Doctor of Philosophy Nursing Science (PhD)
The PhD in Nursing Science program at Old Dominion University prepares students to lead research that advances health outcomes and informs nursing practice. Designed for individuals with a background in nursing or a related health discipline, the program emphasizes the development and application of new knowledge to drive innovation across healthcare systems.
Graduates of the program are equipped to:
- Conduct independent and collaborative research addressing complex health challenges
- Apply implementation and dissemination science to improve population health
- Advance nursing theory and contribute to scientific inquiry
- Teach and lead in academic settings
- Direct research initiatives in hospitals, laboratories, and healthcare organizations
- Influence healthcare policy through evidence-based insight
The program builds the foundation for careers in academia, healthcare leadership, research institutions, and public policy.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Master's degree in nursing or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum of 3.0 grade point average.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the candidate’s intellect, drive, motivation for advanced education, and commitment to completing projects. Preferably the letters will come from current or former employers, and/or from current or former instructors.
- A 500–700-word essay that should speak specifically to the area of research to be pursued and one’s background in that area of research.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
The PhD in Nursing Science program will start Fall 2026, and students can start in Fall or Spring.
Application Deadlines:
For fall start: July 1
For spring start: November 15
PhD in Nursing Science Course of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 24 | |
| Philosophical Basis of Nursing Science | ||
| Theoretical Basis of Nursing Science | ||
| Nursing Research Methods I (Quantitative) | ||
| Nursing Research Methods II (Qualitative) | ||
| Informatics for the Nurse Scientist | ||
| Statistics for the Nurse Scientist I | ||
| Statistics for the Nurse Scientist II | ||
| Research Practicum in Nursing Science * | ||
| Cognates | 15 | |
| Choose 5 courses (minimum of 15 credit hours): ** | ||
| Data Science for Nursing Research | ||
| Human Computer Interaction Research for the Nursing Scientist | ||
| Health Policy: Analysis and Evaluation for Nurse Scientist | ||
| Leadership in Nursing Educational Research | ||
| Behavioral Change, Program Planning, and Evaluation for the Nurse Scientist | ||
| Designing Advanced Nursing Educational Research | ||
| Dissertation & Candidacy Exam | 10 | |
| Candidacy Exam and Dissertation *** | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 49 | |
- *
Can be divided across semesters.
- **
Courses from other Graduate programs that fit the student's chosen dissertation research can be used (with advisor approval).
- ***
Includes proposal exam, conduct of research and final exam.
Credit for Prior Learning is available in the PhD in Nursing Science for qualified applicants. Please refer to the Graduate Catalog or https://www.odu.edu/prior-learning-assessment for guidelines.
Contact the Program Director, Dr. Elizabeth Reifsnider, ereifsni@odu.edu for questions, additional information or clarification. This can apply to DNP graduates as well as other health professionals with documented doctoral level activities in their professional lives.