UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies
Earn your Ph.D. to advance your career as a nurse scientist, educator, and advocate for meaningful change in healthcare.
Call 1-816-844-6954 for more info.
Why Choose UMKC?
Endless Career Options
Contribute to the future of nursing and healthcare by earning a Ph.D. from the UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies. Our programs will lead you to professional growth, leadership, and social advocacy. UMKC is a Carnegie Research 1 (R1) Institution, which means that faculty conduct meaningful research at an impactful level and are excellent at mentoring students in research. Nursing PhD students and graduates are essential in maintaining university research excellence.
Flexible Year-Round Curriculum
Our Ph.D. program is an affordable, nationally ranked program that is completed online with only two required campus visits. Work from the comfort of your own home, while receiving a great quality education.
Flexible Financial Aid
Our program offers affordable tuition in states where we are authorized to deliver our Ph.D. program. The UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies is a top US News Top Online MSN Program.
Healthcare Hub in the Heart of KC
UMKC’s Ph.D. in Nursing leverages cutting-edge technology and expert, research-active faculty to keep you at the forefront of healthcare. As one of only 30 U.S. universities with nursing, medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy on one campus, we offer unique interprofessional collaboration and research opportunities locally and globally.
How Does the Program Work?
UMKC’s Ph.D. program prepares nurse scientists to conduct original research and lead in academia or healthcare. With BSN-to-Ph.D. and MSN-to-Ph.D. options, you’ll explore your passion while improving health outcomes for patients, families, and communities.
Expert faculty mentor you throughout your research journey, helping you design a personalized plan of study. Unlike many online programs, UMKC offers a rich, interactive experience that blends real-world application with academic excellence.
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Call 1-(877) 959-6203 for more info.
UMKC Ph.D. Options
Faculty in the Nursing Ph.D. program support developing nursing knowledge in three distinct research areas of focus:
- Clinical / Biological Research
- Health Systems and Outcome Research
- Nursing Education Research
Faculty Research Bios
Is Financial Assistance Available?
Yes! UMKC can help you fund your future.
Explore a range of financial support, including scholarships, grants, and loans through UMKC, the School of Nursing and Health Studies, and external agencies, so you can focus on what matters—achieving your goals.
Flexible, Year-Round Curriculum
We designed the graduate programs to fit a professional’s schedule.
UMKC’s online Ph.D. in Nursing offers a flexible learning experience through Canvas, with both live and self-paced classes. Students attend two on-campus, three-day Research Institute events to connect with faculty and peers.
With guidance from a faculty mentor, you’ll create a personalized plan of study, take interdisciplinary courses, and engage in research, publications, and presentations. Our faculty provide ongoing, accessible support—no matter where you’re located.
How Do I Apply?
Are you convinced that the UMKC Ph.D. program is right for you? Here is what you need to know to apply and enroll:
Admission Requirements
- MSN or BSN from an accredited school of nursing
- Current licensure as a registered nurse with licensure in the jurisdiction where the clinical study is to be conducted
- UMKC application and Ph.D. supplemental application
- Ph.D. Supplement Form with required documentation
*BSN to Ph.D. will have additional requirements. Please get in touch with us to learn More.
We are now part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which allows us to offer online programs to students in other SARA states. We can accept and enroll students into most of our online programs in 48 states, including Washington, D.C. We highly recommend reviewing this information before submitting your application.
Application Checklist
- UMKC Application and PHD Supplemental Application
- UMKC Application Fee and UMKC School of Nursing and Health Studies Application Fee
- Official transcripts from every college/university ever attended
- School of Nursing and Health Studies PhD Application, which includes at least:
- GRE results, recommended
- CV or Resume
- Essay
- Submission of a current unencumbered RN license
- Three letters of professional reference
Application Deadlines
Applications are processed in the order they are received. Completing your application earlier increases the likelihood of early acceptance.
- All required materials are due by 5 pm CST on the due date.