University of Oregon

What you'll study

This doctoral programme emphasises research, theory development and advanced methodological skills to prepare graduates for independent scholarship and leadership. Core study areas include nursing theory, health systems and policy, advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods, and statistics. Students specialise by pathway in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, or Clinical Nursing and take advanced seminars tailored to their focus.

• Core research methods: advanced statistics, multivariate analysis, longitudinal methods, mixed methods, qualitative inquiry and research design.
• Nursing theory and ethics: historical and contemporary nursing theories, philosophy of science, research ethics and responsible conduct of research.
• Specialist pathways: Administration – organisational behaviour, healthcare leadership, finance and quality improvement; Research – grant writing, programme evaluation, clinical trial design; Clinical Nursing – advanced clinical scholarship, translational research and implementation science.
• Professional skills: academic teaching practicum, scientific writing, grant development, interdisciplinary collaboration and dissemination strategies.
• Doctoral study sequence: coursework and seminars in the early years, qualifying exams or portfolio to advance to candidacy, and an independent dissertation based on original research under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold an advanced nursing qualification (commonly a Master of Science in Nursing or equivalent) or a related graduate degree with substantial clinical experience and evidence of research preparation. A current, unrestricted RN licence is required.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong graduate academic performance; competitive applicants typically present evidence of coursework in research methods and statistics.
• Demonstrated research potential—examples include a master’s thesis, research publications, conference presentations or professional research experience.
• Professional nursing experience appropriate to the chosen pathway (administration, research or clinical practice).
• Personal statement outlining research interests and proposed area of doctoral study, curriculum vitae, and academic or professional references.
• Some applicants may be invited to interview with faculty. Requirements for standardized tests vary by programme—check the School of Nursing admissions guidance for current policies.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing pursue careers as university faculty, nurse scientists and principal investigators, leaders in health services research, and senior clinical scholars who design and evaluate patient-care interventions. Other common roles include research leads for hospitals or health systems, policy analysts and advisors, programme directors in public health or community organisations, and senior positions in industry or non-profit sectors focused on health innovation and implementation science.

Why study at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon offers a research-intensive environment with access to interdisciplinary collaborators across public health, education, psychology and policy. Nursing doctoral students benefit from close mentorship with faculty active in funded research, opportunities for collaborative projects with regional health systems and community partners, and resources for developing teaching and grant-writing skills. The school’s commitment to community-engaged and population health research provides strong opportunities for dissertation work that addresses local and regional health priorities.