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PhD in Nursing and Health Science

Why Choose Our PhD Program?

The UR School of Nursing is the ideal place to be a PhD student. We dedicate unparalleled resources to support original research from initial funding through clinical testing and real-world implementation. 

The PhD in Nursing and Health Science program admits a small number of students to ensure that students receive close mentorship from faculty. From day one, you’ll receive assistance with coursework, grant writing, and every facet of your work — all of which allows you to learn how to make meaningful discoveries and innovations in a changing health care landscape.

Plus, full-time students are 100 percent funded with full tuition waivers and an additional cost-of-living stipend of $25,000 for the first four years of study.

The University of Rochester School of Nursing  has a long history of research innovation and continues to pioneer new breakthroughs in nursing and health care research. We rank in the top 30 nationwide for research funding from the National Institutes of Health.

As part of a large research university and medical center, the School of Nursing engages in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research through collaborative partnerships with scholars and practitioners across the campus, region, and nation.

Likewise, our PhD students have a background in variety of disciplines, including:

  • nursing
  • social work
  • speech language pathology
  • other clinical health professions

Rochester, New York, is also a wonderful place to live as a PhD student. Make the most of our affordable, safe, and family-friendly community as you pursue your academic passions.

Applying to the PhD Program

Program eligibility requirements include:

  • master's degree from an accredited program
  • clinical licensure in a health profession, such as nursing, social work or similar clinical practice field

To complete your online application you will need the following:

  • official transcripts from all previous college-level study (cumulative GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate work and 3.5 for graduate work preferred)
  • competitive scores on the GRE within the past five years
  • letters of reference from at least three doctorally-prepared academics
  • resume or CV
  • writing sample (academic paper, publication, or other written work)
  • for international students, TOEFL with a minimum score of 560 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based) or 88 (iBT)
Please send all supplemental application materials to:
Admissions Office
University of Rochester School of Nursing
Box SON
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642

Application Deadlines

Students can enroll in the PhD program for the fall semester.

  • Completed applications received by Feb. 1
    will be considered for all available University-wide awards.
  • Completed applications received after Feb. 1
    will be considered for UR School of Nursing financial awards.
  • The fee to apply is $50

Program Duration

Students begin the PhD in Nursing and Health Science program in the fall semester. The program can be completed in as little as four years of full-time study.

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Only with evidence can we identify the best ways to resolve our most complex and prevalent health issues. I love digging for answers. I chose to pursue my PhD at the URSON for its national reputation for a rigorous program in research methodology. What I didn’t expect was the level of career support I would get, even from faculty outside my area. My dreams have become reality here.
Mitchell J. Wharton, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CNS, Graduate of the PhD Program, 2013