Georgetown University

What you'll study

The PhD emphasises rigorous research training and the development of independent scholarship. Core coursework typically covers advanced research methods and statistics, theory development in nursing and health sciences, and ethical issues in research. Students select a concentration pathway—Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing—which shapes specialised seminars and electives.

• Core research and theory: quantitative and qualitative methods, longitudinal data analysis, measurement and instrument development, causal inference, and nursing theory.
• Concentration coursework: for Nursing Administration: organisational behaviour, healthcare systems, leadership and quality improvement; for Nursing Research: advanced statistics, translational research methods, grant writing; for Clinical Nursing: symptom science, clinical trial design, implementation science and advanced practice integration.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: coursework and research collaborations with public policy, medicine, public health and bioethics to support policy-relevant and translational projects.
• Practical components: supervised research practicum, teaching experience as a graduate instructor or teaching assistant, and preparation for grant applications and peer-reviewed publication.
• Dissertation: students design and complete an original research project under faculty supervision, culminating in a public defence.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants normally hold a master's degree in nursing or a related field (e.g. MSc, MSN, MPH) and an active licence as a registered nurse. Typical application materials include:

• A master's transcript demonstrating strong academic performance.
• Curriculum vitae outlining clinical, research and teaching experience.
• A statement of purpose describing research interests, proposed area of study and fit with faculty expertise.
• Letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees who can attest to research potential.
• Evidence of research experience (e.g. publications, research assistantships) is highly desirable; some applicants may be considered with substantial clinical leadership experience and a clear research plan.
• Proof of RN licensure. Standardised tests (such as the GRE) may be requested in certain cases but requirements vary by applicant background.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue leadership careers that centre on research, education and policy. Common career paths include:

• Academic faculty positions (tenure-track and clinical educator roles) in schools of nursing and allied health.
• Research scientist or principal investigator roles in universities, hospitals and independent research institutes.
• Leadership positions in healthcare organisations focused on quality improvement, patient safety and systems-level transformation.
• Policy and advocacy roles in government agencies, non-governmental organisations and professional associations where research evidence is used to shape practice and policy.
• Clinical research leadership in hospital-based research programmes and industry-sponsored clinical trials, particularly for graduates with clinical nursing concentrations.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown offers doctoral students proximity to national health agencies, think tanks and a dense network of hospitals and research centres in Washington, D.C., enabling high-impact, policy-relevant research and collaboration. The university’s interdisciplinary culture allows PhD candidates to work alongside faculty in medicine, public policy, public health and bioethics, enriching research perspectives and translational opportunities.

Students benefit from mentorship by faculty with diverse research portfolios, structured support for grant development and teaching experience, and an institutional emphasis on social justice and ethical leadership in health. The programme prepares graduates to generate evidence that informs practice, policy and education across local, national and global health contexts.