Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education The Science of Teaching Care

doctorate in nursing education online programs

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Advance the Nursing Profession with our Ph.D. in Nursing Education

Are you interested in influencing the field of nursing and taking the discipline even further? Nurses who are prepared with a Ph.D. are needed to steward the discipline and educate the next generation of nurses. Prepare to conduct original research, generate new ideas, design, implement, and communicate findings to lay audience programs for nurses — including formal academic programs that lead to a degree — with Liberty’s Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education degree.

Our doctorate in nursing education is a great credential to have to advance or alter your career path. It can provide both the knowledge and research experience that is important to become a faculty member at a university or educator in a medical facility. You could become a professor of nursing or pursue other educational opportunities within healthcare — or go into hospital administration, health policy advocacy, or nursing research.

Nursing education is a growing field that needs educators who are passionate about patient advocacy and the advancement of excellent healthcare policies and processes. Apply your current experience to your studies and gain the knowledge you need to lead in advancing the nursing profession with a Ph.D. in Nursing.

Licensure requirements may vary and are subject to change without notice. View your state’s requirements here: licensure/certification requirements .

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  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Ph.D. in Nursing Education Online Degree?

By choosing Liberty to pursue your doctoral degree, you’re choosing a university that is accredited, Christ-centered, and flexible with course scheduling. When you choose any of our online degree programs, you’re choosing excellence that is grounded in integrity.

Liberty University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). This means that you can be confident that you are receiving a world-class education that has met rigorous education standards.

We understand that you may have family, career, and community obligations — so our program is designed to work around your busy life and schedule. You can complete your doctorate in nursing 100% online, in a flexible 8-week course format. Optional synchronous online sessions are delivered most weeks of the semester to allow you to maximize engagement with faculty, classmates, and the program.

At Liberty, our mission is to Train Champions for Christ . All of our programs are taught by Christian faculty who are not only nationally recognized educational leaders but also professors committed to your personal and professional success.

What Will You Study in Our Ph.D. in Nursing Education Online Degree?

In this program, you’ll learn to design and lead effective nursing education programs for the next generation of medical professionals. Your coursework can help you become a confident leader, equipped to implement change and improvements to nursing education. Through multi-disciplinary courses and interactions with your professors, you can develop the skills you need to lead and collaborate with healthcare teams and create positive change.

Upon successful completion of our program, you can be more prepared to:

  • Act as a professional nursing leader, role model, and mentor for those who wish to pursue advancement in nursing.
  • Advocate for policies and programs that improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.
  • Apply ethical decision-making and values to the nursing profession based upon a biblical worldview.
  • Contribute to the science of nursing by creating original research and scholarship.
  • Educate the next generation of nurse scholars to add to the global community of nursing professionals.
  • Synthesize the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of nursing in the practice of research

Potential Career Opportunities

  • Health policy advocate
  • Hospital administrator
  • Nurse scientist
  • Nursing professor/faculty member
  • Nursing researcher

Featured Courses

  • NURS 764 – Learning Theories and Teaching Methods for Nurse Educators
  • NURS 765 – Curriculum Development and Program Evaluation for Nurse Educators
  • NURS 766 – Advanced Evaluation Strategies for Nurse Educators
  • NURS 784 – Assessment and Accreditation for Nursing Programs

Course guides available upon request

Degree Information

  • This program falls under the School of Nursing .
  • View the Graduate Nursing Course Guides (login required) .

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

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Admission Information for our Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education

Admission requirements.

At this time, our Ph.D. in Nursing Education degree is limited in certain states. Please view the licensure/certification requirements for your state. International students can contact the School of Nursing related to their degree interest.

  • A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
  • Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
  • Contact information for one recommender
  • Statement of Purpose
  • One year minimum experience as a Registered Nurse (RN). Registered Nurse Licensure verification will be conducted annually until the curriculum for the online Ph.D. in Nursing: Nursing Education is completed. As the student, you are responsible to notify the School of nursing should any restrictions be placed on your license.
  • Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

  • Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
  • Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
  • Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
  • Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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(800) 424-9596

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

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We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets this program apart from other similar offerings.

Our nursing faculty are nationally recognized educational leaders.

What does the career potential look like for this field?

With the growing demand for nurses, nurse educators are also in demand at all levels, and with a doctorate in nursing, you may find many employment doors opening.

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doctorate in nursing education online programs

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Best Online Ph.D. in Nursing Programs – 2024

doctorate in nursing education online programs

What Factors Were Considered for Ranking the Best Ph.D. in Nursing Online Programs?

