At the UW–Madison School of Nursing, you will join one of Wisconsin’s top nursing research institutions and improve health care across the state and beyond. You will work with renowned faculty, receive personalized mentorship, and build foundational knowledge and skills for research design, grant writing, and dissemination and implementation of research findings. Join us and become a leader in nursing research.
2-5
Students per faculty mentor
100%
Tuition remission with graduate assistantship
*not including segregated fees
84%
Students with postdocs or faculty positions at graduation
Your PhD Experience
Become a Leader in Nursing Research
Our PhD program prepares researchers to develop, evaluate, and disseminate new knowledge in nursing and health science. At UW–Madison, students actively engage in research early in their PhD programs.
Faculty Leaders
You'll work with our nationally renowned faculty and award-winning senior nurse scientists, who are generating cutting-edge research for effective solutions.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The UW–Madison campus offers opportunities for interdisciplinary training. We are part of a strong biotechnology and medical research ecosystem. You will have opportunities to partner with experts in emerging areas of science across campus.
Strong Community Ties
We leverage diverse perspectives to innovate in health care, improve nursing education, prepare health teams for future challenges, and enhance quality of life in Wisconsin and beyond.
Discover Madison
Madison, often voted one of the best places to live in the U.S., blends the city and campus, green spaces and urban areas, to create a place unlike anywhere else.
In-person delivery
4-5-year time frame
Engage in research beginning your first semester
PhD Program Plans
Badger Nurse Researchers in Action
Nadeen Sami Alshakhshir, PhD’24, chose UW–Madison’s PhD in Nursing Program for its welcoming environment, strong advisor support, and financial aid, which helped her connect with research participants and complete her degree as an international student.
Student and Alumni Stories
Empowering Cancer Survivors Through Collaborative Research and Mentorship
Rachel Hawn was inspired to pursue a PhD in nursing from her personal and clinical experience with cancer and cancer survivorship. Now she's bringing that experience into her research to improve the quality of life among survivors of adolescent and young adult cancers.
Why Become a Nurse Scientist?
Are you a practicing nurse who finds yourself asking deeper questions about the “why” behind your work? Why do we follow certain protocols? Isn’t there a better approach? How can we improve outcomes for patients and communities? If so, you may already be thinking like a nurse scientist. These are the questions that nurse scientists ask—and answer.
Meet Jessica LeClair: Assistant Professor
Jessica LeClair’s journey has come full circle—from student to clinical faculty, researcher, postdoctoral trainee, and now professor. Inspired by the mentorship she received, she’s empowering nursing students to become the leaders our world needs.
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