A nitrogen doped single crystal silicon carbide boule is grown by the physical vapor transport process by introducing nitrogen gas into the growth furnace. During the growth process the pressure within the furnace is maintained at a constant value, P.sub.o, where P.sub.o .ltoreq.100 Torr. This is accomplished by measuring the pressure within the furnace and providing the pressure measurement to a process controller which regulates the nitrogen introduction as nitrogen gas is incorporated into the crystal structure. The partial pressure of the nitrogen may be selected to be at a value between 1 and P.sub.o. If the desired partial pressure is less than P.sub.o, an inert gas is added to make up the difference.