Now Enrolling for Spring 2026
The research-focused doctorate in nursing (Ph.D.) equips individuals with the skills necessary to generate health-related knowledge through research. It is open to individuals holding a minimum of a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing or in a related discipline. The program prepares individuals to conduct various types of research, including individual and collaborative research, system-focused research, interprofessional or nursing practice research, as well as dissemination and implementation science. The program provides doctoral students with skills to conduct scholarly research, innovating nursing theory and nursing science, and leading organizations. The program is designed for registered nurses and non-nurses with a background in health sciences who are interested in applying these skills to improve health care of a population.
Program Highlights
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Follows the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Vision for Academic Nursing
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Emphasizes innovation in AI, robotics and telehealth, community engagement, leadership in healthcare and policy, and interprofessional research
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Study full-time or part-time
- Full-time students usually complete their degree in 3-4 years
- Part-time students usually complete their degree in 4-6 years
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Students can accelerate their degree completion by taking courses year-round
Careers
Check out these ideas from °¼Í¹ÊÓƵ's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Requirements
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Students who are admitted to the Ph.D. program in Nursing Science are recommended to have a master's degree with a preference for a master’s degree in nursing or a health-related science. Three letters of recommendation are required from current or prior faculty or employers.
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year (subject to change). Other fees are assessed for special services and certain academic programs. Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending °¼Í¹ÊÓƵ, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
- Students who study full-time often are awarded assistantships which include tuition waivers.
- Students who study part-time are eligible for student loans.
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