Nursing PhD

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 37.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1141

About the Program

Students in the PhD in Nursing program gain the knowledge, skills, and scholarly preparation needed to become independent nurse scientists and leaders in advancing health. Learners develop strong foundations in nursing theory, research design, research methods, and the responsible conduct of research. Graduates learn to design, implement, and disseminate original research that addresses complex health challenges affecting individuals, families, communities, and health systems. Through coursework and mentored research experiences, students build competencies in critical thinking, scientific writing, grant development, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The program prepares learners to generate new nursing knowledge using diverse approaches, including community-engaged inquiry, clinical and translational research, and analysis of large-scale health data. Graduates are prepared to launch independent programs of research and to seek extramural funding to support their scholarly goals.

Students learn through a mentorship-driven, research-intensive experience that emphasizes active engagement in real-world scholarship. Learners work closely with faculty mentors and interdisciplinary collaborators across Drexel University and in community and clinical settings. Signature experiences include participation in funded research projects, opportunities to publish and present scholarly work, and engagement in innovative approaches such as technology-enabled interventions, advanced analytics, and research that translates evidence into practice. Small seminar-style courses, collaborative learning environments, and access to Drexel’s research infrastructure support students in developing as independent investigators. Flexible pathways allow students to pursue full-time or part-time study in in-person or hybrid formats.

Graduates are prepared for diverse career and academic opportunities. Pathways include faculty positions in universities, research scientist roles in healthcare systems and research institutes, and leadership positions in government, nonprofit, and industry settings. The program also prepares students for postdoctoral training and advanced research careers. Alumni emerge as experts who shape evidence-based practice, influence health policy, and lead initiatives that improve health outcomes locally, nationally, and globally.

Drexel’s PhD in Nursing program is distinguished by its interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, and focus on real-world impact. Students engage with scholars across public health, informatics, engineering, and behavioral sciences, gaining perspectives that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. Drexel’s experiential learning model ensures that doctoral education is closely connected to practice, innovation, and community partnership. With dedicated mentorship, cutting-edge resources, and a collaborative academic environment, Drexel prepares nurse scientists to lead meaningful change in health and health care.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Admission Requirements

Current United States/International licensure as a registered nurse.

A Master's Degree in one of the following:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
• Master’s degree in a health-related field (If master’s degree is not in Nursing, a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) is required).
• GPA of 3.25.

GRE scores (optional).

International applicants, as well as immigrants to the United States and U.S. permanent residents whose native language is not English and who have not received a bachelor's degree or higher in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom must show proficiency in English speaking as well as listening, writing and reading. International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL minimum score: 100), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS minimum Overall Band Score: 7.0), or the Duolingo Test (Duolingo minimum score: 130) unless they meet the criteria for a waiver

Letters of recommendation (3): Letters must address your academic ability, professionalism, and practice competence from a person in a position to appraise you: specifically, a professor, employer, or professional colleague. The reference may not be from a friend, family member or workplace/organizational peer or subordinate.

Personal Statement/Essay that addresses the following items [word-processed; approximately 1000 words in length]:

• Introduce yourself and describe the personal attributes and experiences that will promote your success in Drexel University’s PhD in Nursing program.
• Describe why you are interested in the Nursing PhD.
• Your potential research interest. Identify a potential faculty mentor in the Nursing PhD program with whom you would like to work and offer an explanation as to how your interests fit with the proposed faculty mentor’s research platform/trajectory.
• Professional accomplishments as evidenced by a current submitted vitae or resume.
• Fit with available faculty research interests and expertise.

Personal interview with a faculty member.

Degree Requirements

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NURS 8050 Research Apprenticeship is required for students not participating in a research fellowship.

Program Learning Outcomes