Nursing Doctoral Student

Lead with a Nursing DNP or PhD

Which doctoral program is right for me?

Choosing a doctoral nursing program is an important step in advancing your education. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) are complementary nursing doctorates that culminate in a path to advancing nursing practice and science.

Pace University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an accelerated online two-year doctorate program for working nurse practitioners who are looking to become leaders in their field. In our executive-focused part-time program, you will connect with other advancing nurse practitioners and learn the techniques and strategies that will take you to the next level of nursing practice.

The PhD in Nursing is a research doctorate that prepares candidates to conduct research and develop new nursing science, serving as a leader of your profession, and educating the next generation of nurses. Our research-intensive program focuses on primary healthcare, a people-centered approach that makes prevention as important as the cure.

Program Comparison

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

  • Focus - Practice
  • Learning Outcomes: Learn how to use evidence-based practice to make changes and improve care
  • Program Length: 33 credits (5 semesters)
  • Modality: Flexible Online format
  • Curriculum: Develop a proposal for an evidence-based practice improvement project that targets health disparities and improves patient outcomes
  • Admission Requirements: Graduate of an accredited advanced practice master’s degree program in nursing  

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

  • Focus - Research
  • Learning Outcomes: Preparing graduates for tenure track faculty positions to educate the next generation of nurses
  • Program Length: 45 credits (8-10 semesters)
  • Modality: In-person program meeting one day per week on campus during the academic year
  • Curriculum: Completes a clinical research practicum and dissertation development seminars to develop their research proposal and dissertation topic based upon their own area of interest and clinical expertise
  • Admission Requirements: Completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees (at least one must be in nursing)

Take the Next Step

Learn more about how this degree can transform your career.

Financial Aid How to Apply Attend an Info Session PhD Curriculum DNP Curriculum

100%
of 2023 CHP graduate degree graduates are employed, in continuing education or service (Source: Pace University Career Services)
$120,680
average salary per year of an advanced practice nurse (using a degree like a DNP or PhD), according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
100%
of 2023 graduate degree graduates are pursuing a career related to field of study (Source: Pace University Career Services)
Simone Ashman
"

The PhD program at Pace afforded me the opportunity to finally complete a longstanding professional goal while working full-time as a director of nursing."

– Dr. Simone Ashman, PhD ’24

Join a Doctoral Nursing program that is Leading the Way Forward

 As a Pace Doctoral Nursing candidate, you will join a network of leaders in the health care industry, including:

  • Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center
  • Flushing Hospital Medical Center
  • Lenox Hill Hospital
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • Mount Sinai Beth Israel
  • Mount Sinai South Nassau
  • NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
  • Northern Westchester Hospital
  • NYU Langone Health
  • NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
  • NYU Winthrop Hospital
  • Orange Regional Medical Center
  • Phelps Hospital Northwell Health
  • White Plains Hospital Medical Center
  • Westchester Medical Center
Pace University

About College of Health Professions

The College of Health Professions (CHP) at Pace University is dedicated to creating innovative and complex programs that reflect the changing landscape of the health care system. Our graduates are prepared for impactful careers in health care practice, health-related research, or as educators, through small classes and hands-on learning at our two New York campuses. and the leading area healthcare facilities.

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