PhD Nursing at Duke University

Programme overview

The PhD in Nursing prepares scientists to conduct nursing research in the area of Trajectories of Chronic Illness and Care Systems, admitting 7-8 full-time students each year, with graduates assuming roles primarily in academic and research settings.

Faculty: School of Nursing | Department: Duke University School of Nursing | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durham, NC, United States

What you will study

Students work closely with faculty in mentored research experiences supported by formal coursework, building skills to launch a research programme after the doctorate.

Career pathways

Primarily academic and research roles.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate School application: Letters of recommendation: 3 Required; Statement of purpose: Required; GRE: GRE General (Optional); GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required; English test: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required for applicants whose first language is not English. Unofficial transcripts required with the application. Application deadline: November 19.

Graduate School Ph.D. programmes list application deadlines for students beginning graduate study in fall 2027.

The Occupational Therapy Doctorate starts in August for applicants admitted in both the fall and spring rounds.

Fall 2027 Ph.D. deadlines (11:59 p.m. Eastern): most programmes 12/01/2026 including Biochemistry, Biology, Biostatistics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Immunology and Physics; Computer Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Policy, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Religion and Statistical Science 12/15/2026; English 12/08/2026; Economics 01/06/2027; Earth and Climate Sciences and Music 01/07/2027; Nursing 11/19/2026; Business Administration 12/14/2026; Political Science and Sociology 12/17/2026; Romance Studies 12/30/2026. Computational Media, Arts and Cultures and Public Policy Studies are not accepting applications for 2027 enrollment.

Occupational Therapy Doctorate 2026-27 application deadlines: Fall round Thursday, October 8, 2026; Spring round Tuesday, January 12, 2027 (applications through OTCAS). Fall applicants are notified the first week of December 2026 and spring applicants the first week of March 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://gradschool.duke.edu/admissions/

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