Auburn University at Montgomery

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises the generation of new nursing knowledge through rigorous research and scholarly inquiry. Core study areas include advanced nursing theory, research design and methods (qualitative and quantitative), biostatistics, measurement and instrumentation, and grant-writing. Students choose a concentration in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing and take specialist modules aligned to that pathway.

• Research methods and statistics: advanced quantitative analysis, longitudinal methods, mixed-methods approaches and database management.
• Nursing theory and philosophy: historical and contemporary theoretical frameworks that underpin nursing science and practice.
• Health policy and leadership: organisational behaviour, systems thinking, policy analysis and leadership for healthcare improvement.
• Pedagogy and academic role development: curriculum design, teaching strategies and evaluation for those pursuing academic careers.
• Clinical scholarship (Clinical Nursing concentration): clinical outcome measurement, evidence-based practice implementation and translational research methods.
• Administration focus (Nursing Administration concentration): financial management, strategic planning, human resources and quality improvement in healthcare organisations.
• Research focus (Nursing Research concentration): advanced grant development, programme evaluation and leading multi-site research projects.
• Dissertation: an original research study under faculty supervision culminating in a written dissertation and oral defence.

Programme delivery blends seminars, independent research, practicum or clinical immersion where applicable, and close mentorship. Students typically complete coursework before progressing to candidacy and dissertation work.

Entry requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the relevant jurisdiction and professional clinical experience.
• A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a related health discipline from an accredited institution; applicants with an appropriate master’s with substantial research experience will also be considered.
• A demonstrated foundation in research methods and statistics at the master’s level or equivalent preparation.
• A personal statement outlining research interests and career goals, and a preliminary research prospectus or description of proposed doctoral inquiry.
• Academic transcripts, a current curriculum vitae, and professional references; selected applicants may be invited for an interview with faculty.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and provide credential evaluations where required.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Registered Nursing pursue careers where independent research, scholarship and leadership are central. Typical paths include:

• Academic positions as faculty members responsible for teaching, mentoring and leading research programmes in universities and colleges.
• Research scientist roles in healthcare systems, research institutes, government agencies and non-profit organisations focused on nursing and health outcomes.
• Senior administrative and executive positions in hospitals and healthcare organisations where evidence-based policy, programme evaluation and quality improvement are required.
• Clinical scholar roles that bridge practice and research, leading practice change, implementation science projects and translational research in clinical settings.
• Consultancy and leadership in grant-funded projects, healthcare policy development and professional nursing organisations.

Why study at Auburn University at Montgomery

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a supportive doctoral environment with experienced faculty mentors engaged in diverse areas of nursing scholarship. The programme is characterised by small cohorts that enable close supervision, collaborative research opportunities and personalised professional development.

• Access to regional clinical partnerships and community health organisations for applied research and clinical scholarship.
• Opportunities to work with faculty on funded research projects and to develop competitive grant-writing skills.
• Institutional resources including research support services, simulation and clinical skills facilities, and academic development workshops for teaching and publication skills.
• A focus on producing nurse scholars prepared for leadership in academia, policy and advanced practice settings, with mentoring tailored to each student’s concentration and career aims.