Compare Top Online Nursing PhD Programs
Facilitating impactful changes in the nursing field takes commitment and knowledge — and in most cases, a doctorate. Fortunately, earning an online PhD in Nursing is entirely possible, as it does not have the same clinical requirements as an MSN or BSN. Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about earning your PhD in Nursing online.
Comparing Online Nursing PhD Programs: Which School is Best?
As a working nurse, you’ve seen the need for field improvements, higher educational standards, and improved quality of care first-hand. If you’re eager to make an impactful difference and become a leader in your field, earning an online Nursing PhD is the best route to working in academia or clinical research.
Unlike a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing PhD programs can be completed entirely online, as nurses who qualify for a doctoral degree already have hundreds of hours of clinical experience under their belts. In some cases, online nursing PhD programs include “intensives” or in-person clinical sessions that occur over a few days. This can be at the beginning or end of a program or once every semester.
If you’re willing to travel occasionally while earning your doctorate, an online nursing PhD can open the door to many schools and specialized programs. Of course, nursing school can be highly competitive, and you’ll want to apply to programs that meet your academic and career goals.
To help you cut through the noise and find high-quality, accredited, and well-respected online PhDs in Nursing, we’ve selected a few of today’s top programs to compare. Later, we’ll cover different nursing doctorates, tuition costs, career outcomes, and everything you need to know to begin choosing your online Nursing PhD program.
Online PhD in Nursing — University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
As the largest nursing school in Wisconsin, UW-Milwaukee partners with over 160 agencies to educate future nurse scientists, researchers, and educators. Graduates of the online PhD in Nursing program are ready for careers in education, research and practice, and leadership.
Students are admitted as a cohort and must attend a three-day orientation at the beginning of the program, then return to campus at the end of their program. Throughout the four-year program, PhD students work closely with professors to plan and conduct cutting-edge research using various research methods. Students will eventually disseminate their research findings to help advance the nursing field.
Admissions to the online program are offered every two years, and courses must be taken in sequential order. To help alleviate the financial burden of nursing school, UW-Milwaukee awards more than $500,000 of nursing scholarships and funding annually.
Mode: Online
Cost: $49,340
Admissions Requirements:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or health-related field from a professionally accredited program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (4.0 scale) for all previous graduate coursework
- A written statement detailing previous professional experience, professional career goals, research interests, motivation for PhD study, and educational objectives
- Two examples of original work demonstrating the applicant’s academic potential
- Unofficial transcripts from each academic institution attended where at least nine or more credits were attempted or completed
- Three academic references
- Current curriculum vitae
- Completion of a graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or higher within the last five years or the first program semester
Curriculum: The program curriculum is focused on teaching students comprehensive research methods, scientific integrity, nursing theory, information technology, quality care standards, and thorough knowledge of a substantive area of nursing expertise.
Best For: Students who want to further the nursing field through innovative scientific research studies.
Online Nursing Education PhD – University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
UNC’s online PhD in Nursing Education is designed to equip scholars for roles in academic or organizational healthcare settings. Graduates will gain the expertise and confidence to excel as nurse educators, with a strong focus on developing a research trajectory specific to nursing education. This doctoral program builds on knowledge acquired at the bachelor’s or master’s level, emphasizing educational strategies, leadership, research, and knowledge development.
A mandatory 5-day orientation is held in July before the program begins. This includes two days on campus in Greeley and three days attending the Nurse Educator Conference in the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, some students choose to visit campus for significant milestones such as their dissertation proposal hearing, dissertation defense, or oral comprehensive exams.
Throughout the program, students will benefit from the university’s interdisciplinary educational resources, drawing on expertise and research opportunities across nursing and other academic disciplines.
Duration: 4+ years
Mode: Online
Cost: $48,444
Admissions Requirements:
- Ensure the program meets your state’s nursing requirements
- Apply via Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS)
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation from former faculty or colleagues with a doctoral degree
- Official transcript from each college or university where courses were taken, including documentation of earning a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Current vita or resume
- Copy of current, unencumbered RN license
- A statement of career goals, including a potential area of research interest or general dissertation topic
- Sample of written scholarly work, project, or publication in which the applicant was the lead or sole contributor
- A personal interview may be required
Curriculum: The program curriculum is focused on researching and generating new knowledge to advanced nursing science, advancing the professional discipline of nursing via leadership, and promoting innovative, evidence-based approaches in nurse education.
Best For: Practicing RNs who want to become nurse educators, instructors, curriculum coordinators, or consultants.
Online PhD in Nursing – Wilkes University
Wilkes University’s online PhD in Nursing is designed for nurses who want to conduct research that will advance nursing science and education. A strong emphasis on research and leadership ensures graduates are prepared to critically evaluate research findings and apply them to real-world challenges.
Faculty research areas include nursing leadership, cultural competency, advanced practice, disease management, healthcare policy, and nursing education. Once students select a research focus aligned with their interests, they work closely with a dedicated chairperson to build expertise, refine research skills, and develop a comprehensive dissertation.
This part-time program is designed to help working nurses fulfill their leadership and academic potential while balancing current responsibilities. It consists of 17 12-week courses and takes an average of three years to complete (depending on the dissertation). Graduates can expect to work in leadership positions as department heads, program coordinators, and nursing school deans.
Duration: Three Years
Mode: Online
Cost: $48,175
Admissions Requirements:
- MSN with official transcripts from an institution with programmatic and regional accreditation and a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A current unencumbered RN license; APRN license if appropriate
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Letter of intent describing professional goals, research topic, and the reason for pursuing a PhD
- Two recommendations from graduate-level nurses or faculty who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a PhD program
- Reside in an authorized state
Curriculum:
The program curriculum is focused on building critical knowledge around nursing theory and education, healthcare issues, and obtaining research funding; advancing research skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis while expanding on study design; and developing a comprehensive dissertation.
Best For: Aspiring nurse leaders who want to balance empirical, scientific research with academic leadership and expertise to advance the nursing profession and improve nursing outcomes.
Gut Check: Is a Nursing PhD Right for You?
Having already attended nursing school, you understand the time and commitment required to graduate from these rigorous programs. A PhD is a serious commitment, especially if you plan to continue working as a nurse while pursuing your doctoral degree. Before diving into an online nursing PhD program, it’s essential to discern whether it is worth the time, money, and potential burnout; these questions can help you assess whether a doctoral degree is the right choice.
- What are my career goals, and how will a PhD in Nursing help me achieve them?
- Am I committed to conducting original research and writing a dissertation?
- How long will it take to complete a nursing PhD program, and am I ready for the time commitment?
- Can I manage potential debt or loss of income while pursuing my PhD, and what financial aid is available to help offset the costs?
- How will this PhD enhance my credibility, leadership, and career opportunities?
Answers to Nursing PhD Student FAQs
A 50-word paragraph explaining that most students in their shoes have the following questions, so we answer each of them in detail below.
Is it worth it to get a PhD in nursing?
In many cases, a master’s degree will qualify you for a higher-level position within nursing. However, if you plan to work in academia or conduct research, a PhD is a necessity. Earning a PhD in nursing will also significantly boost your income. According to the most recent Salary and Compensation Study for Nurse Leaders by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), over half (57%) of respondents earned between $90,000 and $169,999, while 32% of respondents earned $170,000 or more, broken down as follows:
- 12% earned between $170,000 and $199,999,
- 10% earned between $200,000 and $249,999, and
- 10% earned $250,000 or more.
Does a PhD in nursing require clinical hours?
No, a PhD in nursing generally does not require clinical hours. Instead, nursing PhD programs focus on conducting academic research to advance nursing knowledge. A substantial dissertation based on original research is commonly found in nursing PhD programs. This is why nursing PhD programs are readily available online, whereas a BSN or MSN can only be completed partially online due to in-person clinical requirements.
Can you get a PhD in nursing without a Masters?
