The College of Nursing Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) program prepares nurse scholars to become leaders that advance nursing as an academic, research and practice discipline. During this program, doctoral students will participate in critical appraisal, knowledge generation, research synthesis and knowledge transfer. As graduates, these nurse scientists will contribute to the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities with recognition of their diversities, vulnerabilities and their environments for health and care.
Objectives
The PhD program prepares nurse scientists who will:
develop in-depth knowledge of a substantive area of nursing science
develop conceptual and analytical skills in nursing knowledge, theory development and theory testing
integrate knowledge from nursing and related disciplines that supports health for individuals, families and communities at the local, national and international levels
actively participate in the development of nursing knowledge, adding to the evidentiary base for nursing practice
demonstrate excellence in nursing scholarship
model values consistent with integrity in science and professional nursing
provide leadership in the nursing profession
advance nursing as an academic and practice discipline
demonstrate skills in scholarly writing, grant application and knowledge transfer
work collaboratively with professionals, scientists in other disciplines and other stakeholders to solve problems and challenges to effect improvements in health for populations within the context of diversity and vulnerability
conduct original doctoral research that will lead to a future program of research
Courses are offered using a blended learning model with both live web-conferenced seminars (synchronous) and online delivery (asynchronous). Students may attend synchronous classes onsite at one of the College of Nursing campuses (Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina) or join from their home computer. This live seminar format allows distance students to actively participate in classroom discussions. Students must live within North America for the synchronous online web-conference seminar classes. Asynchronous online classes do not have a set class time and work is completed on students own schedule, within the parameters of course timelines.
Please note: In the first year of study, students are required to attend a one-week residency in Saskatoon in August prior to the start of their first courses and one week in April at the end of the second term in the program.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
Expected September 2025
College of Nursing
Health Science Building - 1A10, Box 6,
107 Wiggins Road,
Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan (SK),
S7N 5E5, Canada
A Master's degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study.
A cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (USask grade system equivalent) in the Master's degree.
Demonstrated ability for independent thought, advanced study, and research.
English language proficiency requirements
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
USask is a research-intensive university in Western Canada, home to a dynamic and international community from more than 130 countries worldwide.