A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.
Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.
Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.
Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.
Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education. From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Our goal is to develop scholars of the discipline of nursing capable of building a program of research that advances nursing knowledge and contributes to the health of individuals, families, and communities.
About the Program
The Penn Advantage
Home to some of the most forward-thinking scholars and researchers in the world, Penn offers the opportunity to work alongside faculty who are actively shaping the future of nursing science and healthcare. Our networks and longstanding clinical and community partnerships throughout greater Philadelphia and beyond provide uncommon access to research and practice resources.
Program Information
Full-Time
Program Length
4 years
Financial aid available?
Yes
Start Semester
Fall
Learning Format
In-person
Program Details
Curriculum
The program consists of seven core courses, two statistics sequence courses, and five concentration courses; each course is worth one course unit, or CU. Students will take three to four courses each fall and spring semester. Most students complete their coursework within three to four years and then will be on dissertation status until the final dissertation defense.
Click the link below to view the curriculum and sample plan of study for this program on the University catalog.
Deadline: December 2, 2024 Decision Notification: mid-February
*Dates subject to change without notice.
Costs & Tuition
We are committed to assisting all full-time PhD students for four years of tuition, fees, living stipend, and health insurance. You may be internal or external funding, depending on the options available. The doctoral program leadership will determine which funding is most appropriate for all incoming students. Students who choose part-time enrollment are responsible for paying for their own tuition, fees, and health insurance.
Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance by visiting the University’s Student Registration & Financial Services website.
Our doctoral graduates go on to take coveted leadership roles in academia, healthcare, government, and related fields, and are integral to the growth of our profession.
Karen Celestine, RN, CCN, BSN, MPH
“Since joining the program, I have found clarified purpose, developed lifelong scholarly friendships with peers and mentors, and set my expectations beyond what I ever thought possible. Penn Nursing has provided financial support and unique opportunities that allow me to have a balanced academic-personal life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
PhD
Prepares nurse scientists to conduct research, develop the scholarship needed to advance the body of nursing knowledge, guide the practice of nursing, assume leadership in nursing and health care organizations, and participate in the development of social and health policy
Curricular Content:
Methods and theories used to guide research
Grant writing skills
Technology used in research
Statistical & other analytical methods
Research traditions & methodologies
Faculty role development
Cognate areas of interest to guide research
Clinical Requirements – No
Research Requirements - Faculty guided research residency hours working on an established research project(s) to hone selected research skills
Final Product - Original research project that makes a significant contribution to the science of nursing
Types of Jobs:
Academic faculty position which includes research, education, and service roles
Research Scientist for healthcare organizations, industry or government agencies
Principal Investigator on extramural research grants
Leadership positions in health organizations, industry and government agencies
Government advisor on health policy
DNP
Purpose - Prepares expert clinical scholars to perform direct clinical practice, translate, disseminate and integrate evidence-based research into clinical practice and improve quality of health outcomes for individuals, populations and systems.
Curricular Content:
Advanced clinical practice
Clinical scholarship skills
Technology used in practice
Analysis of clinical outcomes
Evidence-based practice
Leadership role development
Rural and underserved populations
Clinical Requirements - No
Research Requirements – No
Final Product – Project based
Types of Jobs:
APRN in a variety of healthcare settings
Academic faculty position which includes practice, education, and service roles
Leadership positions in health care organizations, industry, government agencies
Evidence-based Practice Coordinator
Outcomes Manager
Magnet Coordinator
Quality Improvement Director
Approximately 6-12 applicants are accepted each year.
Yes, you are encouraged to reach out to faculty who align with your research interests and may be a good mentor during your PhD program. The PhD application is about looking at faculty’s research interests and how they align with yours. In your application, you should highlight these connections.
No.
Competitive applicants will be invited to interview.
The PhD program starts in the fall semester, and it typically takes 3-5 years to complete the program.
Yes, you may apply to the PhD program with an international RN license. The license must be valid at time of application.
