PhD in Nursing & Health Science Program
Launch your research career at an NIH-ranked nursing school with a premier academic medical center in Rochester, New York.
The PhD in Nursing and Health Science program offers a rich and supportive learning environment for the next generation of nursing and health care scientists.
Program cost
100% tuition waiver
For full-time PhD students plus annual stipend
Research rankings
#32
Ranked among the top nursing schools in research funding from the National Institutes of Health
Application deadline
Jan. 15
Applications accepted for fall entry only. Applications received after this deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Refer to our application deadlines.
The PhD in Nursing & Health Science program at the University of Rochester sets itself apart by offering close mentorship from nationally-recognized faculty. Our collaborative learning environment is enriched by interaction with researchers across many disciplines, allowing you to learn how to make meaningful discoveries and innovations in a changing healthcare landscape.
As part of the University of Rochester Medical Center, the School of Nursing engages in groundbreaking interdisciplinary research through collaborative partnerships with nurses and other healthcare practitioners across the campus, region, and nation. The University of Rochester School of Nursing has a long history of research innovation and continues to pioneer new breakthroughs in:
Sexual Health & HIV Oncology & Palliative Care Healthy Aging Parent-Child & Adolescent Health Cardiac Care
What keeps me going is the notion that I'm helping patients. That in the future I will hopefully help more people with my research. And the support of the faculty, really. They know how to mentor, to push and challenge me as a student and to explore things that I might not recognize within myself.
What keeps me going is the notion that I'm helping patients. That in the future I will hopefully help more people with my research. And the support of the faculty, really. They know how to mentor, to push and challenge me as a student and to explore things that I might not recognize within myself.
Program pathways
At the University of Rochester School of Nursing, we offer two pathways to the PhD in Nursing & Health Science. Whether you’re continuing your studies after a master’s degree or ready to begin doctoral work directly after your BS, you’ll find a rigorous program, full funding, and close mentorship to help you launch your career as a nurse scientist.
The traditional post-MS pathway provides a streamlined transition from master’s-level study to doctoral research. Building on your existing graduate training, advance directly into specialized PhD coursework and scholarly inquiry. With a strong theoretical and methodological base already in place, you’re well positioned to refine your research focus and contribute to the science of nursing and health science from the earliest stages of the program.
The post-BS pathway accelerates your transition toward becoming the healthcare researcher you want to be, allowing you to immerse yourself in research earlier in your career. By bypassing a separate master’s program, you maintain momentum in your academic journey, open the door to research preparation directly after your baccalaureate, and begin building the skills needed to lead innovative nursing research from your very first semester.
Whichever path you take, you’ll join a collaborative community and prepare to launch a career at the forefront of nursing and health science research. Explore the pathways below to determine which best fits your background and goals.
| Post-MS pathway | Post-BS pathway | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Master's-prepared nurses or health professionals who want to build on advanced clinical or leadership preparation to pursue innovative nursing research | Bachelor’s-prepared nurses who want to move directly into doctoral study |
| Program format | Full-time or part-time | Full-time |
| Time to degree | Full-time in three to four years, or part-time in five years | Four years |
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Join the next cohort of PhD students
The PhD in Nursing & Health Science program admits a small cohort each fall. From day one, you will work closely with your mentor, receive assistance with coursework and grant writing, and work alongside your peers to discover how to pursue research that makes an impact.
Meet the Program Director
Marie Flannery, PhD, RN
Director, PhD Program in Nursing & Health Science
Professor of Clinical Nursing
Marie Flannery has directed the PhD in Nursing & Health Science program since 2022. She brings extensive clinical experience to her research, which focuses on older adults with advanced cancer and methods to improve symptom reporting and communication between individuals, healthcare providers, and family caregivers to enhance symptom management. Among her honors, she is the recipient of the 2014 Outstanding Oncology Nurse of the Year Award by the March of Dimes, the 2015 Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Award by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the 2022 Cynthia N. Rittenberg Award in Nursing Excellence by Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer.
News and stories
Nov 13, 2024
Connect with us
Interested in earning your PhD? Connect with us to discuss the PhD degree in nursing and health science and the opportunities available at the University of Rochester.