Lewis University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme emphasises the development of independent researchers and scholarly leaders in nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing. Core coursework covers nursing theory, advanced research designs, quantitative and qualitative methods, advanced statistics, health policy and systems, and ethical issues in health research.

• Nursing theory and philosophical foundations – critical analysis of contemporary and classical nursing theories and their application to research and practice.
• Advanced research methods – design and implementation of complex quantitative and qualitative studies, mixed-methods approaches and methodological integrity.
• Advanced statistics – multivariate analyses, longitudinal methods, and techniques for complex data sets, with applied practice using statistical software.
• Health policy, leadership and administration – organisational theory, strategic leadership, resource management and policy analysis relevant to nursing administration.
• Clinical scholarship and translational science – translating evidence into practice, clinical outcomes research and implementation science for the clinical nursing track.
• Advanced specialty seminars – seminars aligned to the candidate's concentration (administration, research, clinical) that foster deep disciplinary expertise and research-ready skills.
• Dissertation – an original, peer-reviewed quality research project under faculty supervision, including proposal development, IRB processes, data collection, analysis and defence.

The programme typically combines structured coursework with mentored research, comprehensive examinations and a sustained dissertation. Students work closely with doctoral faculty advisors and may engage in funded research projects, collaborative interdisciplinary teams and clinical partnerships in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Entry requirements

• Master's degree in nursing or a closely related field from an accredited institution; applicants whose background requires additional preparation may be advised to complete prerequisite coursework.
• Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) licence in the applicant's jurisdiction.
• Competitive academic record at master's level (official transcripts required).
• Curriculum vitae or résumé documenting professional and academic experience.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests, career goals and fit with the chosen concentration.
• Research writing sample or a draft research proposal demonstrating scholarly potential.
• References (typically two to three) from academic and/or professional supervisors who can speak to research potential and leadership.
• Interview with programme faculty may be part of the selection process; international applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD programme are prepared for a range of leadership and scholarly roles across academia, healthcare organisations and policy settings. Common career pathways include:

• Academic faculty and tenure-track positions in schools of nursing, focusing on teaching, research and mentorship.
• Research scientist or principal investigator roles in university research centres, hospitals, private research institutes and government agencies.
• Senior nursing administration and executive leadership positions such as chief nursing officer, director of clinical programs and healthcare operations leadership.
• Clinical specialist and advanced practice leadership where the emphasis is on evidence-based practice, quality improvement and translational research.
• Policy analyst, consultant or advisor roles focused on health policy, workforce development and system transformation.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University offers a doctoral environment with small cohorts and strong faculty mentorship, making it suitable for nurses who value personalised supervision and collaborative research. The university’s location in the Chicago metropolitan region provides broad clinical placement opportunities and access to diverse patient populations and healthcare systems.

Students benefit from Lewis University's commitment to professional ethics and service, interdisciplinary collaboration across health-related programmes, and opportunities to participate in ongoing faculty-led research. Flexible delivery options and support services for doctoral students — including research seminars, grant-writing assistance and statistical consultation — help candidates progress efficiently from coursework through dissertation completion.