereas Health Systems emphasizes on informatics, nursing education, and public health policy.

You can enter this program, either after your BSN or post an MSN. While the former requires completing 90 credits, the latter is shorter and requires just 60 credits as 30 credits are automatically transferred from the MSN towards your Ph.D. While most of the courses are offered online, you require attending two campus intensives per year. These visits can be enriching as you get the opportunity to network with mentors and other experts from the field. The curriculum is well balanced, covering courses in nursing science, biostatistics for public health, data analysis, and quantitative research. The coursework ends with a 16-credit thesis in nursing.

• If you are a resident of Indiana, you can complete this program at only one-third of the tuition cost that out of state students incur. • As an online student, you will be taught by the same faculty that teaches on-campus. Moreover, didactic sessions are synchronous in nature, so you practically land up in a virtual classroom with your peers, taking classes through videoconferencing.

7) University of Colorado - Denver, CO

If you are looking at a career in nursing education, nursing administration, or nursing research, then the University of Colorado’s nursing Ph.D. can be considered. You can enter this program, either after completing a BSN or MSN. Depending on professional interests, you can choose from any of the three areas of focus - Health Care Systems Research, Caring Science, and Behavioral Sciences. Although all courses are offered via the internet, however, you must be prepared to travel to Denver once every semester for the on-campus intensives.

The 60-credit Ph.D. coursework includes 18 credits of dissertation. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program in three years. As a pre-requisite to this program, you must complete a graduate-level course in statistics. Upon completion of core and specialization courses, you will demonstrate the expertise of developing new knowledge and findings through your nursing research.

• You are eligible for in-state tuition costs if your permanent residence address happens to be in any of the 15 states that include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. • Eligible Ph.D. students can also avail scholarships that the college offers twice a year.

8) Villanova University - Villanova, PA

If you are looking at an online Ph.D. in Nursing program to attain the highest nursing degree, then you could consider Villanova University’s Ph.D. that prepares you to conduct clinical and educational based nursing research towards better nursing practice and education. This advanced credential will help you climb the career ladder in the academic field by preparing you to take up leadership positions in the higher education arena. With flexible schedules, you can complete this program in as little as two years or stretch it to three to four years. An additional two years are required for the completion of the nursing thesis.

The curriculum entails completing 51 credits; however, the exact number of credits may vary, depending on your past education. The coursework is designed to equip you with the practical and theoretical understanding required to create new knowledge of culturally relevant nursing practice and education. You will also learn to collaborate with members of other health disciplines to enhance your research.

• This Ph.D. program at Villanova is known for the personalized study experience it offers students. • Year after year, the National League for Nursing has honored the college’s Nursing School as being the Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, a testimony of the quality nursing education it offers.

9) Duquesne University - Pittsburgh, PA

The Ph.D. program being offered by Duquesne University since 1994 has trained over 100 graduates who are currently well established in their careers as nurse scientists. Primarily offered as a post MSN course, there is also a post-DNP track that can be completed in 2.5 years as it requires fewer credits. The Ph.D. program at Duquesne is mainly focused on preparing you for nursing research in addressing the health needs of the vulnerable and underserved populations that are economically backward and belong to racial or ethnic minorities.

To be eligible for this program, you must have earned a master’s, preferably in nursing, with a minimum GPA of 3.50. There is a three year and four-year track to choose from. The three-year track is rigorous and will hardly leave you any time for other commitments, whereas with the four-year track, you will be completing your coursework at a comfortable pace, typically taking six credits per semester, unlike the 6-10 in the three-year track. Both tracks require a graduate-level statistics course as a pre-requisite. The 53 credits curriculum includes 12 credits of a dissertation that takes place during the last year of your coursework.

• Residency requirements in this program include visits to the college campus, and as part of the Methods of Scientific Inquiry course, you will take part in a 10-14 day international trip to locations such as Dublin, Ireland, where you will be provided with housing at the college’s campus. • The program enjoys the distinction of being the first online Doctor of Philosophy in nursing program in the country.

10) University of Missouri - Columbia, MO

University of Missouri’s Ph.D. in Nursing prepares you for an advanced career in nursing, either as a scholar, educator, or clinical researcher. Due to its interdisciplinary approach, even non-nursing students can enter this program. To pursue this degree, you have three pathways; post-BSN, post-MSN, and post-DNP. Regardless of the pathway you choose, you will be taught by a faculty that comes from diverse academic backgrounds, bringing in their interdisciplinary experiences and knowledge.

This Ph.D. is offered in a hybrid mode, requiring few campus visits while taking the majority of your coursework online. There are three focus areas to choose from; innovations to improve health and health systems, health improvement of the vulnerable population, symptom, and behavior science. The post-BSN track requires completion of about 77 credits, whereas, the post-MSN and post-DNP require 56 and 48 credits, respectively.

• One of the few military-friendly online Ph.D. in Nursing programs in the nation, military personnel, veterans, and their eligible family members can avail of a 10% reduction in tuition costs. • You can benefit from the nursing school’s research connections across its various departments that include social work, public health, human development and family science, education, and health informatics.

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PhD: Doctor of Philosophy

Good news! There are no application fees ever for PhD applicants!

For more than four decades, the University of Maryland School of Nursing's PhD program has prepared scholars and researchers to tackle the greatest challenges facing health care.

Learn more about research at UMSON:

• explore our faculty members' areas of expertise
• read  profiles on our nurse researchers
• browse our web directory , where faculty available to chair PhD student committees are noted as "accepting PhD students"
• see a list of  recent PhD dissertation projects

As a PhD student at UMSON, you'll:

• conduct important research that not only builds a foundation for your career, but also contributes to the advancement of nursing science
• study under accomplished faculty members from UMSON's organized research centers while taking full advantage of our state-of-the-art health sciences campus.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is the state's public health, law, and human services university devoted to excellence in professional education, research, patient care, and public service.

How the Program Works:

• Half of your coursework is delivered in a seminar format with some online modules.
• The other half includes electives, practicum experiences, and dissertation research.
• Electives are available in varied formats across University System of Maryland schools.
• Full-time and part-time options are available.

You're an ideal candidate for the PhD program if you are a bachelor's- or master's-prepared nurse or other health-related professional who wants a research career focused on some of the most important disciplines, topics, and trends, including:

• Aging Populations
• Cardiovascular Health
• Health Systems Outcomes
• Implementation Science
• Women's Health and Birth Outcomes
• Occupational Health
• Pain and Symptom Science
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care

The UMSON PhD program was initiated in 1979 as the 16th doctoral nursing program in the nation. Every student is carefully chosen and matched to the faculty member who can offer the greatest opportunity to succeed in developing his or her research program. As a graduate, you will join a thriving group of alumni—many of whom hold key leadership positions in academia, research, and administration across the country. 

What You'll Do

After graduating from the phd program, you'll be prepared to:.

• Design, conduct, analyze, and disseminate research findings to expand knowledge in nursing and related disciplines
• Initiate, facilitate, and participate in interdisciplinary research with nurses and scholars from related disciplines
• Assume leadership roles in academic and health care settings

Courses You'll Take

For financial aid purposes, there are credit minimums for full-time status that may differ from the plans of study. See details .

In this Section:

• Full-Time Plan of Study All full-time students with Graduate Research Assistantships must consult with their advisor and the associate dean for the PhD program before registering to ensure that their credits align with the requirements of the GRA.

Part-Time Plan of Study

Full-time plan of study.

*Grant Writing Seminar: Offered only in spring.

**Research Rotation: A total of 2 research rotation credits are required for all students – 1 credit equals 3 hours/week or 45 hours over the semester.

***Research Practicum: A total of 6 credits of NURS 818 are required – these are intended to focus on the student’s research area where time is spent preparing for comprehensive exams, learning new techniques, conducting preliminary analyses, etc. As with NURS 819, for 1 credit students are expected to devote 45 hours over the semester. P - Prerequisite C - Concurrent

*Grant Proposal Writing: Offered only in spring.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your nursing education is an important investment. financial aid and scholarships can help make your goals a reality..

UMSON offers multiple opportunities to help you afford your graduate education.

Learn More About Financial Aid and Scholarships

All students receiving funds through the University must:

• be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree-seeking program
• complete a  Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA) each year by UMB's award priority deadline
• FAFSA Submission deadline:  June 30, 2023
• FAFSA School code:  002104

The  UMB Office of Student Financial Assistance & Education  is available to guide prospective and current students through the FAFSA application process and the financial aid award package.

Contact Us:

UMSON Scholarships and Grants Office 410-706-0489 | [email protected]

UMB Student Financial Assistance and Education Office 410-706-7347 | [email protected]

PhD Admission Information

Phd applicants apply through umb’s graduate school., in this section:.

• Qualifications
• Application Materials and Instructions  *There are  no application fees ever  for PhD applicants!
• Fall Enrollment:  Dec. 1

PhD applicants apply through UMB’s Graduate School . Your application and all supplemental materials must be received by this date.

Qualifications:

Applicants should possess a bachelor's or master's degree with a major in nursing or a related health field from a regionally accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a comparable foreign institution.  For International Applicants or those with a degree outside the United States, please review the International Applicants webpage.

Application Materials and Instructions: 

There are no application fees ever for PhD applicants!

PhD applicants apply through UMB’s Graduate School. All applicants must satisfy the general requirements of the University of Maryland Graduate School and submit the following materials:

Submit/request these materials via the Admissions Dashboard .

If you have questions regarding the admissions requirements or process, contact  [email protected]  to avoid errors that could delay the processing of your application.

Recent Dissertation Topics

View the List of PhD Dissertations.

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Become a leader in the field of nursing

Our PhD program prepares you for a career in nursing education, research, health systems, or clinical science to enhance the care of individuals and families across the lifespan. PhD-prepared nurses lead the profession, teach the next generation of nurses, and expand nursing’s impact on health policy and public health.

Is a PhD right for you?

The PhD program is available through the IUPUI campus, but it is distance-accessible, using videoconferencing technology that synchronously places you in the classroom with your classmates. You can also choose in-person classes if you prefer to learn in a face-to-face setting. We attempt to schedule the required PhD courses across one day each week so that students know in advance which day to plan to be available for class.

This program features both a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to PhD pathway, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to PhD path.  The MSN-PhD can be accomplished in three years as a full time student, or five years as a part time student.  The BSN-PhD can be accomplished in four years as a full-time student, or six years as a part-time student.

As a PhD student, you are linked with faculty researchers who provide supportive mentoring throughout your entire PhD program. There is one core curriculum, but you can choose to work with faculty experts on one of two tracks: Clinical Nursing Science or Health Systems, which includes Nursing Education.

Two research tracks to choose from

Clinical nursing science.

