The PhD program at the MSU College of Nursing is for those nurses who wish to become scientists while advancing their career — and the profession — through research and evidence-based nursing practice.
The college offers full-time, part-time, and hybrid options for the PhD in Nursing program, and is highly customizable to the student's area of research interest.
The program emphasizes independent research, critical inquiry, and the development of expertise within a chosen area of study.
Graduates contribute to the advancement of nursing through research, teaching, and leadership.
The college currently focuses on three areas of research:
Visit admissions.msu.edu → Apply → Graduate Applicants → Start a Graduate Application.
Applicants must meet university graduate requirements and:
Application period: Opens Aug. 1
Early application deadline: Dec. 1
Final application deadline: April 1
Contact
CON.Admissions@msu.edu
We offer both full-time and part-time program options to meet the needs of each individual student. The full-time program curriculum is intended to be completed in four-years. Many students complete the full-time program while working 10-20 hours per week either at MSU or as a nurse. The part-time program is intended to be a six-year program. This enables students to pursue their PhD while also having time to manage other responsibilities. Students' actual time to degree will vary depending on their progress.
For examples of each curriculum, please see the PhD Handbook.
Course requirements
66 credits minimum at the doctoral level:
CEP 933: Quantitative Methods in Educational Research II or EPI 808: Biostatistics I
CEP 934: Multivariate Data Analysis I or EPI 809: Biostatistics II
NUR 920: Translation of Research and Scientific Knowledge to a Community Setting
NUR 921: Scientific Foundations of Nursing Knowledge Development
NUR 924: Designing Interventions for Improving Health Outcomes
NUR 930: Methods in Clinical Research
NUR 939: Improving Health Outcomes: Scientific Foundations
NUR 940: Research Practicum
NUR 950: Nursing Research Seminar I
NUR 951: Nursing Research Seminar II
NUR 999: Nursing Dissertation
VAR: Qualitative research course, as approved by committee
VAR: At least two courses in area of concentration, as approved by committee
VAR: At least two additional statistics courses, as approved by committee
NOTE: Students who have not completed a master's degree in nursing may be required to complete additional coursework as identified by their Faculty Advisor and Program Guidance Committee.
Optional College of Nursing Certification in College Teaching Program (CCTP):
NUR 861: Curriculum design
NUR 866: Academic and clinical teaching in nursing education
No. Applicants must hold a BSN or higher (BSN or BAN). Both bachelor’s- and master’s-prepared nurses are eligible. Additional coursework or clinical experience may be required depending on research interests.
Applicants must complete a 3-credit graduate-level statistics course within the past five years, with a minimum grade of 3.0. This requirement can be completed during the first semester of the program.
The PhD in Nursing is offered in in-person or hybrid formats. Nursing courses are primarily on campus, with some hybrid and online options. Most students complete the program in about 4 years full-time or 6 years part-time, following an individualized plan of study.
Not all applicants are invited to interview. If selected, interviews are conducted virtually or on campus and typically last 1.5 to 3 hours. Admission decisions are usually sent via email within two months of the interview.
The PhD in Nursing program admits students for the fall semester.
Yes. Up to 45% of PhD coursework (excluding dissertation credits) may be transferred, pending faculty review and approval of transcripts and course syllabi.
Yes. Out-of-state and international students are welcome to apply.
Funding opportunities include College of Nursing scholarships (available January through March 1) and other financial resources. Tuition varies by residency status. Learn more on our Scholarships page.
