Top PhD Programs in California
Research doctorates in nursing science.
9 schools in California reported PhD-level nursing awards to IPEDS or have a verified PhD program profile. PhD in Nursing in all states
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (9)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | Private nonprofit | BSN, LPN-BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, MSN-AGPCNP, MSN-FNP, MSN-PMHNP, MSN-PNP-PC, Direct-Entry MSN, DNP, DNP-AGPCNP, DNP-FNP, DNP-Leadership, BSN-DNP, PhD | CCNE |
| California Baptist University | Riverside, CA | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN, PhD | CCNE |
| Loma Linda University | Loma Linda, CA | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-Leadership, PhD, PhD-CNS, PhD-CRNA, PhD-FNP, PhD-PMHNP | CCNE |
| Northcentral University | San Diego, CA | Private nonprofit | MSN-Leadership, PhD | — |
| University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | MSN-Leadership, PhD-Leadership | CCNE |
| University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | BSN, MSN-Public Health, PhD | CCNE |
| University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | BSN, MSN, PhD | CCNE |
| University of California-San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | Public | MSN, Post-Master's, PhD | CCNE |
| University of San Diego | San Diego, CA | Private nonprofit | MSN, MSN-CNL, MSN-Leadership, DNP, PhD | CCNE |