Clinical nursing science concentrates on the intersections of health promotion, health behavior, and quality of life in acute and chronic illness throughout the lifespan. It includes the prevention and early detection of disease and disability across the continuum of care and the enhancement of the health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities.

Examples of scholarship and faculty research in clinical nursing science include:

• Improving the quality of life of persons with chronic illness
• Behavioral oncology across the cancer continuum
• Childhood and family adaptation to chronic illness
• Family caregiving across the lifespan
• Tailored intervention studies to improve quality of life
• Patient care safety

Health Systems

Health systems operate to create structures and resources that enable individuals and communities to achieve optimal health. This focus area includes the science of nursing education, informatics, health policy, and administration.

Examples of scholarship and faculty research within the focus of health systems include:

• Teaching and learning in distance courses
• Clinical reasoning
• Assessment of learning and program evaluation
• Health policy and public policy analysis
• Computer systems to enhance care delivery
• Nursing informatics
• Narrative pedagogies
• Patient care simulations
• Community-based care coordination

Professional Development Core

Nursing theory core, nursing science research major, nursing science concentration, internal or external minor, dissertation, learning outcomes.

As a PhD graduate, you are well-positioned for a successful career as a leader within academic and practice settings. Graduates of the program are expected to:

• Synthesize knowledge from nursing as well as biological and behavioral sciences to investigate health phenomena.
• Utilize analytical and empirical methods to extend nursing knowledge and scholarship.
• Conduct and communicate independent research that advances the body of scientific knowledge.
• Defend the social significance of the expanded knowledge base of nursing.
• Interpret nursing science within an interdisciplinary context.

Ready to take the next step?

Financial aid & fellowships

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Find the Best Nursing Schools

A master’s in nursing can help you qualify for jobs as a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse specialist or nurse midwife. In addition to advanced medical knowledge, nurses with a master’s can gain autonomy in their practice and skills in leadership, management, finance and the business side of health care.

For full rankings, acceptance rates and student debt data, sign up for the U.S. News Nursing School Compass.

• 2024 Best Nursing Schools: Master's
• # 1 Emory University (Woodruff)  (tie) Atlanta, GA
• # 1 Johns Hopkins University  (tie) Baltimore, MD
• # 3 Duke University Durham, NC

• 2024 Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
• # 1 Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD
• # 2 George Mason University Fairfax, VA
• # 3 Duke University  (tie) Durham, NC
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Nursing Programs, Specialties and Additional Rankings

Nursing professionals can specialize in many areas for these master’s or DNP degrees. Nurses are needed at every stage of a patient’s life, from infancy to older adulthood.

Nursing Programs

Schools ranked in these areas may offer programs at the master's and/or DNP level.

• Nursing-Anesthesia
• Nursing-Midwifery

Nursing Specialties

• DNP Leadership
• DNP Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Acute Care
• DNP Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Primary Care
• DNP Nurse Practitioner: Family
• DNP Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric / Mental Health, Across the Lifespan
• Master's Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Acute Care
• Master's Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Primary Care
• Master's Nurse Practitioner: Family
• Master's Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric / Mental Health, Across the Lifespan
• Master's Nursing Administration

Best Online Programs

Explore nursing schools that offer the convenience of online programs.

• Online Graduate Nursing

Additional Nursing School Resources

• A-Z List of Nursing Schools
• Best Health Care Jobs

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• Nursing Degrees

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Four-Year BSN

• M.S. in Nursing
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Nursing Accreditation
• Nursing Scholarships

Nursing Skills Lab

• Organizations
• Mission Statement and Program Goals

The University of Tampa’s baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs prepare students to respond to diverse health care needs. Nursing graduates will find opportunities in an array of stimulating and meaningful careers.

Graduate and Health Studies Building Tour

Four-Year Bachelor of Science (BSN) Designed generally for students without nursing college credit.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Offers graduate-level study with adult-gerontology nurse practitioner primary care and family nurse practitioner concentrations. Nursing faculty have established collaborative relationships with more than 120 facilities and area experts in numerous health disciplines. This network helps prepare students for primary care and clinical management roles in pediatrics, adult and family health, geriatrics, women’s health, administration, informatics, education and other fields.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) This convenient, online program consists of 30 credit hours spread over six semesters. Choose from two tracks: advanced practice nursing and leadership in population health.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and the post-graduate APRN certificate programs at The University of Tampa are accredited by  The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .

• Sigma Theta Tau International
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• BSN Licensure Disclosure
• BSN Program Flyer
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Undergraduate Admissions   University of Tampa  401 W. Kennedy Blvd.  Tampa, FL 33606  Phone: (813) 253-6211  Toll free: 888-MINARET (646-2738)  Fax: (813) 258-7398  [email protected]   MSN and DNP Admissions   University of Tampa  401 W. Kennedy Blvd.  Tampa, FL 33606  Phone: (813) 258-7409  Fax: (813) 259-7403  [email protected]

Graduates To Move on to Careers in Technology, Nursing

Part-Time MBA Program, Master’s in Nursing Named Among the Best

UT Nursing Students Collaborate with Physicians in Ghana

Students are prepared to respond to diverse health care needs.

The debrief rooms allow for students to receive individualized responsive feedback.

The UT nursing program has formal affiliations with more than 120 clinical agencies and practices.

Six patient exam rooms allow students to practice their health assessment and physical exam skills.

The nursing simulation lab features more than a dozen realistic medical manikins.

"I'd recommend UT's nursing program because of the supportive professors, the clinical opportunities in Tampa and how well it prepares students for the NCLEX."

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39 Best Colleges for Nursing – 2024

May 10, 2024

Nursing remains one of the most popular college majors in the United States and there are more than a few reasons why. Obtaining a nursing degree puts graduates in position to enjoy one of the highest starting salaries of any discipline and there is no shortage of jobs as the healthcare sector continues its rapid growth. College Transitions’ list of the Best Colleges for Nursing is made up of programs that do an exceptional job preparing hospital-ready graduates through a variety of hands-on experiences in healthcare facilities. Institutions that made the cut also boast high pass rates on the NCLEX Licensing Examination. Whether your interest lies in pediatrics, hospice, or general nursing, these best nursing schools will prepare you exceptionally well.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Nursing.

Salary Information

Want to know how much money graduates of the best nursing colleges make when they begin their careers? For each college listed (and hundreds of additional schools), you can view the starting salaries for nursing majors .

Best Colleges for Nursing

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten nursing institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Emory University

2) University of Pennsylvania

3) Duke University

4) Villanova University

5) Drexel University

6) Pennsylvania State University

7) Fairfield University

8) University of Miami

9) University of Michigan

10) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the area of nursing and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best nursing colleges, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—the university’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Emory University

• Atlanta, GA

Academic Highlights: This midsize university offers a diverse array of majors (80+) and minors (60+), and 30% of Emory students pursue more than one area of study. Over half of Emory’s student body works directly with a faculty member on academic research and 58% of courses have class sizes of under twenty students. Ultimately, the greatest number of students go on to earn degrees in the social sciences (15%), biology (14%), business (14%), health professions (12%), and mathematics (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduation, 66% of 2022 grads were already employed, and 96% had arrived at their next destination. The top employers of recent Emory grads include Deloitte, Epic, ScribeAmerica, Meta, Morgan Stanley, and Cloudmed. Graduates of the Goizueta Business School found strong starting salaries with an average of $81k.  In the last few years, multiple Emory grads/alums received acceptance letters from the following top law schools like Columbia, Berkeley, and Georgetown. Med school acceptances included Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt.

• Enrollment: 7,101
• Cost of Attendance: $83,702
• Median SAT: 1500
• Median ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 90%

University of Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights : 90 distinct degrees are available across four schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Applied Science and Engineering, the College of Nursing, and the world-renowned Wharton School. The greatest number of students pursue degrees in business (19%), social sciences (14%), biology (11%), health sciences (9%), engineering (9%), and computer science (9%). The university boasts an exceptional 26% of courses with an enrollment under ten and 59% with an enrollment under twenty as well as multiple ways for undergrads to conduct research.

Professional Outcomes: 75% of Class of 2022 grads were employed within six months of graduating, and 18% were in graduate school. Finance attracted the highest percentage of grads (30%) followed by consulting (20%), technology (15%), and healthcare (10%). Employers hiring the greatest number of 2022 grads included JPMorgan, Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Company, Meta, and Goldman Sachs. The median starting salary for all graduates is $80,000. For those continuing their educational journeys, the most popular move is to remain at Penn, followed by Columbia and Harvard.

• Enrollment: 9,760 (undergraduate); 13,614 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,028
• Median SAT: 1540
• Median ACT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Retention Rate: 98%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

Duke University

Academic Highlights: The academic offerings at Duke include 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 interdisciplinary certificates. Class sizes are on the small side—71% are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. A stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps keep classes so reasonable even while catering to five figures worth of graduate students. Computer Science is the most popular area of concentration (11%), followed by economics (10%), public policy (9%), biology (8%), and computer engineering (7%).

Professional Outcomes: At graduation, approximately 70% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 20% continue into graduate schools, and 2% start their own businesses. The industries that attract the largest percentage of Blue Devils are tech (21%), finance (15%), business (15%), healthcare (9%), and science/research (6%). Of the 20% headed into graduate school, a hefty 22% are attending medical school, 18% are in PhD programs, and 12% are entering law school. The med school acceptance rate is 85%, more than twice the national average.

• Enrollment: 6,640
• Cost of Attendance: $85,238
• SAT Range: 1490-1570
• ACT Range: 34-35
• Acceptance Rate: 6%
• Graduation Rate: 97%

Villanova University

• Villanova, PA

Academic Highlights: Students can choose one of 55+ programs within four schools: the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Nursing. The university sports a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers average undergraduate classes of twenty-three students. Business is the most popular major (30%) followed by the social sciences (13%), engineering (12%), and nursing (10%). Villanova’s business, accounting, and engineering programs are among the school’s top-rated programs.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, Class of 2022 graduates had a placement rate of 99% with 74% entering the workforce and 21% matriculating into graduate or professional school. The most popular employers are Vanguard, Verizon, PwC, JPMorgan Chase, Merck, Comcast, EY, Deloitte, and Morgan Stanley. The average starting salary was $71,363. Recent grads went on to study at graduate institutions like Dartmouth, Stanford, Notre Dame, Harvard, Tufts, Columbia, and Penn.

• Enrollment: 6,989 (undergraduate); 3,394 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $85,316
• Median SAT: 1440
• Acceptance Rate: 23%
• Retention Rate: 96%
• Graduation Rate: 91%

Drexel University

Academic Highlights: There are 80+ undergraduate majors to choose from at Drexel and they offer a reasonable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio with commensurately reasonable class sizes. Fifty-two percent of sections contain 19 or fewer students, and just a sliver under 9% of sections contain fifty or more. Looking at the number of degrees conferred by discipline, the big three at Drexel are business (25%), health professions (21%), and engineering (17%). Visual and performing arts (9%), and CS (8%) round out the list of majors with a sizable representation.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 97%, Dragons have arrived at their next destination; 81% were employed, and 13% had matriculated into graduate or professional school. The largest employers of Drexel alumni are Comcast, Merck, Vanguard, and Johnson & Johnson. The average starting salary for Drexel grads with a full-time job was $64,774. Drexel’s medical school acceptance rate was 60%, roughly 20 points higher than the national average. It offers an accelerated BS/MD program with its own Drexel University College of Medicine.

• Enrollment: 13,881
• Cost of Attendance: $81,508
• Median SAT: 1330
• Median ACT: 29
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• Retention Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 78%

Pennsylvania State University — University Park

• State College, PA

Academic Highlights: Penn State offers 275 majors and a number of top-ranked programs in a host of disciplines. The College of Engineering is rated exceptionally well on a national scale and is also the most popular field of study, accounting for 15% of the degrees conferred. The Smeal College of Business is equally well-regarded, earning high rankings in everything from supply chain management to accounting to marketing. It attracts 15% of total degree-seekers. 61% of classes have an enrollment below thirty students.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation, 70% of Nittany Lions have found their next employment or graduate school home. 98% of College of Business grads are successful within three months of exiting, flocking in large numbers to stellar finance, accounting, consulting, and technology firms. Hundreds of alumni work at Citi, Salesforce, and Meta, and more than 500 currently work at each of IBM, Deloitte, PwC, Amazon, EY, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. 75% of 2022 grads employed full-time earned starting salaries greater than $50k.

• Enrollment: 41,745 (undergraduate); 7,020 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $32,656 (in-state); $52,610 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1300
• Acceptance Rate: 55%
• Retention Rate: 91%
• Graduation Rate: 85%

Fairfield University

• Fairfield, CT

Academic Highlights: A 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio is fully felt in the classroom as courses average only 20 students per section. While 41% come in under that marker and only a smattering of sections contain 40+ students, the greatest number of courses have enrollments in the 20-29 range. A whopping 42% of degrees conferred are from the highly respected Dolan School of Business. Next in popularity are majors within the health professions (18%) and the social sciences (8%)—both areas also receive high marks at Fairfield.

Professional Outcomes: Fairfield’s Class of 2022 found its next destination within six months of graduating at a hard-to-beat 98% clip. Major employers include PwC, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase & Co., EY, UBS, and Merrill Lynch all employ one hundred or more Stags, and Fairfield grads also have strong representation at IBM, Goldman Sachs, Citi, and Prudential. Thus, it’s no wonder that the average starting salary is a healthy $67,054. Thirty percent of 2022 grads enrolled directly in graduate or professional school.

• Enrollment: 4,757
• Cost of Attendance: $77,440
• Median SAT: 1310
• Median ACT: 30
• Acceptance Rate: 52%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

University of Miami

• Coral Gables, FL

Academic Highlights : Over 100 undergrad programs are offered across nine schools, with the greatest number of degrees conferred in business/marketing (21%), health professions (13%), biology (11%), the social sciences (9%), communication (9%), and engineering (8%). The Miami Business School and the College of Engineering enjoy solid national reputations, and programs in music, marine science, communications, and architecture are also highly ranked. 52% of all course sections contain fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 98% of the Class of 2022 had positive outcomes, with 64% employed full-time and 34% in graduate school. Companies employing 2022 grads included Deloitte, Citrix, NBCUniversal, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Citi, and Morgan Stanley. Across all majors, the median starting salary was an impressive $63k. 100+ Canes also can be found in the offices of Google, IBM, PwC, Apple, and Microsoft. The most frequently attended graduate school is typically Miami itself.

• Enrollment: 12,883 (undergraduate); 6,710 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $93,146
• Median SAT: 1410
• Median ACT: 32
• Acceptance Rate: 19%
• Retention Rate: 92%

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1470
• Acceptance Rate: 18%
• Retention Rate: 97%
• Graduation Rate: 93%

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill, NC

Academic Highlights: Undergraduates can choose from 74 bachelor’s degree programs in a number of schools and colleges, the largest of which is the College of Arts & Sciences. 44% of classes have a student enrollment under 20. The social sciences (15%), biology (12%), media/journalism (9%), computer science (8%), and business (6%) are the areas in which the most degrees are conferred. The Kenan-Flager Business School is internationally renowned and requires separate admission. Other strong programs include those in chemistry, journalism, psychology, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Chapel Hill, 97% of 2022 grads had entered employment, military service, or graduate school. Among the for-profit companies that hire the most graduates are Wells Fargo, IBM, Cisco, Deloitte, EY, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs. In the nonprofit sector, a large number of alumni are employed by AmeriCorps, NIH, Teach for America, and the Peace Corps. The average starting salary is $70,619. 18% of 2022 grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 20,210 (undergraduate); 11,739 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,036 (in-state); $60,040 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1450
• Acceptance Rate: 17%

University of Wisconsin – Madison

• Madison, WI

Academic Highlights: There are 230+ undergraduate majors offered across eight schools and colleges, including the top-ranked School of Business and College of Engineering as well as the College of Letters and Science, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and the Schools of Nursing, Education, Pharmacy, and Human Ecology. Undergrads can expect a mix of large and small classes, with 44% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students. Business (18%), biology (12%), the social sciences (11%), and engineering (10%) are most popular.

Professional Outcomes: In a recent year, 46% of job-seeking grads graduated with an offer.  Top employers included UW-Madison, Epic, Kohl’s, Oracle, Deloitte, and UW Health. Across all graduating years, companies employing 250+ alumni include Google, Target, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, PwC, Accenture, and Meta. 28% of recent grads enrolled directly in graduate/professional school; the majority stayed at UW–Madison while others headed to Columbia, Northwestern, and Carnegie Mellon. The university is the top producer of Peace Corps volunteers.

• Enrollment: 37,230 (undergraduate); 12,656 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,916 (in-state); $58,912 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• Retention Rate: 94%
• Graduation Rate: 89%

Rutgers University — New Brunswick

• New Brunswick, NJ

Academic Highlights: Rutgers is divided into 17 schools and colleges, collectively offering 100+ undergraduate majors. 41% of class sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in business (20%), computer science (12%), engineering (10%), health professions (10%), biology (9%), and social sciences (7%). Rutgers Business School sends many majors to top Wall Street investment banks, and programs in computer science, public health, and criminal justice have a terrific national reputation.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduation, 82% of Class of 2022 grads had secured a first job or were heading to an advanced degree program. 67% headed directly to the world of employment, where the companies hiring the largest number of grads included Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, and JP Morgan Chase. Investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Citi also employ hundreds of alumni, as do companies like Verizon, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Novartis, Pfizer, and Google. The median starting salary across all majors was $70,000.

• Enrollment: 36,344 (undergraduate); 14,293 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $37,849 (in-state); $57,138 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1370
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 66%

University of Pittsburgh

• Pittsburgh, PA

Academic Highlights: Pitt admits freshmen to the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the Swanson School of Engineering, and the School of Nursing. Pitt’s engineering and business schools are top-rated and among the most commonly chosen fields of study. Premed offerings are also top-notch, with majors in the health professions (12%), biology (11%), psychology (9%), and computer science (9%) rounding out the list of most popular majors. Pitt has a strong 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio; 42% of sections have an enrollment of under twenty students.

Professional Outcomes: Within a few months of graduating, 94% of 2022 grads entered full-time employment or full-time graduate or professional school. Engineering, nursing, business, and information sciences majors had 73-86% employment rates while other majors tended to flock to graduate school in large numbers. Employers scooping up the highest number of grads in one recent year included the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (170), PNC (57), BNY Mellon (36), and Deloitte (19). Median starting salaries fluctuated between $37k-65k depending on major.

• Enrollment: 20,220 (undergraduate); 9,268 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,034-$43,254 (in-state); $56,400-$66,840 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1360
• Acceptance Rate: 50%

Case Western Reserve University

• Cleveland, OH

Academic Highlights: Sporting a 9:1 faculty-to-student ratio, the university does a nice job keeping classes on the small side, with 50% of course sections capped at nineteen and only 13% of courses having fifty students or more. The Weatherhead School of Management and the Case School of Engineering have stellar reputations within the worlds of employment and academia. Engineering is the most commonly conferred undergraduate degree at 27% followed by biology (15%), computer science (10%), and health professions (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Fifty-six percent of 2022 CWRU graduates head into the world of professional employment upon receiving their diplomas; only 3% were still looking for work six months after leaving the university. More than half of the Class of 2022 enjoyed a starting salary of at least $65,000. The employers of the greatest number of graduates included Accenture, Microsoft, Deloitte, and Google. In 2022, four or more grads were accepted to continue their studies at the likes of NYU, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, WashU, and the University of Michigan.

• Enrollment: 6,017
• Cost of Attendance: $88,516
• Median SAT: 1480
• Acceptance Rate: 27%
• Retention Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 86%

University of Washington – Seattle

• Seattle, WA

Academic Highlights: 180+ undergraduate majors are offered across thirteen colleges/schools. Personal connections with professors abound as 55% of grads complete a faculty-mentored research project. The College of Engineering, which includes the College of Computer Science & Engineering, is one of the best in the nation; UW also boasts strong programs in everything from business to social work to environmental science. The most popular degrees are the social sciences (13%), biology (12%), computer science (11%), and business (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of graduation, 73% of Class of 2022 grads were employed and 17% were continuing their education. The most popular employers of the Class of 2022 included Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and KPMG. Across all living alumni, 6,000+ work for Microsoft, and 4000+ work for each of Boeing and Amazon. Of those headed to graduate/professional school, just over half remain in state, mostly at UW itself. Large numbers of 2022 grads also headed to Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and USC.

• Enrollment: 36,872 (undergraduate); 16,211 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $34,554 (in-state); $63,906 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1420
• Acceptance Rate: 48%

University of Florida

• Gainesville, FL

Academic Highlights: With 16 colleges and 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, educational experiences are exceptionally diverse. The Warrington College of Business and the Wertheim College of Engineering are highly respected, so it’s no surprise that those two programs confer the greatest percentage of degrees—12% and 14%, respectively. Biology (11%), the social sciences (11%), and health professions (8%) are next in popularity. 53% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and 33% of students partake in an undergraduate research experience.

Professional Outcomes: By graduation day, 66% of the Class of 2022 had already procured a first job. The top occupational areas were engineering (13%), health care (13%), computer science (5%), and marketing (4%). 200+ Gator alumni can be found at top corporations like Google, EY, Raymond James, Deloitte, Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and PwC. The average salary for all 2022 grads was $69k, with a high of $100k for computer science majors. Of those pursuing advanced degrees, a master’s degree was the most popular pursuit (63%) followed by law school (11%).

