University of San Francisco

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises independent research, theoretical development and methodological rigour. Students complete advanced coursework in nursing theory, research design, biostatistics, qualitative and quantitative methods, and ethical issues in research, followed by original dissertation work that contributes to nursing science.

• Core research methods: advanced qualitative methods, advanced quantitative methods, mixed-methods design, longitudinal and multilevel analysis.
• Theory and foundations: nursing theory, philosophy of science, health disparities and social determinants of health, ethics and policy in healthcare.
• Specialist seminars: seminars aligned with concentrations such as nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing, covering leadership, implementation science, clinical translational research and outcomes measurement.
• Statistics and data analysis: biostatistics, data management, use of large datasets and secondary data analysis approaches.
• Teaching and mentorship: pedagogy for health professions, curriculum design and supervised teaching opportunities to prepare graduates for academic roles.
• Practicum and clinical scholarship (where applicable): for students focused on clinical nursing, opportunities to conduct practice-based research in partnership with local health systems; for administration-focused students, leadership practicums and organizational research projects.
• Dissertation: an extended original research project carried out under faculty supervision, including proposal development, comprehensive exams/qualifying assessment as required, data collection, analysis and defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a graduate nursing degree (for example an MSN or DNP) or equivalent preparation, and an active RN licence. Typical admissions criteria include evidence of scholarly potential, prior coursework in research methods and statistics, and experience in clinical practice, education or administration.

• Master’s-level degree in nursing or a closely related field; a DNP may also be acceptable.
• Current, unrestricted RN licence.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating strong graduate-level performance.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals; clear alignment with faculty expertise is advantageous.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé documenting professional experience, publications, presentations or research involvement.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two to three) from academic and/or professional referees who can speak to research potential.
• Evidence of research experience or potential (such as a research project, publications, or research assistantship) is strongly recommended.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements and credential evaluation policies.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing commonly move into academic faculty positions teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels, and into principal investigator roles leading funded research programmes. Other career pathways include leadership in healthcare organisations, policy and advocacy roles, clinical research positions in hospitals and health systems, and senior roles in public health agencies and nonprofit organisations.

• University faculty and educator positions (nursing schools and interdisciplinary health professional programmes)
• Research scientist or principal investigator roles in academic, clinical and community settings
• Senior administrative and leadership positions in health systems and healthcare organisations
• Policy, program evaluation and consultancy in government, non-profit and global health agencies
• Clinical research leadership and translational research roles bridging practice and evidence-based innovation

Why study at University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco combines rigorous research training with a commitment to social justice and community-engaged scholarship. Located in a major health and technology hub, the school offers access to diverse clinical partners, interdisciplinary research centres and opportunities for collaboration with local hospitals, public health agencies and community organisations.

Students benefit from mentorship by faculty with active research programmes, small cohort sizes that support close supervision, and curricular emphasis on health equity, leadership and translational science. The programme’s urban setting and ties to the San Francisco health ecosystem provide rich environments for practice-based research and career networking.