PhD Nursing at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

Pitt Nursing's PhD, offered since 1954, prepares nurse scientists to generate and test knowledge that advances the science and practice of nursing. Students enter through the BSN to PhD or MSN to PhD track in an on-site, research-rich programme with faculty mentorship and an apprenticeship with a seasoned investigator starting in the first term.

Faculty: School of Nursing | Department: PhD in Nursing | Duration: BSN to PhD track: minimum 72 credits, full-time (sample plan spans 3 years) | Intake: Fall only; application deadline December 1 for funding consideration (applications accepted December 2 to March 1 if space is available); interviews in January; decisions mid-February | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

The BSN to PhD track (minimum 72 credits) comprises 22 credits of Research Core, 9 credits of Statistics Core and 41 credits of Personalized Scientific Inquiry (12 dissertation credits, 6 apprenticeship practicum credits and 23 further credits in the student's focus area). Courses include applied parametric and non-parametric statistics, philosophical underpinnings of nursing research, theoretical foundations for research, research design and methods, research measurement, intervention development, and the art and science of teaching and learning. Students complete preliminary and comprehensive examinations and a dissertation.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for academic and leadership roles in nursing science and to contribute to solutions that advance health care.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

MSN to PhD applicants need an appropriate master's degree (a nursing master's must be from an ACEN, NLN or CCNE accredited program); BSN to PhD applicants need a nursing baccalaureate from an accredited program; a nursing degree is preferred and others are considered individually. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for full graduate status. Three letters of reference (at least two academic); personal essay on professional goals, research focus and fit with Pitt faculty; official transcripts; application fee; interview with PhD Council members. TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo for applicants whose native language is not English (international graduate minimums: TOEFL composite 100 with sub-scores of 21 or higher, IELTS 7.0 with speaking 7.0 and other bands 6.0 or higher, Duolingo 125). A PA or Nurse Licensure Compact RN license is not required but widens funding options. International applicants need official credentials with notarized English translations and a course-by-course evaluation.

Domestic applicants: USD 32,140 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Nursing, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 40,686 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Nursing, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Intake: Fall only; application deadline December 1 for funding consideration (applications accepted December

Duration: BSN to PhD track: minimum 72 credits, full-time (sample plan spans 3 years)

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