Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
University of Colorado Denver

Program Details

The online PhD in Nursing from the University of Colorado Denver is designed to prepare students to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline. Online coursework is combined with a weeklong intensive once per semester to foster community and relationships while developing your research skills. 

The blended format allows nurses the flexibility to complete their PhD while working full-time and also allows for individualized research experiences and personal connections. Students have the option of pursuing Healthcare Systems Research, Caring Science, or Biobehavioral Sciences for their research focus and will be paired with a faculty advisor from their chosen area who will mentor them throughout the PhD process. 

Graduates are equipped to conduct knowledge development, scholarly inquiry, and to be actively engaged in many roles including, but not limited to:

  • Researcher, Nurse Scientist
  • ​Nurse Educator
  • ​Clinician-Scholar
  • Administrator
  • ​Health Care Policy Analyst

% Online

Mostly Online

Program Accreditation & Licensing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

School Accreditation & Licensing

University of Colorado Denver is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Program Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Education

Master Degree

Recommended GPA

3.5 or above (4.0 scale)

Application Requirements

Essay/Writing Sample, Interview, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose/Intent

Additional Info

  • Students will travel to Denver once each semester (fall, spring and summer) while completing coursework, two to three times during their dissertation research, and to attend a one- or two-week intensive experience.