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Online PhD in Nursing
Request InformationWant to reach the top of your field? Earn your PhD in Nursing and make a difference for both your patients and the profession.
Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule March 29, 2021
Transfer Credits
- Up to 40 Credits
Earn your PhD in Nursing from the leader in graduate nursing education.¹
Whether you want to influence policy or shape the next generation of nurses, earning your PhD in Nursing from Walden can empower you to impact the healthcare industry at a higher level. Find your voice, and gain the confidence you need to turn your knowledge, experience, and ideas into action.
The PhD in Nursing is the highest-level graduate degree in the nursing field. It’s geared toward those who wish to teach in academia or contribute original new research to the profession.
5 Specializations to Choose From
Focus your coursework in your chosen area of expertise.
Impact lives and communities
Walden’s unique curriculum is focused on helping you become a catalyst for social change.
Join a community of learners
Complete interdisciplinary coursework and participate in engaging discussions with other students to deepen your understanding of the healthcare landscape.
Robust Dissertation Support
From writing and research assistance to one-on-one faculty guidance, dedicated dissertation support is central to Walden’s nursing PhD program.
VIRTUAL RESIDENCIES
This program includes four residencies which can be attended virtually and are designed to help you reach your professional goals.
Program Savings
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowBridge Option for Students With a DNP
This option builds on your current knowledge and experience with scholarly research and relevant coursework that will further prepare you for leadership positions in nursing administration, policy, or academia.
Education
Research, design, implement, and evaluate educational programs for nurses, including formal academic programs that lead to a degree or certificate and more informal continuing education programs designed to meet individual learning needs.
Healthcare Administration
Explore principles that impact healthcare decisions and practice as well as the theoretical foundations of governance and public policy.
Interdisciplinary Health
Design an interdisciplinary focus area that reflects your professional goals and interests, broadens your perspectives, or enables you to work more effectively with diverse populations and teams.
Leadership
Through the Leadership focus area, you can build competencies in organizational change management, team building, mediation, collaboration, and systems thinking and planning.
Population Health
Develop leadership and advanced population health nursing skills in community-based assessment, program planning, interventions and outcomes.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: A master's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements:Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Lead Nursing Into the Future
Drive continuous improvements in nursing science, education, or practice with a PhD in Nursing online from Walden. Gain the expertise to conduct research and develop healthcare policies, systems, and services for tomorrow’s nursing professionals. By earning your PhD at Walden, a pioneer in distance learning, you will benefit from our 50 years of experience educating doctoral students.
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Nancy Moss
Program DirectorWith more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Moss is a certified nurse-midwife and family nurse practitioner (FNP). She received her PhD from the University of Utah in Health Education and Health Care Administration with a focus on stress management. Dr. Moss has developed and implemented a university nurse-midwifery program as well as several nurse-midwifery practices for rural communities.
Read Nancy's Bio -
Leslie Hussey
Academic CoordinatorDr. Hussey served as a tenured faculty member at several universities with a teaching and clinical focus on intensive care nursing. She received her PhD from the University of North Texas in Higher Education and Administration with a focus on Gerontology. Dr. Hussey has experience developing and implementing MSN-level practitioner and doctoral program curriculum.
Read Leslie's Bio
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be prepared to:
- Utilize current research and theory to develop prevention and intervention strategies 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.
- Synthesize nursing’s philosophical and/or theoretical underpinnings in the practice of research.
- 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 among culturally diverse populations.
- Lead 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.
Career Impact
Demand for nursing faculty is especially high. A lack of nurse educators is forcing many nursing schools to turn away thousands of qualified applicants to bachelor’s and graduate programs.2 The nursing field needs leaders and innovators who are committed to transforming the profession.
A PhD in Nursing degree can empower you to reach your full potential as a nursing professional and impact the lives of many. Pursue meaningful work that makes a difference while opening the door to the possibilities of increased salary, promotion, and new career opportunities.3
A PhD in Nursing can prepare you to pursue career options such as:
- Nursing educators
- Nursing professor or assistant professor
- Director of public or private research
- Chief nursing officer
A PhD in Nursing can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Colleges and universities
- Public health agencies
- Research institutions
- Healthcare organizations
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
Testimonials
Drive continuous improvements in nursing science, education, or practice with a PhD in Nursing online from Walden. Gain the expertise to conduct research and develop healthcare policies, systems, and services for tomorrow’s nursing professionals. By earning your PhD at Walden, a pioneer in distance learning, you will benefit from our 50 years of experience educating doctoral students.
Walden University is committed to its students’ success while ensuring quality education to give graduates the ability to change the world.