Following are the 10 best online ph.d. in nursing programs in the nation for 2024, 1) university of central florida - orlando, fl.

doctorate in nursing education online programs

If gaining knowledge and expertise in nursing research interests you, then pursuing an online Ph.D. can be a fruitful decision. The University of Central Florida offers two online Ph.D. tracks that can be completed without keeping your current work assignments on hold. So, there is BSN to Ph.D. track that requires completing 75 credit hours post-BSN, whereas, if you have completed a master’s in nursing, your coursework for the MSN to Ph.D. track demands finishing 60-credit hours. Except for two intensives that require few days of campus visits per year, all courses are offered through the web.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to explore promising employment opportunities, such as the director of nursing research, nurse scientist, nursing faculty, and research scientist.

Key Highlights

• UCF’s College of Nursing is highly ranked by the U.S. News and World Report in recognition of its innovative and pathbreaking online education. • The college has the expertise of offering quality web-based programs for the last 20 years that are well supported by its experienced faculty.

2) Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN

doctorate in nursing education online programs

Specializations Offered:

Vanderbilt University’s online Ph.D. in nursing science prepares you for a career in nursing research and education. Depending on your career goals, you can choose from either Clinical Research or Health Services Research. If you are inclined towards improving health outcomes by researching treatments that involve physical, psychological, and educational therapies, then the clinical research specialization is better suited. Whereas, the health services research specialty is focused on designing systems that evaluate treatments administered, their costs, and what happens to the patient, after that.

The coursework requires completion of at least 57 credit hours and is delivered completely online, with some parts being synchronous and some asynchronous. Out of the 57 credits, 32 are core courses, 15 credits are to be completed in your specialty-specific courses, and ten credits are towards your research thesis. To participate in experiential learning and interactive sessions with faculty, you must visit the campus for around 15 to 20 days per academic year.

• Vanderbilt University offers Ph.D. students multiple opportunities to interact with research scholars across the university and the nation. • You will be taught by a faculty that is nationally recognized and actively participates in research in your chosen specialty. • Eligible students can transfer 15 credits from their master’s degree towards this Ph.D.

3) Walden University - Minneapolis, MN

doctorate in nursing education online programs

If you are keen on positively impacting the future of healthcare by actively participating in research, teaching, and policymaking, then completing your Ph.D. in any of the tracks offered by Walden University can be given a thought. One of the sought-after Ph.D. in Nursing online programs in MN, you need at least a master’s degree to be eligible for this program. Acknowledging your past education, the college allows a transfer of up to 40 credits towards the Ph.D. With five tracks in education, healthcare administration, interdisciplinary health, leadership, and population health, you can opt for the one that matches your career aspirations.

Regardless of what specialization you choose, the degree requires completing a total of 81 credits, comprising 20 credits of research courses, 25 credits in core courses, and 15 credits in courses of your chosen specialization. The curriculum culminates with a research thesis of 20 credits. Upon completion of this Ph.D. in your chosen specialty, you can go on to work as either a nursing professor, head a research organization, or become a health policymaker in a health organization.

• If you have completed your DNP, you can opt for the DNP to Ph.D. Bridge program where you can transfer 26 credits and save considerable time and tuition costs. • With Walden’s Sigma Theta Tau chapter, you can network with other nurses and share your nursing research ideas and gain a broader perspective.

4) University of Kansas - Kansas City, KS

doctorate in nursing education online programs

The University of Kansas has been offering Ph.D. education since 1983, and its over 125 graduates are successfully working as nurse educators and research scholars in various educational and healthcare organizations. Graduates are trained in the skills and advance art and science of nursing, with emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based decision making. On average, students complete this online program in three years on a full-time basis.

Well, you can enter this program after your bachelor’s or upon completion of your master’s in nursing. With the master’s, you will require six fewer credits, whereas as a post BSN student, you must complete additional courses in theories for practice research and healthcare research as part of your Ph.D. curriculum.

The curriculum involves completing 52-credit coursework plus 15 credits of thesis, and there are three areas of specialization to choose from - Health Systems, Symptom Science, and Education. Well, to enhance your chances of admission into this or for that matter any other Ph.D. in Nursing online programs, ensure you earn a minimum GPA of 3.50 in your BSN or 3.25 in your MSN, apart from holding an active nurse license and demonstrating an aptitude for leadership and research activities.

• You will be able to select up to 11 credits of your total coursework in the topic related to your research thesis. • You can opt to be mentored by a graduate faculty who shares your research interests.

