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Indiana University Online

Nursing Science, Ph.D.

The IU Online Ph.D. in Nursing Science prepares you for a career in nursing education, research, health systems, or clinical science. You’ll be prepared to lead the profession, teach the next generation of nurses, and expand nursing’s impact on health policy and public health.

Program quick facts

Course Delivery

80-99% Online

Total Credits

90

Campuses Hosting

  • Indianapolis

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy

Degree Overview

The Ph.D. in Nursing Science features both a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) to Ph.D. pathway, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) to Ph.D. pathway. As a student in the program, you are linked with faculty researchers who provide supportive mentoring throughout your entire program. 

The program has one core curriculum, but you can choose one of two tracks: clinical nursing science or health systems.

Clinical Nursing Science

The clinical nursing science track concentrates on the intersections of health promotion, health behavior, and quality of life in acute and chronic illness throughout the lifespan.

Health Systems

The health systems track focuses on creating structures and resources that enable individuals and communities to achieve optimal health. The track includes the science of nursing education, informatics, health policy, and administration.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  • 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a Master of Science in Nursing, from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program
  • M.S.N. to Ph.D. track applicants must have 3 hours of graduate credit in statistics with a grade of 80 percent (3.0) or better.

To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:

  • Official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework
  • Confirmation of support from an IU School of Nursing faculty advisor
  • Three professional and/or academic references
  • Personal statement (two to three pages, double-spaced)
  • Resume
  • Proof of English Proficiency (non-native English speakers only)
  • Evidence of the capacity for original scholarship and research in nursing, as demonstrated by reports, published and unpublished papers, or a thesis

Qualified applicants will be invited to a formal admission interview with Ph.D. faculty.

Your IU Online Ph.D. in Nursing Science prepares you for successful careers within academic and practice settings in such positions as:

  • Nursing faculty 
  • Nurse scientist 
  • Director of nursing research 
  • Director of clinical services
  • Chief nursing officer or executive

To graduate with the Ph.D. in Nursing Science, you must complete 90 credit hours. Requirements are broken downs as follows:

  • Professional development core (6 credit hours) 
  • Nursing theory core (6 credit hours) 
  • Nursing science research major (15 credit hours) 
  • Nursing science concentration (8 credit hours) 
  • Minor courses, external or internal (9-12 credit hours) 
  • Dissertation (16 credit hours) 
  • B.S.N. to M.S.N. bridgework or M.S.N. transfer credits (30 credit hours) 

Core Classes for the Ph.D. in Nursing Science
Course Number Course Name Credits
Ph.D. minor courses 9-12 Credits
NURS-D 602 Responsible Conduct of Research 1 Credit
NURS-D 607 Theoretical Perspectives of Nursing Science 3 Credits
NURS-D 608 Middle-Range Theory 3 Credits
NURS-D 609 State of the Science Seminar 2 Credits
NURS-D 701 Nursing Inquiry and Scholarship: Introduction to Doctoral Study 3 Credits
NURS-D 751 Advanced Topics in Nursing Science 3-6 Credits
NURS-D 752 Directed Research Practicum 3 Credits
PBHL-B 562 Biostatistics for Public Health II 3 Credits
NURS-R 603 Quantitative Research Design and Methods 3 Credits
NURS-R 610 Foundations of Qualitative Research 3 Credits
NURS-R 899 Dissertation in Nursing 16 Credits
NURS-T 800 Preparing Future Faculty 2 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Program cost information

Plan your finances

Program cost can vary by campus, resident status, and type of program. Use the resources below to get accurate cost estimates for your specific situation.

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Contact Student Financial Services at iuosfs@iu.edu for cost information.

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