The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, relationships, confidence, critical thinking and analytical capacity essential for discovering and disseminating research-based evidence to support innovative solutions that lead to better health outcomes and advance the science of nursing.
What makes our program distinct?
The PhD in Nursing curriculum provides students two options to attend their course class sessions. One option is to be in the classroom with the faculty and the other option is to attend the class via a video connection with the students and faculty in the classroom. Students choose the one delivery method that works best for them. Please note that due to student visa requirements, international students must attend courses in-person. Courses may use a HyFlex instruction format that combines synchronous in-person scheduled class sessions and asynchronous online learning activities.
At the start of their program (last week in August) and the last week in May, all students gather on campus annually for a four-day Doctor of Nursing Philosophy Immersive Experience (DIvE) focused on engagement, mentorship and professional development and a 1 credit academic course.
All admitted PhD in Nursing students are eligible for financial assistance, contingent on their following the relevant full-time program plan. Financial assistance may be provided through a 25% graduate research assistantship (RA) and/or School of Nursing Scholarships.
We also advocate for and support our PhD students with funding from a range of national sources. Current PhD students are supported with substantial grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Jonas Philanthropies.
The PhD in Nursing program is enriched by the vibrant research and academic programs at the School of Nursing and the university.
You will be carefully matched with faculty who are uniquely suited to help you develop your research focus and build an ongoing research program. Nationally-renowned faculty mentor PhD students throughout the program and build long-standing professional relationships beyond graduation.
Why a nursing PhD?
Across the country and around the world, demand for PhD-prepared nurses who can mentor future nurses and advance nursing science continues to grow. Our PhD program focuses on areas of science in which the health needs are greatest as described by AACN's strategic plan. We seek to admit students with exceptionally strong backgrounds in a major field of study such as nursing or the physical or behavioral sciences.
While many applicants are registered nurses with Masters degrees, we admit individuals who are not nurses to the PhD program if they desire to learning about and conducting research that contributes to nursing science. We also strongly encourage nurses with a BSN degree to apply. We support both types of students with additional formal coursework to be successful.
See admission criteria and application procedures
Length and commitment
Our past graduates have completed their degree in 4-5 years.
Full-time students follow the relevant recommended program plans typically take the required courses with a consistent cohort of students to foster peer support and learning.
Program Plans
Information for international students
Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity
The School of Nursing welcomes and affirms all. We embrace the equity and diversity commitment of the University of Minnesota. Learn more on our Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity page. Read about our Doctoral Education Pathway for American Indian/Alaska Native Nurses.
Get to Know Us
A student in the PhD program
“Having the opportunity to learn from expert faculty who are genuinely interested in understanding my interests and ideas and who then encourage me to think about my research in new ways, ways that will help me make a unique contribution to nursing science within my area of interest, has been invaluable to me.”