Emory University

What you'll study

The curriculum emphasises theory development, rigorous research methods and scholarship in areas relevant to nursing administration, clinical nursing and health services. Typical areas of study include:

• Nursing theory and conceptual frameworks – exploration and application of middle-range and grand theories that inform nursing science.
• Research methods – advanced quantitative methods (e.g. multilevel modelling, longitudinal analysis, psychometrics) and qualitative approaches (e.g. phenomenology, grounded theory, mixed methods design).
• Biostatistics and data analysis – courses in applied statistics, measurement, and use of statistical software for health research.
• Health systems, policy and administration – study of healthcare organisation, financing, quality improvement and the policy context that shapes nursing practice.
• Clinical scholarship and translational research – methods for implementing and evaluating evidence-based interventions in clinical settings.
• Research ethics and responsible conduct of research – human subjects protection, data management and reproducible research practices.
• Teaching and academic preparation – optional or required experiences in pedagogy for students aiming for faculty careers.

Programme milestones typically include completion of core and elective coursework, comprehensive or qualifying examinations, development and defence of a dissertation proposal, and completion of an independent original dissertation. Students are expected to participate in faculty-led research projects, present at conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Entry requirements

• Academic qualifications – a master's degree in nursing or a closely related field from an accredited institution is ordinarily required.
• Professional licensure – current registration/licensure as a registered nurse in the relevant jurisdiction is normally expected for applicants whose research or clinical work requires licensure.
• Research preparation – evidence of research potential such as prior research experience, a master’s thesis or publications is strongly preferred.
• Application materials – typically include a personal statement of research interests and goals, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation (usually three), and a writing sample or research prospectus.
• English language – for international applicants, proof of English proficiency is required in accordance with university policy.
• Interview – shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview with potential faculty advisers to discuss fit and research interests.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of scholarly and leadership roles. Common career pathways include:

• Academic positions as tenure-track faculty teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels and leading research programmes.
• Research scientist roles in academic centres, hospitals, government agencies or non-profit research organisations conducting clinical and health services research.
• Leadership roles in nursing administration, quality improvement and clinical practice innovation where advanced research skills guide policy and programme development.
• Positions in health policy, patient safety, data analytics and translational science that require rigorous evidence-generation skills.
• Consultancy and leadership in professional organisations, grant funding bodies and interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Why study at Emory University

Emory's nursing PhD is offered through a school with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and close ties to a large academic health system. Students benefit from faculty mentorship across nursing and allied disciplines, access to clinical settings in Atlanta for translational research, and research centres that focus on areas such as gerontology, chronic disease management and health disparities. The programme supports trainee development through grant-writing workshops, teaching opportunities and collaboration with public health, medicine and social science researchers, enabling graduates to build the skills needed for independent scholarship and leadership in nursing.

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