Drew University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in nursing science, research methods and leadership with an extended independent research dissertation. Core topics typically include advanced research design and biostatistics, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, theoretical foundations of nursing, health policy and systems, ethics in research and clinical practice, and advanced leadership and administration.

Students choose a concentration—Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing—and take specialised modules aligned with that focus. Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Advanced Research Methods: quantitative methods, longitudinal and experimental designs, multivariate statistics and implementation science.
• Qualitative and Mixed Methods: phenomenology, grounded theory, case study approaches and integrating qualitative and quantitative data.
• Theory and Conceptual Foundations: development and testing of nursing theories and applying theory to practice and policy.
• Health Systems and Policy: organisation of care, financing, quality improvement and regulatory frameworks relevant to nursing leadership.
• Leadership and Administration (Administration concentration): strategic management, organisational behaviour, human resources and fiscal stewardship in healthcare organisations.
• Clinical Scholarship (Clinical concentration): advanced clinical reasoning, outcomes measurement, translational research and clinical practicum or partnership projects in specialised settings.
• Dissertation: sustained original research under faculty supervision that contributes new knowledge to nursing science or practice.
• Teaching and Mentorship: opportunities to develop academic teaching skills and supervise students, preparing graduates for faculty roles.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a master's degree in nursing or a closely related field from an accredited institution and current registration/licensure as a professional nurse in their practising jurisdiction. Typical academic expectations include a strong graduate record and evidence of research potential.

Applications usually include:

• A completed application and academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
• A current CV or résumé documenting clinical experience, leadership and any research activity.
• Personal statement outlining research interests, career goals and fit with faculty expertise.
• Letters of professional and academic reference (often two or three).
• Evidence of active RN licensure/registration.
• Academic writing samples or examples of past scholarly work may be requested; some applicants will be invited to an interview with the programme faculty.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Registered Nursing typically move into roles that require high-level research, leadership and educational expertise. Common career paths include university faculty and researcher positions, director-level roles in nursing administration, nurse scientist positions within hospitals or healthcare systems, policy and advocacy roles in governmental or non-governmental organisations, and leadership of clinical research programmes or quality improvement initiatives.

The degree prepares nurses to secure research funding, lead interdisciplinary research teams, publish in peer-reviewed journals, design and evaluate evidence-based interventions, and shape nursing education and service delivery at organisational and policy levels.

Why study at Drew University

Drew University offers a supportive, research-oriented environment with faculty mentors experienced in clinical and organisational nursing scholarship. The programme emphasises close faculty supervision, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across health and social sciences, and links with healthcare providers in the region for practicum and applied research partnerships.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, structured teaching in advanced methods and theory, and a curriculum designed to bridge scholarship with leadership and clinical impact—preparing graduates to advance nursing knowledge and practice in academic, clinical and policy settings.