Department Chairperson and Professor
Dr. Wexler is a clinical specialist in gerontological and medical surgical nursing and nursing administration.
Nursing, PhD
Develop new nursing science, lead your profession, and educate the next generation of nurses. Pace’s PhD in Nursing program prepares you to advance the healthcare field as a scholar, educator, and policy leader dedicated to improving health outcomes through research and innovation.
Location
Westchester
Duration
45 Credits
2.5 years, Full-Time
4-5 years, Part-Time
Modality
In-Person
Start Date
Fall, Spring
F1 Visa
No
STEM Designated Program
No
Advance the Field Through Research and Teaching with a PhD in Nursing
Advance the science of nursing and shape the future of healthcare with Pace University’s PhD in Nursing, offered through the College of Health Professions. This research-intensive program, the only one of its kind in the mid-Hudson region, prepares you to become a nurse scholar, educator, and leader in evidence-based practice.
Learn from expert faculty and engage in interdisciplinary research that integrates theory, practice, and innovation. Located on Pace’s Westchester Campus, the program offers access to diverse populations and world-class clinical and research sites. Each student is also assigned a faculty mentor for the duration of the program.
Join our other graduates who have gone on to conduct groundbreaking research, educate the next generation of nurses, and influence healthcare policy to advance equitable, person-centered care.
$100K+
in external grant support awarded to PhD in Nursing students
68
peer-reviewed presentations of doctoral nursing student research
100%
PhD in Nursing faculty engage in clinical practice
Curriculum for Nursing, PhD
The PhD in Nursing program is designed to be a research-intensive experience.
Take Courses Like…
- NURS 754: Teaching and Learning in Academic Settings
Study the history, theory, and evidence behind nursing education practices. - NURS 925: Research Practicum
Develop skills in analyzing, evaluating, and conducting research with clinical and academic experts. - NURS 928: Dissertation Development
Learn to develop and refine a feasible, evidence-based dissertation proposal in nursing.
PhD in Nursing Highlights
- Develop your desired research proposal and dissertation topic based on your own area of interest and clinical expertise.
- Program meets one day per week in person during the academic year (for full and part-time students)
- Move through the program within a cohort where you will build a supportive network and community of the future.
- Opportunities to join select groups of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students. Read about Joans Scholar Rachel Robins, MSN, CNM.
- The only program of its kind in the mid-Hudson region.
Nursing Careers
Graduates of the PhD in Nursing program become nurse scientists, researchers, faculty, and leaders in the profession. Students graduate fully prepared to enter universities and colleges of nursing, health systems and hospitals, among others.
Faculty Quote
The PhD in Nursing program at Pace afforded me the opportunity to finally complete a longstanding professional goal while working full time as a director of nursing
-Christopher Brooks, PhD ‘24, Director of Nursing Professional Development and Education, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Your Learning Pathway
From your bachelor's to your master's, all the way to your doctorate, the Lienhard School of Nursing is your pathway to a PhD in Nursing.
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Pursue careers such as nurse scientist, researcher, faculty, and as a leader in the profession.
What’s the difference between a PhD and a DNP?
Visit Nursing Doctoral Programs Comparison to choose which program will assist you in advancing your education and expertise.
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Did You Know?
Less than 1% of nurses in the United States hold a PhD, making nurse scientists a small but highly influential group within healthcare and academia.
This is your opportunity to lead the charge in this elite group, shaping healthcare through research, policy, education, and public health leadership.
Featured Faculty
Professor
Dr. Drury’s research focuses on assessments and inquiries for improving nursing education.
Associate Professor
Dr. Finlayson advocates for legislation as a New York City Oncology Nursing Society Chapter legislative committee member.
Admission and Financial Aid
You're ready for a new level of success—whether it's advancing in your current field or launching a new career. Pace is with you every step of the way, providing a world-class education and the skills your industry will be looking for far into the future.
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- Active, unencumbered New York State RN license.
- Completed bachelor's and master's degrees (at least one of which must be in nursing).
- A personal statement explaining to the Graduate Admission Committee why you would like to pursue the program of graduate study you have chosen. Additional information regarding your academic performance, as well as professional experience, may also be included in the supplement.
- A resume or outline describing at least the past five years of your employment history and any significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities.
- Applicants need 2 letters of recommendation. Letters should be from academic or professional references that can knowledgeably comment on your ability to successfully complete graduate study. Include recognitions and achievements (e.g. licenses, publications, and awards).
- All Official Transcripts: Transcripts from every accredited college or university attended (not just the degree granting institution) must be sent either to Pace University, directly from the academic institution electronically or by mail, or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes from the academic institution.
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Per credit: $1,575 | Total cost of program: $70,875
*Tuition based on current year and subject to change -
May 1 for Fall start
November 1 for Spring start -
Make an appointment to meet with you admission counselor.
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Pace has many internal scholarships and awards to help its students meet their college expenses. Some Pace assistance is meant specifically for College of Health Professions undergraduate and graduate students.
Learn more about CHP-specific scholarships and how to apply.
Contact Us
For more information about the PhD in nursing program, contact phdnursing@pace.edu.
Nurse Educator Quote
My Pace journey in the PhD program has empowered me to challenge traditional and existing practices and seek new problem-solving approaches using different schools of thought.
Simone Ashman, PhD ’24, Nurse Educator, NYC Health + Hospitals