PhD Program in Nursing Science
The PhD Nursing Science Program is a collaboration between Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing and the School of Medicine at Washington University. The Goldfarb School of Nursing PhD program of study emphasizes the interconnection among research, clinical practice, and teaching based on the belief that clinical practice advises research, research advises clinical practice, and both research and clinical practice advise teaching. The school’s commitment to the preparation of the next generation of nurse scientists is reflected in the strong research emphasis of the PhD program.
PhD PROGRAM IN NURSING SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS
SELECTION OF CANDIDATES AND ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR PhD IN NURSING SCIENCE PROGRAM
The ideal students for this program will have excellent critical thinking, analytical and writing skills. They will have experience in and a passion for nursing and for research with a career goal of becoming a nurse scientist. They will have a demonstrated ability to produce scholarly work at a level appropriate for their career or educational stage prior to entering the program. Relevant work experiences accrued as a non-student especially in nursing are also greatly valued. The Admissions Committee evaluates several characteristics to assess a candidate’s ability to benefit from and contribute to their selected program. These include academic ability, research experience, leadership, teamwork, communication skills and other personal qualities. We will strongly consider the match between a student's interests and the availability of a suitable group of faculty mentors to work with him or her.
To judge these traits, the following information and indicators in a student's application will be considered.
1. Master's Degree in Nursing, or BSN and Health Related Masters, or BSN with 9 graduate credit hours in nursing including a graduate stats course.
2. Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale in all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
3. Three page essay articulating research interest identifying a nursing science problem, challenge or opportunity; motivation for doctoral study and potential mentors at Goldfarb School of Nursing or Washington University.*
4. Writing Sample: A previously published paper, thesis paper, grant proposal, or submitted manuscript not published or a document written specific for this application demonstrating your scholarly writing skills.
5. Three letters of recommendation completed by faculty and supervisors who can attest to your scholarly and research abilities or potential.
6. A curriculum vitae listing quality and relevance of scholarly activities with emphasis related to nursing research, educational, leadership and professional activities and prior work experience. 5. A curriculum vitae listing quality and relevance of scholarly activities with emphasis related to nursing research, educational, leadership and professional activities and prior work experience.
7. Proficiency in English.
8. Active MO RN License
*The essay portion of this application is an opportunity to help the Committee relate to the applicant’s distinctive values, motivation, and perspectives, and obtain as much information as possible about their previous research experiences and goals.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Students will apply to the program using the Washington University online application and must meet admission requirements of the Washington University Graduate School as well as the requirements of the Goldfarb PhD program in Nursing. Application portal opens September 1, 2025, and the deadline for 2026 is January 8, 2026.
Review and Recommendation Process
A three-stage review process will be used to determine which students are recommended for interview and admission to the program.
Stage 1 – A PhD Program Admissions Advisory Committee (PhD-PAAC) composed of the Assistant Dean of Research, PhD-prepared faculty members in nursing and the Program Director will initially review all applications. Based on the criteria described above, applications will be classified into one of three broad categories: highly enthusiastic, enthusiastic or less enthusiastic. An initial priority ranking within the highly enthusiastic category will also be completed.
Stage 2 – A group of applicants from the highly enthusiastic category will be invited to come to the Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing for a “finalist” interview session. The number of finalists will be approximately twice the number of students expected to be admitted. Should a finalist decline the offer for a visit, the next highest-ranking applicant from the Stage 1 review will be invited. During these onsite interviews, two to three nursing PhD program faculty members plus one to two Washington University faculty members in the applicant’s chosen specialty area will interview each applicant. This group of faculty will score each applicant individually, then discuss the applicant as a group. The interviewing group will make a recommendation to the Program Director on whether the applicant should be offered a position.
Stage 3 – The Dean of Research and Program Director will then consider all information obtained from and about an applicant and establish a priority ranking of the finalists who participated in the interview. Starting with the highest ranked applicant and descending, offers of admission will be made to no more than three applicants. The final list of applicants to be offered a position will be sent to the Dean of the Graduate School at Washington University for approval. For those approved, Washington University will send offer letters to the applicants by March 15. Applicants will be given until April 15 to accept or decline the offer. If an applicant declines and there is another acceptable applicant on the priority list, he or she may be admitted.
Students in the PhD Nursing Science program follow the Washington University academic calendar.