PhD Nursing at University of Washington

Programme overview

The PhD in Nursing Science at the UW School of Nursing requires a minimum of 96 quarter credits and can be completed in as few as three years full-time. Full-time students receive a three-year funding package including full tuition and a stipend.

Faculty: School of Nursing | Department: Nursing | Duration: As few as 3 years full-time; most finish in 4; minimum 96 quarter credits | Intake: Applications open July 2026, close December 1, 2026; decisions February 2027 | Location: Seattle, WA, United States

What you will study

Core courses in philosophical inquiry, theory and evidence, quantitative and qualitative methods, synthesis, and teaching and research practica, plus 12 statistics, 4 epidemiology, 3 clinical trials, 2 health policy, 6 advanced nursing science/methods and 6 related-field credits. Year 1 ends with a preliminary exam, year 2 with the general exam, year 3 is dissertation proposal, research and defense.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited university (may be in progress, completed before start); cumulative GPA at least 3.0 or 3.0 in last 60 semester/90 quarter graded credits; three letters of recommendation, CV, statement of goals and research interests, transcripts from all institutions; GRE not required; English proficiency proof if required; active unrestricted Washington RN license only if taking clinical nursing courses; competitive applicants invited to a 40-45 minute online interview in January.

Domestic applicants: USD 22,056 a year (2026-27). Resident rate. Seattle campus, full-time, Autumn+Winter+Spring quarters, rate band "Graduate Tier III"; the programme is assigned to this tier in the UW 2026-27 Programs in Each Graduate Tier list. Tuition only (operating + building fee); excludes technol Source

International applicants: USD 39,315 a year (2026-27). Non-Resident rate. Seattle campus, full-time, Autumn+Winter+Spring quarters, rate band "Graduate Tier III"; the programme is assigned to this tier in the UW 2026-27 Programs in Each Graduate Tier list. Tuition only (operating + building fee); excludes tec Source

Graduate programmes open for admission at different times and have varying deadlines; entry quarter and dates are set by each programme.

Graduate application fee is $90 (USD), paid online by MasterCard or Visa; each submitted application requires a separate fee. Application dates and deadlines vary by programme and are shown in the Graduate School online application.

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