Widener University

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises research, theory and leadership to prepare graduates to generate new knowledge and lead in academia, health systems and policy. Core work includes advanced nursing theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods, advanced biostatistics, measurement and psychometrics, and ethics in research. Students follow a concentration-specific sequence in one of three pathways:

• Nursing Administration: coursework and seminars in healthcare systems, organisational leadership, quality improvement, health economics and policy, and implementation science to prepare nurse scholars who study managerial and system-level interventions.
• Nursing Research: advanced methods in experimental and observational design, clinical trials, translational research, grant-writing and methods for securing external funding; emphasis on designing and leading independent research programmes.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical scholarship that integrates pathophysiology, complex patient care, intervention development and evaluation, and practice-based research methods tailored to specialised clinical populations.

All students complete practicum hours focused on research competencies, candidacy/comprehensive examinations, and an original doctoral dissertation under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Interdisciplinary collaboration with public health, allied health and biomedical researchers is encouraged, and students are expected to present and publish their scholarship.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a recognised master’s degree in nursing (MSN or equivalent) or a related field, and an active registered nurse (RN) licence. A strong academic record, evidence of research interest or experience, and relevant professional experience are important. Required application materials commonly include:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Curriculum vitae or resume demonstrating clinical and/or research experience
• Statement of purpose describing research interests, career goals and preferred concentration
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic and/or professional referees
• Sample of scholarly writing or a research proposal

Some applicants may be asked to participate in an interview. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary and are considered alongside the full application; applicants should consult the programme for current testing policies. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide equivalent credential documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers as nurse scientists, tenure-track faculty in schools of nursing, principal investigators on funded research projects, and leaders in healthcare organisations and policy-making bodies. Specific roles include:

• University faculty and academic leaders responsible for teaching, mentoring and research
• Research scientists in academic medical centres, research institutes and government agencies
• Clinical research directors and principal investigators managing clinical trials and translational studies
• Healthcare executives and system leaders focused on quality, safety and evidence-based practice implementation
• Policy analysts and consultants shaping health policy and population health initiatives

Graduates’ advanced research skills also enable careers in industry, non-profit research organisations and as independent consultants who design, evaluate and disseminate interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a research-intensive environment with faculty mentors who have active research portfolios and clinical partnerships across the Philadelphia–Delaware Valley region. The school emphasises close faculty supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration and practical research experience through practicum placements and community-engaged projects.

Small cohort sizes provide personalised mentoring through coursework, comprehensive exams and dissertation development, while institutional ties to hospitals and health systems support access to clinical populations and data for research. The programme is structured to support working professionals, with flexible scheduling options and focused mentorship to advance scholarly productivity and career development.