University of Utah

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises rigorous research training, theoretical foundations of nursing science and preparation for independent scholarship. Core study areas include advanced research design, biostatistics, quantitative and qualitative methods, nursing theory, health systems and policy, and ethics in clinical research. Students select a concentration—Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing—that determines specialised coursework and practicum experiences.

• Research methods and statistics: longitudinal designs, multivariate analysis, mixed methods, measurement and instrument development.
• Nursing theory and health sciences foundations: development and testing of theoretical frameworks that inform practice and research.
• Specialist concentration courses: leadership and organisational behaviour for Nursing Administration; advanced epidemiology and grant writing for Nursing Research; advanced clinical interventions, outcomes measurement and translational research for Clinical Nursing.
• Teaching and professional development: pedagogy for nurse educators, mentoring and academic leadership, grant writing and research dissemination.
• Dissertation: an original, independent research project supervised by a faculty committee, culminating in a defended dissertation and expectation of peer‑reviewed publication.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised masters-level qualification in nursing (or closely related field) and to be licensed or eligible for licensure as a registered nurse. The programme seeks candidates who demonstrate academic readiness for doctoral study and evidence of research potential.

• Master’s degree in nursing or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Current RN licence or eligibility for licensure in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Academic transcripts and a record of strong graduate-level performance.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and fit with faculty strengths; a preliminary research plan is often required.
• Curriculum vitae and professional references; academic or research referees are preferred.
• Writing sample or publications, where available, to demonstrate scholarly ability.
• Relevant clinical or leadership experience, particularly for Nursing Administration and Clinical Nursing concentrations.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide necessary documentation for study in the United States.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of academic, clinical and leadership careers. Typical roles include university faculty (teaching and research), principal investigator on funded studies, nursing directors and chief nursing officers, clinical researchers in healthcare systems, policy analysts, and advisors for public health agencies or industry.

PhD-trained nurses are frequently employed in research-intensive hospitals, academic medical centres, government and non-governmental organisations, and in interdisciplinary research teams addressing population health, healthcare quality, patient safety and care delivery innovation. The degree also prepares nurses to secure external research funding and to lead doctoral-level training programmes.

Why study at University of Utah

The University of Utah College of Nursing offers faculty with active research portfolios across a breadth of topics—health disparities, chronic disease management, mental health, ageing, and systems-level interventions—providing doctoral students with interdisciplinary mentoring and collaborative opportunities. The institution’s research infrastructure, clinical partnerships and proximity to academic health centres support access to diverse patient populations and data sources.

Doctoral students benefit from structured mentoring, teaching practicum opportunities, support for grant development and a community that integrates scholarship with practice. The programme is designed to develop independent nurse scientists and leaders who can translate research into improved clinical care, policy and education.