The Best MSN-to-PhD Programs
What is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing?
For those looking to obtain the highest level of nursing education available, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing may be the perfect fit. The PhD in Nursing is one of two terminal degrees available in nursing, along with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These two degrees are the highest forms of education a nurse can receive in the nursing profession, but they each have different focuses.
Unlike the DNP, which is a practice-based degree, the PhD is a research-based degree. The ultimate goal of PhD in Nursing programs is the completion of an original research project. Students must come up with a research question, conduct their own applicable research study, explain their findings, and share the results with others through publication or presentation at events. Obtaining a PhD demonstrates a deep commitment to research and the overall improvement of the nursing profession.
One of the most important requirements for degree completion is a dissertation. A dissertation is a highly-detailed document that explains the student’s original research theory or hypothesis, and then summarizes their new research findings. The dissertation is labor-intensive and takes several semesters to complete. After it is finalized, the student must “defend” their dissertation before a faculty panel of experts. The panel will judge the quality of the research study and whether or not the student’s dissertation has met all requirements to be awarded a PhD.
For MSN-prepared nurses, PhD in Nursing programs typically take between three to five years to complete. After completing foundational courses in nursing science and research methodology, the majority of time in the program will be spent completing the original research project and dissertation.
Can I Complete an MSN-to-PhD Program Online?
Yes, but it will most likely be in a hybrid format rather than completely online. Because the PhD is a research-focused degree, a significant portion of your coursework will probably be completed online. However, PhD programs require students to commit to varying amounts of time on campus, including meeting with faculty advisors and defending your dissertation, so it is important to do your research thoroughly prior to committing to a program.
It is more common to find exclusively online PhD programs for MSN-prepared nurses rather than BSN-prepared nurses. Overall, however, most PhD in Nursing programs tend to be conducted in a hybrid format.
The following five MSN-to-PhD programs are considered some of the best in the country for providing a quality doctoral education to students:
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Online Option? No
Fully Funded? Yes (up to five years)
Accredited? Yes
Duke University’s PhD in Nursing program prepares students to advance nursing science through research, specifically focusing on equitable health outcomes and social determinants of health.
Tuition is fully funded for up to five years of full-time study and students also receive 12-month stipends. Additional scholarships and fellowships are available, and PhD students are expected to make a good-faith effort to secure outside grants and funding for their research projects.
Duke University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Online Option? No
Fully Funded? Yes (up to three years)
Accredited? Yes
The PhD in Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University aims to prepare nurse scholars for a future in the advancement of nursing science and healthcare. Students are expected to choose a research project that falls under one of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing areas of expertise. A DNP/PhD dual degree is also offered.
Tuition is fully funded for up to three years of full-time study for most students and a stipend is included. Additional financial support is also available for PhD students, including scholarships and fellowships. The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing also participates in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP).
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Online Option? No
Fully Funded? Yes (up to four years)
Accredited? Yes
Emory University’s PhD in Nursing program is designed to prepare nurse researchers who wish to transform healthcare and improve patient health outcomes. PhD students are expected to choose a research topic from one of the program’s areas of focus, which are based on faculty expertise. Students have the option of pursuing the standard PhD curriculum or one with a Data Science concentration.
The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing provides fully funded PhD tuition and a stipend for up to four years of full-time study. This aid is given in exchange for teaching and research services at the university. Other scholarships and fellowships are available to students who need financial support beyond four years of study.
The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Online Option? No
Fully Funded? Yes (up to four years)
Accredited? Yes
The PhD in Nursing program at Vanderbilt University aims to prepare nurse scholars to revolutionize the nursing profession through scientific discovery. Student research interests are expected to align with one of the faculty’s areas of research focus.
Tuition for the PhD program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is fully funded for up to four years. An annual stipend is also provided for the same duration, and additional financial aid is available to doctoral students. Students are also expected to make a consistent effort to secure additional outside grants and/or fellowships for the duration of their enrollment.
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Option? No
Fully Funded? Yes (up to four years)
Accredited? Yes
The University of Pennsylvania’s PhD in Nursing program focuses on shaping the future of nursing science and healthcare. A PhD/MBE dual degree is also available for students who wish to focus intensively on bioethics.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers fully funded tuition for the first four years of full-time study. An additional yearly stipend is also provided to full-time students. Other scholarships and grants are available and the School of Nursing also participates in the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP).
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
