John Hopkins School of International Studies Graduate Gre Scores

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

• Overview
• Requirements
• Curriculum
• Tuition
• FAQ
• Funding

Leading the Development of Nursing Science

Transform the Discipline

Advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery with a Johns Hopkins PhD in nursing. By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career.

Learn From the Best

With access to world-renowned nursing faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with noted researchers throughout Johns Hopkins University, you'll build the skills to develop and implement a scientific research program and launch your career.

Get Funded

Most full-time Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD students are100% funded with a stipend for the first three years of study. Additional financial support is made available in following years. For full eligibility of scholarship opportunities, apply by December 1.  View Funding Opportunities

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Why Hopkins?

Those who earn a Johns Hopkins PhD:

• Possess knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological, and analytical approaches that will enable you to conduct research to discover and apply knowledge in nursing science and health care

• Are prepared to assume a leadership role in nursing and in the broader arena of healthcare

• Demonstrate expertise within an area of study from a nursing and transdisciplinary viewpoint

• Often serve as educators in a variety of classroom and clinical settings within academic program

Featured Areas of Research

A brief glimpse into things we study: cardiovascular risk reduction, domestic violence, biologic basic of nursing therapeutics, health promotion, chronic disease management, symptom management, biobehavioral aspects of pain and stress, substance abuse, lactation and breastfeeding, health disparities, family caregiver stress, forensic nursing, patient health care decision making, end of life care.

• Search Faculty Expertise
• Discover Research Opportunities

Additional Information

View the recording of the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) virtual information session (curriculum overview with faculty).

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View the recording of the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Philosophy (DNP/PHD) virtual open house (including student panel).

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MCEH/Nursing PhD Fellowship

This pre-doctoral fellowship is a unique opportunity for nursing and engineering PhD students to collaborate with faculty within the Whiting School of Engineering and the School of Nursing.

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As a PhD student, Tamar Rodney studies post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans with a traumatic brain injury. She explains why she chose nursing and the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.

Other Innovative Pathways to get a PhD at Johns Hopkins

DNP Advanced Practice/PhD Dual Degree Program

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

"The DNP enriched my perspective as a nurse scientist, but I learned that questions arise from evidence-based practice, and I needed a PhD to explore that further."

Sarah Slone, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, CCRN

Read more

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Application Deadline

Fall Entry
December 1

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Request Information

Speak with an admissions officer to learn more about our program.

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Meet A Student

Take a glimpse into the life of a Hopkins Nursing doctoral student.

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When I was getting my master's degree, I learned a lot about methodologies and I knew I wanted to go into research. But I wanted a place where I could actually apply what I had learned. The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing was my opportunity.

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Requirements

Admission Criteria

• Graduate of an accredited Bachelor's or Master's in Nursing Program (if applicable. Applicants holding a degree in a non-nursing related discipline will be considered on an individual basis)
• A written statement of research goals including reason for interest in Johns Hopkins
• Research interests that match faculty expertise and School resources
• GRE scores are accepted but not required
• A minimum scholastic GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)
• Writing sample (publication or graded paper)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation (two academic, one professional)*
• Copy of official RN license(s) (if applicable. Applicants holding a degree in a non-nursing related discipline will be considered on an individual basis)
• Official Transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)
• TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your first language

Information for applicants with international education

Admissions Application

*References should be recent, written for the purpose of your application to this program and from professors who know you as a student or employers who know you as a professional in a job setting preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from colleagues, friends, or family members do not meet the requirement. For PhD applicants, it is strongly preferred that a least one of your recommenders holds a PhD.

Prerequisites

No prerequisite courses.

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Curriculum

Each student completes a core curriculum and works closely with faculty advisors to complete an individualized course of study that fulfills the student's goals and develops the basis for a program of research.

Curriculum

• Nursing Core (19 credits)

  • Philosophical Perspectives in Health

  • Scientific Perspectives in Nursing

  • Quantitative Research Design and Methods

  • Qualitative Research Design and Methods

  • Mixed Methods Research Design

  • Grant Writing Seminar

  • Measurement in Health Care Research

  • Responsibilities and Activities of the Nurse Scientist

• Statistics (9 credits)

  • Statistical Methods in Public Health I

  • Statistical Methods in Public Health II

  • Statistical Methods in Public Health III

• Electives (19 required credits)

  • Theory and Concepts of Health Behavior

  • Symptom Evaluation and Management

  • Special Topics in Violence Research

  • Advanced Nursing Health Policy

  • Stress and Stress Response

  • The Evolving Roles of the Nurse Educator (online)

  • Statistical Methods in Public Health IV

  • Writing for Publication (online)

  • Advanced Seminar in Translational Research

  • International Health Systems and Research 3

  • Current Issues and Trends in Cardiovascular Health Promotion  Research

  • Critical Applications of Advanced Statistical Models

  • Technology and eTools to Conduct, Facilitate, Implement and Manage Research (online)

• Dissertation (3 credits per semester until completion)

  • Dissertation Seminar

  • Dissertation

Sample Course of Study

• Fall I (12 credits)

  • Philosophical Perspectives in Health

  • Quantitative Research Design and Methods

  • Statistical Methods in Public Health I & II

  • Research Residency – 15 hours per week

• Spring I (12 credits)

  • Scientific Perspectives in Nursing

  • Qualitative Research Design and Methods

  • Mixed Methods Research Design

  • Measurement in Health Care Research

  • Statistical Methods in Public Health III

  • Research Residency – 15 hours per week

• Summer I (1 credit)

  • Grant Writing Seminar

  • Comprehensive Examination

• Fall II (13 credits)

