Our PhD students work closely with internationally recognized faculty in an innovative and research-rich environment, offering unmatched mentorship opportunities and personalized education.

Our PhD program curriculum is geared towards providing foundational coursework; personalized scientific inquiry that includes opportunities inside and outside of the School of Nursing and Pitt campus; an apprenticeship with a seasoned investigator that begins during the first term as a PhD student; and providing students with opportunities to pursue impactful individualized dissertation projects.

Students can enter the PhD program through the BSN to PhD track or the MSN to PhD track. The program is on-site and enrolls a new cohort of students each fall.

Applicants are considered holistically, and applications are appraised for evidence of intellectual inquisitiveness and rigor, commitment and motivation for scholarship and the development of nursing science. Applications to the PhD program are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and typically receive an admission decision within 4-6 weeks.

Organizations

PhD Council is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating the PhD program, as well as admitting, advising, and monitoring the progression of doctoral students. This Council is comprised of faculty approved for membership in the University Council on Graduate Study and a representative from the Graduate Nursing Student Organization. The Council is chaired by the PhD Program Director.

The Graduate Nursing Student Organization (GNSO) is the student governance organization for all graduate students and exists for the benefit of those nursing students. Doctoral students are automatically members of GNSO upon registration for graduate courses. The GNSO offers a program of professional and social activities for its members.

Contact Information

Dr. Heidi Donovan, PhD Program Director
Email: donovanh@pitt.edu
Phone: 412-624-2699

The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. Read the complete Nondiscrimination Policy.