Saint Louis University

What you'll study

This research-intensive PhD programme combines core doctoral coursework, specialty-focused modules and an independent dissertation. Core topics typically include advanced nursing theory, philosophical foundations of nursing science, research design and methods, advanced biostatistics and longitudinal data analysis, and ethical issues in human subjects research. Students choose a track—Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing—and take advanced modules tailored to that pathway:

• Nursing Administration: leadership theory, organisational behaviour in healthcare, strategic financial management for nursing services, quality improvement and healthcare policy.
• Nursing Research: advanced quantitative methods, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches, grant writing and research dissemination, measurement and instrument development.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical scholarship, translational science, evidence-based practice implementation, clinical practicum or practicum-equivalent research experience in a specialised area of practice.

The programme emphasises mentored research: students work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a dissertation prospectus, conduct original research and defend a dissertation. Seminars in pedagogy and academic career development, interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities and preparation for external funding are typically embedded in the curriculum.

Entry requirements

• Hold a recognised master's degree in nursing or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Exceptional candidates with other advanced degrees and substantial nursing experience may be considered.
• Current, active registered nurse (RN) licensure in the applicant's country or state of practice.
• A strong academic record at master’s level; programmes usually expect evidence of research competence such as a thesis, published papers or substantial research involvement.
• Application materials including academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining research interests and career goals, and a research proposal or prospective topics.
• Professional references (often two or three), at least one of which should address research potential or academic preparedness.
• Some applicants may be asked to interview with faculty and to identify a potential faculty mentor whose research aligns with their interests.
• Standardised tests (e.g. GRE) may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; international applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency according to university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Nursing pursue a range of scholarly and leadership careers. Common pathways include tenure-track faculty positions in schools of nursing, nurse scientist roles in hospitals and research institutes, leadership posts in healthcare organisations and government agencies, and principal investigator roles on funded research projects. Graduates are also prepared for advanced positions in quality improvement, health policy development, clinical education and consultancy, and for leadership in community and global health initiatives.

Why study at Saint Louis University

• Saint Louis University’s nursing programmes are grounded in a Jesuit mission that emphasises service, social justice and care for vulnerable populations—an orientation that shapes research priorities and community-engaged scholarship.
• Students benefit from mentorship by research-active faculty with expertise across clinical specialities, health services research and nursing leadership, and from interdisciplinary collaborations across the university’s health sciences, public health and allied health departments.
• The university maintains clinical and research partnerships with regional hospitals and health systems in the St. Louis area, providing opportunities for access to clinical populations, practicum placements and translational research settings.
• Facilities and support typically include advanced simulation resources, statistical and methodological consultation, internal funding and grant-development assistance, and structured doctoral seminars to support timely progress to the dissertation.