University of Hartford

What you'll study

This PhD programme emphasises rigorous research training, theoretical foundations of nursing, advanced methods and the translation of evidence into practice. Core areas of study typically include advanced research design and biostatistics, nursing theory and philosophy, qualitative and quantitative methods, health policy and ethics, and specialised seminars in nursing administration, clinical scholarship or nursing research depending on the chosen focus.

• Research methods and statistics: coursework in quantitative analysis, multivariate techniques, longitudinal methods and qualitative methodologies tailored to health research.
• Nursing theory and philosophy: historical and contemporary theoretical frameworks that underpin nursing science and practice.
• Leadership and administration: organisational behaviour, health systems management and strategic leadership for those on the administration track.
• Clinical scholarship: advanced clinical topics, translational science and outcome measurement for clinical-focused candidates.
• Dissertation and independent research: sustained original research under faculty supervision leading to a doctoral dissertation; includes development of proposals, comprehensive exams or qualifying assessments, and defence of the dissertation.
• Teaching preparation: pedagogical seminars and supervised teaching opportunities for students preparing for academic careers.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to be Registered Nurses with a master's degree in nursing or a closely related health discipline from an accredited institution. Typical expectations include a strong academic record in graduate study, evidence of research interest or experience, and current licensure as an RN.

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or equivalent; candidates with a related health master’s may be considered with appropriate nursing credentials.
• Unrestricted RN licence in the applicant's jurisdiction.
• Evidence of research potential, such as a master’s thesis, publications, or research experience; a research proposal or statement of scholarly interests is usually required.
• Letters of recommendation (commonly two to three) from academic or professional referees who can speak to scholarly ability and research potential.
• A current CV and a personal statement outlining objectives for doctoral study and intended area of research.
• Some applicants may be interviewed by faculty; standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) are assessed at the programme’s discretion.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing pursue careers as university faculty, principal investigators, health services researchers, and senior leaders in clinical organisations and policy settings. The degree prepares nurses to secure academic tenure-track positions, lead funded research projects, design and evaluate clinical interventions, or occupy executive roles such as director of nursing, chief nursing officer, or research director in hospitals, community health systems and governmental agencies.

• Academic faculty and educators in schools of nursing and allied health.
• Independent and collaborative researchers in university, hospital and grant-funded settings.
• Senior clinical and administrative leadership roles in healthcare organisations.
• Policy advisors, programme evaluators and consultants in public health and healthcare improvement.
• Leaders of clinical trials, translational research projects and evidence-based practice initiatives.

Why study at University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers doctoral nursing education within a college committed to health professions, with faculty who actively pursue funded research and mentoring relationships. Students benefit from small cohorts and close supervision, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across health and education disciplines, and access to simulation and clinical learning environments.

• Faculty mentorship and access to active research programmes that align with clinical and health systems priorities.
• Opportunities for practicum and research collaboration with regional healthcare organisations and systems.
• Support for scholarly development, including teaching experience and preparation for academic careers.
• A community-oriented campus with resources for doctoral students, including research support services and seminars on grant writing and professional development.