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Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Learn about our commitment to social justice and health equality and anti-racism.

Academic Programs

Admissions at a glance.

Learn more about Admissions at Columbia Nursing, including important dates and deadlines, and how to apply to all of our programs. 

Research Centers and Programs

Research areas of focus.

Explore the research areas of focus conducted by our faculty, postdocs, and students.

Patient Care

Primary care services.

The ColumbiaDoctors Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Group, combines evidence-based practice with a personalized approach to provide quality care.

Global Health

Global opportunities for students.

Global opportunities for clinical practicum and research may be available for MDE and doctoral students at Columbia Nursing.

Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of philosophy (phd), ignite your future with a columbia nursing phd.

The Columbia University School of Nursing PhD program is a full-time, research-intensive curriculum that prepares nurses for careers as nurse scientists who will conduct research across a broad range of populations and health conditions. Importantly, much of our research is focused on health disparity populations with the long-term goal of informing health policy and clinical practice across the lifespan.

Columbia Nursing provides three years (eight semesters) of funding for tuition, related fees, health insurance, and a stipend for full-time PhD students.

Program Design

Our PhD program provides students with an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing science and a strong foundation in research methods (design, statistics, measurement, quantitative and qualitative methods) for clinical, translational and health services research. All students are mentored by research advisors with active programs of research as they move toward independent research and assume the roles of doctorally prepared nurse scientists.  

As a Columbia Nursing PhD student, you will learn to:

• Design, conduct, and report multidisciplinary research studies that increase knowledge to improve the health and well-being of patients and families across the lifespan
• Advance the state of the science in a substantive area of research through application of innovative and rigorous methods
• Promote health and well-being for individuals and families in the context of their communities
• Provide leadership in improving the health care delivery system at local, national, and international levels
• Collaborate with other professionals to evaluate and develop policies for delivery of health service
• Translate evidence accumulated through research into practice and policy at multiple levels

As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Columbia Nursing enjoys a unique collaboration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, and the College of Dental Medicine. CUIMC provides myriad opportunities for interprofessional collaboration in research . 

The PhD curriculum builds on the foundation of nursing science by bringing together practice, policy, translational research, and leadership. The core courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct relevant and well-designed research studies. Electives strengthen an area of clinical interest or intensify understanding of a specific research or analytic method. 

Both post-master's and post-BSN students admitted to the program will complete a minimum of 57 credits. The curriculum plan is designed to make it possible to complete the program in three years for those students with clearly defined plans for their dissertation research.

PhD courses are offered in three major areas:

• Theoretical foundations of nursing science
• Analytical foundations of nursing science
• Electives and application

Students must be registered as full-time for the duration of the program (typically three to four years). The minimum number of semester credits in required coursework is 37 (four semesters) for eligibility to progress to the qualifying exam. Six of the 37 credits required to be completed prior to the qualifying examination are elective courses tailored to the student’s dissertation topic and/or dissertation methods. The PhD program requires nine credits of elective courses. A minimum of 57 total credits is required for program completion. 

Concurrent with Coursework

• Research Experience (participating in faculty research projects and/or a research practicum)
• Research Faculty Training

Request a Sample Academic Program Plan

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination helped me to combine the content I learned in my courses and my research interests so I could further articulate my research question. Performing a scoping review on my topic of interest immersed me in the current literature and was crucial to the development of my dissertation. This experience prepared me to successfully work independently through the rest of my Ph.D.

 Kylie Dougherty, BSN, RN, M.Phil.

In addition to coursework, students must successfully complete a qualifying examination with written and oral components. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded after successful completion of the qualifying examination and the student enters doctoral candidacy status.

Dissertation

Students are expected to successfully defend a dissertation reporting original research. Four dissertation credits are required each semester during the dissertation phase of study. 

Scholarship Expectations

My advisor and the Columbia Nursing faculty provided me exceptional guidance throughout the PhD program to extend my learning beyond the classroom with the goal of becoming an independent nurse scientist. I learned valuable skills and knowledge to successfully obtain a NIH-funded predoctoral training award, present research findings at local, regional, and national conferences, and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals with good impact factors.

Joseph Belloir, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

• Publication: At least one manuscript published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
• Grantsmanship: At least one grant application submitted to an appropriate funding agency or organization.
• Presentation: At least one abstract submitted for presentation as a poster or oral presentation at an appropriate professional meeting.
• Networking: Student will attend at least one regional or national research meeting.

Preparation for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Research Career Next Step 

The coursework and research mentoring at Columbia Nursing helped prepare me for the next steps in my education and career post-PhD. In addition to structured coursework and educational seminars, the school provided beneficial informal support and resources. Feedback sessions with both peers and faculty were very helpful in preparing me to present posters and presentations at research conferences. The school also provided funds for travel to conferences where I presented my research. The grant writing workshop and mock reviews of grant applications provided me with tools and feedback needed to successfully apply for additional funding for my research. Finally, interdisciplinary research collaborations with faculty provided me with opportunities to work with researchers from several disciplines to complete my dissertation.

Melissa Beauchemin, PhD '19, MS '10, RN

PhD Student Handbook

The Columbia Nursing PhD student handbook provides information to aid doctoral students in planning coursework and proceeding through all phases of the program.

Request a PhD Student Handbook

What is it like to be a PhD student at Columbia Nursing?

Required courses (excluding electives).

