Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

The research area in an admission application should be well-defined but not overly rigid. Candidates should demonstrate a clear focus within their field of interest, outlining specific research questions or problems they aim to address. The proposal should show a solid understanding of current literature and gaps in knowledge, indicating how their research could contribute to the field. While applicants may have a general idea of their methodology and potential outcomes, there should be room for refinement and adaptation as they progress in their studies. The research area should align with the program’s strengths and faculty expertise. Overall, the essay should reflect the applicant’s understanding of the issue, and critical thinking skills, and potential for conducting meaningful research, while still allowing for guidance and development throughout the program.

Although contacting a faculty member in your research area is not required, it is an opportunity to become familiar with researchers in your area of interest and to ask questions not addressed on the school’s website. While it can be helpful to have a direct match, students often have great success in the program when a piece of the research overlaps with the advisor.  If there is a particular faculty member whose work interests you, you may discuss this as part of your application essay.  The best place to start is with the PhD Assistant Director of Recruitment, Cesar Nuñez at [email protected] and with a review of our most recent PhD virtual information session at https://nursing.jhu.edu/admissions/ask/program-specific-recorded-events/.

Once you are admitted to the PhD program , the PhD Admissions Committee determines who will be your advisor(s). Generally, two co-advisors are assigned. We match students with faculty members who have similar research interests.

The PhD program prepares the nurse scholar to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The program is designed to prepare nurses for careers as research scientists, often in academic or governmental positions.

The DNP program prepares nurse leaders for evidence-based practice in both direct patient care and executive roles.  View Comparison Chart

The time needed to complete the program varies, depending on how fast you progress. Some students in our program finish their degree in three years, others take four years or longer.

Students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Johns Hopkins School of Nursing requires a minimum TOEFL-IBT score of 100 to be eligible for admission. More

The PhD program has a Biostatistics heavy curriculum so previous coursework in Biostatistics is helpful.  We encourage students that have not had previous coursework in this area, or have not taken the coursework in the past five years, to look for ways to strengthen that knowledge base before matriculating into the program. Please reach out to Cesar Nunez, Assistant Director of Recruitment, at [email protected] for a list of resources to help you prepare while applying and before matriculating into the program. 

GRE scores are accepted but not required.

The PhD program is a full time, onsite program only. 

Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside the classroom for every 1 credit in required coursework. For example, a 3-credit course requires 6-9 hours reading, studying, writing, or other assignments outside of classroom time. Full-time students should plan to work 15 hours per week on their funded research residency in collaboration with their faculty supervisor for all four years that they receive guaranteed funding. Part-time students should expect to spend 5-10 hours per week on their research residency experience. All required courses are delivered in-person over four years, and students should expect to be in a classroom setting for learning during this time period.

Coursework completed outside the United States must be evaluated and translated into US equivalencies.  Official transcript evaluations must be submitted as part of the application process, and applications will not be considered complete until all evaluations for any work completed outside the United States are received.  The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing recommends WES-ICAP.