The Doctor of Philosophy degree program with a major in Nursing is designed to prepare nurse scientists to successfully address emerging health challenges locally, nationally, and globally by applying and developing knowledge in nursing and related disciplines.
A major emphasis of this program is to prepare graduates for a career in intervention and translation science in the areas of wellness behaviors, risk reduction, and self-symptom management.
Graduates of the program will be well-positioned to conduct original research using appropriate designs, measures and methodologies; apply relevant concepts and theories and frameworks to develop the science related to wellness, risk reduction and chronic illness; to improve health outcomes through nursing interventions and translation of science; and lead interdisciplinary teams to advance team science in nursing.
Nursing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
International students can study the Nursing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University at its main campus in East Lansing , United States of America. This PhD degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 5 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on July 5, 2027.
About Nursing - Doctor of Philosophy
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Nursing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
Entry Requirements
In addition to meeting the requirements of the university as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog, students must meet the requirements specified below.
- A minimum cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 for all previous academic work.
- Competitive scores on the Graduate Record Examination Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic sections completed within last five years.
- Bachelor's or master’s degree in nursing. to the program without a master's degree in nursing may require additional course work as specified by the College of Nursing.
- Three letters of recommendation on official letterhead stationery from academic or employment sources that are knowledgeable about your potential for doctoral study and research in nursing.
- Written statement that addresses your area of research interest, program goals and career goals, and how the Michigan State University College of Nursing program and faculty fit those research interest and goals.
- Completion of an undergraduate or graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B (3.0) or better within the past five years.
- International applicants whose academic language in not English must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a condition for regular to Michigan State University. See the International Student Minimum Requirement for Regular section in the Graduate Education section of this catalog. All official transcripts must be translated into English by a certified translator.
- Must possess a current, unrestricted professional nursing license in Michigan or home jurisdiction.
Applicants with completed materials are reviewed by a faculty committee. Applicants identified as well-matched with the College of Nursing academic standards and program focus will be contacted for a required personal interview with representatives from the doctoral program faculty. Recommendations for are made by the faculty committee to the Director of the Doctoral Program and the Dean of the College based on the requirements for and the personal interview.
Students who do not meet the requirements for regular to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing program may be accepted provisionally. Provisionally admitted students are required to satisfy deficiencies as specified in the letter of and will be formally removed from provisional status once the deficiencies are satisfied. Students on provisional status may not progress in the program if deficiencies are not satisfied in the specified time frame. Provisional course work does not count towards fulfillment of degree requirements.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Nursing
In addition to meeting the university requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, students will complete required courses which guide the student in the principles and methods of research for the evaluation and testing of current and developing theories relevant to nursing. Courses in the selected area of focus offer opportunity for students to build upon their educational and experiential backgrounds to develop greater depth of knowledge in their research area. Students will be required to participate in a research team to gain experience in the conduct of nursing research.
The program of study is planned by the student in consultation with the major professor and guidance committee. Components will include core nursing and selected courses relevant to the student’s chosen research concentration. Each student must:
- complete a minimum of 66 credits of course work as defined below and approved by the guidance committee at time of .
- earn a grade of 3.0 or higher in each NUR course and have an overall grade-point average of 3.0 at graduation.
- satisfy Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (RCR) requirements.
- maintain University and College of Nursing compliance requirements.
- submit one external grant.
- submit a first-authored, peer-reviewed manuscript approved through the college process.
- pass the written and oral defense of the comprehensive examination.
- pass the written and oral defense of the dissertation
English Requirements
- PTEMin 53
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying for fall semester 2022. In addition, MSU will be expanding the ability for students to receive provisional admission. If a provisionally admitted student is able to take a test that meets our regular admission standards prior to enrollment, we will update their admission status to regular.
Tuition and Fee Information for Nursing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
How to Apply for Nursing - Doctor of Philosophy at Michigan State University
Request that all secondary schools, colleges, universities attended and/or examination boards send original or attested copies of all transcripts, marks sheets, certificates and diplomas earned directly to the Office of Admissions at Michigan State University. These can be sent through the online services listed below or by mail. If sending by mail, any hard copy of academic records must be sent in an official, sealed envelope.
Parchment
Common App
Coalition for College
Naviance
eScrip-Safe
National Student Clearing House
Office of Admissions
Hannah Administration Building
426 Auditorium Road, Room 250
East Lansing, MI 48824-2604
In addition, if the original documents are not issued in English, an official translation of each document must be provided along with the original language documents. Translations may be done by the school, college or university attended or an authorized/official translator in the country of study. Review MSU's International transcript requirements for country-specific transcript information.
Note: Documents submitted to MSU as part of the application process will not be returned.
As a freshman you do not have to officially declare your major yet, however you will be asked to select your major preference on the application. If you are undecided, select the "Exploratory preference" option.
Changing your major preference
After submitting the application, fall freshman applicants have until May 1 to change their major preference in their account. Any student who applies, or is admitted, after May 1 cannot change their major preference until they meet with an academic adviser at New Student Orientation (NSO).
Have the testing agency (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, MSUELT or MELAB accepted) provide proof of English proficiency directly to MSU if your first language is not English. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. MSU is test optional, which means international students are encouraged, though not required, to submit SAT or ACT scores. The SAT code is 1465; the ACT code is 2032.
Review our full overview on English language proficiency for details on temporary exceptions due to the impact of the novel coronavirus — including additional tests being accepted and expanded opportunities for provisional admission.
United States of America, East Lansing