How long does the PhD in Nursing program take to complete?

The PhD in Nursing program consists of 17 courses, which are completed over nine terms (three years on average, depending on dissertation).

Are the classes for the PhD in Nursing program 100% online?

Excluding nursing clinicals and residencies, all coursework is 100% online. Each course experience is primarily asynchronous.

How much does the PhD in Nursing program cost?

Tuition for the PhD in Nursing program is $48,128. This total is based on the number of required courses for the program. An analysis of previous coursework may allow for fewer courses and in turn, a lower net cost when applicable.

Is financial aid available to online PhD in Nursing students?

Yes, financial aid is available to qualifying nursing students. Please fill out a form to schedule an appointment with an admissions advisor and learn if you qualify for financial assistance.

Please visit our state authorizations page to see whether this program is available in your area.

PhD in Nursing

Admission Requirements	Curriculum	Program Faculty	Compare PhD and DNP	Program Outcomes

Lead as a Scholar and Educator

With an online Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD in Nursing) from Wilkes University, you will achieve the terminal degree for advanced practice nurses. This online, doctorate-level program is designed to be taken on a part-time basis so you can balance your education with your professional career and personal life.

Our online PhD in Nursing is focused on research and will prepare you for a career in scientific inquiry aimed at developing new knowledge in nursing science. It will empower you for leadership roles and prepare you with the expertise to conduct research that will advance the nursing profession and improve nursing outcomes.

Admission Requirements

Applicants will be evaluated on an individual basis based on the following criteria.

Master’s degree in nursing (3.0 cumulative GPA) with official transcripts from an institution with programmatic (ACEN, NLNAC, CCNE) and regional accreditation*
A minimum grade of 3.0 for gap analysis courses only
A current unencumbered RN license; APRN license if appropriate**
Current resume or curriculum vitae.
Letter of intent describing your professional goals, research topic and the reason for pursuing the Ph.D. degree
Two recommendations from graduate-level nurses or faculty who can attest to your ability to be successful in a Ph.D. program
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These admissions standards represent the minimum eligibility requirements for programs. Admission committee members reserve the right to request additional information from candidates as needed for a more in-depth review of qualifications.

Transfer Credits: All graduate programs will allow 9 total transfer credits (must be a 3.0 or higher).

* Students who graduated from a non-programmatically accredited institution and meet all other admission requirements will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Admission is not guaranteed.

**Applications presenting a history of disciplinary action on professional licenses will be subject to an additional review process by the Special Licensure Discrepancy Committee of the University.

Applications are currently being accepted for Fall 2023

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* The baccalaureate degree in nursing/master's degree in nursing/ Doctor of Nursing Practice and post graduate APRN certificate programs at Wilkes University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org)

PhD Program Outcomes

Online PhD students can expect a variety of beneficial program outcomes.

Build critical knowledge as it relates to nursing theory, healthcare issues, nursing education and obtaining research funding:

Explore scientific philosophies and ethical theories as they pertain to the nursing profession.

Analyze the concepts of evidence-based research on policy and politics that impact population health outcomes.

Consider specific issues in science and ethics as they relate to nursing education.

Learn about the current state of scientific research and major funding trends in nursing and healthcare.

Advance your research skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis while expanding on study design:

Learn the seven steps of the research process, focusing on the development of researchable problems, literature review, and hypothesis generation.

Develop the skills to write quantitative research questions and how to select appropriate research methodologies.

Explore ways to apply qualitative inquiry as an approach to knowledge discovery.

Understand principles of measurement, instrument design and data collection methods.

Develop a comprehensive dissertation with the support of a dedicated chairperson:

Receive early engagement with a chairperson, providing structured guidance from start to finish, including dissertation research.

Formulate a dissertation that answers a pertinent research question and contributes to the body of knowledge in nursing.

Develop a literature review and mode of inquiry for your dissertation as you prepare to defend your proposal.

Implement your study through data collection and analyze the results in preparation for your dissertation defense.

Compare PhD and DNP Programs

Compare Programs	PhD In Nursing (Research Focused)	Doctor of Nursing Practice (Practice Focused)
Program Objectives	Prepare nurses at the highest level of nursing science to conduct research to advance the science of nursing	Prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes
Students	Commitment to a research and/or academic career Oriented toward developing new nursing knowledge and scientific inquiry	Commitment to a practice career Oriented toward improving outcomes of patient care and population health
Learned Outcomes	Research doctorate in nursing or related field Leadership experience in area of sustained research funding High level of expertise in research congruent with focus of academic program	Practice doctorate in nursing and expertise in area teaching Leadership experience in area of role and population practice High level of expertise in practice congruent with focus of academic program
Resources	Mentors and/or preceptors in research settings Research settings with appropriate resources Financial aid Information and research technology resources	Mentors and/or preceptors in leadership positions across practice settings Diverse practice settings with appropriate resources Financial aid Information and patient-care technology resources
Program Objectives and Evaluation	Contributes to healthcare improvements via the development of new knowledge and research projects that provide the foundation for the advancement of nursing science Oversight by the institution’s authorized bodies (i.e., graduate school) and regional accreditors	Contributes to healthcare improvements via practice, policy change and practice scholarship Receives accreditation by nursing accreditor

Compare Programs

PhD In Nursing
(Research Focused)

Doctor of Nursing Practice
(Practice Focused)

Program Objectives

Prepare nurses at the highest level of nursing science to conduct research to advance the science of nursing

Prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes

Students

Commitment to a research and/or academic career
Oriented toward developing new nursing knowledge and scientific inquiry

Commitment to a practice career
Oriented toward improving outcomes of patient care and population health

Learned Outcomes

Research doctorate in nursing or related field
Leadership experience in area of sustained research funding
High level of expertise in research congruent with focus of academic program

Practice doctorate in nursing and expertise in area teaching
Leadership experience in area of role and population practice
High level of expertise in practice congruent with focus of academic program

Resources

Mentors and/or preceptors in research settings
Research settings with appropriate resources
Financial aid
Information and research technology resources

Mentors and/or preceptors in leadership positions across practice settings
Diverse practice settings with appropriate resources
Financial aid
Information and patient-care technology resources

Program Objectives and Evaluation

Contributes to healthcare improvements via the development of new knowledge and research projects that provide the foundation for the advancement of nursing science
Oversight by the institution’s authorized bodies (i.e., graduate school) and regional accreditors