PhD in Nursing Science (PhD)

Tuition is Tuition for the Nursing Science PhD programme is $1,200 per credit hour for Illinois residents and $1,400 per credit hour for non-residents..

This programme focuses on developing advanced clinical research skills grounded in biological, behavioral, and clinical sciences. Students learn to design, conduct, and disseminate research that informs nursing practice and health policy. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based methods and ethical research in diverse healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to lead in academic and research roles within healthcare systems.

Focus areas include Clinical Research, Health Policy, Diversity and Inclusion in Research, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Research Ethics, Informatics in Nursing Science.

The programme requires 67 credits for students with a master's degree or 75 credits for those with a bachelor's degree. Credits are distributed across theory, statistics, research, ethics, role development, cognates, and a dissertation. The dissertation is a minimum of 12 credits, taken in 2- to 4-credit increments per term.

Graduates pursue careers as clinical researchers, academic faculty, and health policy advisors in universities, research institutions, and healthcare organizations.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Required documents include official transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a resume and complete an interview.

The programme totals about 75 credit hours. On-campus, full-time or part-time; typical duration is 4 to 8 years. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes.

Rush University places education in a state-of-the-art medical center in Chicago, where students learn through small classes, hands-on instruction, and clinical settings focused on high-quality patient care. Faculty members are accomplished practitioners and researchers, giving students contact with people who work across clinical and research settings. The learning community promotes safety, support, self-expression, and diversity. The setting connects study with patient care, faculty practice, and research.

Academic opportunities are organized through the College of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, and Rush Medical College. The College of Nursing offers degree programs and uses a holistic admissions process. The College of Health Sciences prepares students for allied health careers. Rush Medical College includes the MD program and graduate study in research and biomedical sciences. Programs in nursing and health sciences have earned top-five national positions in the 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, while Rush Medical College received recognition for research.

International students can explore application requirements, deadlines, and financial aid through the admissions resources for their program. Rush offers on-campus and online information sessions for specific programs. Student support extends to basic needs, including food, housing, and financial security, through services and resources available to all students. Community engagement is part of student life: the annual MLK Day of Service connects students with volunteer opportunities and reflections on careers in health care.