Comparing Top Online Nursing PhD Programs

Online PhD in Nursing — University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

As the largest nursing school in Wisconsin, UW-Milwaukee partners with over 160 agencies to educate future nurse scientists, researchers, and educators. Graduates of the online PhD in Nursing program are ready for careers in education, research and practice, and leadership.

Students are admitted as a cohort and must attend a three-day orientation at the beginning of the program, then return to campus at the end of their program. Throughout the four-year program, PhD students work closely with professors to plan and conduct cutting-edge research using various research methods. Students will eventually disseminate their research findings to help advance the nursing field.

Admissions to the online program is offered every two years, and courses must be taken in sequential order. To help alleviate the financial burden of nursing school, UW-Milwaukee awards more than $500,000 of nursing scholarships and funding annually.

Mode: Online

Cost: $49,340

Admissions Requirements:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or health-related field from a professionally accredited program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (4.0 scale) for all previous graduate coursework
• A written statement detailing previous professional experience, professional career goals, research interests, motivation for PhD study, and educational objectives
• Two examples of original work demonstrating the applicant’s academic potential
• Unofficial transcripts from each academic institution attended where at least nine or more credits were attempted or completed
• Three academic references
• Current curriculum vitae
• Completion of a graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or higher within the last five years or the first program semester

Curriculum: The program curriculum is focused on teaching students comprehensive research methods, scientific integrity, nursing theory, information technology, quality care standards, and thorough knowledge of a substantive area of nursing expertise.

Best for: Students who want to further the nursing field through innovative scientific research studies.

Online Nursing Education PhD – University of Northern Colorado (UNC)

UNC’s online PhD in Nursing Education is designed to equip scholars for roles in academic or organizational healthcare settings. Graduates will gain the expertise and confidence to excel as nurse educators, with a strong focus on developing a research trajectory specific to nursing education. This doctoral program builds on knowledge acquired at the bachelor’s or master’s level, emphasizing educational strategies, leadership, research, and knowledge development.

A mandatory 5-day orientation is held in July before the program begins. This includes two days on campus in Greeley and three days attending the Nurse Educator Conference in the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, some students choose to visit campus for significant milestones such as their dissertation proposal hearing, dissertation defense, or oral comprehensive exams.

Throughout the program, students will benefit from the university’s interdisciplinary educational resources, drawing on expertise and research opportunities across nursing and other academic disciplines.

Duration: 4+ years

Mode: Online

Cost: $48,444

Admissions Requirements:

• Ensure the program meets your state’s nursing requirements
• Apply via Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS)
• Two academic or professional letters of recommendation from former faculty or colleagues with a doctoral degree
• Official transcript from each college or university where courses were taken, including documentation of earning a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Current vita or resume
• Copy of current, unencumbered RN license
• A statement of career goals, including a potential area of research interest or general dissertation topic
• Sample of written scholarly work, project, or publication in which the applicant was the lead or sole contributor
• A personal interview may be required

Curriculum: The program curriculum is focused on researching and generating new knowledge to advanced nursing science, advancing the professional discipline of nursing via leadership, and promoting innovative, evidence-based approaches in nurse education.

Best for: Practicing RNs who want to become nurse educators, instructors, curriculum coordinators, or consultants.

Online PhD in Nursing – Wilkes University

Wilkes University’s online PhD in Nursing is designed for nurses who want to conduct research that will advance nursing science and education. A strong emphasis on research and leadership ensures graduates are prepared to critically evaluate research findings and apply them to real-world challenges.

Faculty research areas include nursing leadership, cultural competency, advanced practice, disease management, healthcare policy, and nursing education. Once students select a research focus aligned with their interests, they work closely with a dedicated chairperson to build expertise, refine research skills, and develop a comprehensive dissertation.

This part-time program is designed to help working nurses fulfill their leadership and academic potential while balancing current responsibilities. It consists of 17 12-week courses and takes an average of three years to complete (depending on the dissertation). Graduates can expect to work in leadership positions as department heads, program coordinators, and nursing school deans.

Duration: Three Years

Mode: Online

Cost: $48,175

Admissions Requirements:

• MSN with official transcripts from an institution with programmatic and regional accreditation and a 3.0 cumulative GPA
• A current unencumbered RN license; APRN license if appropriate
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Letter of intent describing professional goals, research topic, and the reason for pursuing a PhD
• Two recommendations from graduate-level nurses or faculty who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a PhD program
• Reside in an authorized state

Curriculum:

The program curriculum is focused on building critical knowledge around nursing theory and education, healthcare issues, and obtaining research funding; advancing research skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis while expanding on study design; and developing a comprehensive dissertation.

Best For: Aspiring nurse leaders who want to balance empirical, scientific research with academic leadership and expertise to advance the nursing profession and improve nursing outcomes.

Gut Check: Is a Nursing PhD Right for You?

Having already attended nursing school, you understand the time and energy required to graduate from a rigorous program. A PhD is a serious commitment, especially if you plan to continue working as a nurse while pursuing your doctoral degree.

Before diving into an online nursing PhD program, it’s essential to discern whether the time, money, and potential burnout are worth the tradeoff. Answering these questions can help you assess whether a doctoral degree is the right next step for your career.

1. What are my career goals, and how will a PhD in nursing help me achieve them?
2. Am I committed to conducting original research and writing a dissertation?
3. How long will it take to complete a nursing PhD program, and am I ready for the time commitment?
4. Can I manage potential debt or loss of income while pursuing my PhD, and what financial aid is available to help offset the costs?
5. How will this PhD enhance my credibility, leadership, and career opportunities?