We develop nurse leaders for research and academic careers who are adept at advancing the discipline of nursing through research related to improving health outcomes for patients, families, and communities. The University of Missouri, Kansas City is one of only 30 universities in the United States that has schools of nursing, medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy located on the same campus alongside other healthcare facilities. This proximity of faculty and researchers from other health care disciplines provides the opportunity for interdisciplinary activities and research.
PhD students in the School of Nursing and Health Studies (SoNHS) at UMKC have access to nationally recognized and funded nurse scientists who are available to guide students’ educational pursuit using a mentor-match model. Doctoral faculty members are conducting innovative research on topics such as muscle biology, community-based prevention interventions, interventions to promote recovery from illness, adherence to treatment and behavioral change, secondary analyses and analyses of large data sets, and teaching, learning, and assessment strategies in nursing education.
We offer both a Post-BSN and Post-MSN track for our Nursing PhD. Post-BSN students are required to take 12 credit hours of master's level coursework prior to beginning 61 hours of PhD coursework, as outlined in the PhD Plan of Study linked on this page.
Each individualized program of study is developed in collaboration with faculty-mentors, and other members of the supervisory/dissertation committee. Faculty-mentors meet with their students regularly and provide guidance with developing research skills. Graduation requirements include presentation at a professional conference, a first-authored publication published in a peer-reviewed journal, successful completion of the comprehensive examination, and proposing and completing dissertation research.
All graduate SoNHS courses with the 'NURSE' prefix subject that are online and required for degree will be charged a special in-state tuition rate equal to what is listed for MO residents on the Cashier's website
Consistent with the SoNHS mission to prepare the nursing workforce as leaders in improving health outcomes through inter-professional practice and research, the mission of the PhD in Nursing program is to educate nurses as researchers in the development of new interdisciplinary knowledge that will positively impact the health of diverse populations.
Upon graduation the student will be prepared to:
Program development guided by the American Association of colleges of Nursing (AACN) Indicators of Quality in Research-Focused Doctoral Programs in Nursing.
Students are required to attend the on-campus Summer Research Institute twice during the PhD program. The dates will be updated here well before the Institute, as well as communicated by faculty, so students have ample time to make the proper travel arrangements.
Summer 2025 Research Institute (Mandatory on-campus): June 24, 25, and 26, 2025, 8a-5p
On this page
“The scope of clinical research ranges from acute to chronic care experiences across the life span; health promotion and preventive care … and care for individuals, families, and communities in diverse settings.” (AACN, 2006, para. 9). Nursing clinical and biological research is the basis for effective strategies to manage symptoms and tailor interventions.
Examples of Faculty Clinical Research
“Nursing research on health systems and outcomes seeks to identify ways that the organization and delivery of health care influence quality, cost, and the experience of patients and their families…. Research regarding issues of organization, delivery, financing, quality … behavior… and outcomes” (AACN, 2006, para. 13).
Examples of Faculty Health Systems, Community, and Outcomes Research
“Nursing education research centers on developing and testing more efficient educational processes, identifying new ways to incorporate technology in order to enhance learning, and discovering more effective approaches to promoting lifelong learning and commitment to leadership…. The continuous supply of well-educated nurses is critical to maintain and enhance our nation’s health… new strategies for recruiting and retaining bright young men and women from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds into nursing must be developed and tested. New models of nursing education are needed to prepare nurses for faculty and research positions earlier in their careers” (AACN, 2006, para 14).
Examples of Faculty Nursing Education Research
Summer 2025 Deadline: CLOSED
Visit the Graduate Admissions page to view additional required application materials and step-by-step application instructions.