CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

This PhD emphasises rigorous research training grounded in nursing science, policy and practice. Core topics typically include advanced nursing theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, biostatistics, epidemiology, measurement and psychometrics, health systems and policy, and ethics in research and practice.

• Research methods and statistics: multivariate statistics, longitudinal methods, mixed-methods designs, and advanced qualitative approaches.
• Nursing theory and conceptual foundations: historical and contemporary frameworks that inform research and practice.
• Health policy and systems: health services research, policy analysis and the organisation of care in urban settings.
• Leadership and administration: organisational theory, quality improvement, finance and strategic management for nursing leaders.
• Clinical specialism studies: coursework tailored to clinical nursing concentrations—population health, chronic disease management, geriatrics, maternal-child health or acute care—depending on faculty expertise and student focus.
• Dissertation research: independent, original research under faculty supervision culminating in a doctoral dissertation that contributes new knowledge to nursing science or practice.

The programme normally combines a period of structured coursework with comprehensive/qualifying examinations and several years of dissertation research. Students are expected to engage in seminars, present at conferences, collaborate on grant-funded projects and gain teaching experience through supervised instruction.

Entry requirements

• Master’s degree in nursing (MSN, MPhil, or equivalent) from an accredited institution; applicants with a closely related master’s plus significant nursing experience may also be considered.
• Active, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) licence in the applicant’s jurisdiction.
• A strong academic record at master’s level; typical applicants will demonstrate research competence through coursework, practicum or a master’s thesis.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and proposed area of doctoral study, often referencing potential faculty mentors.
• Curriculum vitae or résumé detailing clinical, research and teaching experience.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) addressing academic and research potential.
• Evidence of research readiness such as publications, conference presentations or research assistant experience is advantageous.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants where required by the university.

Admissions decisions commonly consider fit with faculty research interests and the capacity of the school to provide appropriate supervision and resources for the proposed project.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing pursue diverse leadership roles in academia, research and advanced practice. Typical career paths include:

• University faculty positions teaching undergraduate and graduate nursing programmes and leading research laboratories.
• Principal investigators and research scientists in clinical, community and academic settings, including roles in federally funded research centres and hospitals.
• Senior nursing administrators and directors of clinical services who design and evaluate systems of care, quality improvement and workforce development.
• Health policy analysts, consultants and leaders in government agencies, non-governmental organisations and professional associations influencing nursing practice and policy.
• Clinical scholars who integrate advanced research methods with practice improvement in large health systems and specialty services.

PhD graduates are well positioned to secure external research funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals and lead interdisciplinary teams addressing complex population health challenges.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

• Urban clinical environment: CUNY’s location in New York City provides access to a wide range of clinical partners—academic medical centres, community hospitals and public health agencies—supporting clinically relevant research and practicum opportunities.
• Research-active faculty and centres: doctoral students work with faculty who have expertise across nursing science, health services research, policy and population health, and can tap into interdisciplinary centres across the university for collaborative projects.
• Teaching and professional development: structured opportunities to gain teaching experience, mentorship in grant writing and professional development workshops prepare students for academic and research careers.
• Public university mission: as a multi-campus public university, CUNY offers a diverse student body and engagement with underserved populations—creating fertile ground for research focused on health equity and social determinants of health.
• Networking and career support: access to alumni networks, clinical partners and New York City health systems helps graduates transition into faculty, research or leadership roles.

Prospective applicants should contact the relevant CUNY nursing department or the Graduate Center for detailed guidance on faculty research areas and application procedures.