Jaimee Kastler Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate, PhD in Nursing graduate
My inspiration for getting my degree was the idea of giving back to the community.
Kristina McCall PhD in Nursing Graduate
I now have the best of both worlds: to educate and care for future nurses.
Roberta Salmon Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduate, PhD in Nursing student
Resource Articles
Why Get A Doctoral Degree in Nursing?
FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in Nursing Program
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A PhD in Nursing is a terminal degree, with the main goal of adding original research findings to the scientific foundation of nursing and healthcare. Some nursing PhD programs offer specializations in high-priority areas that emphasize research and teach critical attributes such as leadership, education, healthcare administration, interdisciplinary health, and public health policy.
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Time to completion will vary from student to student. Walden’s PhD in Nursing program can be completed between 2.5 and eight years.* Students may be eligible to complete their required coursework sooner by transferring applicable required graduate credits into a Walden degree program.
*Note: 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.
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In order to apply for Walden’s PhD in Nursing program you will need the following:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- Copy of RN license
- Clinical hours verification form
Admission requirements include a master’s degree in nursing (minimum GPA 3.0/4.0) 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. An active registered nurse (RN) license. You will also need a documented MSN specialization area recognized by CCNE.
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Salaries for a PhD in Nursing–prepared professional will vary based on several factors, such as role, industry, and experience. If, for example, you are choosing to enter academia, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, faculty salaries typically range from approximately $80,000 at the assistant professor level to over $115,000 at the professor level. If you choose to pursue a leadership role within a healthcare organization, such as chief nursing officer (CNO), according to PayScale the average salary for a can exceed $129,000.*
*Sources: American Association of Colleges of Nursing and PayScale: Chief Nursing Officer salary (accessed October 2020) National salary projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual salaries, and are subject to change.
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A PhD in Nursing opens the door to careers in academia, research, and leadership. Whether you want to advance scientific knowledge in the field, educate the next generation of nursing professionals, or influence policy and practice in our increasingly complex healthcare environment, Walden’s online PhD in Nursing program can prepare you to make a difference in patients’ lives, in communities, and across the globe.
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A PhD in Nursing is a degree focused primarily on research and interdisciplinary studies. It is designed for nurses who want to help guide the future of healthcare. If you want to conduct scientific research at the highest levels in your field, shape healthcare policies as a government policymaker or program director, or educate the next generation of nursing professionals, a PhD in Nursing can give you the advanced expertise you need to succeed. This is a great nursing degree for any nurse who wants to make a difference in healthcare.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree for clinical nurses. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is becoming an increasingly valued and sought-after credential. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has encouraged the medical community to make the DNP the expected degree for those who want to become nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. Many online degree programs allow you to earn your DNP while continuing to work within the nursing profession. This option allows you to advance your career whether you’re just starting out or have worked as a nurse for many years.
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Learning Environment
Walden’s PhD in Nursing program’s online classrooms feature state-of-the-art learning technologies, media, and support materials. From interactive simulations, engaging case studies, and a robust online library, you will be highly prepared to earn your credentials as a PhD in Nursing professional.Student Support
Walden’s PhD in Nursing program offers a strong support staff that is dedicated to your success, including academic advising, the Writing Center, librarians, research assistance, one-on-one faculty guidance, dedicated dissertation support, and statistical support.Quality Program
Our program is developed by industry experts who have been working in the nursing field. One hundred percent of our College of Nursing faculty hold doctoral degrees* to ensure our program covers relevant and real scenarios and skills needed.*100% of BSN, DNP, PhD, and MSN (Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, Public Health Nursing and Nursing Education specializations), faculty are doctorally prepared, and 100% of MSN nurse practitioner (NP) didactic faculty are doctorally prepared. MSN-NP clinical faculty are either doctorally prepared or are APRNs with many years of advanced practice training as a licensed NP.
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Walden’s PhD in Nursing offers a rigorous curriculum guided by respected teaching faculty who are not only 100% doctorally prepared* but also experts in research and have real-world experience in the nursing profession. Walden’s PhD offers five relevant focus areas: nursing education, population health, leadership, interdisciplinary health, and healthcare administration. The program also offers a bridge option for students who hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Each student works with a doctoral mentor, one who fits their research interests and needs, while earning their degree. PhD residencies are designed to help students to make progress toward their dissertation with the collaboration of faculty and through networking with other students.
*All didactic faculty in the DNP, PhD in Nursing, MSN (Nurse Executive, Nursing Education, Nursing Informatics, and Public Health Nursing specializations), and BSN programs hold doctorates.
Questions about our PhD in Nursing?
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