Walden University Is a Leader in Online Doctoral Education
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.
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.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Requirements
Pursuing your PhD in Nursing online is a major step, which is why we’ve streamlined the admission process. Start your doctoral journey with:
- No application fee
- Easy credit transfer
- No essay requirement
To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from an accredited school and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. More information for international applicants. (Note that you do not need to take the GRE to apply for this program.)
LEARNING TRACKS
With the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Bridge option, a BSN to PhD track, and an MSN to PhD track, Walden meets you where you are in your education journey.
TUITION SAVINGS
Learn about grants, special tuition savings, and other ways to make your PhD in Nursing costs more manageable.
APPLYING IS EASY
Walden has streamlined the online PhD in Nursing program admissions process. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll pay no application fee—and you won’t have to write an essay.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your online doctoral program won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.
FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION
Get help choosing a doctoral research topic that reflects your interests. Learn how you can use the findings to create meaningful change.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Tuition and Scholarships
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
Tuition Breakdown
Cost matters when you’re exploring PhD in Nursing degree programs. Walden helps make your goals more attainable with several ways to reduce your tuition:
- Experience-based credits
- Special tuition savings
- Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 61 quarter credits | $820 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $50,020^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20–120† quarter credits | $820 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $16,400–$98,400* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,220–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional. | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.5-Year Minimum | 8-Year Maximum | ||
$74,320 | $160,420*+ | |||
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.
| Curriculum | Required Quarter Credits (min) | Required Quarter Credits (max) | Cost per Quarter Hour | Total (min) | Total (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 | 5 | $505 | $2,525 | $2,525 |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20 | 55 | $820 | $16,400 | $45,100 |
| Program Fee | $185 | $925 | $2,220 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 15-months | 36-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.
Career Opportunities
Medical and Health Services Manager
Health information managers ensure databases of patient records are complete, accurate, and secure.
Expected growth: 29%1
Estimated annual wage: $67,900–$157,6401
Nurse Educator
Instruct aspiring or current RNs in various areas of nursing in colleges, universities, or hospitals.
Expected growth: 18%2
Estimated annual wage: $49,120–$103,3702
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.
Add an MBA to your PhD in Nursing program
MASTER THE BUSINESS OF HEALTHCARE
Do you want to gain in-depth insights into nursing leadership and business management? Discover Walden’s new, streamlined PhD in Nursing to MBA articulation path.
- Apply up to three courses from your PhD in Nursing program toward your MBA program.*
- Earn your MBA in as few as 12 months after completing your PhD in Nursing.*
- Save up to $6,100 on your MBA with our Believe & Achieve Scholarship®.1
*Walden PhD graduates can transfer up to three courses into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program with a Self-Designed specialization and complete the program in as few as 12 months. Tuition and time to completion may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions.
1 Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
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).
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PhD Nursing FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walden's online PhD in Nursing program stands out for its research focus, professional flexibility, specialized pathways, and commitment to helping students finish what they started. Some differentiators include:
- Built for working professionals: The online format allows you to earn your nursing PhD without pausing your career. You can complete coursework at times that fit your schedule—whether that’s early mornings, late evenings, or weekends.
- Multiple specializations: Tailor your PhD in Nursing coursework to align your research with your career goals.
- DNP to PhD in Nursing Bridge Option: If you hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you can take advantage of a shorter path to the PhD in Nursing.
- ABD completion program: If you’ve finished everything but your dissertation, Walden's doctoral completion program can get you back on track. This “all but dissertation” (ABD) option helps you reconnect with an advisor and complete your dissertation, turning years of hard work into a completed nursing PhD.
- Comprehensive support: You’ll receive robust doctoral support services throughout your journey, including writing assistance and research guidance.
While the vast majority of Walden’s PhD in Nursing program is delivered online, the program requires four mandatory residencies. These are in-person sessions that provide opportunities for face-to-face learning, networking, and professional development.
Residencies are strategically scheduled and brief, allowing you to maintain your career and personal commitments while completing your doctorate. All other coursework, including your dissertation work, is completed online.
Your completion time depends on factors including your course load, how quickly you progress through dissertation stages, whether you have transfer credits or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, and how much time you can dedicate to your studies while working.
For a personalized timeline estimate based on your specific situation, contact a Walden Enrollment Specialist. They can assess your background and help you develop a realistic completion plan.
The total cost and duration of the nursing PhD program can vary significantly based on your chosen entry option, any transfer credits you may have from previous graduate work, and how quickly you progress through your doctoral study or project. See a complete breakdown of tuition and fees.
Walden offers grants specifically for doctoral programs, including the PhD in Nursing. Other options to help fund your doctoral education include:
- Federal financial aid: You may be eligible for federal aid programs, including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans. Our federal school code is 025042.
- Institutional savings: Walden partners with hundreds of employers and organizations to provide tuition reductions. Find out if your employer or professional association partners with Walden.
- Military benefits: New Walden students who are servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs are recognized with a 10% tuition savings for the life of their program. This program is also approved for various U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Federal Tuition Assistance for active-duty personnel. Learn more.
For a more precise look at your potential costs, you can work with an Enrollment Specialist to create a personalized education plan that accounts for your specific transfer credits and timeline.
Yes. For the BSN to PhD path, you can transfer up to 50 credits. For the MSN to PhD path and the Bridge Option for Students with a DNP, you can transfer up to 40 credits.
Yes. Walden offers a BSN to PhD in Nursing path for registered nurses who have earned their bachelor’s degree in nursing, allowing them to potentially save money and earn their doctorate faster. This option requires a total of 106 credits.