Boise State University

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum combines advanced research methods, theory development and substantive nursing content tailored to the chosen pathway—Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing. Core study areas typically include research design and methods (qualitative and quantitative), advanced statistics, nursing theory and philosophy of science, ethics in research, and advanced inquiry into health systems, policy and leadership.

Pathway-specific topics might include:

• Nursing Administration: organisational leadership, healthcare finance and policy, implementation science, quality improvement and workforce development.
• Nursing Research: advanced biostatistics, grant writing, measurement and instrument development, systematic review and translational research methods.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical scholarship, population and disease-specific research, translational practice models and clinical outcomes evaluation.

The programme typically combines coursework, comprehensive/qualifying examinations and an independent dissertation project that contributes original knowledge to nursing science. Students work closely with a faculty supervisory committee and often engage in grant-funded research, interprofessional projects and practicum experiences in clinical or community settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised master's degree in nursing (such as an MSN) or a closely related health discipline and to be a licensed registered nurse. Admissions typically consider the applicant's academic record, research experience, professional background and fit with faculty expertise.

• Current RN licence or eligibility for licensure in the United States.
• A master's-level degree in nursing or related field; strong academic performance at the graduate level is expected.
• Evidence of research potential, such as prior coursework in research methods, publications, presentations or experience assisting in research projects.
• Application materials including a personal statement outlining research interests and career goals, a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and professional references.
• Some applicants may be invited to interview with faculty as part of the selection process; funding or assistantship availability may influence admissions decisions.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing pursue careers as nurse scientists, university faculty, and leaders in healthcare organisations and policy. Typical roles include:

• Academic positions: tenure-track faculty and educators in undergraduate and graduate nursing programmes.
• Research careers: principal investigators in academic, hospital or community-based research centres, clinical trial leadership, and roles in research institutes.
• Clinical and organisational leadership: chief nursing officers, directors of clinical practice and leaders of quality and safety initiatives who apply research to improve care delivery.
• Policy and public health roles: advisors and analysts in government, non-profit and international organisations shaping health policy and population health strategies.

Why study at Boise State University

Boise State offers a PhD environment with an emphasis on applied, community-responsive research and a strong commitment to rural and regional health issues relevant to the Mountain West. Students benefit from close mentoring by research-active faculty across nursing and allied health disciplines, opportunities for interprofessional collaboration and access to clinical partners across Idaho.

The university supports doctoral students through research assistantships, opportunities to participate in funded projects, and facilities for simulation and clinical scholarship. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers that influence practice, education and policy, with an emphasis on translating research into measurable improvements in patient care and population health.