Yes, BSN to PhD programs are available for students who want to go straight from earning their baccalaureate to their doctorate. During these programs, students often gain a master’s degree (MSN) and a nursing PhD. While these programs typically take longer than traditional PhD programs, they take less time than earning an MSN and PhD separately, as some of the coursework overlaps. In short, this is an excellent option for fresh BSN graduates who are sure they want to earn a PhD in nursing or seasoned BSN graduates who wish to jump straight into a doctoral program.
What jobs require a PhD in Nursing?
Nurse leaders with senior-level titles must have a PhD or DNP degree. This includes chief nursing officers (CNOs), chief nursing executives (CNEs), nursing consultants, presidents/vice presidents, and other c-suite titles. According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chief executives earned a median salary of $206,680, while nursing positions requiring an MSN (e.g., nurse anesthetists, midwives, and practitioners) earned a median salary of $129,480. Essentially, jobs requiring a PhD in nursing pay over $75,000 more annually than those requiring an MSN.
Nursing PhD Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
For many potential PhD students, the thought of adding to current student loan debt or acquiring new debt is a huge deterrent from pursuing your online nursing doctorate. While some students manage to graduate nursing school debt free, find relief through loan forgiveness programs, or land other forms of financial aid, your best option for minimizing student loan debt is choosing a program within your budget.
Finding and comparing the cost of tuition, program fees, and financial assistance is the best way to narrow your search. As you may have noticed, online Nursing PhDs can cost anywhere between $26,000 to $83,000. While a school may appear to have lower tuition fees, things like the program timeline and additional course fees can result in unexpected sticker shock. To help you better understand the different nursing PhD tuition rates, we’ve linked some programs below, along with their estimated cost.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee | Online PhD in Nursing | $49,340 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Online PhD in Nursing Education | $48,444 |
| Wilkes University | Online PhD in Nursing | $48,175 |
| Liberty University | Online PhD in Nursing Education | $35,700 – $39,000 |
| Ohio State University | Online PhD in Nursing Ethics | $82,955 |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Online Nursing Leadership PhD | $26,694 – $33,367 |
| University of North Dakota | Online Nursing PhD | $73,395 |
Ranking Today’s Best Online Nursing PhD Programs
Many high-quality, accredited online PhD nursing programs are available to students seeking a terminal degree. As online learning allows you to enroll in a program thousands of miles away, you have many options when choosing a school. But with so many quality programs to choose from, how do you find the best program fit? Our list of top online PhD nursing programs can help jumpstart your search.
Our data team researched various schools with PhD nursing programs and scored them on factors like tuition cost, program flexibility, and accreditation. Our goal was to create a collection of programs that provide quality doctoral education at a reasonable price and offer the most learning flexibility. See which schools came out on top in our rankings.
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Public
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Public
South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota
Public
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Private
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Public
Salve Regina University
Newport, Rhode Island
Private
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Public
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama
Private
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Public
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, Texas
Private
What’s the Difference Between a PhD, DNP, and DNE Nursing Degree?
Regarding advanced nursing degrees, the three most common programs are the PhD, DNP, and EdD. Each is a very different program that offers different outcomes for graduates, although there can be a little bit of overlap in what graduates can do with each degree. To help clarify things a bit, here’s what you need to know about these three options.
PhD in Nursing
Program Overview
This degree strongly emphasizes research, theory, and applying new concepts to the nursing profession. Many PhD nursing students use this degree to move into academia and teach other nurses.
Length of Study
Depending upon the program, this can take 3 to 5 years of full-time study, including the time for dissertation and defense. Given the inherently self-paced nature of the dissertation, how long it takes to earn a PhD in nursing largely depends on how quickly the student completes and defends the dissertation.
Clinicals Required?
None
Final Project
PhD students must complete a dissertation and then successfully defend that dissertation before a panel of educators, peers, researchers, and other interested parties in the nursing field.
Common Career Outcomes
This degree often leads to academic pursuits, including healthcare research and teaching the next generation of nurses.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Program Overview
As the name suggests, a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) focuses on evidence-based care practices for patients, communities, and specific populations.
Length of Study
Five to six semesters of study are standard for those who enter with a master’s degree.