  • Dissertation Seminar*

  • Dissertation*

  • Electives (10 credits)

  • Research Residency – 20 hours per week

  • Teaching Residency – 10 hours per week

• Spring II (14 credits)

  • Dissertation Seminar*

  • Dissertation*

  • Activities and Responsibilities of the Nurse Scientist

  • Electives (9 credits)

  • Research Residency – 20 hours per week

• Summer II

  • Preparation for Doctor of Philosophy Board Examination

  • Research Residency – 20 hours per week

• Fall III Through Completion (3 credits per semester)

  • Dissertation Seminar*

  • Dissertation*

*PhD students having successfully completed the written Comprehensive Examination must be registered for at least three credits consisting of two credits dissertation advisement plus one credit dissertation seminar each semester they are progressing toward the degree.
*Part-time students who have completed the Comprehensive Examination must register for two credits dissertation advisement plus one credit dissertation seminar each semester they are progressing toward the degree after completing half (10) the required elective credits.

Per Doctor of Philosophy Board policy, students must either be registered during fall and spring semesters, or be on an approved leave of absence.

* Up to 15 credits may be applied from the JHUSON MSN: Entry into Nursing program to the PhD Program.

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Tuition & Other Costs

Billed Expenses

(September 2021 - May 2022)

Tuition:	$42,426 (full-time per year )1
Per credit cost:	$2,357
Matriculation fee:	$500 (one time only fee for first-time enrolled JHU students)
Health Insurance:	$4,356 2
Health fee:	$850
Total Billed Expenses:	$48,132

Estimated Other Expenses³

Room and Board:	$10,5768
Books & Supplies:	$1,000
Loan fees:	$1,212
Personal Expenses:	$2,151
Travel Expenses:	$3,834
Total Expenses:	$72,097

¹ Full-time: 9 credit hours per semester; Tuition is billed at $2,357 per credit.
²All students must have health coverage.  Purchase of the School's plan is optional.
³Amounts for other expenses vary based upon student's selection of books, supplies, and living arrangements.

Billed expenses are subject to change without prior notice. Changes to a student's program or course load may result in additional tuition charges and fees.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How well-defined does my research area have to be in my application?

  Your essay should outline your areas of interest and how they align with current faculty areas of work. The Admissions Committee will look for a summary of your previous experience, qualifications, and information about your interest in a specific area of research. We will also consider your writing skills and determine whether there is a good match between your research interests and our faculty expertise.

• Should I contact a faculty member with similar research interests prior to applying?

  Although contacting a faculty member in your research area is not required, it is an opportunity to become familiar with researchers in your area of interest and to ask questions not addressed on the school's website. While it can be helpful to have a direct match, students often have great success in the program when a piece of the research overlaps with the advisor. If there is a particular faculty member whose work interests you, you may discuss this as part of your application essay. The best place to start is with the PhD Senior Admissions Officer, Deb Driscoll at ddrisco8@jhu.edu and with a review of our most recent PhD virtual information session at https://nursing.jhu.edu/admissions/index.html .

• How are faculty advisors selected?

  Once you are admitted to the PhD program and decide to matriculate, the PhD Admissions Committee determines who will be your advisor(s). Generally, one advisor is selected, but in some instances-depending on your research area-two advisors are assigned, one of them serving as the primary advisor and the second serving as a co-advisor. One of the faculty would be your primary advisor and the second would serve as a co-advisor. We try to match students with faculty members who have similar research interests.

• What are the differences between the PhD and DNP programs?

  The PhD program prepares the nurse scholar to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The program is designed to prepare nurses for careers as research scientists, often in academic or governmental positions.

  The DNP program prepares nurse leaders for evidence-based practice in both direct patient care and executive roles.  View Comparison Chart

  View information about a unique opportunity to earn a dual-degree DNP/PhD.

• How long does it take to complete the PhD program?

  The time needed to complete the program varies, depending on how fast you progress. Some students in our program finish their degree in three years, others take four years or longer.

• English is not my first language, are there additional admissions requirements?

  Students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Johns Hopkins School of Nursing requires a minimum TOEFL-IBT score of 100 to be eligible for admission. More

• How can I be well prepared for a Biostatistics heavy program?

  The PhD program has a Biostatistics heavy curriculum so previous coursework in Biostatistics is helpful.  We encourage students that have not had previous coursework in this area, or have not taken the coursework in the past five years, to look for ways to strengthen that knowledge base before matriculating into the program.  Please reach out to Deb Driscoll, Senior Admissions Officer, at ddrisco8@jhu.edu for a list of resources to help you prepare while applying and before matriculating into the program.

• Are GRE scores required?

  GRE scores are accepted but not required.

• Can I take this program online or part time?

  The PhD program is a full time, onsite program only.

• What should I expect as a time commitment in this program?

  Students should expect to spend 15 hours a week on campus on their funded research residency in collaboration with their faculty advisor for all three years that they receive full funding.  Students should expect to spend an additional 15-20 hours per week on coursework.

• What if I completed some of my coursework outside of the US?

  Coursework completed outside the United States must be evaluated and translated into US equivalencies.  Official transcript evaluations must be submitted as part of the application process, and applications will not be considered complete until all evaluations for any work completed outside the United States are received.  The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing recommends WES-ICAP.

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Funding Opportunities

Scholarships & Grants

Grants are awards based on financial need that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from scholarships and awards based on merit.

Scholarships & Grants

Loans

Many students will avail themselves of loans to help finance their School of Nursing Education. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely essential to cover your educational costs.

Loans

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What We Are Saying

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John Hopkins School of International Studies Graduate Gre Scores

Source: https://nursing.jhu.edu/academics/programs/doctoral/phd/

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