Academics
PhD Program
Program Requirements
The PhD program is characterized by early and continuous training in research through a close mentoring relationship with a major professor in nursing, a strong scientific base in nursing, and a minor in a related discipline. The curriculum provides students with:
- an in-depth theoretical base in knowledge development in nursing
- strong training in research methods
- content and shared experiences in the multifaceted role of nurse faculty/researcher
Under the supervision of the major professor, each student plans a course of study that constitutes a unified program and fulfills the program requirements. When course work is completed, students write the comprehensive examination for candidacy to demonstrate mastery of core knowledge in the major discipline and minor area as well as the theories and methods of inquiry. Those who successfully complete the exam are eligible to write the dissertation. For specific information, view the following sample programs:
- PhD in Nursing Sample Program (download PDF)
- PhD Sample Program: Global Environmental Change on Human Health (download PDF)
Program content is organized in the following seven curricular areas. A minimum of 52 credits is required.
Existing and Evolving Knowledge in Nursing
Minimum 6 credits required
N815 Knowledge Development in Nursing: 3 credits
Description: Examination of the history of the discipline of nursing, with emphasis on the evolution of debates regarding what is known and how it is known.
At least one of the two population focused courses described below is required.
N817 Research in Communities, Populations, and Systems: 3 credits
Description: Students will examine concepts and methods of research directed toward health of communities, populations, and systems. The course provides a foundation for future research.
N818 Patient-Centered Research: 3 credits
Description: This course addresses conceptual and methodological perspectives in how patient-centered research is conducted from the development through the testing and implementation of interventions. Attention is given to various conceptualizations of patient-centeredness, to the behavioral and physiological origins of patient-centered interventions, and to the trajectory of testing such interventions, from descriptive studies to experimental trials.
Methods
Minimum 12 credits required
N803 and N804 Advanced Research Design and Methods I & II: 6 credits
Description: The focus of this course is on nursing and health related research traditions, the relationship between research paradigms and research designs and how various research designs have been used by nurse researchers. Both quantitative and qualitative methods and approaches will be examined. Basic assumptions, advantages, and limitations of different methodological approaches in the context of clinical nursing phenomena will be addressed. Draws on major programs of research in nursing, including faculty research.
Statistics: 3 credits
Advanced methods elective or statistics elective: 3 credits
Examples: a) concept to measurement (N991), b) advanced qualitative methods, or c) epidemiology.
Research Ethics
Minimum 1 credit required
N802 Ethics and the Responsible Conduct of Research: 1 credit
Description: Ethical issues in the design, conduct and reporting of research are examined in the context of the nature of the scientific endeavor, the structure of the research community, and professional and federal guidelines for supporting scientific integrity and controlling misconduct.
PhD Minor
Minimum 10 credits required
The purpose of the minor is to add breadth to a Ph.D. major. Two minor options are available. Option A (external): Requires a minimum of 10 credits in a single department/major field of study. Selection of this option requires the approval of the minor department. Option B (distributed): Requires a minimum of 10 credits in one or more departments and can include course work in the major department. Selection of this option requires the approval of the major department.
Doctoral Seminar
Minimum 2 credits required
N816 Proseminar in Nursing Research: 1 credit
Description: Bi-weekly discussion of current topics in nursing research, especially as illustrated by the ongoing research of graduate students and faculty in nursing. Emphasizes peer review of faculty and student research. Two semesters are required in the first year of doctoral study.
Teaching and Learning
Minimum 3 credits required
Three required credits may be earned in course work or in a teaching practicum.
Research/Dissertation Credits
Minimum 18 credits required
N999/N990 Guided research, including the dissertation