Building upon the foundations provided in the quantitative and qualitative research method courses, in this course students examine advanced methods and frameworks frequently used in studying health policy, health services research problems and comparative effectiveness research. In addition to a critical review of the methods, the course examines the relationship among science, policy and healthcare delivery, and identifies critical questions shaping the future policy research agenda.

Interdisciplinary research is an approach to advancing scientific knowledge in which researchers from different disciplines work at the borders of those disciplines in order to address complex questions and problems. Successful interdisciplinary efforts require mastery of specific competencies. This seminar will introduce students to competencies in interdisciplinary research through a combination of readings, case studies, and lectures in each necessary aspect, chosen from fields essential to successful interdisciplinary research. It is intended to assist learners to understand why and how different professional disciplines must work together to generate and disseminate knowledge. We will examine: different conceptualizations of interdisciplinary; barriers to and facilitators of interdisciplinary research; approaches, benefits, and limitations of collaboration and team science; methods for measuring interdisciplinary collaboration; the intersection of translational and interdisciplinary scientific strategies; and individual researchers' experiences with and evaluations of their own interdisciplinary scientific projects. Learners will develop a set of skills to be effective members and leaders of interdisciplinary research teams.

The student works with a faculty member or other scientist who is conducting a research project. The specific nature of the experience depends on the nature and stage of the research, but might include search and review of relevant literature, data collection, data analysis and/or grant preparation.

This course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are associated with dissertation research.

This foundational course will examine the philosophy of nursing knowledge including foundations of nursing theory, concept development, and its application to research. Students will explore approaches to the analysis and development of concepts and the application of nursing concepts and frameworks to clinical practice and research. Ideas, assumptions, events, people, and writings are examined for their influence, inter-relationships, and significance to nursing. Types of reasoning will be evaluated within the context of nursing and health. Major theories, frameworks, and concepts of nursing and health and their implication for research will be discussed. The focus of the course will be on development of critical thinking skills in analyzing key elements of philosophies, concepts, and conceptual frameworks.

In this foundational course students will study the links between theory and the psychosocial and biophysical measures used in nursing research.  Students will employ the principles of classical test theory and item response theory to evaluate the reliability and validity of measurement.  Application of computational techniques will be covered in the lab portion of the course.  Course topics include types and uses of measures, item/scale development and validation, survey methods, reporting for publication, and the relationships between measurement and research ethics, cultural competency, and health disparities.

This course provides a foundation for quantitative research methods and design. Research process topics examined include: appraisal of the quality of existing evidence; identification of gaps in the literature; formulation of researchable questions and testable hypotheses; types of research variables; sampling designs and power analyses; and the uses, strengths, and weaknesses of various experimental and quasi-experimental research designs.

This course provides an in-depth examination of qualitative study designs and methods through a combination of theoretical discussion and hands-on practical experience. Topics include paradigm distinctions, theoretical perspectives, designs and methods, critique of research reports, and ethical issues in qualitative research.

The course is intended for PhD students who are engaged in relevant scholarly activities that are not associated with the required course sequence. Such activities must accrue more than 20 hours/week.

This course is intended to provide a hands-on introduction to delivering data visualizations to serve as a critical lens through which individual and population level health can be examined. The proposed course will combine concepts and theory in data visualization and exploration and practice to enable the student to gain the necessary knowledge to use graphics and statistics to explore the data, find and construct a narrative, and share findings in ways colleagues and decision-makes can readily understand and act upon.

This course is designed to provide the tools for the doctorally prepared nurse to evaluate, translate and integrate published research results into clinical practice. During the course, students will learn how to conceptualize clinical practice problems and transform them into answerable clinical research questions, how to search for the best clinical evidence, and how to assess clinical evidence using basic epidemiological, biostatistical and scientific principles. The course will culminate in a systematic review or meta-analysis of a body of research relevant to advanced practice nursing.

Total Credits:

Nursing Ph.D.

About the program.

Georgetown’s PhD in Nursing Program is a premier doctoral program designed for individuals seeking to advance the discipline and those we serve in academic, community health, health care, policy, global, and research settings.

Degrees Offered

Admissions requirements.

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information  page. Review the  program’s website  for additional information on program application requirements.

Application Materials required:

• Application Form
• Non-refundable Application Fee
• Academic Statement of Purpose
• Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Transcripts  – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official  transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information  page for additional details and FAQs.
• WES Evaluation  (if applicable)
• TOEFL = 80 minimum
• IELTS = 7.0 minimum

Application Deadlines

• Fall: December 1

Degree Requirements

See program website .

Connect with Us

Program Contact Information: https://nursing.georgetown.edu/degree-programs/doctoral/phd-nursing/

Quick Links

Begin your application today! 

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School of Nursing

Nursing PhD Program

About the Nursing PhD What You Need to Know About UConn’s PhD in Nursing Program

• The University of Connecticut’s Doctoral Nursing Program has a deep commitment to theory, philosophy, and research —quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. This multifaceted approach is unique in the world of doctoral nursing programs.
• Our PhD in Nursing graduate s are the recipients of multiple awards from various prestigious nursing societies, members of the Academy, and recipients of hundreds of thousands of research dollars.
• You have full access to the entire UConn School of Nursing faculty and facilities.
• The current Doctor of Nursing program completion rate is exceptionally high at 90%.
• Students form strong cohorts of 5 to 10 individuals and b ond through a shared camaraderie, supporting each other throughout this intensive in-person program.
• Currently, the typical doctoral nursing student is able to complete the program in 3.5 years.
• All nursing PhD students at UConn are selected for the program according to their research interests , and then matched with a faculty member who collaborate with them closely on their project.
• All courses are held on the UConn campus one day a week, allowing students to easily fit it into their busy schedule. Some students travel from as far away as Vermont and Virginia to attend!