• Enrollment: 34,552 (undergraduate); 20,659 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $23,530 (in-state); $45,808 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1400

University of California, Los Angeles

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights: UCLA offers 125 majors in 100+ academic departments, and more than 60 majors require a capstone experience that results in the creation of a tangible product under the mentorship of faculty members. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (25%), biology (16%), psychology (11%), mathematics (8%), and engineering (7%). Departmental rankings are high across the board, especially in computer science, engineering, film, fine and performing arts, mathematics, and political science.

Professional Outcomes: UCLA grads flow most heavily into the research, finance, computer science, and engineering sectors. High numbers of recent grads can be found at Disney, Google, EY, Teach for America, Amazon, and Oracle. Hundreds also can be found at Bloomberg, Deloitte, Mattel, Oracle, and SpaceX. The average starting salary exceeds $55,000. 16% of recent grads enrolled directly in a graduate/professional school, with other CA-based institutions like Stanford, Pepperdine, USC, Berkeley, and Loyola Marymount being the most popular.

• Enrollment: 33,040 (undergraduate); 15,010 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,517 (in-state); $71,091 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: Test Blind
• Median ACT: Test Blind
• Acceptance Rate: 9%

Baylor University

Academic Highlights: Class sizes at Baylor generally range from small to medium, with 48% of sections containing fewer than 20 students and 76% enrolling fewer than 29. Far more Bears major in business/marketing (25%) than the second-place finisher, health professions (19%). Other popular academic pursuits are biology (12%) and communication/journalism (7%), both of which are very strong. The Hankamer School of Business is highly respected across the country.

Professional Outcomes: At the 180-day post-graduation point, those who earned their diplomas from Baylor had entered the world of full-time employment at a 50% clip, and 28% had entered a graduate or professional degree program. Large numbers of recent grads were scooped up by many of the most desirable employers in the country including Dell (19), EY (16), and Oracle (16). The average starting salary was $59k. Among recent grads, the most commonly attended graduate school was Baylor itself (125), followed by Texas A&M (12).

• Enrollment: 15,213
• Cost of Attendance: $69,970
• Median SAT: 1320
• Acceptance Rate: 46%
• Retention Rate: 90%
• Graduation Rate: 81%

The Ohio State University — Columbus

• Columbus, OH

Academic Highlights: There are 200+ undergraduate majors and 18 schools and colleges housed within OSU. Business sees the greatest percentage of degrees conferred at 18% followed by engineering (15%), health professions (10%), and the social sciences (9%). It makes sense that so many flock to the business and engineering schools as they are among the highest-rated undergraduate programs in their respective disciplines. 40% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and approximately 20% of students gain research experience.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their diplomas, 56% of Class of 2022 graduates were entering the world of employment while 17% were already accepted into graduate or professional school.  Hordes of Buckeyes can be found at many of the nation’s leading companies. More than 2,000 alumni work for JPMorgan Chase, more than 1,000 are employed by Amazon, and more than 600 work for Google and Microsoft. Of the grads who directly matriculate into graduate or professional school, many continue in one of OSU’s own programs.

• Enrollment: 45,728 (undergraduate); 14,318 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $27,241 (in-state); $52,747 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1340-1450
• Median ACT: 29-32
• Acceptance Rate: 53%
• Graduation Rate: 88%

Georgetown University

• Washington, D.C.

Academic Highlights: The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. While some classes are a bit larger, only 7% cross the 50-student threshold. Those desiring to join the world of politics or diplomacy are in the right place. The Government and International Affairs programs are among the best in the country. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (38%) followed by business (20%), interdisciplinary studies (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 75% of members of the Class of 2022 entered the workforce, 19% went directly into a graduate or professional program of study, and 3% were still seeking employment. The Class of 2022 sent massive numbers of graduates to a number of major corporations including JPMorgan Chase (22), Citi (21), BOA (18), Morgan Stanley (16), and EY (10). Those attending grad school stay at Georgetown or flock to other elite schools like Columbia and Harvard.

• Enrollment: 7,900
• Cost of Attendance: $85,000
• Median ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 12%

Northeastern University

Academic Highlights: Northeastern offers 290 majors and 180 combined majors within nine colleges and programs. Experiential learning is had by virtually all graduates, thanks to the school’s illustrious and robust co-op program. The D’Amore-McKim School of Business is a top-ranked school and offers one of the best international business programs anywhere, and both the College of Engineering and College of Computer Science are highly respected as well. Criminal justice, architecture, and nursing are three other majors that rate near the top nationally.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after leaving Northeastern, 97% of students have landed at their next employment or graduate school destination. Huskies entering the job market are quickly rounded up by the likes of State Street, Fidelity Investments, IBM, and Amazon, all of whom employ 500+ Northeastern alums. Between 200 and 500 employees at Wayfair, Google, Amazon, Oracle, IBM, and Apple have an NU lineage. Starting salaries are above average (55% make more than $60k), in part due to the stellar co-op program.

• Enrollment: 20,980 (undergraduate); 15,826 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,821

The University of Texas at Austin

Academic Highlights: UT Austin offers over 150 majors, including those at the Cockrell School of Engineering, one of the most heralded undergraduate engineering schools around, and The McCombs School of Business, which dominates in the specialty areas of accounting and marketing. The computer science department is also top-ranked. In terms of degrees conferred, engineering is tied with biology (12%) followed by communication (11%), business (11%), and the social sciences (8%). The elite Plan II Honors Program is one of the best in the country.

Professional Outcomes: Within the College of Liberal Arts, six months after graduating, 68% of Longhorns are employed and 24% have entered graduate school. The for-profit sector attracts 65% of those employed while 19% enter public sector employment and 16% pursue jobs at a nonprofit. Major corporations that employ more than 500 UT Austin grads include Google, Meta, Oracle, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple. Engineering majors took home a median income of $79k and business majors took home $70k.

• Enrollment: 41,309 (undergraduate); 11,075 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $30,752-$34,174 (in-state); $61,180-$69,310 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1430
• Acceptance Rate: 31%

Boston College

• Chestnut Hill, MA

Academic Highlights: The college offers roughly 60 majors across four schools that award undergraduate degrees. Approximately half of the college’s sections contain nineteen or fewer students. 95% of graduates reported learning how to think critically at BC, and 93% said they learned how to write clearly and effectively. BC offers highly respected programs in communications, psychology, and business through the renowned Carroll School of Management. Other popular and well-regarded majors include economics, biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Class of 2022 had landed at their next destination. The most favored industries were financial services and real estate (26%), health care/science (20%), and business/consulting (16%). The median starting salary for a 2022 BC grad was $67,000. Eighteen percent of the Class of 2022 entered graduate schools including Brown, Columbia, the University of Chicago, and Yale. Examining the Class of 2022 data, 16% entered law school, and 14% pursued some other type of doctoral degree.

• Enrollment: 9,484
• Cost of Attendance: $86,155
• Average SAT: 1482
• Average ACT: 34
• Graduation Rate: 92%

Purdue University — West Lafayette

• West Lafayette, IN

Academic Highlights: Purdue offers over 200 majors at ten discipline-specific colleges, and 38% of course sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer. Engineering and engineering technologies majors earn 34% of the degrees conferred by the university; the College of Engineering cracks the top ten on almost every list of best engineering schools. The Krannert School of Management is also well-regarded by employers; 11% of degrees conferred are in business. Other popular majors include computer science (10%) and agriculture (5%)—both are incredibly strong.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after receiving their diplomas, 70% of 2022 grads headed to the world of employment while 24% headed to graduate/professional school. The top industries entered by grads in recent years are (1) health care, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; (2) finance, insurance, and consulting; (3) manufacturing and machinery; (4) airline, aviation, and aerospace. Companies employing the greatest number of recent alumni were Amazon, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Labcorp, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft. The average starting salary was $68k across all degree programs.

• Enrollment: 37,949 (undergraduate); 12,935 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $22,812 (in-state); $41,614 (out-of-state)

Texas Christian University

• Forth Worth, TX

Academic Highlights: TCU offers 116 undergraduate majors. The most popular are housed in the Neely School of Business, including the highly-rated BBA in Entrepreneurship. 27% of all degrees conferred in 2022 fell under the business umbrella. The engineering program is also well-regarded. Other commonly conferred degrees include communications/journalism (15%), health professions (11%), and the social sciences (9%). 39% of its class sections have 20 or fewer students, and only 5% of courses seat more than 50.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 48% of recent diploma-earners were employed and 18% had their graduate school placement lined up. American Airlines, Deloitte, IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Medical City Hospitals employ the greatest number of recent alumni. Other companies with a large TCU presence include Microsoft, CBRE, Goldman Sachs, and AT&T. The most recent median starting salary was $58,900. For those who enrolled in an advanced degree program, the most commonly pursued areas of study were medicine/health (27%), business (21%), and psychology (13%).

• Enrollment: 10,523 (undergraduate); 1,750 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $85,051
• Median SAT: 1260
• Median ACT: 28
• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• Graduation Rate: 83%

New York University

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: NYU is divided into a number of smaller (but still quite large) colleges organized by discipline; in sum, there are 230 areas of undergraduate study across nine schools and colleges. For its size, a commendable 58% of classes have an enrollment under 20 students. While all schools within NYU have solid reputations, Stern holds the distinction as one of the top undergraduate business programs in the country. For those entering film, dance, drama, or other performing arts, Tisch is as prestigious a place as you can find to study.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of exiting, 94% of Class of 2022 grads had landed at their next destination, with 78% employed and 21% in graduate school. The top industries for employment were healthcare (11%), internet and software (9%), finance (8%), and entertainment (8%). Large numbers of alumni can be found at Google, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, IBM, JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Amazon. The mean starting salary is $75,336. In 2022, business, arts and sciences, and law school were the most popular grad school destinations.

• Enrollment: 29,401 (undergraduate); 29,711 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,222-$96,172
• Median SAT: 1520
• Graduation Rate: 87%

University of Delaware

Academic Highlights: The University of Delaware offers 150 bachelor’s degree programs. Nearly one-third of students pursue a degree in either business (21%) or engineering (9%), two of the school’s highest-ranked departments. Nursing is popular, with 11% of degrees conferred being in the health professions. Other frequently pursued majors include the social sciences (10%), biology (7%), and education (5%). 62% of courses enroll fewer than 30 students. The university also has the oldest study abroad program in the nation, with 30% of undergrads participating.

