Program Overview

Overview of the PhD in Nursing Program

The PhD in Nursing program at Augusta University is a research-focused degree that prepares nurse scientists for research-intensive academic careers. The program is designed to equip students with interdisciplinary skills to lead and apply scientific knowledge in healthcare.

Program Description

The program features faculty mentoring and teaching, extensive research experiences, and committed peers, emphasizing interdisciplinary knowledge development and dissemination. Dissertation research may occur at approved sites near home or work. For DNP-prepared nurses, course credit may be given for previous coursework.

What You'll Study

The curriculum is tailored to each student’s research area and includes two summer research-intensive workshops. Distance-accessible/hybrid coursework includes core, research mentorship, elective, and dissertation courses.

Coursework

Individuals can enroll in the PhD in Nursing program as a part-time or full-time student. Full-time students can complete the program in three years.

Career Options

A PhD in Nursing from Augusta University opens the door to advanced roles in research, academia, and healthcare leadership. Graduates are well-positioned for careers as nurse scientists, faculty members, academic leaders, healthcare executives, and more.

Admissions Criteria

• GPA: A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and a minimum overall graduate GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
• Degree Requirement: Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) from an accredited program and an accredited college or university. A Master’s degree or higher with a major in nursing (MSN, MN, DNP) alone may fulfill the minimum degree requirement.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges ever attended. Unofficial transcripts from US colleges and universities can be used in the admissions review process in lieu of official transcripts for this program.
• Standardized Test Requirements: None are required for this program.
• Prerequisite Coursework: 3 credit hours in statistics or biostatistics with a "B" or higher.
• Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from three individuals must be submitted through the application portal.
• Resume or CV: Applicants must submit a resume or curriculum vitae within the application portal.
• Writing Samples: An essay addressing experience and autobiographical information as well as an original paper reflecting research ability must be submitted within the application portal.
• Licensure: Nurse applicants must currently hold an unrestricted RN license and be eligible for an unrestricted RN license in the state of Georgia.
• Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen: Completion of criminal background check (CBC) and drug screen with results deemed satisfactory.

Tuition & Fees Estimate

• Estimated total: $4,801 (full-time, in-state, per semester)
• Tuition Per Hour: $401
• Mandatory Fees: $675

Application Deadlines

• Fall '26 Priority Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
• Fall '26 Application Deadline: June 15, 2026 (application opens August 8, 2025)

Why Augusta?

• Opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research in areas like cancer, health disparities, and diabetes and epigenetics prepare you for research-intensive careers in academia.
• Scholarships, assistantships, and loan programs make the program financially accessible.
• Community partnerships provide valuable experience while giving you the chance to improve health outcomes for a variety of communities.