The University of Connecticut's mission statement defines the institution as both a land-grant and the public research university of the State of Connecticut. As such, the potential range of university programs and activities is extremely broad. The mandate of the University is to be the center within the state for graduate and professional training, research, and public service. As a public university, the University of Connecticut must not only be responsive to the needs of society, but also be capable of anticipating such needs.

Within this context, the University has identified specific responsibilities associated with its mission. Among these is the concentration on the excellence of the graduate and advanced professional degree programs for which it has primary responsibilities in the public sector. These include doctoral degree programs in all fields.

The mission and goals of the School of Nursing mirror, complement, and enhance those of the University. The mission of the School of Nursing is to provide quality, public-university based nursing education at the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education levels. The programs are designed to be responsive to the dynamic and changing health care needs of the people of the state, while using established nursing knowledge and creating and testing new nursing theory.

• Analyzing knowledge development and its influence on the past, present, and future of the nursing profession.
• Generating knowledge to support the philosophical and theoretical bases of nursing using empirical, ethical, esthetic and existential methods.
• Using quantitative and qualitative research methods to study nursing phenomena.
• Evaluating philosophical bases and assumptions of varied research methods.
• Integrating knowledge and skills needed for securing competitive funding.
• Demonstrating expertise in applying nursing knowledge to the resolution of health care issues.
• Using decision-making and problem solving processes to influence health care policy.

2024 Trends: The Rise and Benefits of Pursuing an Online Ph.D. in Nursing 

Blog summary, introduction .

• Online Ph.D. in Nursing: An Overview 
• Trends in Nursing Education for 2024 
• Growing Interest in Nursing Specializations 
• AI Will Influence Nursing Education and Healthcare 
• Benefits of Pursuing an Online PhD in Nursing 

Opportunities in Global and African Countries

Want to become a leader in nursing.

In 2024, the landscape of nursing education is evolving rapidly, demanding professionals to stay abreast of the latest trends. Considering the dynamic healthcare environment, the importance of continuous learning in nursing cannot be overstated. Pursuing a PhD in nursing emerges as a strategic move as we delve into the new era. This advanced degree signifies a commitment to excellence and positions nurses as leaders in the field. The introduction of online Ph.D. programs in nursing in 2024 caters to the need for flexibility and accessibility. Let’s explore the unfolding opportunities that await those keen on advancing their nursing careers. 

Online Ph.D. in Nursing: An Overview  

Explanation of online doctoral programs  .

Online doctoral programs in nursing provide a flexible and accessible avenue for nurses seeking advanced education. These programs leverage digital platforms to deliver high-quality academic content and foster collaboration among students and faculty. 

Advantages of Choosing an Online Format  

Flexibility for Working Professionals:  Working nurses’ hectic schedules are accommodated by online PhD programmes, which enable them to pursue their academic objectives without sacrificing their responsibilities to their employers. 

Accessibility from Anywhere in the World:  Geographical constraints are minimized, enabling nurses from diverse locations to access top-notch education and contribute to the global nursing community. 

Balancing Personal and Professional Commitments:  The online format empowers nurses to harmoniously balance personal responsibilities and academic pursuits. 

Online Education in the Nursing Field:  Online education in nursing is continuously evolving, incorporating innovative technologies and pedagogical approaches to meet the dynamic needs of healthcare professionals. Stay tuned to harness the benefits of this transformative trend in nursing education. 

Trends in Nursing Education for 2024  

Integration of technology in nursing education : Online PhD programs embrace cutting-edge technology to enhance learning experiences. Virtual simulations, telehealth platforms, and interactive modules are becoming integral components of advanced nursing education. 

Emphasis on evidence-based practice : The need for evidence-based practice is expanding as the healthcare sector gets more complicated. PhD nursing programs in 2024 are designed to equip students with the skills to critically analyze research, apply evidence in clinical settings, and contribute to advancing nursing knowledge. 

Growing demand for advanced nursing professionals : The demand for highly skilled and specialized nursing professionals is rising. Pursuing a PhD in nursing positions individuals as experts in their field and opens doors to leadership roles and diverse career opportunities. 

Through 2032, the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) predicts that the field of registered nursing will develop at a rapid pace. It is expected to expand by 6% by the BLS. 

Impact of global health challenges : The ongoing global health challenges have underscored the vital role of nurses in public health. PhD programs are adapting to address these challenges, preparing nursing professionals to tackle issues like pandemics, healthcare disparities, and crisis management on a global scale. Stay abreast of these trends to ensure your nursing education meets future demands. 

Growing Interest in Nursing Specializations  

As the demand for highly skilled nursing professionals intensifies amidst the ongoing nursing shortage, nurses are increasingly drawn to furthering their education. The appeal of online Ph.D. in nursing programs is rising, providing a flexible and accessible avenue for nurses to specialize and contribute to addressing healthcare challenges. In 2024, nursing trends will receive more attention, with a particular emphasis on the value of higher degrees to fulfil the changing demands of the field.  

