Doctoral Education

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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Faculty & Staff

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing

The Ph.D. in Nursing at 91±¬ÁÏ prepares nurse scientists, scholars, and educators to advance the science of nursing and improve health outcomes through rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic leadership. 91±¬ÁÏ offers the state’s first Ph.D. in Nursing program, designed to meet critical national and state needs in nurse faculty development, research infrastructure, and rural health equity.

This research-focused doctoral program is grounded in inquiry that addresses complex health issues, with an emphasis on rural populations, health disparities, and community-engaged scholarship. Students engage in mentored research experiences and develop expertise in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.

The Ph.D. in Nursing Program at the 91±¬ÁÏ is designed to address the critical and growing need for doctorally-prepared nurse scientists, educators, and leaders at the state, regional, and national levels. Rooted in the mission of the 91±¬ÁÏ as the state’s flagship public research institution and aligned with the institution’s Strategic Vision and Values (SVV), the program is committed to advancing nursing science, improving population health, and preparing the next generation of academic and healthcare leaders. The following program goals and objectives provide the foundation for curriculum design, student learning outcomes, and program evaluation.

  • Goal 1: Advance Nursing Science through Research
  • To prepare nurse scholars capable of conducting original, rigorous, and interdisciplinary research that contributes to the body of nursing knowledge and addresses complex health issues.
  • Goal 2: Develop Future Nurse Educators and Leaders
  • To educate and mentor Ph.D.-prepared nurses who will assume roles as faculty, administrators, and leaders in academic, research, and clinical environments.
  • Goal 3: Promote Health Equity and Improve Health Outcomes
  • To generate research that informs nursing practice and policy, with an emphasis on serving rural, marginalized, and underserved populations in Maine and beyond.
  • Goal 4: Strengthen the Nursing Workforce Pipeline in Maine
  • To increase the number of doctorally-prepared nurses through the implementation of a Post-MSN to PhD track that allows nurse scholars to advance to a terminal degree.

Students in the PhD program will complete seven core competencies. Each competency will be met through required courses. 

Core Components:
Theoretical foundations
Research Methodology
Cognates/Electives
Research practicum(s)

Comprehensive Exam followed by a Dissertation Development that includes Seminar 1 and 2, and Dissertation Defense. This totals between 49- 52 credits

Program Progression and Milestones

  • Completion of an individualized Plan of Study in the first semester
  • Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA (equivalent to a B) or higher throughout the program
  • Annual progress evaluations with faculty advisor and committee
  • Advancement to candidacy upon successful comprehensive examination and proposal Defense
  • Completion and defense of a scholarly dissertation contributing to the discipline of nursing

Babb-Marston Scholarship

  • This scholarship covers part of tuition, fees, and education expenses for one PhD student throughout their program.
  • Who Should Apply?
  • Preference is given to graduates of the 91±¬ÁÏ School of Nursing who are also from rural Maine.
  • Applicant must have a Master of Nursing degree from an accredited institution and an active RN license in the U.S. by the time of enrollment.
  • Applicant is currently not holding any fellowships.
  • Applicant must retain a GPA of 3.0 at minimum throughout the program.
  • For more questions about this scholarship, contact Dr. Kathryn Robinson.

Apply to the PhD in Nursing program at 91±¬ÁÏ here!

Admissions Prerequisites

  • Master’s degree in Nursing from an accredited program
  • RN licensure (active and unencumbered)
  • 3 Letters of recommendation, personal statement, and research interests aligned with faculty expertise
  • Resume or CV
  • Interview with the Ph.D. in Nursing faculty

For more information about the PhD in Nursing program or to schedule a visit, contact Dr. Kathryn Robinson, the Associate Director of the School of Nursing.

Kathryn Robinson, Ph.D., MHA/Ed., RN | Associate Director, Associate Professor of Nursing

For more information about 91±¬ÁÏ School of Nursing, contact the department:

For more information about the Graduate School or admissions, contact 91±¬ÁÏ Graduate School:

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Applications for the DNP program are currently closed. The application process will open in 2027.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is nursing’s highest clinical degree, equipping leaders to translate evidence-based research into meaningful patient outcomes. This program prepares graduates to provide expert direct care, lead interprofessional teams, and shape transformative healthcare policy. Specializing as Family Nurse Practitioners in rural settings, students learn to manage acute and chronic conditions for individuals across the lifespan—from newborns to older adults—within the context of the family unit. By integrating health promotion and injury prevention into primary care, graduates drive systemic improvements. Clinical experiences are arranged to meet program outcomes and to accommodate the needs of the student. 

The DNP-FNP curriculum meets the 2022 Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs published by the National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education. 

  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • MSNL-FNP graduates are eligible to take national certification examinations for Family Nurse Practitioners which are offered by the and by the .  The 91±¬ÁÏ MSNL-FNP program graduates have performed well on the national certification examinations.
  • Nurse Leader
  • The Doctor of Nursing Practice is more than a clinical credential; it is a leadership credential for the modern healthcare era. Graduates are positioned to:
  • Drive Systems Innovation: Lead the integration of evidence-based practice into the clinical setting, transforming complex data into streamlined protocols that improve both patient outcomes.
  • Influence Policy & Advocacy: Serve as a voice for patients and populations shaping the legislative and institutional policies that define nursing standards and healthcare delivery.
  • Bridge the Strategic Gap: Act as the translator between executive leadership and frontline care, ensuring that high-level organizational goals are executed with a patient-centered focus.
  • Champion Quality & Safety: Use advanced analytics and organizational theory to dismantle health disparities and lead large-scale initiatives that prioritize patient safety across diverse populations.
  • Nurse Researcher
  • The DNP graduate occupies a role focused in the research landscape through the lens of translational science and clinical inquiry. DNP-prepared researchers serve as the link between all healthcare delivery, policy platforms and educational settings, transforming complex discoveries into actionable clinical protocols. By leading implementation science and rigorous quality improvement initiatives, they evaluate the efficacy of healthcare delivery systems and use data-driven insights to solve immediate, real-world problems. Whether serving as a clinical principal investigator or directing program evaluations, the DNP researcher ensures that evidence-based practice directly enhances patient safety and organizational outcomes.
  • NUR 561: Population Health for a Global Society 
  • NUR 562: Quality and Safety in Healthcare
  • NUR 644: Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare

HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

For more information about 91±¬ÁÏ School of Nursing, contact the department:

For more information about the Graduate School or admissions, contact 91±¬ÁÏ Graduate School: