Why ODU for a doctoral nursing science program?

The PhD in Nursing Science program at ODUGlobal prepares students to lead research that advances health outcomes and informs nursing practice. Designed for individuals with a background in nursing or a related health discipline, the program emphasizes the development and application of new knowledge to drive innovation across healthcare systems.

Graduates of the program are equipped to:

  • Conduct independent and collaborative research addressing complex health challenges
  • Apply implementation and dissemination science to improve population health
  • Advance nursing theory and contribute to scientific inquiry
  • Teach and lead in academic settings
  • Direct research initiatives in hospitals, laboratories, and healthcare organizations
  • Influence healthcare policy through evidence-based insight

The program builds the foundation for careers in academia, healthcare leadership, research institutions, and public policy.

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If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, we can provide a free unofficial evaluation of your domestic transcript(s).





Program Information

Minimum
55 Credit Hours

The coursework consists of 18 credits of research core courses, 9 credits of focus area specific courses and 9 credits of electives with a total of 55 hours.

Core Courses (3 credit hours each)

  • Theoretical and Philosophical Basis of Nursing Science
  • Professional Nursing: Special Topics and Health Behavior Theory
  • Nursing Research Methods I (Quantitative)
  • Research Methods (Qualitative)
  • Intro to Applied Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Program Evaluation in Education
  • OR Program Evaluation in Health Programs

You are also required to travel to ODU's School of Nursing in Virginia Beach to complete an in-person immersion for 3 days at the start of each semester until you are in doctoral candidacy and actively conducting dissertation research.

Attend class online on a regular schedule and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

You are also required to travel to ODU's School of Nursing in Virginia Beach to complete an in-person immersion for 3 days at the start of each semester until you are in doctoral candidacy and actively conducting dissertation research.

Minimum
55 Credit Hours

The coursework consists of 18 credits of research core courses, 9 credits of focus area specific courses and 9 credits of electives with a total of 55 hours.

Core Courses (3 credit hours each)

  • Theoretical and Philosophical Basis of Nursing Science
  • Professional Nursing: Special Topics and Health Behavior Theory
  • Nursing Research Methods I (Quantitative)
  • Research Methods (Qualitative)
  • Intro to Applied Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Program Evaluation in Education
  • OR Program Evaluation in Health Programs

You are also required to travel to ODU's School of Nursing in Virginia Beach to complete an in-person immersion for 3 days at the start of each semester until you are in doctoral candidacy and actively conducting dissertation research.

Attend class online on a regular schedule and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

You are also required to travel to ODU's School of Nursing in Virginia Beach to complete an in-person immersion for 3 days at the start of each semester until you are in doctoral candidacy and actively conducting dissertation research.

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$486 per credit hour*
Out-of-state Students
$649 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
 

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers in Nursing Science

Graduates pursue roles as nurse scientists, academic faculty, healthcare researchers, and policy analysts, contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge, shaping healthcare policy, and educating future generations of nurses.

Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth
17.9%
Median Salary
$80,780
Clinical Research Coordinators
Growth
7.5%
Median Salary
$157,740

Nursing News

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker
Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu
Angela Schlender
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

This program begins new full- and part-time cohorts in January each year. The most current information on admission requirements and deadlines can be found on the department's website.

When applying to this as a post-master's PhD program, you are not required to submit GRE scores.

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