Nurses navigating this dynamic landscape are encouraged to explore online PhD in nursing programs, aligning their education with the 2024 nursing trends and positioning themselves as leaders in the ever-changing healthcare environment. This strategic approach not only addresses the shortage but also empowers nurses to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. 

Nurses seeking to advance their careers and address healthcare challenges are increasingly turning to online PhD in nursing programs as a flexible and accessible means to specialize and position themselves as leaders in the field.

AI Will Influence Nursing Education and Healthcare  

In the dynamic landscape of nursing education and healthcare, the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prominent. AI is revolutionizing how nursing education is delivered, and healthcare services are provided. As we delve into 2024, it’s evident that AI is not just a trend but a transformative force, shaping the future of the nursing profession. 

Through personalized learning experiences, AI tailors educational content to individual needs, ensuring a more efficient and effective learning process for aspiring nurses. Moreover, AI is streamlining diagnostics, treatment plans, and patient care in healthcare settings, optimizing overall efficiency and accuracy.

Nurses with AI-enhanced skills are better positioned to navigate this evolving landscape, fostering a symbiotic relationship between technology and compassionate patient care.  

Adopting AI in nursing education and healthcare is not an option; it is a must to keep up with the latest developments in the field. Watch this space to see how AI will continue to improve healthcare and nursing education. 

Don’t forget to check out our other blog, “ Exploring Online PhD in Nursing ,” for further insights into the benefits and opportunities offered by online doctoral programs in nursing.

Benefits of Pursuing an Online PhD in Nursing  

Career Advancement Opportunities:  Recent research from the AAMC underscores the urgency for highly qualified healthcare professionals. The anticipated shortage of up to 48,000 primary care physicians in the United States by 2034 accentuates the demand for advanced nursing professionals. A PhD in nursing positions individuals to fill critical roles in healthcare, addressing the pressing needs of an ageing population. 

Enhanced Clinical and Research Skills:  Pursuing a PhD in nursing online allows professionals to hone their clinical and research skills. This advanced training equips them with the expertise to navigate complex healthcare scenarios and contribute to evidence-based practices. 

Contribution to the Development of Nursing Knowledge:  Engaging in doctoral-level research empowers individuals to contribute significantly to the growth of nursing knowledge. By exploring innovative approaches and solutions, Ph.D. candidates become catalysts for positive change in the field. 

Potential for Leadership Roles in Healthcare Organizations:  A Ph.D. in nursing opens doors to leadership positions within healthcare organizations. Graduates are prepared to assume influential roles, steering institutions toward advancements in patient care, research, and overall healthcare delivery.

Online PhD programs in nursing offer promising opportunities for professionals in global and African countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia. Through accessible and flexible education, nurses can address healthcare disparities, strengthen local healthcare systems, and enhance patient care quality. Collaboration and networking on digital platforms enable knowledge exchange and cultural sensitivity development, which is crucial for diverse healthcare settings.

Research and innovation become accessible avenues for addressing local healthcare challenges and advancing evidence-based practices. Leadership development opportunities empower nurses to drive positive change, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes and sustainable development in their communities.

Conclusion  

As the healthcare landscape evolves and demands for highly qualified professionals increase, pursuing an online PhD in nursing is a beacon of opportunity for nurses seeking career advancement. Encouraging nurses to consider this educational journey is paramount in addressing both individual aspirations and the broader needs of the healthcare sector. The online format, coupled with the 2024 trends in nursing education, facilitates a flexible and accessible path to academic excellence. 

By starting this life-changing journey, nurses improve their professional and personal development and contribute to the future of healthcare by ensuring they stay at the forefront of advances in nursing knowledge and patient care. 

Take the first step towards leadership with an online Ph.D. in nursing.

Online Ph.D. programs offer flexibility for working nurses, allowing them to advance their education without compromising professional commitments. The accessibility from anywhere in the world breaks geographical constraints, fostering a global community of nursing professionals. 

The complexity of the healthcare sector is creating a greater need for highly qualified and specialized nurses. Pursuing a PhD in nursing positions individuals as experts and opens doors to leadership roles and diverse career opportunities. 

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing nursing by personalizing learning experiences and streamlining diagnostics, treatment plans, and patient care. Nurses with AI-enhanced skills are better positioned to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape. 

Online PhD in nursing graduates are well-equipped to address healthcare shortages. Their advanced training in clinical and research skills makes them valuable contributors to evidence-based practices in healthcare. 

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Navigating the Benefits of an Online Master of Public Health Program 

From awareness to action: pursuing a phd in clinical research, explore the current trends in quality assurance of clinical research, 6 essential research skills to excel in a clinical research phd program , 7 time management hacks every clinical research phd student should master , related posts, 7 reasons to choose tau-ucn for your phd in nursing journey, the fastest way to pursue an nursing science phd online, top 7 remote jobs perfect for nursing phd students, a guide to career tracks for online phd programs in nursing, expand your horizon: exploring online ph.d. in nursing .

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Online Nursing Ph.D.

Conduct original research as a nurse scientist to inform policy and improve the health of rural and underserved populations.

The development of a scholar requires immersion into research. The Ph.D. in Nursing program at UND will educate you to synthesize in-depth knowledge of rural health and underserved populations, integrate philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of science to guide research, conduct ethical and rigorous research, and contribute to a global community of scholars.

