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DNP to PhD

Apply your practice expertise to advance nursing research with a PhD from Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, the top-ranked nursing school in Texas for NIH funding.

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Top-ranked in Texas

Cizik School of Nursing is ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 15 nationally among nursing schools that receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Read more about our NIH-funded research.

Accelerated path to a PhD

Students may be eligible to transfer up to nine semester hours of prior DNP coursework from accredited institutions. Eligibility will be assessed after enrollment, and an academic advisor will create a customized course plan based on your interests and previously completed graduate coursework.

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DNP to PhD at a Glance

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (PhD) are both doctoral nursing degrees. Yet their focus differs, with the DNP emphasizing translational science and the PhD centered on research. 

Our DNP to PhD program enables nurses with a DNP to broaden their knowledge of research methodologies and conduct research. Our synchronous, online, hybrid program is offered one day per week with some in-person classes. Students have opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with renowned investigators and will be mentored by expert nursing professors.

    • Admit Terms: Fall only
    • Average Completion: 8 to 12 semesters
    • Credit Requirements: 66 credit hours
    • Educational Mode: Hybrid (Synchronous online with some in-person classes)
      Enrollment Level: Full or part time
    • Estimated Tuition: Among the lowest in the state with scholarships available
    • Admission Requirements

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Exceptional Faculty

At Cizik School of Nursing, you will get to know our outstanding faculty and can build relationships that will benefit you throughout your career. Our nurse scientists are making important discoveries to promote health and well-being for all. Find a mentor who shares your research interests.

Meet Dr. Meagan Whisenant

Meagan Whisenant, PhD, APRN, is the director of the PhD program at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. She is a nurse practitioner with more than two decades of experience and specializes symptom science research.

Unmatched Interprofessional Collaboration

Located in the world’s largest medical center, Cizik School of Nursing offers PhD students the opportunity to work with and learn from faculty and peers within UTHealth Houston’s seven schools as well as clinicians in the Texas Medical Center’s internationally renowned institutions.

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Varied Patient Populations

We live, work, study, and discover in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the nation, giving Cizik School of Nursing PhD candidates rich opportunities to begin meaningful programs of research that benefit specific communities and patient populations.

Affordable PhD in Nursing

Excellence meets affordability at Cizik School of Nursing. Our tuition and fees are among the lowest in the state, and we offer a variety of scholarships to PhD students to support education and research.

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Discover with Us

Take your next step toward addressing the most pressing health care issues of our time by earning your PhD from Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. 

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Need Help?

Our enrollment coaches can help you navigate the application process.

Call 713-500-2145, or email [email protected].