PhD
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
PhD in Nursing
Designed for nurses who are driven to discover, challenge, and lead, the PhD in Nursing Program prepares students to uncover new frontiers in healthcare science, policy, intervention, and technology. Auburn University College of Nursing PhD students will work alongside scholars and scientists in various disciplines, developing innovative and practical solutions to the healthcare challenges of today and the future.
The PhD Program is primarily online, only requiring students to visit campus 1-2 times per semester. Auburn utilizes a variety of state-of-the-art online and distance learning technologies and techniques to facilitate the program and enrich the student learning experience.
Coordinators
Dr. Alison Davis
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
PhD Coordinator
Email:
(334) 844-5665
Phone:
PhD graduates will provide leadership to the nursing profession: preparing new generations of professionals, expanding healthcare excellence in their communities and globally, driving innovative research and scientific advancement, and exploring new technologies and programs to create lasting health and wellness.
PhD students are admitted in fall semester only. We offer two pathways, MSN-PhD or DNP-PhD. Full-time PhD students can complete their plan of study in nine semesters.
Fall Semester Admission Only - June 1 deadline (full-time admission)
International applicants should submit all required materials by March 1
Prospective PhD students interested in Auburn University’s G-RISE (Graduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement), the application deadline is January 31, 2025. Interested students can apply for the G-RISE at Auburn program by visiting this web site: https://auburn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1H4ju0hrIj5AsnA
Last updated: 6/24/25
Provide proof of current, unencumbered RN license from your state of residence within the United States (must show name, license number, expiration date; may upload screenshot from BON website).
Have earned a Masters degree in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from an accredited nursing program with a minimum Nursing GPA of 3.0 (MSN or DNP nursing courses used to calculate nursing GPA).
Provide three professional references for the online recommendation form from individuals familiar with your capabilities for doctoral study and for future performance as a nurse scholar and researcher. Generally, two references from former professors are expected.
Submit a Professional Goal Statement of approximately 750-1000 words indicating your present research interests and career goals, including how the PhD in Nursing will prepare you to achieve those goals. Describe any prior experiences that have prepared you for doctoral study (previous research presentations and leadership roles in practice, education, or professional organizations).
Provide a writing sample (e.g., published paper, or coursework from previous degree program is acceptable).
Provide a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
Complete an interview via telephone, on-campus, or video-conference, if required.
Submit all official transcripts to the Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849. Transcripts sent to the College of Nursing will not be forwarded.
Applicants must meet all criteria listed in the current Auburn University Graduate School Bulletin and must meet all College of Nursing admission criteria. Applicants may be admitted under fully approved status, or under provisional or exception status. Approved admissions meet all the criteria listed for the Graduate School and any additional criteria for the department, school, or college. Provisional or exception status admission may be granted for students who do not meet certain requirements for admission. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception will be fully admitted to the nursing graduate program only when all requirements for admission have been satisfied. Applicants admitted as provisional or as an exception who fail to satisfy all requirements for admission within the specified time period will be dismissed from the nursing graduate program.
*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions
*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.
Last updated: 6/24/25
1. Follow the Graduate School Application Instructions
2. All items listed below need to be uploaded with your application:
Request all transcripts from every college attended to be sent directly to the Graduate School, 106 Hargis Hall Auburn University, AL 36849. Do not send transcripts to the College of Nursing.
Three professional references for online recommendation form – Choose the online option within your application. Letters will not be reviewed.
Professional Resume (uploaded with your application)
Unencumbered registered nursing license
Must be located within the United States and proof of licensure uploaded with application.
Applicants may upload a screenshot from the Board of Nursing website which includes name, license number, expiration date, and that there are no actions against the license.
Professional Goal Statement - This 750 word statement will include reasons for pursuing this degree and program option, past experiences, career goals and past achievements. Keep this at a 750 word maximum.
3. The College of Nursing Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee reviews all completed applications. You will receive an email from the College of Nursing notifying you of the admission decision which will include a letter of intent. The letter of intent should be returned by the deadline specified in the email.
4. The College of Nursing will notify the Graduate School regarding admissions decisions. The Graduate School will then notify you of that admission decision. You must log into your application and accept or decline enrollment. If you decline, the Graduate School will withdraw your application. The acceptance information letter from the Graduate School will be posted to your application and will include your Banner ID number as well as and information needed to set up activate your AU Access account and email address. Auburn email is the official method of communication once you accept enrollment and we will not use any other email address.
5. Once you have returned the College of Nursing Letter of Intent and accepted enrollment into the Graduate School, the College of Nursing will email you instructions for your next steps and compliance requirements. All requirements must be completed prior to course registration.
Role of Doctoral Student
Being a doctoral student differs from being an undergraduate or master's student in many important ways. The doctoral student pursues a terminal degree. As you plan, navigate, and revisit your personal objectives for the doctoral study, you must keep in mind the word professionalism. You are now in a PhD program preparing you to be a leader in nursing. Your doctoral education will provide you with the ability to demonstrate ethical choices based on high moral and ethical principles, as well as the values and professional practices that are implicit in nursing decisions. Your doctoral education will also prepare you to consider community stewardship, equity, social justice, and accountability in all your professional actions and require you to commit to personal, institutional, and professional development.
You will be expected to actively invest your time in the pursuit of research and scholarly products while being an involved member of the academic community. Taking the initiative is extremely important and how much you gain from your doctoral education will depend largely on how much you invest in it. The faculty will teach, guide, mentor, and coach you to support your success in the PhD program, but much of the transition will be up to you.
Continuation Requirements:
All PhD students must take and pass a comprehensive examination before commencing their dissertation research. The PhD comprehensive examination can be taken once the student has completed at least 28 credit hours of PhD course work. The program will have an established pathway to degree completion.
Last updated: 6/24/25
Applicants follow the Graduate School Application Instructions
*International Applicants must follow Graduate School criteria found in the following link: International Prospective Student Instructions
*For more information regarding international applicants/students, please contact Penny Christopher, Graduate School International Admissions Processing, at pzc0003@auburn.edu or 334-844-7105.
Tuition is the same for Alabama residents and out of state residents. The AU College of Nursing Graduate Program Tuition is currently $630 per credit hour.
Effective Fall 2025, graduate tuition will be be $630 per credit hour.
Other fees may be incurred prior to enrollment and/or as you progress through the program such as, but not limited to, background check, drug screen, liability insurance, and course specific requirements.
Tuition and Fees are subject to change by the Board of Trustees at the beginning of any term.
**Please note: The Auburn University Tuition Calculator does not accurately reflect out of state tuition for distance education. Please refer to the following information for tuition and fees for the AUCON distance programs. For questions, contact Jennifer Edwards at jlr0012@auburn.edu
For additional information or to discuss any specific aspect of the program or admission requirements contact:
Dr. Alison Davis PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE, ANEF
PhD Coord. and Professor
or
Jennifer Edwards
Administrator, Graduate Academic Programs