Ferris State University

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises rigorous research preparation, advanced theoretical foundations in nursing and the development of independent scholarship. Students follow a combination of core and specialism-specific coursework, guided research practica and a dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the profession.

• Core research and theory: advanced research methods, quantitative statistics for health sciences, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, measurement and psychometrics, and theoretical foundations of nursing science.
• Administration specialism: healthcare systems and organisations, strategic leadership, health policy and finance, quality improvement and implementation science for organisational change.
• Research specialism: advanced grant-writing, research design and ethics, translational science, systematic review methodology and mentoring in research teams.
• Clinical specialism: advanced clinical scholarship, evidence-based practice implementation, clinical outcome measurement, and supervised clinical inquiry or practice-focused research projects aligned with area of clinical expertise.
• Professional development: academic teaching and pedagogy for nurse educators, scholarly dissemination (manuscript and conference preparation), and leadership in interprofessional teams.
• Capstone requirements: comprehensive examinations and an independent doctoral dissertation (proposal, data collection/analysis and final defence) that demonstrates an original contribution to nursing knowledge.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Additional standard requirements include:

• Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) licence in the applicant's practising jurisdiction.
• A strong academic record at master's level; competitive applicants usually present a high GPA and evidence of scholarly potential.
• Relevant clinical and/or leadership experience in nursing; experience in research or quality improvement is advantageous.
• A professional curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and career goals, and academic or professional references who can comment on research potential.
• Successful interview with programme faculty; some applicants may be asked to submit writing samples or research proposals.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing from Ferris State University pursue careers that centre on research, education and high-level leadership across healthcare settings. Common career paths include:

• University faculty and nurse educators leading undergraduate and graduate teaching and supervising student research.
• Independent nurse researchers or research scientists in academic, clinical or governmental research centres.
• Senior nursing leadership and administration roles in hospitals, health systems and community organisations focusing on strategy, quality and policy.
• Clinical scholar roles that lead evidence-based practice initiatives, clinical trials or programme evaluation in speciality practice areas.
• Positions with health policy organisations, professional associations and grant-making bodies where research evidence informs policy and funding decisions.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State University provides doctoral students with access to a collegiate College of Health Professions and allied clinical partners across the region, supporting applied research that addresses real-world healthcare challenges. The programme is delivered by faculty with active research portfolios and practical leadership experience, and students benefit from mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and simulation and laboratory resources.

Flexible delivery options and a focus on community-engaged scholarship make the programme suitable for practising nurses balancing professional commitments. The university's regional networks and emphasis on serving diverse and rural populations offer strong opportunities for practice-focused research, clinical placements and partnerships that enhance doctoral training and post-graduate employment prospects.