Professional Outcomes: 94% of Class of 2022 grads quickly found their next destination. 66% were employed, with 74% taking jobs at for-profit companies, 16% at nonprofits, 7% in K-12 education, and 4% with a government entity. The greatest number of newly minted alums were hired by JPMorgan Chase & Co., KPMG, EY, ChristianaCare, and Deloitte. The median starting salary for this cohort was $62,000. 28% immediately pursued an advanced degree, with 62% entering master’s programs, 20% entering a professional program, and 9% beginning a PhD.

• Enrollment: 18,066 (undergraduate); 4,557 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,718 (undergraduate); $57,358 (graduate)
• Median SAT: 1280
• Acceptance Rate: 72%
• Graduation Rate: 82%

Marquette University

• Milwaukee, WI

Academic Highlights: With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the university is able to keep 50% of class sections at 19 or fewer students. The average lower-division class size is 33, and the average upper-division course enrolls 25. The College of Business Administration conferred 26% of total undergraduate degrees in 2022. The next most popular disciplines were biology (14%), engineering (11%), the social sciences (11%), and health professions and related programs (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Sixty-six percent of the Class of 2022 enjoyed full-time employment within six months of graduation, although that figure varied widely by discipline. Within the College of Business Administration, 82% had landed a job, and 77% of College of Engineering grads did the same. The largest employers were GE Healthcare, Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, and Baird. Out of those headed to grad school, 53% were pursuing a master’s degree, 27% were pursuing a medical or health-related degree, 11% entered law school, and 3% began a PhD program.

• Enrollment: 7,528
• Cost of Attendance: $64,440
• Acceptance Rate: 87%

Stony Brook University (SUNY)

• Stony Brook, NY

Academic Highlights: Stony Brook offers 60+ majors and 80+ minors across six undergraduate colleges. 38% of all sections contain nineteen or fewer students. A popular and locally well-regarded nursing program leads to the largest number of degrees being conferred in health professions (14%). Strong majors in biology (14%), math (10%), business (9%), engineering (7%), and computer sciences (6%) also draw many students. The school’s reputation in the hard sciences, particularly math, chemistry, and biomedical engineering, is aided by the affiliated Stony Brook University Hospital.

Professional Outcomes: Within two years of graduation, 61% of Stony Brook graduates are employed, and 34% have entered graduate/professional school. The organizations and companies employing the greatest number of Seawolves are Northwell Health, JPMorgan Chase, Google, Amazon, Citi, Morgan Stanley, Microsoft, Apple, Bloomberg, and Microsoft. Among those pursuing further education, common choices include Stony Brook itself, other SUNY or CUNY institutions, and NYC-based powerhouses like Columbia, Fordham, and NYU.

• Enrollment: 17,509 (undergraduate); 8,201 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $33,008 (in-state); $52,798 (out-of-state)
• Retention Rate: 88%

Binghamton University

• Binghamton, NY

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is on the high side at 19:1, but class sizes are reasonably small with 48% of sections containing fewer than twenty students. In the spring of 2022, Binghamton awarded the greatest number of degrees in business (17%), biology (15%), the social sciences, (11%), engineering (11%), and health professions (7%). The School of Management is renowned for its accounting program and is well-known by NYC-based companies. Programs in chemistry, psychology, and nursing are also well respected.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 saw 50% of job-seeking graduates land their first professional job and 49% enter grad school within six months of commencement. The average starting salary procured was $72,438, well above the national average for college grads. Graduates were successful in finding employment at firms like Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup. Of the Binghamton grads seeking to transition directly into graduate studies, 91% were already enrolled in a program six months after graduation.

• Enrollment: 14,402
• Cost of Attendance: $30,577 (in-state); $48,617 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 42%

University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Amherst, MA

Academic Highlights: 110 majors are offered across eight undergraduate colleges, including the highly ranked Isenberg School of Management. Programs in sports management, architecture, computer science, and nursing are top-rated. Of all degrees conferred in 2022, business/marketing diplomas accounted for 14%, followed by biology (11%), social sciences (10%), psychology (8%), health professions (7%), engineering (7%), and computer science (7%). 47% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students, and 30% engage in undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 65% of newly minted 2022 grads were employed full-time and 26% were attending graduate school part-time. The most populated industries are health/medical professions (13%), internet & software (10%), biotech & life sciences (4%), and higher education (4%). Companies presently employing 100+ Minutemen and Minutewomen include Oracle, Mass Mutual, Amazon, IBM, Google, Intel, Microsoft, PwC, Wayfair, and Apple. Boston is the most popular landing spot for graduates.

• Enrollment: 23,936 (undergraduate); 7,874 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $37,219 (in-state); $59,896 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1380
• Acceptance Rate: 58%

Gonzaga University

• Spokane, WA

Academic Highlights: Gonzaga is a midsize Jesuit university that offers 53 undergraduate majors and 68 minors. An enviable 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 18 students, and the school rates well in surveys of undergraduate instructional quality. Less than 2% of course sections enroll more than 50 students. Business/marketing is the area of study that attracts the most Zag undergrads; 24% earn degrees in that discipline. The next most common areas of degree conferment are biology (12%), engineering (11%), journalism (7%), and psychology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: The 2022 cohort enjoyed a 95% success rate. Seventy-six percent of those surveyed found full-time employment within six months, with a large number of grads getting hired by Providence Health & Services (16), UW Medicine (14), and Boeing (12). The average starting salary for 2022 grads was $67,911. Of the 17% of 2022 grads who entered a graduate/professional degree program, the most popular institutions were Gonzaga (54), the University of California (5), Arizona State (3), and Boston University (3).

• Enrollment: 5,084
• Cost of Attendance: $71,210
• Acceptance Rate: 70%

University of Iowa

• Iowa City, IA

Academic Highlights: 200+ undergraduate majors, minors, and certificate programs are available across eight colleges, including the Tippie College of Business, which has a very strong reputation. The most commonly conferred degree is business (24%), with parks and recreation (10%), social sciences (8%), health professions (8%), engineering (7%), and communication & journalism (5%) next in popularity. Over half of its undergraduate sections enroll 19 or fewer students, and 30% of undergrads conduct or assist research.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of Class of 2022 grads found their first job or advanced degree program within six months of receiving their diploma. The most commonly entered industries were healthcare (23%), entertainment/the arts (14%), finance and insurance (11%), and marketing/PR (10%). Companies that employ hundreds of alumni include Wells Fargo, Collins Aerospace, Principal Financial Group, Amazon, Accenture, and Microsoft. The median salary for 2022 grads was $50,000. 28% of recent graduates went directly into graduate school; 76% remained at the University of Iowa.

• Enrollment: 22,130 (undergraduate); 7,912 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,846-$32,259 (in-state); $50,809-$54,822 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1240
• Median ACT: 25
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Retention Rate: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 73%

James Madison University

• Harrisonburg, VA

Academic Highlights: JMU offers 75+ undergraduate degrees to a very happy student population; surveyed undergrads report a stunning 93% satisfaction rate. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio does not fully capture how generally modest class sizes tend to be at the university. Thirty-seven percent of sections enroll fewer than 19 students and the average class size is 25 students. 19% of all degrees awarded are in nursing. Next in popularity are business/marketing (15%), communication/journalism (9%), and the social sciences (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 75% of 2022 grads had obtained full-time employment, 22% were continuing their education, and 4% were still figuring out their next step. More than 25 recent grads were hired by each of KPMG and Deloitte. Dukes found employment at 1,610 organizations around the world and the average starting salary was $57,615. Among the almost one-quarter of recent grads who matriculated directly into a graduate school program, the most popular location was JMU itself.

• Enrollment: 20,346
• Cost of Attendance: $32,248 (In-State); $49,482 (Out-of-State)
• Median ACT: 26
• Acceptance Rate: 78%

St. Olaf College

• Northfield, MN

Academic Highlights: St. Olaf offers 45+ majors. Over half of all course sections contain fewer than twenty students, and there are multiple avenues through which students can pursue research experiences. The most commonly conferred degrees are in the social sciences (18%), the visual and performing arts (11%), biology (11%), psychology (8%), and foreign languages (7%). Many departments at St. Olaf have exceptional national reputations including religion, mathematics, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: In 2022, 98% of graduates had entered the workforce or graduate school within six months of receiving their diplomas. The great majority of alumni remain in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area, which impacts what companies hire the most Oles. To name names, alumni have the largest representation at Target, UnitedHealth Group, the Mayo Clinic, Wells Fargo, Medtronic, 3M, and US Bank. The school is also a top producer of future PhDs.

• Enrollment: 3,074
• Cost of Attendance: $72,070

University of South Carolina

• Columbia, SC

Academic Highlights: UofSC is a massive enterprise, with 16 colleges/schools within the larger university. Even so, 70% of all sections contain 29 or fewer students. 32% of students take the opportunity to earn a degree in the business/marketing realm from the superb Darla Moore School of Business. The international business program is also top-ranked. Other popular disciplines include health services (11%), biology (10%), engineering (6%), and communication and journalism (6%).  The South Carolina Honors College is extremely hard to get into and is one of the finest in the entire country.

Professional Outcomes: 79% of recent grads landed at their next destination within six months with an average starting salary of over $55,000. Within the School of Business, 87% of 2023 grads were employed within three months and the average starting salary was $69k. Top employers of recent classes included KPMG, IBM, Aramark, Bank of America, Vanguard, PwC, and Marriot. The majority of those continuing their studies in a graduate/professional degree program did so at the University of South Carolina; other popular landing spots are Duke and Wake Forest.

• Enrollment: 27,343 (undergraduate); 8,310 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,696 (in-state); $60,942 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 64%

Clemson University

• Clemson, SC

Academic Highlights: There are seven undergraduate colleges within the larger university. Class sizes are mixed, and many sections are smaller than you would expect for such a large university where the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Fifteen percent of classes have single-digit enrollments, and 55% contain fewer than 30 students. Business and engineering also the most popular majors with a 21% and 18% market share of diplomas, respectively. The next most frequently conferred degrees are in biology (9%), the social sciences (7%), and health professions (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 92% of 2022 grads had already entered the working world or were pursuing a graduate degree. The top employers of newly-minted diploma holders include Michelin, Amazon, Vanguard, and Wells Fargo. Computing and Applied Sciences reported a median starting salary of $62,000. College of Business graduates enjoyed median earnings of $60,000. Of the 19% of recent graduates directly entering grad school, the largest number retained their Tiger stripes by continuing their studies at Clemson.

• Enrollment: 22,566
• Cost of Attendance:
• Acceptance Rate: 43%

George Mason University

• Fairfax, VA

Academic Highlights: Fifty-two percent of class sections at GMU enroll nineteen or fewer students, 13% have fifty or more students, and the remaining sections lie in between. The most popular program is business (20%) and is followed by computer and information sciences (13%), the social sciences (8%), health professions (8%), and homeland security (8%). The Volgenau College of Engineering, which houses a top-tier Information Technology Department, and the School of Business are both extremely reputable in the eyes of prospective employers

Professional Outcomes: Six months after receiving their degrees, 87% of the class of 2022 had accepted a job offer or started work in a graduate program. GMU grads flow into major consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Accenture, financial institutions like Capital One and Freddie Mac, and engineering/tech firms like General Dynamics, IBM, and Microsoft. Mason graduates tend to pursue advanced degrees either at Mason itself or at other area schools including George Washington, American University, or the University of Maryland.