Why earn an online doctorate in nursing at UND?

You'll join a highly collaborative environment at the University of North Dakota with unique resources to study rural health in behavioral and environmental contexts. To actualize the focus of becoming a nurse scientist, you will gain skills in:

• Rural health, rural and underserved populations, and rural programs and policies.
• Conduct original research as a nurse scientist, which includes rural and underserved populations.
• Disseminating new knowledge through publications and presentations.
• Obtaining grant funding to support your research.

Ph.D. in Nursing Online Research Opportunities

UND has a variety of research opportunities for our online Nursing Ph.D. students. You'll get the opportunity to collaborate on active research with   the:  

• Center for Rural Health
• USDA Human Nutrition Research Center (federally funded)
• National Resource Center on Native American Aging
• Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center (MPATTC)
• Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MPMHTTC)

The MPATTC and MPMHTTC are both located within UND's College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) to serve Region 8 in the U.S.

Before graduation you'll be required to:

• Develop and submit a nationally competitive grant to support your doctoral research.
• Submit an article for publication to a refereed journal.
• Present dissertation progress or results to a regional or national audience.

Online Nursing Ph.D. Program at UND

Connect 1-on-1 with doctoral faculty who share your passion for nursing research.

Engage in annual face-to-face intensive experiences (on campus or at the Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference) that supplement your online learning and immerse you into a community of scholars.

Participate in the UND chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the national nursing honor society.

Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

Transfer up to 30 master's level credits with approval.

What can you do with an online doctorate in nursing?

Average salary for nurse researchers

Nursing jobs available by 2026

Most Ph.D. in Nursing students go on to teach in academic or clinical settings or conduct research on topics designed to improve patient health, health care services and health care outcomes. UND alumni of the Ph.D. program have gone on to hold a wide variety of positions, some of which include:

• Assistant professor of nursing at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio
• Associate professor of nursing at Bethel University in St Paul, Minn.
• Associate professor at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn.
• Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs, Winona State University-Rochester Campus, Rochester, Minn.
• Chair/director of nursing at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn.
• Dean of Health Sciences at Rappahannock Community College in Glenns, Va.
• State representative in North Dakota House of Representatives
• Postdoctoral Fellows at Virginia Commonwealth University, Yale University and Mayo Clinic

Ph.D. in Nursing Online Courses You Could Take

NURS 558. Research Design. 3 Credits.

This course prepares the doctoral student to understand the link between research design and the study purpose. Prerequisite: Admission to PhD program or consent of instructor. F.

NURS 573. Research Funding. 3 Credits.

This course integrates the scientific and practical aspects of professional writing and grant proposal development to obtain funds for research. Prerequisite: Admission to the graduate nursing program or approval of instructor. Prerequisite or Corequisite: NURS 574 and/or NURS 575 ; Non-nursing programs: Graduate level quantitative and/or qualitative research methods coursework required. F.

NURS 577. Rural Healthcare Ethics. 3 Credits.

This course is directed toward the development of critical dialogue and leadership strategies for dealing with ethical issues related to nursing, health care and research. Commitment to discussion, understanding and acceptance of the rights of others in dilemmas is emphasized. Reflexive nursing, which brings attention to one's own position and objectivity, is encouraged. The challenges of ethics in rural milieus are included in the discourse. Prerequisite: Admission to the Nursing doctoral Program or consent of the instructor. S.

NURS 586. Rural Health Programs and Research. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on policies, programs and research related to rural health. Prerequisite: NURS 565 and NURS 558 or consent of instructor. F.

NURS 565. Rural Populations and Rural Health. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of characteristics of rural populations and rural health. Factors that contribute to health, morbidity, and mortality are examined, and the compounded vulnerability of rurality and disadvantaged groups is analyzed. Prerequisite: A graduate level Epidemiology course or permission of instructor. S.

NURS 581. The Nurse Scientist. 3 Credits.

This course prepares the doctoral student to actively engage in doctoral study with knowledge of the discipline of nursing and skills that facilitate success as an emerging nurse scientist. Prerequisite: Admission to PhD program. F.

UND's Online Nursing Ph.D.

best online university in the nation

best online graduate programs

How are the Ph.D. in nursing online courses offered?

UND is a top choice for an online Nursing Ph.D. We’ve designed the online Nursing Ph.D. to incorporate 100% online coursework and yearly face-to-face intensive experience visits on campus or at a regional research conference.

You must attend a face-to-face intensive experience each year during the spring semester while you are enrolled as a student. You are able to claim 4 credits (1 credit per year for four years) toward program requirements.  

The Ph.D. Nursing courses are all offered online with synchronous and asynchronous delivery depending on the course and instructor.

Asynchronous Online Nursing Ph.D. Courses ( Open this section)

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous Online Nursing Ph.D. Courses ( Open this section)

Designated synchronous classes are most often offered on Tuesdays from 11 – 2 p.m. or 3 – 6 p.m. CST, although some variation from this schedule may occur.

In your “live” online Nursing Ph.D. classes, you’ll:

• Interact with your instructors and other students using web conferencing technology
• See your instructor’s materials as though you were sitting in a classroom on the UND campus

In this manner, the class lectures, discussion and collaboration are conducted in a very similar fashion to traditional on campus classes.

