Earn your Ph.D. in Nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis

UMSL's Ph.D. program in nursing is a dynamic and prestigious academic endeavor designed to cultivate future nurse leaders and scholars in the field. With a strong emphasis on research and scholarship, the program aims to equip students with the expertise needed to make significant contributions to the discipline of nursing and healthcare science. The PhD program is designed for students seeking a traditional research doctorate with the desire to master both the broad discipline of nursing as well as the depth of a specific area of study.


Program type:

Doctorate, Ph.D.

Format:

Online
(95% asynchronous, 5% synchronous)

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PhD Nursing

Our PhD program in nursing places a strong emphasis on innovative research, theoretical inquiry, and socially meaningful science that supports the discipline and practice nursing and leadership skills to drive significant transformations in healthcare practice, policy, and education. Our faculty researchers have expertise in health promotion, optimizing health outcomes for chronic illnesses, maternal and infant health, healthcare system design, trauma and mental health, and machine learning for treatment and health outcomes. Students will be guided by truly committed faculty members who are dedicated to student success and advancing knowledge in the healthcare field.

Program Options

  • Full-time and Part-time BSN to PhD
  • Full-time and Part-time MSN to PhD

GRE scores are not required

Outcomes and Career Outlook

The Ph.D. program aims to equip graduates with expertise in the healthcare discipline, advanced research skills, and effective leadership abilities. Students develop their own research programs focusing on patient-related outcomes and translate nursing research into practice and policy. Upon completion of the program, graduates can advance in their current career, pursue roles as researchers, faculty scholars, policy advocates, institutional administrators, consultants, or entrepreneurs. Our Ph.D. graduates have a diverse range of career opportunities and options.

The median annual salary for Nursing Careers is $93,000 according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

93000

Median annual salary

40

Employment growth by 2031

Application Deadline

The priority deadline for receipt of all admission materials is January 15 of each year for the following fall admission. After January 15, rolling admissions across semesters. Only completed applications with all required documents (official transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays, etc.) are reviewed for admission. Notification of acceptance to the PhD program occurs by March for applications received by the priority deadline. Notification of acceptance occurs within four weeks during the rolling admission period.

How to Apply to a Graduate Nursing Program

Plan of study

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Review Full Degree Requirements Download Admissions Requirements

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

College of Nursing

UMSL College of Nursing transforms lives.

Why Choose UMSL Nursing?

With UMSL Nursing, you’ll join an empowering community of dedicated nurse practitioners and researchers you’ll have access to a network of leading healthcare providers in the region to advance your career in nursing.

The UMSL College of Nursing is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and leadership through academic, clinical and research initiatives. We are proud to prepare nurses as clinicians, scientists, and educators, and facilitate professional advancement through our innovative programs.

College of Nursing

Accredited excellence.

Learn more about the College of Nursing's program accreditation

College of Nursing students at work

Dedicated faculty.

UMSL College of Nursing faculty and staff are dedicated to student success and the advancement of the science and practice of nursing.

Our faculty members are recognized across the country as leaders in nursing education and research. Their academic training comes from some of the highest ranking and highest profile universities in the country. They are experts in everything from labor and delivery to mental health, geriatric to family nursing, pediatrics to women’s health and much more. All ready to help you become an expert too.

College of Nursing at UMSL Faculty

A network 5,000 strong.

As one of the largest preparers of professional nurses in Missouri, UMSL nursing graduates are well prepared to adapt to new technology, bridge cultural differences, adopt new standards of care and deliver care in challenging circumstances.

UMSL College of Nursing advisors are ready to create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re looking for an undergraduate degree or are furthering your education, the College of Nursing offers a variety of degree programs to get you where you want to go.

College of Nursing at UMSL alumni

UMSL Rankings

#1

in Missouri for affordability
(Business Insider)

#1

Online College in Missouri
(Forbes 2024)

60+

non-degree certificate programs

#1

transfer destination in St.Louis

#5

nationally for adult education
(Great Value Colleges)

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