https://graduate.ouhsc.edu/Programs Parent Page: Programs id: 27772 Active Page: Nursing PhD Program id: 35746

What is this program/degree?  

“The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree represents the highest level of formal education to prepare individuals to advance the scholarship of discovery for a given discipline. The PhD is a prerequisite for academia and certain senior leadership roles in multiple disciplines within academic institutions and development of independence in scientific or scholarly pursuits outside academia”
(AACN, 2022). Citation: AACN Pathways Excellence Position Statement.pdf 

What can someone pursue in this field of study?  

The PhD Program aims to prepare faculty scholars, health care policy advocates, and clinical innovators who are highly capable and driven to engage in research and scholarly, scientific activities that enhance the health of individuals, families, and communities, increase the effectiveness of health care systems, and further the translation of research into practice.   

What  can I do with this degree after graduation? 

Academic institutions (faculty role), large hospital systems who have nurse scientist roles, state and federal health agencies, industry (i.e., pharmaceutical companies), and philanthropy or non-profit organizations employ PhD-prepared nurses.  The PhD degree is recognized as a research degree, so it is widely marketable across roles requiring analytical expertise. 

What makes this program special at the college?  

PhD degrees require rigorous programs to produce independent scientists at graduation. The program requires substantial “thinking time” to synthesize content and research skills each semester as well as “writing time” to complete written assignments within the student’s area of research interest. The program additionally requires hands-on, experiential time for research practica and the student’s culminating dissertation research project. Full-time study is like a full-time job in terms of hours of investment, truly. But it is possible to work part-time while you enroll full-time in the program, and almost all of our students maintain some form of part-time professional nursing work while they work toward their PhD. 

Average Class Size

4-6 students per year

Multiple scholarship/pre-doctoral funding opportunities

Average time to complete the program

Full-time study: 3-4 years 

Part-time study: 4-5 years 

Curriculum

Three domains of coursework comprise the required courses for the OU PhD program with a nursing major. These domains include Nursing Science Core, Research Methods Core, and substantive focus area. OU dissertation requirements must also be met. Courses taken in the focus area may be established courses, NEXus courses or non-Nursing courses offered in a specific area of a student’s research focus. For example, such courses could include topics related to physiology, psychology, nutrition, in-depth analysis of content related to a faculty’s clinical expertise, or education. The minimum required number of semester hours for the PhD degree, combining both formal graduate level courses and hours of dissertation research hours is 90 (also referred to as post-baccalaureate hours). This includes hours transferred in from a prior master’s degree.

View the Graduate Course Catalog for course descriptions

Admission Requirements

Applicants may enter the PhD program with either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in Nursing.  

  • TOEFL may be required for students born outside the U.S.   
    • The desired scores are at least 550 for the paper-based test or 79 on the internet-based version and must be no more than two years old. 
  • Submit a current Curriculum Vitae.  
  • Evidence of entry level graduate writing ability based on written application essay.  
  • Three letters of recommendation  
    • Reference persons should include at least two persons having earned doctorates (Ph.D., D.N.Sc., etc.) qualified to comment on the applicant's abilities and one person who can provide work related information. 
  • Official Transcripts from ALL previously attended institutions.   
  • Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees is desired at the time of application.  
  • Prerequisite Statistics Course. The course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.   
    • Please note a C-minus does not meet the minimum C grade requirement for prerequisites.  
  • Interviews with PhD nursing faculty members, in person or via telephone conference (arranged by the College of Nursing).  
  • Please Note: The LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Post-Graduate Certificates, PhD, and DNP programs in the OU College of Nursing are hybrid and/or online programs. The F-1 visa regulations require in-person courses, and these programs do not meet those requirements. Thus, international students are not accepted for these programs (LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, Post-Graduate Certificates, PhD, and DNP). International students are only eligible to apply for the ABSN and TBSN pathways as they have in-person requirements. 

If after reviewing the qualifications for this program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact Nursing@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in health sciences.  

What makes thiS program unique?

Program Details

Location Offered

Online

Degree Acquired

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing 

Application Window

Application Cycle opens in November; deadline April 1st

Admissions

Have questions about the admissions requirements? We're here to help you navigate the process.

Tuition and Aid

Need help with tuition and financial aid? We're here to help you explore your options and support you through the process.

I chose to complete my doctoral degree in the OU Health Sciences Department of Cell Biology due to their competitive and innovative research and their supportive community that encourages student success.

Michaela Vance
Conley Lab, Cell Biology PhD Program, Fourth Year

Why OU Graduate College?

Discover why we lead in educating top professionals who serve as clinicians, educators, researchers, and administrators in healthcare and education.

Student Life

Discover what makes student life here unique, from vibrant campus events to a supportive community that feels like home.

Visit

Experience the OU Health campus firsthand. Schedule your visit today and see what makes us extraordinary.