Kent State University

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises research methods, theory development, and advanced scholarship in nursing with three primary pathways: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Students complete core doctoral coursework in research design, advanced statistics, qualitative methods, nursing theory, and ethics. Pathway-specific seminars focus on leadership and systems thinking for Nursing Administration, grant-writing and translational research for Nursing Research, and advanced clinical scholarship and evidence-based practice for Clinical Nursing.

• Core modules: Advanced Nursing Theory; Quantitative Research Methods; Qualitative Research Methods; Advanced Biostatistics; Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct.
• Pathway modules: Leadership and Health Systems (Administration); Grant Development and Implementation Science (Research); Clinical Inquiry and Practice Scholarship (Clinical Nursing).
• Research and practicum: Individualised research practicum(s) and a doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision; opportunities for collaborative projects with clinical or community partners.
• Assessment milestones: Qualifying/competency examinations, a dissertation proposal defence, and a final dissertation defence; pedagogical training or teaching practicum is often included for those pursuing academic careers.
• Delivery: A combination of seminars, independent study and mentored research; some coursework may be available in blended or online formats to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a master’s degree in nursing (or a closely related field) from an accredited programme and an active registered nurse (RN) licence. A demonstrated background in research—such as a thesis, research practicum or publications—is highly desirable. Admissions typically consider academic records, professional experience, references, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, and a current curriculum vitae. International applicants must satisfy English language proficiency requirements. Competitive applicants often have experience in clinical practice, leadership or teaching and show clear alignment with faculty research interests.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing pursue careers as university faculty, principal investigators and leaders in healthcare organisations. Typical roles include tenure-track professor, nurse researcher in academic or industry settings, director of nursing research or quality improvement, healthcare policy analyst, and senior administrator in hospitals or public health agencies. The degree also prepares nurses to secure external research funding, lead interdisciplinary research teams, and influence evidence-based practice, education and policy.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State’s College of Nursing provides a research-intensive environment with faculty who have diverse methodological expertise and active research programmes across clinical, administrative and translational domains. Students benefit from mentorship, collaborative links with regional healthcare systems and community partners, and access to research resources including simulation facilities and statistical support. The programme’s flexible delivery options and emphasis on preparing independent investigators make it suitable for practising nurses aiming to advance to leadership, scholarship and academic roles.