5) University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

doctorate in nursing education online programs

University of Arizona College of Nursing offers several pathways to Ph.D. aspirants. You can enter this program either post your BSN or MSN. Alternatively, you can also opt to complete your Ph.D. along with a DNP or even earn a Ph.D. after completing the DNP. Whichever path you choose, you can complete this program online, both on a part-time and full-time basis. Besides the online courses, you are required to attend a mandatory one week of on-campus orientation, where you will collaborate with peers and faculty to explore the Ph.D. curriculum.

This online Doctor of Philosophy in nursing is offered in three areas of focused study-Precision Science, Health Determinants Science and Data and System Science, out of which you must choose one. This study constitutes 12 credits of your Ph.D. coursework and helps gain specialized knowledge in your area of focus. The total Ph.D. curriculum requires completing 64 credits. The coursework includes an 18-credit dissertation that is completed over multiple terms.

• The college is among the top nursing schools in receiving funding from the NIH. As a potential student, you will certainly benefit from the school’s dynamic research profile. • The school’s stellar faculty is accomplished, and they engage in research and scholarly activity in all the three areas of focused study.

6) Indiana University - Bloomington, IN

doctorate in nursing education online programs

Indiana University’s online Ph.D. training prepares you for a career in private or public organizations as nursing faculty, director of clinical research, and director of clinical services. The program is grounded in nursing science and offers concentration options in Clinical Nursing Science and Health Systems. Clinical Nursing Science is ideal if you are inclined towards the research of prevention and early detection of diseases and disabilities across the lifespan, whereas Health Systems emphasizes on informatics, nursing education, and public health policy.

You can enter this program, either after your BSN or post an MSN. While the former requires completing 90 credits, the latter is shorter and requires just 60 credits as 30 credits are automatically transferred from the MSN towards your Ph.D. While most of the courses are offered online, you require attending two campus intensives per year. These visits can be enriching as you get the opportunity to network with mentors and other experts from the field. The curriculum is well balanced, covering courses in nursing science, biostatistics for public health, data analysis, and quantitative research. The coursework ends with a 16-credit thesis in nursing.

• If you are a resident of Indiana, you can complete this program at only one-third of the tuition cost that out of state students incur. • As an online student, you will be taught by the same faculty that teaches on-campus. Moreover, didactic sessions are synchronous in nature, so you practically land up in a virtual classroom with your peers, taking classes through videoconferencing.

7) University of Colorado - Denver, CO

doctorate in nursing education online programs

If you are looking at a career in nursing education, nursing administration, or nursing research, then the University of Colorado’s nursing Ph.D. can be considered. You can enter this program, either after completing a BSN or MSN. Depending on professional interests, you can choose from any of the three areas of focus - Health Care Systems Research, Caring Science, and Behavioral Sciences. Although all courses are offered via the internet, however, you must be prepared to travel to Denver once every semester for the on-campus intensives.

The 60-credit Ph.D. coursework includes 18 credits of dissertation. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program in three years. As a pre-requisite to this program, you must complete a graduate-level course in statistics. Upon completion of core and specialization courses, you will demonstrate the expertise of developing new knowledge and findings through your nursing research.

• You are eligible for in-state tuition costs if your permanent residence address happens to be in any of the 15 states that include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. • Eligible Ph.D. students can also avail scholarships that the college offers twice a year.

8) Villanova University - Villanova, PA

doctorate in nursing education online programs

If you are looking at an online Ph.D. in Nursing program to attain the highest nursing degree, then you could consider Villanova University’s Ph.D. that prepares you to conduct clinical and educational based nursing research towards better nursing practice and education. This advanced credential will help you climb the career ladder in the academic field by preparing you to take up leadership positions in the higher education arena. With flexible schedules, you can complete this program in as little as two years or stretch it to three to four years. An additional two years are required for the completion of the nursing thesis.

The curriculum entails completing 51 credits; however, the exact number of credits may vary, depending on your past education. The coursework is designed to equip you with the practical and theoretical understanding required to create new knowledge of culturally relevant nursing practice and education. You will also learn to collaborate with members of other health disciplines to enhance your research.

• This Ph.D. program at Villanova is known for the personalized study experience it offers students. • Year after year, the National League for Nursing has honored the college’s Nursing School as being the Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, a testimony of the quality nursing education it offers.

