University of Kansas

What you'll study

The PhD in Nursing is a research-led programme that combines advanced coursework in theory, research methods and statistics with an independent, supervised dissertation project. Core study areas typically include nursing theory and conceptual development, quantitative and qualitative research methods, advanced biostatistics, health services and outcomes research, ethics in research, and grant writing. Students choose an emphasis such as Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, or Clinical Nursing and take specialised seminars and electives aligned with that emphasis, for example leadership and organisational theory for administration, advanced longitudinal and experimental methods for research, or clinical translational science and practice-focused inquiry for the clinical emphasis.

Programme components commonly include personalised mentorship with a faculty advisor, a sequence of research practicum experiences, comprehensive examinations or portfolio assessment to demonstrate scholarly readiness, and the doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to nursing knowledge. Students have opportunities to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across the university and with clinical partners, engage in grant-funded projects, and disseminate findings at professional conferences.

Entry requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure or eligibility to obtain licensure in the United States.
• A graduate degree in nursing (for example MSc or MSN) or a closely related field; applicants with strong research preparation may be considered from related disciplines.
• A strong academic record and demonstrated potential for research and scholarship, typically evidenced by transcripts, references and a statement of research interests.
• A clear research statement or statement of purpose describing proposed area(s) of inquiry and potential faculty mentors.
• Curriculum vitae or professional résumé and academic or professional references; some applicants may be invited to interview with faculty.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to university policy and provide equivalency documentation for international credentials.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing pursue careers as nurse scientists, faculty members in schools of nursing, principal investigators on funded research projects, and leaders in health services research, policy analysis and healthcare administration. Common roles include tenure-track academic positions with teaching and research responsibilities, research leadership roles in hospitals, public health agencies and research institutes, positions in governmental and non-governmental organisations focusing on health policy and outcomes, and consultant roles in evidence-based practice implementation. The programme prepares graduates to secure external research funding, lead multidisciplinary research teams, and contribute to the evidence base that informs clinical practice and health systems.

Why study at University of Kansas

• Research-active faculty: The School of Nursing has faculty with expertise across quantitative and qualitative methods, translational science and health policy who provide mentorship for doctoral research.
• Clinical and institutional partnerships: Proximity to the University of Kansas Health System and regional health organisations supports clinical collaboration, access to data and opportunities for applied research.
• Interdisciplinary resources: Doctoral students can draw on methodological, statistical and subject-matter expertise from across the university, including public health, social sciences and biomedical departments.
• Scholarly development: Structured support for grant writing, teaching preparation and professional dissemination helps prepare graduates for academic and research careers.
• Mentored, individualised training: Small doctoral cohorts enable close faculty supervision and tailored progression through coursework, qualifying assessments and dissertation work.