About the Program

A Focus on Clinical Research

The YSN PhD program prepares intellectual leaders who can contribute to the development of nursing science through their theoretical, substantive, and methodological knowledge and skills. Students bring to doctoral study unique combinations of experiences, knowledge, and capabilities that serve as the basis for developing programs of study congruent with the overall curriculum, but able to be individualized to allow gaining in-depth knowledge of a particular theoretical or clinical area.

The YSN PhD program is a full-time program that includes formal coursework, seminars, research assistantships, teaching fellowships, advisement, informal faculty and student interactions, and original dissertation research. All students are fully funded, including tuition, healthcare, and a monthly stipend.  Select students have the opportunity to participate in the Robert Wood Johnson Future of Nursing Scholars Program, the Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar Program, and NIH training programs in behavioral research in type 1 diabetes, along with self- and family-management of chronic illnesses.

If you have a master’s degree in nursing (or equivalent) apply to our PhD program. If you have a RN with a bachelor’s degree (any subject), apply to our MSN-PhD Joint Degree program. 

Fields of Study

Fields of study include chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity cardiovascular disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, sleep disorders); symptoms; self- and family management; maternal and child health; policy and politics of health care; global health; health equity and care of vulnerable populations; acute and critical care;; end-of-life and palliative care; and school- and community-based interventions.