9) Duquesne University - Pittsburgh, PA

doctorate in nursing education online programs

The Ph.D. program being offered by Duquesne University since 1994 has trained over 100 graduates who are currently well established in their careers as nurse scientists. Primarily offered as a post MSN course, there is also a post-DNP track that can be completed in 2.5 years as it requires fewer credits. The Ph.D. program at Duquesne is mainly focused on preparing you for nursing research in addressing the health needs of the vulnerable and underserved populations that are economically backward and belong to racial or ethnic minorities.

To be eligible for this program, you must have earned a master’s, preferably in nursing, with a minimum GPA of 3.50. There is a three year and four-year track to choose from. The three-year track is rigorous and will hardly leave you any time for other commitments, whereas with the four-year track, you will be completing your coursework at a comfortable pace, typically taking six credits per semester, unlike the 6-10 in the three-year track. Both tracks require a graduate-level statistics course as a pre-requisite. The 53 credits curriculum includes 12 credits of a dissertation that takes place during the last year of your coursework.

• Residency requirements in this program include visits to the college campus, and as part of the Methods of Scientific Inquiry course, you will take part in a 10-14 day international trip to locations such as Dublin, Ireland, where you will be provided with housing at the college’s campus. • The program enjoys the distinction of being the first online Doctor of Philosophy in nursing program in the country.

10) University of Missouri - Columbia, MO

doctorate in nursing education online programs

University of Missouri’s Ph.D. in Nursing prepares you for an advanced career in nursing, either as a scholar, educator, or clinical researcher. Due to its interdisciplinary approach, even non-nursing students can enter this program. To pursue this degree, you have three pathways; post-BSN, post-MSN, and post-DNP. Regardless of the pathway you choose, you will be taught by a faculty that comes from diverse academic backgrounds, bringing in their interdisciplinary experiences and knowledge.

This Ph.D. is offered in a hybrid mode, requiring few campus visits while taking the majority of your coursework online. There are three focus areas to choose from; innovations to improve health and health systems, health improvement of the vulnerable population, symptom, and behavior science. The post-BSN track requires completion of about 77 credits, whereas, the post-MSN and post-DNP require 56 and 48 credits, respectively.

• One of the few military-friendly online Ph.D. in Nursing programs in the nation, military personnel, veterans, and their eligible family members can avail of a 10% reduction in tuition costs. • You can benefit from the nursing school’s research connections across its various departments that include social work, public health, human development and family science, education, and health informatics.

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Home / Online Nursing Education Degrees and Programs / Ph.D. Nursing Education Programs

Ph.D. Nursing Education Programs

What is a ph.d. nursing education degree, 2024 - best phd in nursing education programs, are online ph.d. nursing education programs available, nursing education ph.d. vs. other doctorate degree types, list of ph.d. nursing education degree programs.

If your career goals include research and advanced practice nursing, earning a degree beyond a bachelor’s is essential. You have the option of earning either a Master of Science (MSN) in nursing education or a doctorate degree, such as the Ph.D in Nursing Education. Your career goals and the length of time it takes to complete each program are the top considerations when determining which option is right for you. Luckily, online Ph.D. Nurse Educator programs are available for those who don't think they have the time for a doctorate degree of this caliber.

Online Ph.D. Nurse Educator Programs

A Ph.D. nurse educator degree is a doctorate, meaning it's the highest degree level a Nurse Educator can obtain (with equal standing given to other doctorate types, as discussed below). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing endorsed changing the minimum entry-level requirement for nurse educators from a master's to a doctorate in 2004. Since then, it has been more challenging for people with an MSN to secure a nurse educator job due to high competition. Schools in all 50 states now offer nurse educator doctorates.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse educators with the most experience and education earn approximately $125,000 annually. Examples of coursework you will complete at the doctorate level include:

  • Care Systems and Chronic Illness
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Research
  • Research and Development
  • Scientific Inquiry

All Ph.D. candidates prepare a dissertation they research, write, and defend. The process takes one to three years, depending on your interests and chosen topic.

doctorate in nursing education online programs

NurseEducator.com's PhD in Nursing Education rankings are based on a methodology that takes into account a variety of important factors, including the completion rates, affordability, competitiveness, variety of programs offered, and the level of faculty experience. The rankings are designed to provide an objective and comprehensive look at the best nursing education programs in the world. We believe that the criteria used in our methodology accurately reflect the quality of the programs, and that our rankings give prospective students the best information available for making an informed decision. To learn more about our methodology, please visit our methodology page .

