Recent Employers
- Penn Medicine
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Graduate Programs
Nursing Doctorate Degrees (PhD & DNP)
Join proven nursing doctorate programs that will prepare you to lead as a nurse scientist or nurse scholar in advanced clinical practice.
At a Glance
Click to OpenOffered as
DNP or PhD
Format
Varies by program. See below for details.
Credits
Varies by program. See below for details.
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Doctorate Degrees in Nursing (PhD & DNP)
In our nursing doctoral programs, you’ll leverage experiences from a program known for clinical, academic, and research excellence whether you choose to pursue a doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.
You’ll experience the benefits of close faculty mentorship from professors who are advancing the science of nursing. Our flexible course delivery system is designed for working practitioners to ensure that you can meet program requirements at a pace that works for you.
Students enrolled within the Widener University Dwyer School of Nursing may be considering licensure (NCLEX) and/or advanced practice certification. Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification. To view Widener’s licensure qualifications by state, please visit the Dwyer School of Nursing Licensure by State webpage or visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) directly.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Nursing Doctoral Degree Options
Widener's nursing PhD and DNP programs can be completed either full-time or part-time at your own pace within the 7-year time limit post-matriculation. BSN-DNP students have the opportunity to earn an MSN while progressing toward their DNP degree, enabling accelerated career advancement.
With a nursing PhD degree, you’ll graduate ready for a career as a faculty, scholar, leader, and researcher that will advance and inform the nursing profession.
Here, you’ll be engaged in nursing science and develop the skills to conduct research that advances theory and generates the evidence for nursing education and practice.
Explore the nursing science PhD at Widener.
View the academic catalog for information on coursework and curriculum requirements.
This hybrid online and on campus BSN-DNP will prepare you to diagnosis, prescribe therapeutics, and corrective measures in acute care settings, collaborating with interprofessional teams in the nurse practitioner role.
The BSN-DNP program can be completed either full-time or part-time at your own pace within the 7-year time limit post-matriculation. This pathway allows students to earn an MSN while progressing toward their doctorate, enabling career advancement at an accelerated pace. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to develop advanced clinical expertise, gain leadership skills, and expand career options in a flexible format tailored to working professionals.
Learn more about acute care nurse practitioner programs at Widener.
View course catalog for curriculum & coursework requirements for the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree.
This hybrid online and on-campus BSN-DNP will help you explore the advanced role of a clinical nurse specialist in a full-time or part-time format (within the 7-year time limit post matriculation.) Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist BSN-DNP students also have the opportunity to earn an MSN while progressing toward their DNP degree, enabling accelerated career advancement.
Learn more about clinical nurse specialist programs at Widener.
View the course catalog for curriculum and coursework requirements for the Adult-Gerontology BSN-DNP degree.
This hybrid online and on campus BSN-DNP prepares you to provide a holistic approach to primary care in a number of settings including family practices, community health centers, hospital out-patient clinics, urgent care facilities, and ER fast-track.
The BSN-DNP program can be completed either full-time or part-time at your own pace within the 7-year time limit post-matriculation. Family Nurse Practitioner BSN-DNP students also have the opportunity to earn an MSN while progressing toward their DNP degree, enabling accelerated career advancement.
Learn more about family nurse practitioner programs at Widener.
View curriculum & coursework requirements for the Family (Individual Across the Lifespan) DNP program.
This 100% online BSN-DNP in health systems leadership prepares you to advance as a visionary and passionate nurse executive and leader by honing business savvy skills along with a deep knowledge of fiscal and human resource management, continuous quality improvement and safety, complex organizational behavior, and strategic leadership competencies.
Learn more about nursing leadership programs at Widener.
View curriculum & coursework requirements for the Health Systems Leadership BSN-DNP program and the Loading... program.
Master's-prepared advanced practice registered nurses can pursue their nursing DNP degree 100% online.
View the Academic Catalog to review coursework and curriculum requirements for the Loading... or the Loading... specialization.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Nurses with Doctorate Degrees
Why Study Advanced Nursing at Widener?
Leadership Development
Our program emphasizes personal leadership development. Your student experience will be enriched with a specialized leadership course focused on the behaviors required as a leader and the necessary skills to overcome the challenges that face higher education and health care settings.
Faculty Mentorship
Thrive in a learning community that provides close mentorship and one-on-one support. Our full-time faculty members bring active clinical and academic research experience to the classroom. Here, you'll build a network that will follow you long after graduation.
Research Opportunities
You'll have opportunities to collaborate with Widener's Leadership Center for Nursing Education Research whose mission is to advance the science of nursing education through rigorous educational and educational-clinical research. Expert research consulting services for constituents within the nursing and nursing education community and professional development are available.
Clubs & Organizations
Nursing majors have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus to expand their network, including the Widener Alumni Nursing Network (WANN), Sigma—International Honor Society of Nursing, and many more.
Student Stories
Nursing Doctorate Program Highlights
Our Faculty
"I'm devoted to mentoring the next wave of nurse leaders, educators, and scholars. I empower students by continually examining and enhancing their learning methods, guided by the best available evidence. As a mother of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, I understand the skills and experiences returning service members can bring to nursing education and found ways to incorporate this untapped leadership resource into my own teaching methods. I have published and presented widely on this topic, as well as research focused on gender diversity in nursing education, evidence-based teaching, and leadership in the field."
Recent News
Widener Announces $10 Million Gift, Unveils the Jack & Nancy Dwyer School of Nursing
Jack ’78 and Nancy Dwyer’s gift -- the biggest in Widener’s history -- will rename the nursing program and advance its mission of graduating nurse leaders.
Nursing Awarded $214,000 to Support Nurse Educators
The School of Nursing secured $214,000 to address the shortage of nurse educators through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.
Ready for Any Nursing Role
Widener’s nursing program prepares students for fruitful and fulfilling careers working across the patient lifespan.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
Graduates of accredited BSN, MSN, or DNP programs are invited to apply for admission by submitting evidence of:
- A completed online application.
- $35 application fee
- Transcripts from previously attended higher education institutions.
- A minimum of 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in the highest degree obtained.
- A graduate statistics course with a grade of at least B (3.0) is recommended.
- A graduate course in nursing theories and conceptual models with a grade of at least B (3.0) is recommended.
- Two references—one from an educator and one from an employer with a graduate degree. One of these must have a research doctoral degree.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Statement explaining goals for doctoral work in nursing with emphasis on proposed area of specialization.
- Interview with a School of Nursing faculty member (this is arranged after a preliminary review of application materials).
View the Academic Catalog for full admissions information.
Graduates of accredited bachelor's programs in nursing are invited to apply for admission by submitting evidence of:
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions
- Minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
- Undergraduate statistics course with a grade of at least C (2.0)
- Two references—one from an educator or advanced practice nurse and one from an employer with a graduate degree
- Goal statement that highlights the applicant’s interests with emphasis on health care practice improvement
- Curriculum vitae
- Valid RN license
- Interview with a nursing faculty member (arranged after a preliminary review of application materials)
GRE scores are not required.
PhD Programs:
- August 15—for matriculation in the fall semester
- December 15—for matriculation in the spring semester
- April 15—for matriculation in summer semester
DNP Programs:
Apply by August 15 for fall matriculation.
Please note: All DNP programs admit students once per year for the fall term. Plan ahead and submit your application by the deadline to be considered for admission.
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
