Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced theoretical study, research methods and an extended original dissertation. Core doctoral topics typically include philosophy of science in nursing, advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, biostatistics, advanced nursing theory, ethics in research and health policy. Students then choose a concentration pathway:

• Nursing Administration: leadership theory, organisational behaviour in healthcare, quality improvement, healthcare finance and strategic management for nursing services.
• Nursing Research: advanced research design, grant writing, longitudinal and mixed-methods approaches, measurement and instrumentation, and dissemination strategies.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced practice-focused research, translational science, clinical outcome measurement, and implementation science to translate evidence into practice.

Study structure typically includes a period of taught coursework to build research and theoretical foundations, comprehensive examinations or portfolio assessment, followed by a supervised research proposal and dissertation. Students work closely with a faculty advisor and a supervisory committee, participate in seminars, present at research forums and may engage with clinical partners for practice-based research projects.

Entry requirements

• Master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or equivalent from an accredited institution; holders of related health-science master’s degrees with substantial nursing practice may be considered.
• Current, active registered nurse (RN) licence or eligibility to practice in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Evidence of academic readiness: transcripts showing strong graduate-level performance.
• Professional experience in nursing or healthcare; leadership, teaching or research experience is strongly preferred.
• Programmes typically require a statement of purpose outlining research interests, a curriculum vitae, and two to three professional/academic references.
• Applicants may be asked to submit a writing sample and participate in an interview. Standardised tests (such as the GRE) are accepted by some programmes but are not always mandatory; check the school for current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University pursue roles that shape education, research and health systems. Typical career outcomes include:

• University faculty and academic researchers, teaching undergraduate and graduate nursing students and leading scholarly programmes.
• Principal investigator or research scientist in academic, clinical or public-health settings.
• Senior nursing administrators and directors of clinical services or quality improvement.
• Policy advisors, healthcare consultants and leaders in professional organisations.
• Clinical scholars and leaders in evidence-based practice and implementation science within hospitals and community health organisations.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers doctoral nursing candidates access to experienced faculty mentors and an environment that emphasises applied research and leadership in nursing. The university’s nursing programmes are supported by simulation facilities, partnerships with regional hospitals and community health providers, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across health-related departments. Cohort sizes tend to be small, allowing for personalised supervision through the dissertation process, and the university’s location provides access to diverse clinical populations and research settings. For nurses seeking a research-intensive doctorate that prepares them for academic, research and senior practice leadership roles, FDU provides the resources and mentorship to develop independent scholars and leaders in nursing.