Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.) Program
Program Overview

Scholar. Educator. Innovator.
A Ph.D. in Nursing will prepare you to fulfill your purpose. Whether you have always wanted to conduct cutting-edge research, educate and mentor future nurses, lead large health organizations, or any combination of these and more, earning a research doctorate in nursing from Kent State University can open doors of opportunity. With a Ph.D. in Nursing, you can join the highest echelons in the nursing profession throughout the world.
Located in northeast Ohio, Kent State is a leading academic choice for nurses, not only in Ohio and across the region, but throughout the nation and internationally. Because Kent State is a top public R1 research university, you will have access to a wide variety of facilities and support services to fulfill your research ambitions.
Our newly revised doctoral nursing program is rigorous and is specifically designed to produce the next generation of nurse scientists and scholars. Our expert faculty created a state-of-the-science, streamlined curriculum, which will provide you with knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to nursing science.
Why Kent State? We offer you:
- Flexibility. The program can be completed either full-time or part-time. In fact, the majority of our nursing Ph.D. students – including full-time students – continue to work while completing coursework and dissertation research.
- Personalized faculty guidance. Students receive mentorship and advising from experienced researchers and teachers. In addition to their research expertise, faculty members in the Ph.D. in Nursing program bring strong mentorship skills to assist you to reach your goals.
- Convenience. Kent State is the only public research university in northern Ohio that offers a Ph.D. in Nursing. Located just 40 miles from Cleveland, Ohio, and 100 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kent State University is centrally located and is easy to access from major highways.
- Credibility. Kent State’s nursing programs are recognized throughout the region and the world for their excellence. Graduates of this program hold positions in leading universities and healthcare systems.
- Community. Before classes even start, students attend an orientation where they are immersed in a cross-university community that only a large research institution with a culture of inclusiveness can provide. Professional development workshops, networking events, and weekend dissertation bootcamps are only a few of the opportunities that are offered to help students become socialized to the role of a research scientist.
Ph.D. Program Mission & Outcomes
Outcomes
- Generate new knowledge that contributes to the advancement of health, healthcare and nursing science.
- Disseminate advances in scientific knowledge.
- Use collaborative, interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to knowledge generation.
- Assume leadership roles in healthcare and education as researchers, educators and advanced clinicians.
- Serve as stewards of the body of knowledge for the discipline of nursing.
Find a Faculty Mentor
When choosing a doctoral program, it is important to find a faculty advisor and mentor who is an expert in the research area that you are interested in. Kent State College of Nursing provides research support through our own Center for Nursing Research. Visit this website to learn more: www.kent.edu/nursing/research.
Kent State has many innovative research institutes and initiatives that provide opportunities for cross-discipline research in areas such as brain health, environmental design, global understanding, and healthy communities. These collaborative opportunities are invaluable, as they help doctoral students gain insights from leading experts outside the discipline of nursing.
Program Curriculum
A Straightforward Path to Becoming a Nurse Scientist
Our newly developed, state-of-the science curriculum was specifically created to prepare students to address emerging areas of nursing science, such as geonomics, big data, and symptom science.
Visit the Kent State University Catalog to learn more about curriculum specifics: catalog.kent.edu/colleges/nu/nursing-phd/.
Admissions
We invite you to apply to the Ph.D. in Nursing program if you meet the following requirements:
Priority Application Deadlines*
Spring 2023: No Spring Admissions
Fall 2023: March 1, 2023
* Contact graduate admissions to inquire about current availability.
Phone: (330) 672-7911
Email: nursingphd@kent.edu
1. A bachelor's degree in a closely related health field may be considered if the applicant has a master's degree in nursing or a D.N.P. degree from an accredited program. A master's degree in a closely related field may be considered if the applicant has a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited program.
2. International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.
Tuition & Aid
A top-tier education at an affordable cost.
Kent State University’s Ph.D. in Nursing program is the most affordable of its kind in the region. As a public institution, we see it as our duty to offer the highest-quality education at a cost that is within the reach of students from all backgrounds.
Tuition & Costs at a Glance
For more information about Kent State's tuition and fees, visit www.kent.edu/nursing/students/tuition.
Funding & Financial Aid
At Kent State University, we strive to make the financial aid process as simple as possible. Our financial aid services and scholarship programs help a wide range of students make their goals affordable. Financial aid options for Ph.D. in Nursing students include:
- Tuition Reimbursement: Many employers will pay some or all of the cost of a graduate degree program. Talk with your human resources department to find out if you qualify.
- Graduate Studies’ Awards and Fellowships: The Division of Graduate Studies at Kent State University administers a number of fellowships and awards for new and continuing students. Explore these opportunities on their website.
- External Award:
- Federal Loans and Grants: You may be eligible for federal and/or private loans and federal/state grants. Contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000 for more information.
- Loan Forgiveness Programs:
- Disadvantaged Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP) - Nurses from disadvantaged backgrounds who have an employment commitment as a faculty member at an approved institution for a minimum of two years.
- Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program - Nurse faculty member with qualifying nursing debt who work full-time at an accredited school of nursing.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - Forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer (such as public universities and non-profit organizations).
Payment Options
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Tuition can be paid online using a credit card or check, by mail with a check, or in-person with a check.
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Monthly payment plan options are available.* Tuition can be spread out over 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.
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Students who are receiving tuition reimbursement through their employer can apply to defer tuition payment to after the semester ends.*
* Fall and spring semester only
PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin Your Transformation
Discover why Kent State's Ph.D. program is right for you. We are here to help you. Please reach out.