Seattle University

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum combines advanced research methods, theoretical foundations in nursing, health policy and leadership with focused study in one of the programme’s specialisations: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing. Core coursework typically covers quantitative and qualitative research methods, biostatistics, epidemiology, advanced nursing theory, ethics and health systems science. Students then take concentration-specific seminars — for example, organisational theory and executive leadership for Nursing Administration; advanced clinical trial design and translational research for Nursing Research; and advanced clinical assessment, intervention science and practicum-based scholarship for Clinical Nursing.

The programme emphasises independent scholarship and culminates in comprehensive exams, advancement to candidacy and a substantive original dissertation. Additional components include teaching practicum or pedagogy preparation for those pursuing academic roles, mentored research projects, interdisciplinary electives, and opportunities for collaborative work with clinical partners and community organisations.

Entry requirements

• Registered Nurse licence appropriate to practice in the United States.
• A completed master’s degree in nursing (MSN, MEd, or equivalent) or a related health field from an accredited institution.
• A strong academic record indicative of readiness for doctoral study; many successful applicants hold a competitive GPA at master’s level.
• Relevant professional experience in clinical practice, administration or research; evidence of leadership or scholarly potential is highly recommended.
• Application materials typically include a statement of purpose or research interests, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation — at least one addressing research or clinical aptitude.
• Some applicants may be asked to submit a writing sample or preliminary research proposal and to demonstrate alignment with faculty expertise; standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary or may be waived depending on the applicant profile.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Nursing commonly move into academic roles as tenure-track faculty teaching and leading research programmes, or into research-intensive positions within universities, health systems and research institutes. Other typical career paths include senior nursing leadership and executive roles (chief nursing officer, director of clinical programmes), positions as nurse scientists conducting funded research, health services researcher roles, policy analyst or consultant work focused on quality improvement, patient safety and population health. The degree also prepares nurses to lead clinical trials, secure research funding and influence health policy and education.

Why study at Seattle University

Seattle University offers a doctoral environment shaped by a commitment to social justice and ethical leadership, with small cohorts that support close mentorship from faculty active in scholarship and clinical practice. The university’s urban location provides access to a broad range of clinical settings and community partners for research and practicum experiences. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across health sciences and opportunities to engage with regional health systems and community organisations, while receiving structured support for dissertation development, grant writing and academic career preparation.