Georgia Southern University

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises advanced research methods, theory development and scholarship applied to health care and nursing. Core coursework typically includes: quantitative and qualitative research design, advanced biostatistics, measurement and psychometrics, nursing theory, health services research, ethics in research, and grant-writing. Students choose a concentration such as Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing and take specialist seminars that reflect that focus—for example, leadership and organisational behaviour for Administration; longitudinal data analysis and program evaluation for Research; advanced clinical practice frameworks and implementation science for Clinical Nursing.

Programme structure combines didactic coursework, research practicum experiences, comprehensive examinations and a doctoral dissertation. Early semesters focus on building methodological expertise and aligning a dissertation topic with a faculty mentor. Mid-programme requirements commonly include a qualifying or comprehensive exam and completion of a dissertation proposal, followed by sustained original research under faculty supervision and an oral defence of the dissertation.

• Research methods (qualitative and quantitative)
• Advanced statistics and data analysis
• Nursing theory and philosophy of science
• Health policy, economics and systems
• Leadership in health care organisations (Administration track)
• Advanced clinical scholarship and implementation science (Clinical track)
• Dissertation research and scholarly dissemination

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or equivalent graduate nursing degree; some applicants with a strong bachelor’s degree and substantial graduate coursework or clinical/research experience may be considered under specific pathways. An active, unencumbered RN licence is required. Typical academic expectations include a competitive graduate GPA and evidence of research potential.

Supporting application materials usually consist of:

• Academic transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
• A curriculum vitae or résumé documenting clinical and scholarly experience
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals
• Letters of recommendation, normally from academic and clinical supervisors
• A sample of scholarly writing or a brief research proposal

Some applicants may be asked to participate in an interview with potential faculty mentors. Standardised tests such as the GRE may be optional or waived depending on departmental policy and the applicant’s academic record.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers as nurse researchers, university faculty and academic leaders, and senior administrators in health systems. Common roles include tenure-track faculty, director of nursing research, chief nursing officer, clinical research scientist, health policy analyst and consultant. The programme prepares graduates to secure external research funding, lead interdisciplinary research teams, publish in peer-reviewed journals and influence practice through evidence-based initiatives and policy development.

Why study at Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University offers a research-intensive environment with faculty who have active programmes in health services research, outcomes measurement and implementation science. The School of Nursing has established partnerships with regional health systems and community providers, giving doctoral candidates access to diverse practice settings for data collection and dissemination.

Doctoral students benefit from close mentorship, opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and structured support for dissertation development and grant submission. The university’s commitment to serving both rural and urban populations in the region provides a rich context for applied research that addresses real-world nursing and health-care challenges.