In-Person Requirements

To complete your coursework in NURS 556, face-to-face intensive experiences are required once per year (usually in the spring semester) , but not always on campus. The intensive experiences are held on campus or at the Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference. You must be enroll in NURS 556 every spring until you graduate, and claim credit (1credit, four times), for a total of 4 credits. These intensive experiences are 3-4 days in length.  During your intensive experience, you will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, your advisor and your peers. You will be submersed into a community of scholars, gain skills in scholarly discourse and be mentored into your future role as a nurse scientist, through a variety of activities, presentations and workshops.

Top-Tier Online Nursing Ph.D.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access:  Dig into virtual research from the Chester Fritz Library. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

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Nursing Rises in ‘U.S. News’ Best Graduate Schools Rankings

April 9, 2024    |   By Mary Therese Phelan

Continuing its mission of shaping the nursing profession and the health care environment by developing leaders in education, research, and practice, the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) has again ranked in the top 10 across the board for public schools of nursing — and moved up in all six categories in which the school is ranked — in the newly released 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report ’s “ America’s Best Graduate Schools ,” out of 651 accredited nursing schools surveyed.

Both UMSON’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs climbed in the rankings among all schools surveyed, with DNP tied at No. 8 (up from No. 15 last year) and MSN at No. 20 overall (up from No. 25 last year). Among public schools of nursing, the DNP program is tied at No. 4 and the MSN is ranked No. 9.

Two UMSON specialties lead the way in the rankings, both ranked No. 1 (tied) nationwide among public schools of nursing:

• The DNP Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner specialty, tied at No. 4 among all ranked schools
• The MSN Health Services Leadership and Management specialty, No. 2 among all ranked schools

UMSON also is ranked in the top 10 among public schools of nursing for its:

• Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice specialty (No. 3)
• DNP Nurse Anesthesia specialty (No. 7, tied)

“It is gratifying to continue to be recognized nationally for our Doctor of Nursing Practice program and our Master of Science in Nursing program,” said Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD, NNP, FNAP, FAAN , the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing. “The School of Nursing plays a vital role in our collective efforts in Maryland and nationally to increase the number of nurses with advanced education, particularly at the doctoral level. It is essential that we have nurses who are well prepared to meet the changing needs of patients, their families, and our communities at a time when we face increasing complexity in our health care system, growing diversity in our population, and persistent gaps in access to needed care.”

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on a variety of indicators, including student selectivity and program size, faculty resources, and research activity, and on survey data from deans of schools of nursing that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

In fall 2023 and early 2024, U.S. News surveyed 651 nursing schools with master’s or doctoral programs. In total, 292 nursing programs responded to the survey. Of those, 216 provided enough data to be included in the rankings of nursing master’s programs and 188 provided enough data to be eligible for inclusion in the ranking of DNP programs. Many institutions were ranked in both, using overlapping data.

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Credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins graduate programs again ranked among nation's best

'u.s. news & world report' includes 38 jhu programs among the top 10 in the u.s. in its annual rankings, including no. 1 ranked programs in nursing and public health.

By Hub staff report

Johns Hopkins University has 38 graduate schools, academic programs, and specialties ranked among the top 10 in the nation, including nine with No. 1 rankings, according to the latest edition of "Best Graduate Schools" from U.S. News & World Report , published earlier today.

Two schools at Hopkins—the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing —earned No. 1 rankings overall, and the School of Education entered the top 10, according to U.S. News & World Report .

Portions of the publication's annual list were released today but rankings for schools of medicine and engineering were delayed and will be released at a later date.

Among the new rankings released today:

The School of Nursing's DNP program ranked No. 1 for the third year in a row. Its master's degree programs tied at No. 1, up from No. 2 last year. In gerontology, the school moved up two spots to No. 1 for primary care, and up one spot to No. 2 for acute care. In other specialty areas, the School of Nursing's doctoral programs ranked:

• Psychiatric/mental health: No. 1
• Family: No. 3 (tied)
• Leadership: No. 4 (tied)
• Nursing Anesthesia: No. 36 (tie)

Public Health

The Bloomberg School retained its longtime No. 1 overall ranking among public health programs—it has held the top spot since 1994, the year the rankings began. In specialty areas, the Bloomberg School ranked:

• Environmental Health Sciences: No. 1
• Epidemiology: No. 1
• Health Policy and Management (Public Health): No. 1
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: No. 1
• Biostatistics: No. 2

Johns Hopkins tied at No. 8 in the Education category, up from No. 13 last year. The school also tied at No. 23 in higher education administration programs.

Public Affairs

Overall, Johns Hopkins programs in public affairs tied at No. 39. In subcategories, Johns Hopkins tied at No. 6 in Health Policy and Management (Public Affairs), No. 11 in International/Global Policy and Administration, and tied at No. 35 in Public Policy Analysis.

U.S. News & World Report updates some of its rankings each year and republishes the most recent rankings in other areas. Among the republished rankings for Hopkins, which are still current:

Biological Sciences

Hopkins is tied for No. 6 overall with six top 10 specialty rankings:

• Molecular biology: No. 3 (tie)
• Cell biology: No. 4
• Neuroscience: No. 4 (tie)
• Immunology: No. 5
• Genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics: No. 6 (tie)
• Biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology: No. 8

Biostatistics

Hopkins is ranked No. 1 (tie) for Biostatistics at the doctoral level. (Note: U.S. News & World Report also ranks biostatistics as a sub-category of public health, where Hopkins is No. 2.)