• Enrollment: 27,014
• Cost of Attendance: $28,963 (In-State); $53,127 (Out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 90%
• Retention Rate: 85%
• Graduation Rate: 70%

The College of New Jersey

Academic Highlights: As one of only eight public colleges in the country to maintain a four-year graduation rate above 75%, TCNJ is in the esteemed company of such institutions as UVA, Michigan, and UNC-Chapel Hill. TCNJ sports a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of twenty-one; 42% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. Sixteen percent of degrees conferred are in education as many attend TCNJ to become teachers but the most popular degree is actually business/marketing (19%), followed by engineering (9%), and health programs (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Checking in with TCNJ grads one year after receiving their degrees, 93% had entered the working world or started an advanced degree. The list of companies employing significant numbers of recent alumni includes Johnson and Johnson, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, Bloomberg LP, MetLife, EY, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The most frequently attended graduate schools by recent grads included Rutgers, Georgetown, and Stevens Institute of Technology.

• Enrollment: 7,039
• Cost of Attendance: $34,86 (In-State); $40,710 (Out-of-State)
• Median SAT: 1250

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Nursing to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

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Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Top 20 Best PhD Programs in California [Online and On-Campus] 2024

Is a PhD worth it? There’s no doubt that completing a doctorate involves a huge amount of time, effort, and dedication. Even more so than a demanding master’s like an MBA . However, with competition in the job market only increasing, many ambitious professionals will find this qualification invaluable for advancing their careers. For certain positions in various sectors like research and academia, a PhD is essential.

There are countless options for California students looking to pursue a doctorate , even with PhD distance learning. Here are the best PhD programs in California, both on-campus and online!

Below is a list of the best Ph.D programs in California. The list includes both on-campus and online program options.

Table of Contents

Best On-Campus Doctorate Programs in California

The university of southern california, rossier school of education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education Policy

Acceptance rate: 16%

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles founded in 1880. Its doctorate in urban education policy centers on research that promotes excellence in education. Students are fully funded  for four years of study through teaching and research assistantships.

University of California Los Angeles

Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Doctoral Program (MBIDP)

Acceptance rate: 14.3%

UCLA is a public land-grant research university that was established in 1919 and has an acceptance rate of 14.3%. UCLA’s MBIDP program is designed to transform students into scientific leaders in molecular biology. Tuition is fully supported  for all five years of the program through various financial aid  options.

California State University Long Beach, Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia

Acceptance rate: 42.1%

CSULB is the second-largest of the California State University (CSU) system of 23 colleges. Its DNP equips students with advanced knowledge that is relevant to clinical settings. The program runs for at least two years, with the post-baccalaureate option taking three years. The tuition  is $7,635 per semester with financial aid  available as grants, scholarships, and loans. This is one of the best doctoral programs in California for nursing students.

San Diego State University

Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

Acceptance rate: 37%

San Diego State University was established in 1897, making it the third-oldest institution in the California State University system. This joint doctoral program is offered in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Students are awarded a joint degree from both universities and study subjects from the electrical, electronics, and computer engineering fields at both institutions. The tuition  is $2,082 per credit hour and financial support  is available for eligible students.

University of California Irvine

Ph.D. in Public Health

Acceptance rate: 30%

UCI is a public land-grant university located in Irvine, California, and has an overall acceptance rate of 30%. Its PhD in Public Health program aims to prepare students to research and identify vulnerable populations and formulate strategies for disease prevention. Most coursework can be completed in two years and students can progress to doctoral candidacy in the third year. Various financial support  options are available.

University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design

Ph.D. – City and Regional Planning

Acceptance rate: 17.5%

The University of California Berkeley, founded in 1868, is a public land-grant research university. This PhD aims to make you an expert in urban planning through rigorous training and advanced research. The tuition  for the five-year program is $5,721 per semester, with financial aid  available in various forms for each year.

University of California Santa Barbara

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

University of California Santa Barbara is a part of the University of California system and has been teaching since 1891. This doctorate aims to equip students with computer science expertise that they can apply to research, teaching, and leadership positions in academia, government, and business. The program can be completed in four to six years and you can find tuition details on the university’s cost of attendance page . Scholarships and other financial aid  options are also available.

Stanford University, School of Humanities and Sciences

Ph.D. in Political Science

Acceptance rate: 5%

Founded in 1885, Stanford University is a private research university with one of the largest campuses in the country. The Ivy League university’s doctoral program in political science is known for creating exceptional scholars in the field. The program runs for five years and there are multiple funding options  to cover full tuition throughout.

San Jose State University, Department of Audiology

Doctor of Audiology

Acceptance rate: 67%

San Jose State University is a public university that the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education (WSJ/THE) ranking put at number 8  in the country for diversity. Its four-year Doctor of Audiology program makes students experts in the diagnosis and treatment of auditory ailments, like mixed hearing loss and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. The program covers various scientific aspects of audiology through coursework, clinical rotations, and research. You can find tuition and fee information on the Bursar’s Office page  and financial aid through the school’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office .

Southern California Seminary

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Acceptance rate: 100%

Southern California Seminary is located in El Cajon, California, with its main campus in San Diego. It accepts 100% of student applications, though the graduation rate is 33%. The school’s DMin program allows professionals already in the ministry to take their careers to the next level through one of the three streams: Christian Leadership, Biblical Exposition, and Christian Education. It can be completed in three years on-campus, with online options also available. Tuition details are listed on the Student Accounts page  and loans, grants, and work-study options are available through the SCS Financial Aid office .

Best Online PhD Programs in California

Looking to save time and money in transportation? Need a more flexible schedule? Then check out some of these top online PhD programs in California.

University of Southern California

Ed. D. Organizational Change and Leadership

USC is the oldest private research university in California, founded in 1880 and based in Los Angeles, California. The university’s Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership is one of the best online PhD programs in Southern California. The program aims to equip students to transform organizations in the fields of education, industry, and government into competent, effective, and adaptable entities. Tuition details can be found in the USC catalog  and financial aid  is also available.

Trident University International, The College of Health and Human Services

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (Ph.D. HS)

Acceptance rate: 49%

Trident University International is a fully online university that has been teaching since 1998. It is a relatively small university headquartered in Cypress, California. Its online PhD program in California in Health Sciences helps students to become competent leaders, scholars, researchers, consultants, and teachers in the healthcare sector. Tuition  is $990 per credit, but the university strives to make the program affordable to all through various financing options .

California Southern University         

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Acceptance rate: 13%

CSU, located in Costa Mesa and founded in 1978, offers online programs in a range of disciplines. CSU’s DBA program is designed to turn students into leaders with high-level decision-making skills and can be completed fully online in four years. While trying to keep the tuition  affordable at $545 per credit, the university doesn’t provide any significant forms of financial aid. However, there are discounts  for alumni, veterans, and their family members.

California State University Fresno, Kremen School of Education and Human Development

Doctor of Education (Ed. D) in Educational Leadership

Acceptance rate: 90%

CSUF is a public university located in Fresno, California that follows the CSU system. CSUF’s online EdD program  is designed to prepare working professionals for leadership positions in P12 schools and district or community colleges and can be completed in three years. Tuition  is $5,919 per term, with fee waivers and scholarships  available for students.

San Jose State University (with Manchester Metropolitan University)

Gateway Ph.D. in Library and Information Management

San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the West Coast, founded in 1857. It offers a Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University . a public university in Manchester, England. This online program prepares students to become leaders, faculty, and researchers in the field of library and information science . It is one of the few PhD programs in California that will give you a UK degree without being a UK resident and allows you up to seven years for completion. Tuition  is set by Manchester Metropolitan University.

The University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)

The University of Southern California is a world-renowned private research university with nearly 50,000 enrolled students. Its online PhD in Social Work allows experienced professionals to develop the necessary skills to come up with solutions to the challenges faced by disadvantaged and marginalized populations. The program is typically completed in nine semesters, or seven semesters on the accelerated track. You can find tuition details in the program catalog  and financial aid  options are available.

Capella University

DHA (Doctor of Health Administration) in Health Care Leadership

Capella University is a predominantly online university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, but accepts online students nationwide. Its fully online DHA program prepares leaders to face challenges in the complex and constantly changing healthcare field. Tuition  will depend on how long you take to complete the program as well as a few other factors, and students can access federal financial aid .

Grand Canyon University, College of Doctoral Studies

Education Specialist (Ed. S.) in K-12 Leadership

Acceptance rate: 81%

Grand Canyon University was the largest Christian university in the world in 2018 with 70,000 online students as well as on-campus students. It is a private, for-profit university based in Phoenix, Arizona. However, Californian students will find its Education Specialist doctorate accessible, as an online program in a nearby state. This Ed.S. helps working education professionals to advance their careers through leadership courses with a focus on instruction. Tuition  for the 30-credit program is $702 per credit, and there are various scholarship opportunities .

Concordia University Irvine, Townsend Institute

Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision

Acceptance rate: 78.2%

Concordia University is a Lutheran private university with both online and on-campus students and offers a range of fully online programs across various disciplines. Its online PhD degree in Counselor Education & Supervision equips professionals with advanced skills in counseling, teaching, serving, and advocating based on biblical principles. You can complete the 60-unit program in three to four years at a cost per unit  of $995. The university offers federal funding  options for students.

Liberty University

Ph.D. in History

Acceptance rate: 50%

Liberty University is a non-profit private Christian university spread over a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. However, Californian students have the option to study their PhD in History fully online within an average of four years and the university is accredited in all 50 states. This program equips students to take their careers to the next level in the education, archeology, politics, research, and government sectors. The university strives to keep tuition  affordable and around 80% of students receive financial assistance  or scholarships .

Key Takeaways

A PhD will make you an expert in your field with a specific set of advanced skills that will set you apart from other professionals. This will not only be beneficial to your career but can also be helpful in other parts of your life. A doctorate sharpens your critical thinking skills and gives you deep insight into virtually everything.

If studying a full-time, in-person PhD programs in California aren’t viable for you, you can find an online PhD in California with flexible scheduling.

If you’re still not sure which PhD program is right for you, take a look at our guides to the top 20 online PhD programs , the cheapest online PhD programs , and the top 10 highest paying PhD degrees .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
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• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

Top 10 Best History PhD Programs in 2024

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UC graduate programs and schools among nation’s best in the 2023-24 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings

Looking to continue your education? Across nearly any field imaginable, the University of California offers some of the best graduate schools and programs in the country, according to the 2023-24 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings released this spring (April 25).

