Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. in Nursing, offered jointly between Kent State University and The University of Akron, prepares nurse scientists to develop methods to advance health, health care, and the nursing profession.

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy program are expected to lead and promote innovative scholarly endeavors within and across disciplines and to assume leadership roles in the profession.

Students may choose which university will grant their degree. The diploma and transcripts are issued by the university to which the student was admitted and will recognize the joint Doctor of Philosophy program. Ph.D. courses are cross-listed and scheduled at each university. A single, blended tuition rate is charged.

Areas of Research

When choosing a doctoral program, it is important to find a mentor who is an expert in the area you wish to research. This unique joint program takes advantage of the diversity and combined strength of the two universities’ exceptional faculty to provide research opportunities in a variety of subjects, including:

• Self-management of acute and chronic disease across the lifespan
• Wellness in health, caregiver, occupational, and vulnerable populations within and across family systems
• Health-related care systems and outcomes
• Global and cultural health and wellness
• Emerging education, translational and research methodologies (including biomarkers, simulation, action research, mixed methods, large data; instrument development)
• End-of-life/palliative care