The university is tied at No. 20 in Chemistry and ranks No. 9 in the Biochemistry subcategory.

Computer Science

The university is tied for No. 24 overall and tied at No. 21 in the specialty of Artificial Intelligence.

Earth Sciences

The university is tied at No. 30 in Earth Sciences.

Johns Hopkins' program in economics is tied at No. 22.

English tied at No. 13 overall with the following specialty rankings:

• Literary criticism and theory: No. 3
• British literature: No. 10 (tie)
• American literature after 1865: No. 17

Health Care Management

The university is No. 7.

Johns Hopkins ranks No. 10 overall, with the following specialty rankings:

• African-American history: No. 3 (tie)
• Cultural history: No. 4 (tie)
• U.S. Colonial history: No. 5 (tie)
• Women's history: No. 6 (tie)
• African history: No. 7 (tie)
• European history: No. 7 (tie)
• Modern U.S. history: No. 16 (tie)

Mathematics

Johns Hopkins is tied at No. 20 in Mathematics with the following specialty rankings: + Analysis: No. 18 (tie) + Algebra: No. 23 (tie) + Applied Math: No. 25

Overall, the university is tied at No. 13 with the following specialty rankings: + Living Systems: No. 5 (tie) + Cosmology: No. 7 + Condensed Matter: No. 13 (tie)

Political science

Overall, political science is tied at No. 41. In sub-categories, Johns Hopkins ranked: + Political theory: No. 8 (tie) + International politics: No. 24 (tie)

The university's graduate program in psychology is tied at No. 12 overall and tied at No. 5 in the subcategory of behavioral neuroscience.

Overall, sociology is tied at No. 29. The sub-category of sociology of population is tied at No. 17.

Posted in University News

Tagged u.s. news and world report , university rankings

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UR Nursing Lands at No. 21 in National Ranking of Master’s Programs

  By Nora Williamson   Monday, April 8, 2024

The University of Rochester School of Nursing has been ranked No. 21 among U.S. nursing schools for its master’s programs, according to the 2024-25 Best Graduate Schools guide produced by U.S. News and World Report. Designed for prospective students looking to advance their nursing education, the Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs based on academic quality and research success.  

“We are incredibly proud of the recent rankings that highlight the excellence of our master’s programs,” said Dean Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN . “While we are pleased with these results, they are just one measure of our ongoing progress and dedication to shaping the future of nursing. We continue to focus our efforts on equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive in their careers while providing flexible ways to study as practicing nurses.”  

The No. 1 program in Upstate New York for five years, the UR School of Nursing is one of only two institutions in the state — and the only one outside of New York City — ranked in the top 30 for its master’s programs. It features one of the oldest and most prominent nurse practitioner programs in the country and currently enrolls nearly 300 students across six NP specialties and degree concentrations in nursing education and leadership . 

The recent rankings feature an increased emphasis on program size, research activity, student excellence, and faculty resources while reducing emphasis on reputation from previous year’s rankings.   "Our faculty's expertise and the high quality clinical and experiential learning that our programs offer have been instrumental in the success of our master's nursing programs,” said Lydia Rotondo, DNP, RN, CNS, FNAP, associate dean for education and student affairs. “Our faculty’s commitment to educational excellence combined with strong academic-practice partnerships enriches our learning environment. Working closely with our students and an extensive network of clinical partners, we are redefining nursing education to prepare our master’s graduates for the challenges of tomorrow's health care." 

Other metrics considered in the rankings include student to faculty ratio and percentages of faculty with important academic achievements in the nursing profession and who are active in nursing practice. About 86 percent of faculty at the UR School of Nursing actively practice in various clinical settings.

In addition to smaller class sizes and guaranteed clinical placements – in the UR Medicine system and other health care facilities across New York – master’s students can access one-on-one faculty support on career planning, writing, or test-taking through the school’s Center for Academic & Professional Success. UR Nursing master’s students hold an average 3.74 GPA from their undergraduate program and, in 2022, more than 90 percent of students successfully passed their national certification exam on the first try.    Prospective students can review master's programs offered by the UR School of Nursing, and read how the school compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com .  

Categories: Nursing Education , Nursing Leadership , Accelerated Programs , Nurse Practitioner Programs , Outcomes

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Forging Policy: How Can Doulas Improve Black Maternal Health?

It is not a new concept to have someone support women and birthing people during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Doulas, or labor birth companions, typically women, have been an integral part of childbearing throughout history; they provide information, patient advocacy, and physical support. Doulas increase a person’s satisfaction with the birthing experience, raise the likelihood of having a spontaneous vaginal birth, and decrease the chances of a cesarean. As a result, doulas have erupted in popularity in recent years.

Yet the national landscape for doulas is changing rapidly. Community-based doulas, or doulas that are members of the community that they serve and share similarities in race/ethnicity or culture, are increasing in number and impact. There is also a new wave of professionalization and partnerships between community-based doulas and health care systems that are being proposed as a strategy to improve Black maternal health outcomes and decrease disparities.

How do we integrate doulas into the health care system in an equitable way?

There is a lot of momentum around developing innovative strategies to improve Black maternal health outcomes. Noelene k Jeffers, PhD, CNM, IBCLC

This is where Noelene K. Jeffers, PhD, CNM, IBCLC , comes in. Dr. Jeffers is an Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing who studies the impact of midwives and birth center care on perinatal health, racism, and discrimination in midwifery education programs.

