Ph.D. in Nursing

Program Description

The Ph.D. Program in Nursing will prepare strong scientists to conduct nursing research in the broad area of Trajectories of Chronic Illness and Care Systems. Graduates will assume roles primarily in academic and research settings. Our approach is to admit a small number of highly qualified applicants so that every student will work closely with one or more faculty members in a series of mentored experiences, supported by formal course work, to (a) ensure socialization to the role of research scientist; (b) ensure significant knowledge and skill acquisition for launching a successful program of research post doctorate; and (c) to prepare for an entry level role in an academic setting. Students will work on active research projects and it is expected that most will graduate with a record of publication. Each fall, students are admitted for full-time study to engage in rigorous research training for scientific careers in clinical or academic nursing. Students will receive tuition and stipend support.

Statistics

• Nursing: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Nursing: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Nursing: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Nursing: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available: Fall

Application Deadline: November 26

Graduate School Application Requirements
See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English
  *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Statement of Purpose Guidelines
Applicants should submit a paper (1 - 2 typed pages, 12-point font, single spaced) indicating:

• Purposes and objectives for undertaking PhD study
• Research interests and career goals
• Strengths and weaknesses in the chosen field
• A description of prior research project or research participation and how this has influenced career choice and desire to pursue graduate studies
• Reasons for choosing Duke for PhD studies
• Name(s) of PhD Nursing faculty members in the School whose research program most closely fits with the applicant’s research interests.

Writing Sample
None required

Additional Requirements
Nursing License: Students must hold a valid current nursing license in a U.S. state, preferably North Carolina. To obtain information about nurse licensure procedures for the State of North Carolina, consult the Licensure/Listing Page of the North Carolina Board of Nursing website, or telephone the North Carolina Board of Nursing at (919) 782-3211. Exceptions to holding a U.S state nursing license for international students can be waived by the PhD Program Director.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

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