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is an accredited private university with over 20,000 students. It offers a wide range of degree programs, including a PhD in Nursing Education. It is one of the largest independent universities in the United States, and its diverse student body is composed of students from over 100 countries.

doctorate in nursing education online programs

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Founded in 1971, Liberty is now the largest Christian university in the world, with over 110,000 students enrolled globally. Liberty offers a wide range of degree programs, including a PhD in Nursing Education. With an emphasis on Christian values, Liberty provides students with an education rooted in faith.

doctorate in nursing education online programs

University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado is located in Greeley, Colorado and is a public university. With 14,902 students, it offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a PhD in Nursing Education. UNC has a strong commitment to student success and a tradition of excellence.

doctorate in nursing education online programs

You have plenty of online enrollment options from the University of Alabama to the University of Wyoming. The hundreds of schools across the United States that offer this degree option typically do so either entirely online or as a hybrid program.

Before enrolling at a school, reflect on how you learn best and your preferences regarding whether to complete courses online or in person. If you work, have a family to care for, or both, you will probably find the online option most convenient due to the flexibility. You can watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it is convenient for you.

A mix between online and traditional on-campus delivery could be ideal if you value face-to-face interactions with professors and other students. Regardless of your chosen option, you should be aware that you must complete your clinical requirements in person.

Nurse Educator Ph.D. Prerequisites

Admissions requirements are usually the same for campus-based and online Nurse Educator Ph.D. programs. Typical prerequisites include:

  • Completion of a BSN or MSN degree from an accredited institution
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all previous college coursework
  • GRE exam score
  • Official transcripts from all previous schools attended
  • Personal statement describing your career goals
  • Unrestricted U.S.RN license
  • Up to three letters of recommendation

Obtaining certification as a nurse educator can give you a competitive advantage. The National League for Nursing offers certification options for nurse educators and clinical nurse educators.

Below is the admissions process at Grand Canyon University , which is typical of schools offering this degree program. The process is the same for online and on-campus students, except for the requirement that students attending in-person classes schedule a campus visit before courses begin.

The first step at any college or university is to submit a request form that indicates the degree you prefer, whether you're interested in the online or hybrid option, and your timeline for starting your studies. Next, you should complete the school's application and attach all the above information. If you need financial aid, researching your options is the next step. It would help if you waited to hear from the school about your official acceptance.

According to the BLS, the demand for nurse educators is higher than average. Thanks to an aging population and increasingly complex health conditions, the agency does not expect the demand to lower anytime soon.

Students sometimes confuse this degree option with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The focus of the Ph.D. nurse educator degree is scholarly research and inquiry, with the purpose of expanding knowledge about nursing. In contrast, students pursue the DNP degree to improve patient outcomes. The primary focus is obtaining higher-level skills in nursing.

Regarding coursework, DNP candidates focus on advanced practice nursing, evidence-based nursing, and developing leadership skills. Typical courses in DNP programs include:

  • Administration and Budget Planning
  • Clinical Diagnosis
  • Disease Management
  • Healthcare Policy
  • Healthcare System Transformation

Besides the Ph.D. and nursing education DNP , students have the option of one other doctorate degree as well: the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in nursing education . This degree type is suited for academia, advocacy, and policy, and is not as widely available as the other doctorate degree pathways.

Earning a Nurse Educator Ph.D. doesn't limit you to working only in the field of education. The whole purpose of obtaining the doctorate in the first place is to widen your career options. Here are some popular job titles for people with this advanced credential:

  • Clinical Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Curriculum Coordinator
  • Nursing Education Consultant
  • Nursing Professional Development Specialist

Nurse Educator Ph.D., DNP, and Ed.D. programs offer a terminal degree, meaning you have earned the highest degree available.

Nurse Educator Degree Type Comparison

In search of an online or campus-based Ph.D. Nurse Educator program near you? Explore our state-by-state listings below.

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  • Nursing Education Ph.D. Online
  • Ph.D. Nursing Education Online

University of Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Ph.D. Nursing Education Track & Post-MSN Accelerated Nursing Education Track Online
  • Ph.D. in Nursing Education Online

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The Doctorate in Nursing Education is for master’s degree nurses who want to help address the growing need for more RNs in today’s ever-expanding healthcare system. The American College of Education Ed.D in Nursing Education program is a fully online curriculum to prepare nurses as educators in either an academic or professional development setting. The program uses a unique interdisciplinary approach to focus on the science of teaching and learning. Students will engage in scholarly research to support their dissertation while developing the competencies to create and evaluate curriculum, develop effective teaching strategies, use innovative technology to promote learning and much more as they prepare to educate the next generation of nurses.

Quality You Expect

Our accredited programs are designed for working professionals who want a quality education. We’re committed to delivering high-quality, affordable and accessible online programs grounded in evidence-based content and relevant application.