Soon Dr. Jeffers will bring together doulas, policy experts, health care providers, payers, and patient advocates in the Mid-Atlantic region to explore and describe important features of equitable doula- health care system partnerships.

It’s phase one of her three-phase study, “Identifying Research Priorities for Promoting Black Maternal Health Equity Through Partnerships Between Community Based Doulas and Health Care Systems.” This phase is a Black Maternal Health Week café, developed in partnership with Dr. Kanika Harris, the Director of Maternal Health at the Black Women’s Health Imperative, a nonprofit focused on achieving health equity for Black women. The project is funded through a health redesign grant from the Institute for Policy Solutions.

“The fact is that this is a very under-researched area,” says Dr. Jeffers. “Yet Black maternal health, and maternal health in general, has been getting more attention, especially in the last five years, and there’s a lot of momentum around developing innovative strategies to improve care.”

In phase one, experts will discuss pivotal questions, such as:

“What partnerships between doulas and health care systems already exist in our communities?”

“What is our shared vision for equitable and impactful partnerships?”

Phases two and three of the study will include surveys to develop research priorities and specific research questions that need to be tackled.

“States, payors, everyone is trying to identify innovative ways to bridge the gap between doulas and health care delivery in hospitals and outpatient clinics,” says Dr. Jeffers. The goal is for this study to inform policy and practice that they will create, ultimately promoting Black maternal health. “This is a dynamic time and evidence-based research can help us move forward with intention.”

Doulas Take on Racism in Care

“If we want to improve Black maternal health outcomes, we have to start acting like a functioning ecosystem. An ecosystem includes individual parts that are each doing their own work but are doing so in dynamic relationship with each other and in service to the system’s larger, overarching goals.”

Black women and birthing people are 2.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or from childbirth-related causes than White women . They are also 1.5 times more likely to have a baby born preterm , and 2.4 times more likely to have their infant die in the first year of life . These statistics remain, regardless of income, education, or socioeconomic level.

Implicit bias and discrimination in the health care setting play a role. Black women and birthing people have repeatedly expressed experiences of racism in care where providers do not listen or treat them differently. It is a harmful, trickle-down effect of structural racism, which is deeply ingrained in our health care system.

Community-based doulas and their culturally specific approach to patient advocacy and personalized care could be a perfect fit solution.

Dr. Jeffers’ study will assess the status of integrating doulas into the health care system, describe conditions that foster equitable partnerships, and enhance our understanding of the research gaps.

“There is an urgent need for a more focused research agenda to build evidence around how doulas and healthcare systems can partner effectively to improve Black maternal health,” says Dr. Jeffers. “It’s really powerful to work together with the larger maternal health community to set the research agenda that is more usable and more likely to effect the policy changes necessary for lasting change.”

• Confronting the Issue of Maternity Care Deserts
• Extra-Special Delivery
• Birthing Racial Health Equality

About the Author: Sam DiStefano

Sam DiStefano is the Social Media and Digital Content Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Sam works to bring the latest from JHUSON straight to your social media feeds and online reading.

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The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is No. 1 in the nation for its master’s programs in the U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2021. The school ranks No. 3 for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and top ranked across the board within specialty rankings. JHSON is currently ranked No. 3 globally by QS World University.

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Rep. Raskin Leads Letter to Biden Administration Urging Continued Negotiation for Release of PhD Candidate Kidnapped in Iraq

April 8 , 2024.

Washington, DC – Today Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) sent a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the administration to continue pursuing negotiations with all relevant parties for the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov, a PhD candidate in Political Science at Princeton University who was kidnapped in Iraq in March 2023 by Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH), an Iranian-backed militia.  

The lawmakers wrote, “Ms. Tsurkov has now spent a year in captivity. Contrary to the categorically false and coerced statements that KH released in a proof of life video of Ms. Tsurkov last November, she is not a CIA agent but a journalist and political science doctoral candidate at Princeton who traveled to Iraq to conduct fieldwork for her study of strategies to reduce sectarian-based conflict in the Middle East.”  

The lawmakers continued, “Ms. Tsurkov is vocal and passionate about finding ways to foster peace in the Middle East, a region that she has studied and has written about in numerous publications. Despite the instability in the region, she bravely pursued her calling based on her conviction that there are concrete pathways to peace and security for the region.”  

Kata’ib Hezbollah has not made any demands to the Tsurkov family in return for Elizabeth’s release. The Iraqi government opened an investigation into the kidnapping three months after Ms. Tsurkov disappeared, with limited updates. Ms. Tsurkov’s family continues to work toward a breakthrough that could lead to her release.  

Prior to being kidnapped, Elizabeth had traveled to Iraq multiple times to conduct fieldwork for her dissertation. Ms. Tsurkov is also a journalist, with publications on the Middle East in multiple major outlets, including The Guardian, Foreign Policy and the Atlantic Council. She has also briefed House and Senate committees in her areas of expertise.  

Congressman Raskin was joined on the letter by Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Emmanual Cleaver II (MO-05), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-54), Andy Kim (NJ-03), James McGovern (MA-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Katie Porter (CA-45), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Brad Sherman (CA-30), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).   

Permalink: https://raskin.house.gov/2024/4/rep-raskin-leads-letter-to-biden-administration-urging-continued-negotiation-for-release-of-phd-candidate-kidnapped-in-iraq