Each year, U.S. News produces the Best Graduate Schools rankings by evaluating professional school programs in business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing, including specialties in each area. UC’s 10 campuses earned stellar rankings across those six disciplines this year, featuring some of the country’s best programs and most highly-regarded schools. UC Davis’ veterinary school was also ranked first in a refresh of Health school rankings, continuing a 12-year tradition of being at the top.

There are over 600 graduate programs offered across the university; a new, easy-to-use degree search tool lets users find programs across the system by specialty and campus, making it simple and convenient to browse the many offerings.

Here are a few highlights from the six schools U.S. News evaluates annually in this year’s Best Graduate School rankings:

Business Schools

UC Berkeley tied for No.11 with Columbia and Duke as the best business school in the country. UC Berkeley was also top-ranked for its part-time MBA, and top 10 for MBA programs in entrepreneurship (No. 5), finance (No. 8) and marketing (No. 9).

UCLA ranked No. 19 among all business schools in the country, with particularly highly ranked MBA programs in part-time MBA (No. 5) and finance (No. 9).

Education Schools

UC also offers some of the country’s best education schools. UCLA is tied for No. 7 among schools of education with Stanford; UC Irvine is No. 11 and UC Berkeley is No. 14.

Engineering schools

UC Berkeley ranked third among engineering schools in the country, with top-ranked programs in civil engineering and environmental/environmental health engineering. Every evaluated specialty, from chemical engineering to nuclear engineering, was in the nation’s top 5.

UC San Diego ranked No. 12 for its Jacobs School of Engineering, with a rank of No. 5 in the specialty of biomedical engineering and No. 10 for computer engineering.

UCLA ranked No. 16 among engineering schools and UC Santa Barbara was at No. 27, coming in at No. 6 for materials engineering and No. 11 for chemical engineering. UC Davis and UC Irvine were tied at No. 34 among engineering schools.

Law Schools

UC Berkeley ranked as No. 10, with a wide array of top 5 rankings in concentrations including an intellectual property law program tied for first, the third-ranked environmental law program, and excellent programs in constitutional law (No. 5) and criminal law (No. 7).

UCLA’s law school is ranked No. 14 and offers the No. 9 program in business/corporate law.

UC Irvine’s law school was tied for No. 35. UC Davis and University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) tied for No. 60.

Medical Schools

UC’s medical schools excelled across the state. UC San Francisco ranked No. 5, UC Davis ranked No. 6 and UCLA ranked No. 10 among medical schools for primary care, while UC San Diego ranked No. 30, above Stanford.

UC San Francisco also ranked No. 5 among medical schools for research, with UCLA at No. 18, UC San Diego at No. 21, UC Irvine at No. 44 and UC Davis at No. 50.

UC also has some of the most diverse medical schools in the country, with UC Davis ranked as No. 3 and UC Riverside ranked as No. 5.

Nursing Schools

UC also has a number of the best schools in the country to pursue a master’s in nursing, with UC San Francisco ranked No. 10, UCLA ranked No. 14, UC Davis ranked No. 23 and UC Irvine ranked No. 41.

For the annual rankings of these six schools, U.S. News used data from statistical surveys of 2,214 programs and from reputation surveys sent to approximately 6,300 academics and 12,690 professionals, conducted in fall 2022 and early 2023.

Periodically, U.S. News also updates rankings across the arts, humanities, social sciences and other sciences, including health. Highlights of UC’s current rankings in those programs are below.

Biological sciences

UC Berkeley ranked No. 3; UC San Francisco No. 9; UC Davis, UCLA and UC San Diego No. 17; and UC Irvine No. 32.

UC Berkeley tied for first; UCLA No. 16; UC San Diego No. 20; UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara tied for No. 24; UC San Francisco No. 27; and UC Davis No. 38.

Computer science

UC Berkeley tied for first; UC San Diego No. 12; UCLA No. 14; UC Santa Barbara No. 24; UC Irvine No. 31; and UC Davis No. 41. 

UCLA ranked first; UC San Diego tied for No. 10; UC Berkeley and UC Davis tied for No. 15; and UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara tied for No. 42.

UC Berkeley ranked No. 3; UC Santa Barbara No. 9; UCLA No. 17; UC San Diego No. 21; UC Irvine No. 35; UC Davis No. 38; UC Santa Cruz No. 47; UC Riverside No. 55; and UC Merced No. 113, climbing 25 spots from 138 last year.

Public health

UC Berkeley and UCLA tied for No. 9; UC Davis ranked No. 22; and UC Irvine No. 43.

Veterinary medicine

UC Davis is once again No. 1, a spot it has held over the last 12 years.

Full UC rankings across the six major disciplines evaluated by the 2023-24 Best Graduate Schools rankings below.

UC Berkeley - 11

UC Irvine - 37

UC Davis - 55

UC San Diego - 107

UC Riverside - 110

UC Irvine - 11

UC Berkeley - 14

UC Davis - 40

UC Riverside - 80

UC Santa Barbara - 80

UC San Diego - 99

UC Santa Cruz - 145

Engineering

UC Berkeley - 3

UC San Diego - 12

UC Santa Barbara - 27

UC Davis - 34

UC Irvine - 34

UC Santa Cruz - 77

UC Riverside - 90

UC Merced - 127

UC Berkeley - 10

UC Irvine - 35

UC Davis - 60

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) - 60

Medicine (Research)

UC San Diego - 21

UC Irvine - 44

UC Davis - 50

UC Riverside - 96

Medicine (Primary care)

UC Davis - 6

UC San Diego - 30

UC Irvine - 67

Nursing (Master’s)

UC Davis - 23

UC Irvine - 41

Keep reading

University of California announces 2023-24 recipients of…

These awards, totaling approximately $2.6 million, provide crucial support to outstanding faculty members who contribute significantly to the university’s diversity efforts.

UC Riverside invited to join the AAU

Membership is by invitation only and represents reaching the pinnacle of U.S. research universities

Watch CBS News

University apologizes after names horribly mispronounced at graduation ceremony. Here's its explanation.

By Caitlin O'Kane

May 10, 2024 / 2:39 PM EDT / CBS News

May V. Lee Zubeth Brotoski. Syer Ovoon Jean June Breenun. Victoria Lee Zubithruss. These are the names announced at the Thomas Jefferson University graduation ceremony – except the graduates were really named Maeve Elizabeth Brostoski, Sarah Virginia Brennan and Victoria Elizabeth Bruce.

At the university's commencement ceremony for nursing students in Philadelphia on Thursday, the person tasked with calling out graduates' names botched several of them – even ones as simple as Thomas.

Video taken by @colleenb415 and shared on TikTok racked up nearly 8 million views and 16,000 comments on the platform in less than a day. It was shared by others across social media platforms and went massively viral. 

The people who recorded the original video couldn't help but laugh, astonished at the horrible mispronunciations. "Milena Zabeth Cop," the woman reads for Molly Elizabeth Camp.

"Tamome," she says, before the graduate says his name is Thomas. She corrects herself and says Thomas, but doesn't even attempt to read his last name, Canevari. 

Thomas Jefferson University apologized for the mispronunciations of several of the graduates' names.

"This ceremony is a celebration of the significant achievements of our students, and each graduate deserves to have their name honored correctly on this pivotal day," the university said in a statement to CBS News. 

Many people on social media speculated that the woman was reading the phonetic spellings of the names and didn't have the full names written out in their normal spellings. Others had a more cynical explanation – perhaps the woman's name was mispronounced her whole life, and this was her vendetta.

The university confirmed the former to be true.

"The mispronunciations occurred due to the way phonetic spellings were presented on the speaker's cards, which was noted when the presenter apologized during the ceremony," the university said in a statement. "This unfortunate error does not reflect the immense respect we have for our graduates and the value we place on their hard-earned accomplishments."

The school said they "are deeply sorry for any disappointment this may have caused."

Many of the graduates in the video appear to take the botched names in stride – some giggled as they approached to take their diplomas, while others just looked confused. 

Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

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Want your New Grad RN Program featured? 

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RN New Grad training varies widely from hospital to hospital. Many Hospitals have RN Residency Programs or New Grad Programs with classroom training, simulation training and Clinical Training with a preceptor. Compare programs to find the Hospital that will help you build the best foundation for a strong career in nursing. 

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UCSF Medical Center

505 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143

Specialties:

Critical Care, Emergency, Ambulatory, Periop, Pediatric ICU, Pediatric & Women's Health

Unique Attributes:

ADNs accepted, 2 Cohorts Per Year, Academic Medical Center, Union

Providence System

Napa- Santa Rosa- Eureka- Healdsburg- Fortuna- Petaluma

Med/Surg, Telemetry, Critical Care, Emergency & Variable

Many Locations, RN Fellowship for specialty training

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Region

21 Hospitals Across Northern California

Med/Surg & Telemetry

Highly Desirable Employer, Vizient RN Residency Ciricullum, 2 Cohorts per year

Vibra Hospital of Northern California

2801 Eureka Way, Redding, CA 96001

Critical Care, Long-Term Care

Critical Care Specialty Hospital

UC Davis Medical Center

2315 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817

Med/Surg, Critical Care, Emergency and Surgical Services

Vizient RN Residency, 2 Cohorts per Year, BSN Required

St. Joseph Hospital- Eureka

2700 Dolbeer St, Eureka, CA 95501

MedSurg, Progressive Care, Emergency Department, Labor & Delivery, Operating Room & More

Multi-Specialty

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford

725 Welch Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Variable Pediatric Specialties

BSN Required

Enloe Medical Center

1531 Esplanade, Chico, CA 95926

MedSurg Neuro, CVICU, ICU & More

Positions Open to New Grads

Kindred Hospital- Northern California

Multiple Locations

Long-Term Care, Hospice, Home Health, Rehab & More

Long-Term Care Facilities with Ventilator Management, and much more

Alameda Health System- Northern California

Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro & More

MedSurg, Telemetry, Stepdown/Progressive Care

Sutter Health Locations

Many Bay Area & Nor Cal Locations

Emergency, ICU, Labor & Delivery, Med/Surg & Variable

Frequent Openings

Mercy General Hospital

4001 J St, Sacramento, CA 95819

#3 Hospital in Sac

Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital

1165 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

ICU, Emergency, Surgical Services, Neuroscience, Ortho, Oncology and more

Many Providence Locations, Multiple Cohorts per Year

Mercy Hospital Folsom

1650 Creekside Dr, Folsom, CA 95630

Med/Surg Specialties, Labor & Delivery and Variable

2 Cohorts per year

Emanuel Medical Center

825 Delbon Ave, Turlock, CA 95382

Labor & Delivery, MedSurg, Telemetry, Progressive Care & Variable

Frequent Job postings

NorthBay Medical Center

1200 B Gale Wilson Blvd, Fairfield, CA 94533

MedSurg, Telemetry & Variable

Megnet Recognition

Mercy Medical Center Redding

2175 Rosaline Ave, Redding, CA 96001

Telemetry IMCU, Cardiac-Neuro Telemetry, Medical, Surgical, Orthopedics, Oncology & Variable

