Nursing, PhD
The mission of the doctoral program of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing 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.
Graduates of this program will serve as leaders at the forefront of nursing research and its translation into practice locally, nationally, and globally. These nurse scientists will create new knowledge and be informed by a nursing perspective to enhance health and to develop and test innovations to improve outcomes of healthcare, with a priority on populations at greatest need.
The foundation of program success is the substantive match between the student and the faculty advisor. The educational experience focuses on the processes of exploring and examining substantive bodies of knowledge. The researcher’s development is fostered through exposure to an array of philosophic and methodological aspects of nursing and related basic and applied disciplines.
Our full-time PhD students are fully funded for the first four years, which includes a living stipend and covers tuition, fees, and health insurance.
For more information: https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/academics/doctor-of-philosophy-in-nursing-phd/
Curriculum
To earn the PhD, students must complete the 14 course units (CUs) in addition to satisfying several non-credit milestones.
The below requirements apply only to PhD students entering Fall 2018 and later. Students who entered in Fall 2017 and earlier should refer to the PhD Student Handbook for a complete listing of degree requirements.
Most students complete their coursework within three years and then will be on dissertation status until the final dissertation defense.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (7 CUs) | ||
| NURS 7500 | Inquiry and Nursing | 1 |
| NURS 7530 | Evolving Nursing Science | 1 |
| NURS 7540 | Quantitative Research Design and Methods | 1 |
| NURS 8000 | Dissertation Seminar I | 1 |
| NURS 8130 | Qualitative Paradigm Empirical Nursing Research | 1 |
| NURS 8900 | Nursing Doctoral Teaching Residency | 1 |
| NURS 8970 | Nursing Doctoral Research Residency | 1 |
| Statistics (2 CUs) | ||
| NURS 8100 | Statistics I | 1 |
| NURS 8110 | Statistics II | 1 |
| OR select two courses from the approved list on department website | ||
| Concentration Courses (5 CUs) | ||
| Select five courses in consultation with the faculty advisor | 5 | |
| Total Course Units | 14 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| NURS 7500 | Inquiry and Nursing | 1 |
| NURS 8130 | Qualitative Paradigm Empirical Nursing Research | 1 |
| NURS 8100 | Statistics I | 1 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 7530 | Evolving Nursing Science | 1 |
| NURS 7540 | Quantitative Research Design and Methods | 1 |
| NURS 8110 | Statistics II | 1 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Concentration Courses (3CU) | 3 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| Concentration Courses (2CU) | 2 | |
| Course Units | 2.00 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| NURS 8000 | Dissertation Seminar I | 1 |
| NURS 8900 | Nursing Doctoral Teaching Residency | 1 |
| NURS 8970 | Nursing Doctoral Research Residency | 1 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| NURS 9950 | Dissertation 1 | 0 |
| Course Units | 0.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 14.00 | |
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Dissertation status is full-time enrollment.