Low Cost You Deserve

Because we’re 100% online, you only pay for the cost of delivering your education, not infrastructure like buildings or dorms. In fact, our affordability allows most of our students to graduate with no debt. We also offer over $2.5 million in scholarships and grants every year.

Flexibility You Need

Complete your coursework any time and anywhere there’s an internet connection. You’ll have access to academic resources 24/7, and highly responsive faculty and librarians. You decide how we fit into your life, not the other way around.

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Find a plan that fits your budget.

When We Say Low Cost, We Mean It

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Austin Peay State University

Grand canyon university, university of phoenix, walden university.

Source: Internal Research Completed June 202 4

Program Details

Focus of study.

Curriculum and Instruction

General Track

Health and Wellness

Instructional Technology

The Doctorate in Nursing Education (Ed.D.) is designed for nurses with a master’s degree who want to become nurse educators in either the academic or professional development arenas. The degree equips the nurse educator with the necessary competencies to create and evaluate curriculum, manage classrooms, develop effective teaching strategies, conduct program evaluation, and utilize innovative technology to educate the next generation of nurses. Using a unique interdisciplinary approach, the program focuses on the science of teaching and learning for the Nurse Educator. Students will engage in scholarly research throughout the coursework to support their final dissertation.

Program Outcomes

  • Integrates theoretical frameworks from nursing, higher education, and related disciplines to design transformational nursing education and inform the role of the nurse educator.
  • Demonstrate expertise in the creation, implementation, and evaluation of innovative nursing curriculum to improve nursing education and reflect trends in higher education, healthcare, and nursing practice.
  • Combine expert knowledge of ethical, social, global, cultural, political, and economic issues affecting nursing education to provide innovative educational leadership.
  • Provide visionary leadership to effect change in nursing education through adoption of a servant leadership mindset and service to the profession. 
  • Create a collaborative culture and function as a member of the community of scholars. 
  • Foster collaboration across and between disciplines to enhance interprofessional partnerships in clinical practice and education.
  • Summarizes resources needed related to the effective development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing education.
  • Role model professional expertise and the value of lifelong learning in the role of nurse educator and educational leader.
  • Contribute to the advancement of the science of nursing education through intellectual inquiry, dissemination, and creative scholarship. 
  • Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership.
  • Demonstrate competence in the application of multiple research methods.

Start Dates

With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.

November 11, 2024 Term

Nov 08, 2024

Payment Due

Application Due

Nov 15, 2024

Unregister/Cancel Deadline

Dec 15, 2024

January 06, 2025 Term

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September 29, 2025 Term

Sep 26, 2025

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Nov 02, 2025

Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

Featured Faculty

Our real-world coursework is taught by experienced faculty.

Lisa Hawthorne

Lisa Hawthorne

Melissa Bennett

Melissa Bennett

Robin Murray

Robin Murray

Kimya Nance

Kimya Nance

Alice Martanegara

Alice Martanegara

Admission requirements, ace general admission requirements.

  • Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement and payment agreement.
  • Submit the nonrefundable application fee. *
  • Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program. **
  • Secure electronic transcripts can be mailed to [email protected] .

*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.

**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements

  • Transcript showing Masters’ or doctoral level
  • Minimum grade point average 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for full admission
  • Provisional admission is not permitted
  • Must provide evidence of active unencumbered registered nursing (RN) license
  • Applicants must achieve and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program

International Transcript Requirements

All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.

  • Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through a NACES -recommended agency.
  • Texas applicants may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency .
  • International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.

English as a Second Language Applicants

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:

  • Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
  • Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
  • The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening and Writing.
  • The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification.
  • The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
  • Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit a minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C) .

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Take advantage of what the University of West Georgia has to offer. UWG boasts 87 programs of study.

UWG offers an exciting, diverse curriculum that allows its students to flourish and become community and world leaders.

Doctor of Education with a Major in Nursing Education

University of West Georgia School of Nursing ranked 31st in the nation for "Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs" (U.S. News & World Report, 2020).

UWG's online EdD in Nursing Education is designed to prepare nurse educators for the 21st century. The 100% online program will enable students to earn a doctorate degree that will prepare them to train future nurses, helping address a critical shortage in the state, region and nation. This is one of only a few such programs in the nation!

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog .

Start Your Journey Today

The program includes a total of 60 semester hours including 12 dissertation credit hours. Through structured activities and facilitator-guided dialogue, learners will gain an understanding of the doctoral program goals, structure, and culture. Students will develop strategies for successfully engaging in doctoral learning and building an effective doctoral community. Classroom instruction will be delivered through asynchronous communication. Communication between the professor and students will be promoted within the university's course management system. Objectives: The major objectives of this doctoral program are to: Demonstrate advanced nurse educator competencies to enact increasingly complex faculty and leadership roles. Facilitate curriculum design, development of courses, and evaluation of program and learner outcomes using evidence-based strategies. Function as a change agent, innovator, and leader with the continuous pursuit of quality improvement in the nurse educator role. Advance the scholarship of nursing education. Conduct, evaluate, and synthesize theoretically guided research to further pedagogical knowledge in nursing education. The Doctorate of Education in Nursing Education Program Website includes other vital information.

School of Nursing 678-839-6552 [email protected]

THSSON Graduate Studies Associate [email protected] 678-839-5115

Career Opportunities

Link to Additional Career Information: https://www.buzzfile.com/Major/Nursing External Resource

Program Location

Method of delivery.

100% Online Asynchronous. A mandatory two-day, on-site orientation seminar is required before the first semester. A one-day mandatory dissertation orientation is required the semester prior to comprehensive exams (varies based on part-time or full-time track).  On-site attendance for one of the students dissertation defenses is also recommended.

Accreditation

The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Credit and transfer

Total semester hours required: 60 Maximum Hours Transferable into program: 6 A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team ( [email protected] ). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.

Graduate students may be able to reduce their cost through  prior learning , previous degrees earned at UWG, or transfer credits. We have created a  tool  to help students estimate their tuition costs.                

This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.

UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.

  • Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
  • The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
  • Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
  • Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
  • Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
  • One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
  • For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website

There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

Full-Time Plan of Study [PDF, 76 KB] Part-Time Plan of Study [PDF, 84 KB]

NURS-6900 - Scholarly Writing

This course will address the basic mechanics of scholarly writing, peer review, self-editing and APA format.

View Instructors, Syllabi and Other Details

NURS-9001 - Current Trends and Issues in Nursing Education

This course is designed is to prepare doctoral students for current and future movement in nursing education. The course emphasizes the development of complex competencies to meet the educational needs of a rapidly developing global society.

NURS-9002 - Quantitative Research in Nursing

This course addresses quantitative research, methods, designs, and approaches to scientific inquiry in nursing education.

NURS-9003 - Principles of Qualitative Inquiry: Design and Methods

Principles of qualitative research methodology will be explored including philosophical frameworks, an introduction to qualitative methodologies, rigor, and data collection and analysis strategies

NURS-9004 - Teaching the Adult Learner

This course examines theories of pedagogy and andragogy and practical application in the adult education process. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9005 - Nursing Theory in Nursing Education

This course includes the opportunity for analysis and evaluation of concepts related to theory development and an exploration and analysis of middle range theories. Additionally, the course will include an examination of nursing theory and its link to the research process and best practices in nursing education. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9006 - Educational and Healthcare Policy Analysis

Must be admitted to the EdD in Nursing Education program as a prerequisite to register for this course. This course is an advanced study of policy and its impact on nursing education and health care. It is designed to enable nurse educators to become more knowledgeable, effective, and responsible participants within the political context of the academic and health-care settings.

NURS-9007 - Applied Statistical Methods in Nursing

This course provides the student with the opportunity to examine statistical methods for nursing and educational research. Emphasis is on the utilization and interpretation of descriptive and inferential statistics.

NURS-9008 - Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Education

This course provides an overview of philosophical, ideological, and/or theoretical constructs that have influenced nursing education. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9009 - Curriculum: Theory and Practice

This course provides an opportunity to develop and analyze nursing curricula based on the interpretation, evaluation, and synthesis of current and historical literature.

NURS-9011 - Ethics in Educational Leadership

This course is designed to provide the student the opportunity to analyze ethical theories and to apply these theories to nursing education. Ethical issues in health care, higher education, and nursing education provides the focus for the learner to explore the guiding principles of ethical decision making. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9012 - Nursing Education Synthesis

This course provides the student with opportunities to synthesize the roles, processes, and functions of an educator within higher education.

NURS-9013 - Nursing Education Leadership for Diversity for the 21st century

This course explores the application of leadership theories within a culturally diverse society in the context of a quality caring curriculum. Students are challenged to develop a global perspective and appreciation of the cultural complexity and diversity within healthcare and educational settings. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9014 - Methodology Development

This course will provide a critical examination of detailed knowledge of methodology as it relates to the field of research in quality caring nursing education.

