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.
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
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)
professional goal statement
for international students, TOEFL with a minimum score of 560 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based) or 88 (iBT)
for international students who have completed coursework or a degree from a country outside of the United States, the official transcripts will need to be sent to World Education Services (WES) for a course-by-course evaluation.
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.
All full-time UR School of Nursing PhD students are 100 percent funded with full tuition waivers and a cost-of-living stipend of $25,000 for the first four years of study. Learn more about tuition awards and stipend support.
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.
"Now is the perfect time for licensed health professionals with the goal of a research career to consider pursuing a PhD! Our doctoral graduates go on to take important leadership roles in academia, health care institutions, and organizations or agencies that are integral to the growth of their professions."
I want my work to have global impact and I knew the University of Rochester had the resources and connections to support that. I wanted to give myself a sandbox. I’m starting with what I know with the House Ballroom community but hopefully it will flourish and branch into something greater.
Martez Smith, LMSW PhD Student
Research focus: HIV prevention within the House Ball Community
The faculty were willing to work with me to match my research interests. I have a great adviser, and the diversity of faculty interests here are a real benefit to building my own research. I’ve also taken some cognates at the School of Medicine because of its public health focus – it’s really the best of both worlds.
Brian Smith, MSW PhD Student
Research focus: Health care delivery models for mental illness
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 Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, University of Rochester School of Nursing
Dissertation: Identifying factors that protect HIV sero-negative status in young black men who have sex with men
