Program Overview

Program Description

The PhD degree in nursing is designed to prepare nurse researchers, educators, and leaders who are ready to engage in knowledge development relevant to nursing science and practice. The program is offered in a hybrid format, only requiring 2-4 days on campus each quarter. Concentration and elective courses are taken during the academic year, with Loma Linda University, through the NEXus partnership, or at another university (a limited number of units may be transferred). A students dissertation interest should fit with established research programs or professional expertise of School of Nursing faculty. After completion of coursework, the student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to integrate all that was learned in their didactic coursework through completion of a comprehensive examination. In consultation with the students chosen committee, the dissertation proposal is written and presented. Following approval, data collection ensues and the final defense conducted.

Program Length

3-4 years full-time; Up to 7 years part-time

Possible Careers

• Nurse Scientist
• Nurse Faculty
• Nurse Leader

Admissions Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited program
• GPA of 3.3, both cumulative and in nursing courses
• Current United States RN license before application
• Application with personal statement
• Three electronic recommendations required:
  • Recent College Professor (less than 3 years)
  • Current Nurse Supervisor
  • Nursing Professional or Spiritual Advisor
• Official transcripts for all college credits
• Interview by faculty members in the School of Nursing

Admission Requirements for International Students

International applicants (non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. permanent residents) must meet all admission requirements for the chosen program. In addition, official international transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation service. A TOEFL score may also be required.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year

• Year 1:
  • Tuition & Fees: $20,080
  • Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance: $2,869
• Year 2:
  • Tuition & Fees: $20,080
• Year 3:
  • Tuition & Fees: $23,092
• Year 4:
  • Tuition & Fees: $20,080

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

• Year 1:
  • Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance):
    • On Campus Dorm: $12,447
    • LLU Owned Rental Property: $21,942
    • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents: $22,437
    • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents: $7,650
    • Off Campus: $21,942
  • Transportation Allowance: $3,150
  • Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $3,285
  • Federal Student Loan Fees: $216
• Year 2:
  • Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance):
    • On Campus Dorm: $16,596
    • LLU Owned Rental Property: $29,256
    • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents: $29,916
    • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents: $10,200
    • Off Campus: $29,256
  • Transportation Allowance: $4,200
  • Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $4,380
  • Federal Student Loan Fees: $216
• Year 3:
  • Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance):
    • On Campus Dorm: $16,596
    • LLU Owned Rental Property: $29,256
    • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents: $29,916
    • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents: $10,200
    • Off Campus: $29,256
  • Transportation Allowance: $4,200
  • Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $4,380
  • Federal Student Loan Fees: $216
• Year 4:
  • Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance):
    • On Campus Dorm: $16,596
    • LLU Owned Rental Property: $29,256
    • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents: $29,916
    • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents: $10,200
    • Off Campus: $29,256
  • Transportation Allowance: $4,200
  • Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $4,380
  • Federal Student Loan Fees: $216

Notes

• 70-75% of Loma Linda University Nursing students receive financial aid
• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.