Nursing PhD (PhD)

Program Overview

Decker's PhD in Nursing program is designed to prepare graduates for research and active scholarship that will extend the knowledge base of nursing and improve the delivery of healthcare for rural and vulnerable populations. Students will be prepared to conduct research and develop theory related to these populations. Graduates of the program will also be able to design future practice models, direct the development of policy initiatives and effect meaningful change within healthcare delivery systems.

Nursing PhD courses are primarily offered on Fridays to make it easier for students to fit the program into their professional and personal schedules.

NOTE: Spring applicants to the PhD program may only choose a part-time option for the first semester due to prerequisite requirements.

Wondering which graduate nursing program is right for you?

We created a program selection app to help you find the right graduate nursing program at the Decker School of Nursing. It's quick and easy -- just follow the prompts!

Looking for DNP, MS or certificate programs in nursing?

Decker College offers MS, DNP and advanced certificates in nursing. These are listed by nursing specialty; see Adult-Gerontological Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Family Nursing, Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Education, Forensic Health or Disaster Management on the Academic Programs listing webpage.

Degrees Offered

  • PhD in Nursing

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Primary components of Decker's doctoral program in nursing include research and conceptualization, nursing and health policy, cognate courses and a dissertation. The student develops a strong working relationship with faculty and staff throughout the duration of the program. Many students are full-time registered nurses and attend classes part-time. Research centers, such as the Innovative Simulation and Practice Center and the Kresge Center for Nursing Research, are available on campus to provide students with practical clinical experiences.

After You Graduate

Decker boasts high employment rates for graduates, with many alumni taking positions in healthcare agencies such as Albany Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, Lourdes Hospital, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, Stony Brook University Hospital, SUNY Upstate Medical University, UHS and University of Rochester Medical Center. Many of our PhD alumni have obtained positions in academia at acclaimed universities and research institutions, while others are pioneers in research, development and practice initiatives.

Admission Requirements

For more information, visit the Nursing PhD website.