Clinicals Required?
Clinicals are often required, but the amount of hands-on study varies by program. Clinicals are usually necessary for a much shorter period than lower degree levels; 400 hours of study under supervision is a typical number.
Final Project
A final scholarly project replaces the dissertation. This project can take many forms, depending upon the student’s focus, but usually includes a look at how nursing practice can be improved for various populations or areas.
Common Career Outcomes
Those who earn this degree are likely to continue working in a patient-facing role, although usually with more clinical and administrative responsibilities.
Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE/EdD)
Program Overview
With a focus on the educational aspects of nursing, this degree prepares students to teach others through evidence-based research, practice, and real-world scenarios.
Length of Study
Students who enter the EdD program with a bachelor’s degree can often complete the program in three years of full-time study.
Clinicals Required?
None
Final Project
The final capstone project usually consists of applying educational theories to real-world scenarios faced by nursing students or nurses in practice.
Common Career Outcomes
Though this degree will help graduates work in a clinical or research setting, the most common career pathway takes graduates into nursing education.
Salary & Career Outlook for Nursing PhD Grads
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $49,120 | $80,780 | $130,320 |
| Alabama | $60,730 | $78,610 | $110,230 |
| Alaska | $53,400 | $92,520 | $137,780 |
| Arizona | $49,650 | $68,470 | $127,470 |
| Arkansas | $48,290 | $63,560 | $83,230 |
| California | $47,380 | $94,240 | $139,330 |
| Colorado | $35,740 | $81,610 | $129,330 |
| Connecticut | $50,020 | $84,690 | $191,930 |
| Delaware | $51,550 | $86,020 | $156,580 |
| Florida | $59,790 | $81,210 | $111,570 |
| Georgia | $46,890 | $72,000 | $107,480 |
| Hawaii | $49,310 | $105,340 | $134,500 |
| Idaho | $59,570 | $73,850 | $108,480 |
| Illinois | $48,790 | $81,600 | $119,380 |
| Indiana | $48,100 | $78,160 | $109,970 |
| Iowa | $47,110 | $69,290 | $105,580 |
| Kansas | $43,400 | $76,000 | $91,200 |
| Kentucky | $49,490 | $78,190 | $113,860 |
| Louisiana | $52,090 | $73,780 | $109,100 |
| Maine | $51,350 | $77,370 | $109,190 |
| Maryland | $54,460 | $82,330 | $131,090 |
| Massachusetts | $49,500 | $82,250 | $130,500 |
| Michigan | $41,950 | $82,510 | $122,930 |
| Minnesota | $50,320 | $81,440 | $124,770 |
| Mississippi | $46,350 | $64,820 | $90,790 |
| Missouri | $47,990 | $75,260 | $103,940 |
| Montana | $60,030 | $84,460 | $105,270 |
| Nebraska | $49,170 | $69,710 | $110,950 |
| Nevada | $59,690 | $84,580 | $134,850 |
| New Hampshire | $51,080 | $82,330 | $122,370 |
| New Jersey | $51,230 | $102,460 | $151,170 |
| New Mexico | $41,020 | $78,740 | $100,780 |
| New York | $47,840 | $93,600 | $174,610 |
| North Carolina | $43,710 | $71,780 | $110,750 |
| North Dakota | $62,130 | $81,320 | $102,250 |
| Ohio | $39,900 | $76,640 | $110,960 |
| Oklahoma | $48,260 | $64,260 | $91,070 |
