At UW–Madison School of Nursing, you can join one of Wisconsin’s top nursing research institutions and improve health 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.
Take Your Next Step
Application open:
September-December 1
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
The 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
We have nationally renowned faculty and award-winning senior nurse scientists generating cutting-edge research into 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 the UW 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 timeframe
Engage in research beginning your first semester
Badger Nurse Researchers in Action
Nadeen Sami Alshakhshir, PhD’24, chose UW–Madison’s PhD in Nursing 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
Q&A with Kelly Krainak, PhD Student
Kelly Krainak shares why she chose the PhD program at UW–Madison, her interest in planetary health, and her research on how geographic and social issues lead to multiple health disparities.
Tonya Roberts Named Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Dr. Roberts was officially announced as the new associate dean for faculty affairs in December 2024 after serving in the role in an interim capacity since February 2024.
Meet Teri Pipe: Professor of Practice
Dr. Teri Pipe is a professor of practice at the School of Nursing who is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of nurses and leaders.
- More PhD posts