OLD: PhD in Nursing

The demand for Ph.D. nurses has never been greater. Less than 1 percent of nurses are Ph.D.-prepared researchers and faculty educated to ask and answer critical questions about human health. 

Work closely with our research faculty who conduct clinical, educational, and health services research, underpinned by our commitment to health equity. Take part in a hybrid-format program with carefully developed on-campus, learning-intensive weekends with weekly online experiences.

Highlights

Our Ph.D. graduates will be prepared to:

  • Implement theoretical and methodological approaches required to implement discovery science
  • Assume tenure-track research or teaching faculty position at a university
  • Apply for post-doctoral research fellowships at research-intensive universities or government agencies
  • Influence nursing-related policy, education, and scientific discovery

Who Should Apply

This degree prepares nurses for a career in academic nursing and research. Ph.D.-prepared nurses conduct research and teach in university, government and other settings. Faculty and administrative staff are available to meet with you and answer any questions you may have as you work through your application.  Please contact our office with questions or information on scholarships: [email protected].

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Application Deadlines

Fall 2024

Application Open: 10/03/23

Priority: 12/01/23  

Release Date: Rolling

Final: 02/15/24
Release Date: Rolling

Requirements

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program consists of 57 credit hours. Program specific questions can be directed to [email protected].

Program of Study

Courses

For full listing of courses and descriptions, please visit the University Bulletin.

On-Campus Requirements

  • Orientation on GW campus the summer before year 1
  • Friday/Saturday weekend intensive(s) on GW campus per semester in years 1 and 2

Technology Requirements

Each student admitted to the Ph.D. program is expected to own and have ready access to a laptop or tablet with basic productivity software and a webcam. View Policy.

Complete applications that are submitted by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. Applications do not have to be verified by the priority deadline, only completed and submitted. Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected]

A completed application includes the following components:

  • Current RN License
  • Master's degree in nursing or related field
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose (addressing research and potential GW research mentors)
  • Writing sample (published article or graded academic paper)
  • Score > 100 TOEFL (international applicants)
  • Graduate-level inferential statistics course taken within the past five years*

*NURS 6208: Biostatistics for Health Care Research (3) is offered in the spring and summer for those who have not met this requirement

Other Considerations

  • 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) preferred GPA
  • Interview if selected as a top candidate

At the conclusion of this PhD program, you will be able to:

  1. Evaluate, critique, and synthesize knowledge from nursing and other academic disciplines to generate new ideas.

  2. Examine diverse modes of inquiry to select the appropriate design to conduct research that builds on nursing science and theory.

  3. Integrate team science principles in the conduct of research with interdisciplinary teams.

  4. Demonstrate scientific integrity and the protection of human subjects in the design, conduct and analysis of research studies.

  5. Apply theory-base approaches and philosophic perspectives from nursing and healthcare research.

  6. Disseminate knowledge through publications and presentations.

  7. Employ strategic leadership skills to advance the profession, influence policy, and the conduct of research.

  • Palliative/end of life care in chronic disease
  • Symptom management in cancer
  • Maternal health/post-partum outcomes
  • Clinical trials performance
  • Health care workforce
  • HIV and health disparities
  • Transgender care
  • Educational interventions
  • Alzheimer's disease/measurement of cognition
  • Autism/neurocognitive development in children
  • Geriatric feeding interventions
  • HPV prevention/cancer screening and minority health
  • Health services research/vaccine policy/drug safety
  • Sleep, fatigue and occupational safety
  • Loneliness and Social Isolation and how it impacts human health

  • Social and Structural determinants of health

Graduate-level inferential statistics course taken within the past five years*

*NURS 6208: Biostatistics for Health Care Research (3) is offered in the spring and summer for those who have not met this requirement

 


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