NURS-9015 - Dissertation

This course is the research dissertation which demonstrates a mastery of study and contributes to the literature in nursing education.

NURS-9016 - Distance Education in Nursing

This course provides a focus on current issues and challenges for the distance education professional in nursing education through the design and evaluation of online learning environments. Admission to the EdD in Nursing Education program required.

NURS-9018 - Advanced Research Methods

This course provides an opportunity for students to build upon previous content addressed in the NURS 9002, NURS 9003, and NURS 9007 courses and focuses on the design and development of a quantitative or qualitative research study prospectus.

NURS-9019 - Comprehensive Exam

This course will assess the student s ability to demonstrate, through scholarly writing, knowledge synthesis of doctoral coursework and readiness to begin the doctoral dissertation. The course will contain the comprehensive exam for the program and the comprehensive exam will be INDEPENDENTLY written. The comprehensive exam may be repeated only once within the course. Failure of the second comprehensive exam attempt will result in an unsatisfactory in the course and dismissal from the program.

Connie Barbour, EdD, RN, CNE

Connie Barbour, EdD, RN, CNE

Assistant professor.

Cynthia Brown, DNS, RN, AHN-BC, NBC-HWC, CNE

Cynthia Brown, DNS, RN, AHN-BC, NBC-HWC, CNE

Nancy Capponi, EdD, RN, CNE, CCRN, CEN

Nancy Capponi, EdD, RN, CNE, CCRN, CEN

Laura Caramanica, PhD, RN, CENP, FACHE, FAAN, CNE

Laura Caramanica, PhD, RN, CENP, FACHE, FAAN, CNE

Graduate program director & professor.

Kelly Dyar, EdD, RN, CNN, CNE

Kelly Dyar, EdD, RN, CNN, CNE

Director of inquiry and scholarship & associate professor.

Tammy McClenny, EdD, RN

Tammy McClenny, EdD, RN

Laura Phillips, EdD, RN, CNE

Laura Phillips, EdD, RN, CNE

Sally Richter, EdD, RN

Sally Richter, EdD, RN

Associate dean of nursing graduate programs & associate professor.

Amy Yarbrough, EdD, RN, RNC-MNN, CNE

Amy Yarbrough, EdD, RN, RNC-MNN, CNE

Guidelines for admittance.

  • All graduate applicants must complete the online Grad Application . A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
  • Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process .
  • International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students .
  • Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.

Program Specific Admittance Guidelines

  • Earned Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited program.
  • G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all graduate nursing courses. 
  • Official transcript from each degree-granting college or university attended (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.).
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable of the applicant’s professional and academic abilities.
  • Current unencumbered RN license in the United States.
  • Professional resume.
  • Turnitin: To ensure academic integrity, the Tanner Health System School of Nursing (THS SON) vigorously affirms the importance of an Honor Code as defined by the THS SON Undergraduate and Graduate Student Handbook. Therefore, to detect and prevent plagiarism, faculty members at THS SON now use an originality tool called Turnitin to compare a candidate's work with multiple online sources. Turnitin reports a percentage of similarity with multiple online sources and provides links to those specific sources. However, the tool itself does not determine whether or not a paper has been plagiarized. Instead, the individual faculty member must make that judgment.

Application Deadlines

This program admits only for the fall semester each year.  Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Admissions will continue until the cohort is full for the available fall semester.

Admission Process Checklist

Please submit all transcripts to:

UWG Graduate Admissions Mandeville Hall 1601 Maple Street Carrollton, GA 30118

The School of Nursing Website includes a program handbook, directory of instructors and their credentials, as well as other vital information.

Contact THSSON Graduate Studies Associate [email protected] Phone: 678-839-5115 Fax: 678-839-6553 Graduate Admissions [email protected] 678-839-1394

This program admits only for the fall semester each year. Application deadlines can be found on the  Deadlines page. Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Admissions will continue until the cohort is full for the available fall semester. Specific dates for Financial Aid, Fee Payment, Registration, Start/End of Term Dates, Final Exams, etc. are available in THE SCOOP .

The major objectives of this doctoral program are to:

  • Demonstrate advanced nurse educator competencies to enact increasingly complex faculty and leadership roles.
  • Facilitate curriculum design, development of courses, and evaluation of program and learner outcomes using evidence-based strategies.
  • Function as a change agent, innovator, and leader with the continuous pursuit of quality improvement in the nurse educator role.
  • Advance the scholarship of nursing education.
  • Conduct, evaluate, and synthesize theoretically guided research to further pedagogical knowledge in nursing education.