""

PhD in Nursing

Earn your online PhD in Nursing and make a bigger impact on both your patients and the profession.

Learn How You Can Save Time and Money on Your Degree

Fill out the form to speak with an enrollment specialist.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
""

PhD in Nursing

Learn How You Can Save Time and Money on Your Degree

Fill out the form to speak with an enrollment specialist.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current Step 1: About You
  • Step 2: Contact Information
3 MINUTE QUIZ

Your Path to Graduation Starts Here

Create and download your comprehensive plan with scholarships, financial aid, credit transfer, and more!

3 MINUTE QUIZ

Your Path to Graduation Starts Here

Create and download your comprehensive plan with scholarships, financial aid, credit transfer, and more!

""
EXPAND YOUR EXPERTISE

Gain the expertise in research, policy, education, and leadership you need to help contribute to the field of nursing, shaping policy and preparing the next generation of nurses.

FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION

Research what interests you the most and work toward your personal and professional goals by choosing one of six specializations.

LEARN FROM EXPERT FACULTY

Learn from doctoral scholar-practitioners with experience in their field, preparing you to make an impact. 

MOVE PAST ABD

If you have finished everything but your dissertation, our completion program can get you on track to finishing your PhD.

Find Your Specialization

Program Details

Take a Closer Look

Ready to take the next step on your professional path? Walden’s online PhD in Nursing program is designed to eliminate common barriers, support your progress, and put your doctoral goals within reach.

 

CurriculumRequirementsCostTotal *
Tuition-Coursework66 quarter credits $760 per quarter hour for coursework credits$50,160^
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 20–120 quarter credits$760 per quarter hour for dissertation credits$15,200–$91,200*
Program Fee $180 per quarter$2,160–$5,760*
Residency FeeFour residencies$1,420 each (virtual)
$1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional.
$5,680–$6,080
Estimated Range:  3-Year Minimum8-Year Maximum
   

$73,200

$153,200*+

These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.

Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.

^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.

Based on a 2.5-year minimum completion requirement and an eight-year maximum time frame as outlined in Walden academic policy.

*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the eight-year maximum time frame or choose to take more expensive elective courses.

+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.

CurriculumRequired Quarter Credits (min)Required Quarter Credits (max)Cost per Quarter HourTotal  (min)Total (max)
Tuition-Coursework55$505$2,525$2,525
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project 2055$820$16,400$45,100
Program Fee  $185$925$2,220
Estimated Range:   15-months36-months
    $19,850$49,845

Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Move Nursing Forward

Drive continuous improvements in nursing science, education, or practice with an online PhD in Nursing from Walden. Gain the expertise to conduct research and develop healthcare policies, systems, and services for tomorrow’s nursing professionals.

 

1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)

2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)

No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Nursing program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this online PhD in Nursing program will be prepared to:

Conduct research to generate findings that advance the knowledge and practice of nursing.

Demonstrate advanced competency in research design and methodology to address social problems and needs.

Engage in scientific inquiry that advances the knowledge base of research and practice in the profession.

Evaluate the role of research and scholarship in the field of nursing in relation to its role in improving health interventions and advancing the development of related theory.

Demonstrate leadership by generating new knowledge that promotes positive social change and addresses the social determinants of health.

Contribute to the science of nursing through social change and social policy initiatives.

Apply ethical decision-making and values to the profession.

Advocate for policies and programs that improve health outcomes by addressing the social determinants of health among culturally diverse populations.

Demonstrate professional communication that supports the discipline and practice of nursing.

Demonstrate the ability to act as a role model and mentor to others who wish to pursue the profession (stewardship).

Meet Your Academic Team

Walden’s nursing faculty comprises dedicated scholars and active practitioners with many years of experience in the nursing field.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Placeholder for the "Live Chat" block

Have a Question?

Chat with a PhD in Nursing Enrollment Specialist

Chat Now

PhD Nursing FAQ

What is a PhD in Nursing?

An online PhD in Nursing is a research-focused terminal degree. Nurses who hold a PhD are prepared to contribute original research findings to the field and engage in scientific inquiry to promote positive social change by addressing the social determinants of health.

What are the requirements for applying to a PhD in Nursing program?

To apply for Walden’s online PhD in Nursing program, you will need the following:

  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Copy of RN license

Admission requirements include an active registered nurse (RN) license and a master’s degree in nursing or a related health care field (minimum GPA 3.0/4.0). This degree must be from a U.S. school accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, or from an appropriately accredited non-U.S. institution.

What is the difference between the DNP and the PhD in Nursing?

A PhD in Nursing program represents the highest level of formal education for a career in research and original scholarship. A PhD in Nursing program will prepare you to conduct research that may contribute to the future of healthcare. If you want to conduct scientific research at the highest levels in your field, apply your expertise to help shape healthcare policies, or educate the next generation of nursing professionals, a PhD in Nursing program will help prepare you with the appropriate knowledge and skills.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree for clinical nurses. The DNP-prepared nurse is an expert clinician who applies research to practice to improve quality of care. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has been a longtime proponent of making the DNP the expected degree for those who want to become advanced practice nurses.

What’s it like to take an online PhD in Nursing program?

Learning Environment
Walden’s PhD in Nursing online classrooms feature current learning technologies, media and support materials, and a robust online library. Courses are taught by experienced and engaged faculty who provide regular feedback to help you develop your knowledge and skills as you earn your degree.

Student Support 
The online PhD in Nursing program offers a strong support staff and resources dedicated to your success, including academic advising, the Writing Center, librarians, research assistance, one-on-one faculty guidance, and dedicated dissertation support.

Quality Program
Walden’s program is developed by industry experts who have worked extensively in the nursing field. All PhD in Nursing faculty hold a doctoral degree.

What makes Walden’s PhD in Nursing program different from others?

Walden’s online PhD in Nursing program offers a rigorous curriculum guided by respected teaching faculty. Our faculty are not only 100% doctorally prepared; they are also experts in research and have real-world experience in the nursing profession. Walden’s PhD offers five relevant specializations:

  • Healthcare Administration
  • Interdisciplinary Health
  • Leadership
  • Nursing Education
  • Population Health

Students can choose their own topic for their dissertation, guided by faculty mentors who ensure rigor and scientific fidelity. PhD residencies are designed to help students to make progress toward their dissertation by collaborating with faculty and other students. 

Walden’s PhD in Nursing program also offers a DNP Bridge Option for students who hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.