| Oregon | $58,650 | $103,790 | $163,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,600 | $80,720 | $130,490 |
| Rhode Island | $51,720 | $78,510 | $110,530 |
| South Carolina | $59,040 | $78,450 | $110,320 |
| South Dakota | $48,650 | $63,980 | $82,360 |
| Tennessee | $51,200 | $78,430 | $110,800 |
| Texas | $57,590 | $96,000 | $129,080 |
| Utah | $52,330 | $85,050 | $133,410 |
| Vermont | $45,370 | $77,710 | $117,400 |
| Virginia | $38,910 | $79,290 | $104,810 |
| Washington | $49,770 | $77,600 | $131,090 |
| West Virginia | $49,790 | $78,830 | $108,440 |
| Wisconsin | $49,030 | $79,500 | $104,070 |
| Wyoming | $42,320 | $69,220 | $99,130 |
Source: Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 85,900 | 101,500 | 15,600 | 18.20% | 8,800 |
| Alabama | 1,630 | 1,880 | 250 | 15.30% | 160 |
| Alaska | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Arizona | 1,480 | 1,790 | 310 | 20.90% | 160 |
| Arkansas | 650 | 770 | 120 | 18.50% | 70 |
| California | 6,900 | 8,500 | 1,600 | 23.20% | 750 |
| Colorado | 1,270 | 1,730 | 460 | 36.20% | 160 |
| Connecticut | 1,060 | 1,320 | 260 | 24.50% | 120 |
| Delaware | 310 | 400 | 90 | 29.00% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 140 | 160 | 20 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Florida | 5,760 | 7,350 | 1,590 | 27.60% | 670 |
| Georgia | 1,470 | 1,800 | 330 | 22.40% | 160 |
| Idaho | 400 | 510 | 110 | 27.50% | 50 |
| Illinois | 3,180 | 3,680 | 500 | 15.70% | 320 |
| Indiana | 1,340 | 1,610 | 270 | 20.10% | 140 |
| Iowa | 840 | 1,050 | 210 | 25.00% | 100 |
| Kansas | 960 | 1,150 | 190 | 19.80% | 100 |
| Kentucky | 700 | 830 | 130 | 18.60% | 70 |
| Louisiana | 540 | 660 | 120 | 22.20% | 60 |
| Maine | 400 | 450 | 50 | 12.50% | 40 |
| Maryland | 1,140 | 1,480 | 340 | 29.80% | 140 |
| Massachusetts | 760 | 970 | 210 | 27.60% | 90 |
| Michigan | 2,630 | 3,090 | 460 | 17.50% | 270 |
| Minnesota | 960 | 1,130 | 170 | 17.70% | 100 |
| Mississippi | 680 | 830 | 150 | 22.10% | 70 |
| Missouri | 1,290 | 1,540 | 250 | 19.40% | 130 |
| Montana | 200 | 250 | 50 | 25.00% | 20 |
| Nebraska | 670 | 690 | 20 | 3.00% | 60 |
| Nevada | 420 | 530 | 110 | 26.20% | 50 |
| New Hampshire | 490 | 580 | 90 | 18.40% | 50 |
| New Jersey | 2,480 | 2,980 | 500 | 20.20% | 260 |
| New Mexico | 250 | 320 | 70 | 28.00% | 30 |
| New York | 5,850 | 7,120 | 1,270 | 21.70% | 130 |
| North Carolina | 2,300 | 2,880 | 580 | 25.20% | 260 |
| North Dakota | 220 | 250 | 30 | 13.60% | 20 |
| Ohio | 3,580 | 4,150 | 570 | 15.90% | 360 |
| Oklahoma | 750 | 870 | 120 | 16.00% | 80 |
| Oregon | 670 | 820 | 150 | 22.40% | 70 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,110 | 4,790 | 680 | 16.50% | 410 |
| Rhode Island | 240 | 290 | 50 | 20.80% | 30 |
| South Carolina | 830 | 1,050 | 220 | 26.50% | 100 |
| South Dakota | 270 | 330 | 60 | 22.20% | 30 |
| Tennessee | 1,640 | 2,200 | 560 | 34.10% | 210 |
| Texas | 6,820 | 8,480 | 1,660 | 24.30% | 760 |
| Utah | 860 | 1,180 | 320 | 37.20% | 110 |
| Washington | 1,490 | 1,960 | 470 | 31.50% | 230 |
| West Virginia | 300 | 350 | 50 | 16.70% | 30 |
| Wisconsin | 1,190 | 1,460 | 270 | 22.70% | 130 |
| Wyoming | 130 | 170 | 40 | 30.80% | 20 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
