Choose Walden—the No. 1 provider of research-focused doctoral programs.
Whether you want to influence policy or shape the next generation of nurses, earning your online 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 one of the highest-level graduate degrees in the nursing field. It’s geared toward those who wish to teach in academia or contribute original research to the profession.
Walden meets you where you are on your nursing path, offering two distinct tracks to an online PhD in Nursing degree. Whether you hold a BSN or an MSN, now is a great time to start your journey toward your doctorate.
DNP BRIDGE OPTION
Recognizing your previous academic progress, we will apply up to 25 credits toward your PhD program, saving you both time and money.
IMPACT LIVES AND COMMUNITIES
Walden’s PhD in Nursing curriculum is designed to help you become a catalyst for social change in your organization and community.
FOLLOW YOUR PASSION
In our PhD in Nursing degree program, you have the flexibility to focus your coursework and learning in your chosen area of study.
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.
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–$103,37002
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).
Meet Your Academic Team
Walden’s nursing faculty comprises dedicated scholars and active practitioners with many years of experience in the nursing field.
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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 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.