University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises rigorous preparation in research, theory and scholarship across concentrations in nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing. Coursework typically includes advanced research methods (quantitative and qualitative), biostatistics, measurement and psychometrics, nursing theory, health systems and policy, leadership and organisational theory, and ethics in research and clinical practice. Students also engage in specialty seminars that reflect their chosen concentration—such as advanced health services research and quality improvement for administration, mixed-methods designs and clinical trials for research, or advanced clinical scholarship and translational science for clinical nursing.

The programme is dissertation-driven: after completing core and concentration coursework and passing comprehensive examinations, students design and conduct an independent research study under the guidance of a faculty advisor and dissertation committee. Many students also complete practicum experiences focused on scholarly leadership, teaching or advanced clinical investigation, and participate in grant-writing workshops, laboratory or community-based studies, and opportunities to present at conferences.

Typical modules and activities

• Advanced Research Design and Methods (qualitative and quantitative)
• Applied Biostatistics and Data Analysis
• Measurement and Instrument Development
• Nursing Theory and Philosophies of Science
• Health Policy, Systems and Organisational Leadership
• Grant Writing and Research Funding Strategies
• Advanced Clinical Scholarship / Translational Research (clinical concentration)
• Teaching Practicum and Academic Preparation
• Dissertation Proposal Development and Research Practicum

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an earned master’s degree in nursing (MSN or equivalent) from an accredited programme and be licensed as a registered nurse. The admissions committee typically looks for a strong academic record at the graduate level, demonstrated potential for scholarly work, and relevant professional experience. Required components of an application usually include a curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and career goals, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample or examples of scholarly work.

Admission decisions consider fit with faculty research interests; prospective students are advised to identify potential faculty mentors in advance. Some applicants may be invited for an interview. International applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements and provide credential evaluations for non‑US degrees.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Registered Nursing pursue careers as nurse scientists, principal investigators on funded research projects, and faculty members in colleges and universities where they teach and mentor the next generation of nurses. Other common career paths include senior leadership and administrative roles (such as director of nursing research or chief nursing officer), policy analyst positions in healthcare organisations, research positions in clinical and community settings, and roles in healthcare quality improvement and evidence-based practice implementation. The degree also prepares nurses for interdisciplinary research collaborations and leadership in health services research centres.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Nursing offers a research-oriented environment with experienced faculty who maintain active research programmes in topics such as health disparities, chronic disease management, rural and community health, nursing education, and healthcare systems. Students benefit from one-on-one mentorship, access to simulation and research facilities, and collaborative ties with regional hospitals and community health partners across the Gulf Coast.

The programme supports professional development through opportunities to participate in ongoing faculty research, present at regional and national meetings, and pursue external funding. Small cohort sizes foster close faculty-student interaction and personalised guidance through coursework and the dissertation process, making the programme suitable for nurses committed to scholarship and leadership in nursing science and practice.