Adventist Health Ukiah Valley

275 Hospital Dr, Ukiah, CA 95482

4 Cohorts per year

Dignity Health System- Northern California

39 Hospitals in Arizona, California and Nevada

Med/Surg, Critical Care, Emergency Department, Pediatrics, Labor & Delivery and More

Many Locations, Specialty Facilities

Good Samaritan Hospital

2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124

Med/Surg & Variable

Student Loan Repayment

VA Hospital System

Multiple VA Locations- Sac, SF, San Jose & More

BSN Required, Excellent Benefits, Accredited program

Sutter Lakeside Hospital

5176 Hill Rd E, Lakeport, CA 95453

Nursing Union, Many Sutter Locations

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

1501 Trousdale Dr, Burlingame, CA 94010

Critical Care, MedSurg, Telemetry, Progressive Care/Stepdown & More

Specialties Available, Multiple Locations

Redwood Memorial- Providence St. Joseph

3300 Renner Dr, Fortuna, CA 95540

Stanford University Medical Center

300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305

MedSurg, Telemetry, ICU, ED, Surgical Services & More

BSN Required, 3 Cohorts per year, 40-60 New Grads per Cohort

Walnut Creek Medical Center- John Muir Health

1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94598

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

747 52nd St, Oakland, CA 94609

Pediatrics & More

Major Research Center, Opportunity for Growth

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

350 Hawthorne Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

MedSurg, Telemetry, Progressive Care/Stepdown & More

RN Residency and Transition to Practice ( TTP for experienced nurses going into a specialty OR, ED, ICU, etc)

Part Four: DNP/Ph.D. Perspective on Seamless Academic Progression for Nurses

The lived experience of a nurse begins with a sound academic foundation that includes science and math, addressing individual biases, understanding a variety of cultures, and, most importantly, experience. Many nurses have taken the non-seamless academic progression into nursing, which involves various educational routes or entry levels. Entry levels into nursing may include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs), and Diploma in Nursing.

Why have so many chosen one or more of these pathways to reach their goal of becoming a registered nurse (RN)? Multiple factors may lead someone to select a particular entry-level, such as family obligations, educational costs, or limited seats within the nursing program. Even with the multiple entry levels into practice, the goal to increase BSNs in healthcare still needs to be met (Overholster, 2023). This post will briefly share a DNP/Ph.D. perspective on seamless academic progression for nurses as reflected in the National Academy of Medicine’s key message two, Nurses Should Achieve Higher Levels of Education and Training Through an Improved Education System That Promotes Seamless Academic Progression.

Seamless Academic Progression 

The growth of the nursing workforce depends upon seamless academic progression. Seamless academic progression allows an RN to obtain a BSN or MSN. Many hospitals/acute care settings require or prefer the baccalaureate degree nurse for various nursing roles to receive MagnetⓇ recognition. Examples of nursing programs that promote academic progression are LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, and ADN-to-MSN, providing a significant pathway to advanced practice nursing and faculty positions at the college level. Master’s degree-prepared nurses are knowledgeable clinicians, clinical healthcare leaders, members of academic institutions, health policy creators, and researchers.

Nursing leaders, including multi-generational students, must consider multiple factors when encouraging seamless academic progression. For example, nursing schools must innovate programs to meet learner outcomes through various methods and technologies. The learners may need various ways to meet competency, including low and high-fidelity learning experiences. Academic progression occurs as a result of not only meeting individual learning needs but also considering those previous lived experiences that may impact their approach to learning. Therefore, ensuring this is also met in the practice setting as the nurse’s transition is critical to the ongoing retention of nurses in the workforce (Groski et al., 2019).

Experiential Theory/Models

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory defines the process by which knowledge is created as the transformation of experience. Experiential learning can be widely used to transition nurses to practice, especially those entering nursing as a second career. The legendary novice to expert theory aligns closely with experiential learning, recognizing that an individual develops by encountering situations to enable them to adjust to the social environment and adapt skills before they can progress to the next stage of practice (Benner, 2000; Graf et al., 2020).

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) released the updated Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education in 2021, which provides a framework for nursing practice and applied experience (2021). Ten domains with sub-competencies are listed and must represent nursing practice, supporting competency-based education. Competency-based education is outcomes-focused and builds on what the learner already knows and what is expected of the learner (Barnes et al., 2023; Gidden et al., 2022). With the ever-changing technology and innovation, this model is supported to facilitate seamless academic progression as the healthcare landscape evolves.

Patient Outcomes

The IOM report (2011) cited evidence that a higher proportion of BSN-prepared RNs in the workforce improves patient outcomes. Many nursing leaders understand that nursing is often a second career choice for some nurses, indicating that nurses enter the profession with baseline knowledge of human experience, customer service, and/or financial acumen. Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive patient outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and higher degree levels. A more significant proportion of professional nurses at the bedside has been shown to improve patient outcomes for patients and staff (Aiken et al., 2017; Davis, 2012). Reducing barriers, such as the nursing skill mix, by adding assistive personnel without professional nurse qualifications, may contribute to preventable deaths, erode care quality, and nurse shortages (Angel, 2020).

As health care continues to shift to a population-focused, community-based approach to care, the health system needs RNs who can practice across multiple settings and function to the fullest extent of their license. Employers today seek nurses capable of providing high-quality direct care, complex clinical decision-making, care transition management, supervision of support personnel, guidance of patients through the maze of healthcare resources, and educating patients on treatment regimens and adopting healthy lifestyles. Moving nurses further along the educational continuum will help to ensure that RNs are well-prepared to meet these expectations.

Student Nurse Experiences

Providing the accelerated format and program outcomes in advance will better prepare our workforce to enter into expedited programs.“I am concerned about simply being in an accelerated program because this will differ greatly from my first degree” – Isabel, a female student, age 22, who majored in social and applied sciences (Davis, 2012). This is one example of ensuring that the expectations and models are provided to students across all generations. Many students entering nursing now have an undergraduate degree or work experience in another profession. The experience and prior degree supports moving these students through an accelerated process. However, some students accepted to these programs have yet to gain a previous degree or work experience.

Call to Action

Nursing education should serve as a platform for continued lifelong learning and include opportunities for a seamless transition to higher degree programs (AACN, 2016). Increasing the number of RNs in the nursing workforce can be accomplished by seamless academic progression. Facilitators that may promote seamless academic progression include financial incentives from healthcare institutions, flexible work schedules that will allow nursing students to provide for their families, and an understanding of the positive impact RNs have within the healthcare workforce. Healthcare leaders must understand the meaning of seamless academic progression, support nursing programs that provide seamless academic progression, and provide opportunities for seamless academic progression models across universities (Angel, 2020).

Amanda Garey, Ph.D., RN, NPDA-BC, EBP-C

Assistant Professor

University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing

1100 Mechanic St, Galveston, TX 77550

Email: [email protected]

Sharisse A. Hebert, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC

Prairie View A&M College of Nursing DNP Program Coordinator

6436 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030

Phone: (713) 797-7050

Email: [email protected]

Aiken, L. H., Sloan, D., Griffiths, P. et al. (2017). Nursing skill mix in European hospitals: association with mortality, patient ratings, and quality of care. BMJ Quality & Safety, 26 (7), 559-568. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2016-005567

Angel, L. (2020). Best practices and lessons learned in academic progression in nursing: A scoping review. Journal of Professional Nursing , 36 (6), 628-634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2020.08.017

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2024 May 8). Academic Progression in Nursing: Moving Together Toward a Highly Educated Nursing Workforce. Position Papers and White Papers. https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/position-statements-white-papers/academic-progression-in-nursing

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2024 April 7). The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education . AACN Essentials. https://www.aacnnursing.org/essentials

Barnes, R., Remick, J., Hughes-Gay, M., Opsahl, A., Townsend, C., Lash, R., & Ellis, R. J. B. (2023). The AACN Essentials journey. Journal of Professional Nursing , 46 , 19-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2022.11.010

Benner, P. (2000). From novice to expert. Pearson.

Davis, D. (2012). A seamless progression: Preparing accelerated second degree nursing students for entry into baccalaureate and masters nursing education. Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice , 5 (1), 6. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/seamless-progression-preparing-accelerated-second/docview/1011059328/se-2

Graf, A. C., Jacob, E., Twigg, D., & Nattabi, B. (2020). Contemporary nursing graduates’ transition to practice: A critical review of transition models. Journal of Clinical Nursing , 29 (15-16), 3097-3107. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15234

Gorski, M. S., & Polansky, P. (2019). Accelerating progress in seamless academic progression. Nursing Outlook, 67 (2), 154–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2018.11.008

Giddens, J., Douglas, J. P., & Conroy, S. (2022). The revised AACN essentials: Implications for nursing regulation. Journal of Nursing Regulation , 12 (4), 16-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(22)00009-6

Overholser C. D. (2023). Seamless academic progression in nursing education: A qualitative descriptive study. Nursing Education Perspectives , 44 (4), 205–209. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001109

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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.

Honorary Doctorate for Penn Nursing Professor

Therese S. Richmond, PhD, RN, FAAN , the Andrea B. Laporte Professor of Nursing, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service (DrPS hon) from the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland . The honor, conferred during the School of Nursing’s convocation on May 14, 2024, recognized Richmond’s extensive research and preeminent role in exploring the critical issues related to gun violence and the resulting trauma on individuals and communities.

“I am deeply honored to receive this honorary doctorate and thank the Board of Regents for the recognition. Life is fragile and the impact of firearm violence on health and well-being is significant,” said Richmond. “We can reduce firearm-related harms through rigorous science, partnering with communities who bear the disproportionate burdens of these harms, and respecting differing worldviews.”

Richmond’s research and scholarship are grounded in understanding and overcoming health inequities experienced by individuals and families living in low-resource and often disenfranchised communities. She is committed to identifying and overcoming structural barriers that lead to and reinforce inequities. Richmond’s research has a dual approach. She partners with valuable community partners to examine the impact of living in pervasively violent, low-resource communities on families and rigorously producing data that can be used by agencies to inform programmatic initiatives to reduce inequity and improve health, well-being, and safety. She also has a substantive body of research that focuses on disparate outcomes after serious injury including PTSD and depression and to identify modifiable targets that drive disparities seen in transition to chronic pain after serious injury.

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