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 816-235-1700 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. We secure the in-state resident tuition rate for all degree-seeking students enrolled in our graduate nursing online programs, with opportunities for financial aid and scholarships available.
Hub of Innovation
UMKC’s Ph.D. in Nursing leverages cutting-edge technology and expert, research-active faculty to keep you at the forefront of healthcare. Our PhD faculty are consistently publishing groundbreaking new research covering a diverse range of topics, while mentoring and leading our PhD students to do the same.
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, using the online learning management system Canvas, using the online learning management system 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 state where the clinical study is to be conducted
- A GPA of a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale is required for admission, calculated on the last 60 hours of your BSN degree or the cumulative GPA of your MSN
*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 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.