Online PhD in Nursing

The UNCG School of Nursing offers a distinguished PhD in Nursing program designed to develop nurse scholars and researchers who will advance the future of healthcare. Our student-focused environment provides structured mentoring with established researchers who focus on health promotion, treatment and health systems research. The PhD in Nursing program is delivered completely online.

Online PhD in Nursing Program Distinctions

Graduates of the UNCG PHD in Nursing program include recognized nurse scientists, deans, health system and policy experts, faculty members at leading universities, and national leaders, such as Dr. Ernest Grant, former president of the American Nurses Association.

• The program can be completed in eight semesters of full-time study; part-time options are available.
• The program is delivered online, with both synchronous and asynchronous components.
• Students will be invited to campus 2-4 times per year for intensive interaction with School of Nursing faculty members. If students are unable to travel to campus, a synchronous online experience will be offered.
• UNCG School of Nursing has been recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center for Excellence in Nursing Education since 2005. 
• UNCG School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The PhD In Nursing Student Experience

Students will have access to experienced research faculty who are dedicated to student success. Individualized mentoring by supportive faculty is also available.

• Opportunities are available for research and teaching assistantships.
• There is a designated PhD student study space and lounge for students who wish to study on campus.
• Options are available to pursue courses to prepare for nurse education roles, including the post-graduate certificate in nursing education.
• There are numerous nursing and graduate student organizations on campus, including Sigma Theta Tau International (Gamma Zeta Chapter), the Graduate Student Association and an international student organization.    

After Graduating with a PhD in Nursing

Successful candidates assume research and leadership roles in promoting optimal health for ethnic minorities, women, children, and older adults.

• Practice in the following roles:
  • Nurse Scientist
  • Health System Leader
  • Faculty Member/Academic Administrator
  • Regulatory and Policy Position
  • Clinical Scholar
  • President/Director/Leader of National Organizations

PhD in Nursing ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in one of the 50 states or validated credentials by CGFNS for international applicants. Residents of North Carolina must hold unrestricted North Carolina licensure as a registered nurse.

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in nursing from a school accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants must submit a 300-word statement of research goals in the doctoral program related to promotion of optimal health for ethnic minorities, women, children, or older adults.
• Selected applicants must participate in an interview with graduate Nursing faculty to help you determine if our PhD program is right for you.