Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Program Description & Degree Requirements
Students initially plan their academic programs with an academic advisor and subsequently with a dissertation chairperson in order to develop an individualized comprehensive program that meets the degree requirements and the student's research and educational goals. The doctoral degree is not an accumulation of courses, but a rationally unified plan of study and research. The program is designed so that study in nursing is supported and complemented by a cognate area outside the School of Nursing, and by electives. The dissertation research completes the student's training. The major components of the program are as follows:
Nursing Field (6 credits)
The evolution and current state of nursing knowledge are examined from both historical and philosophical perspectives and serve as the basis for the establishment of critical inquiry and study in addressing the increasingly complex health care needs of vulnerable populations. The courses in the nursing field include:
GNUR 814 Scientific Progress in Nursing
GNUR 815 Philosophy of Science and Development of Nursing Knowledge
Research (28 credits plus dissertation)
The research component of the program includes courses in research design and methodology, statistics, individually designed research practicums, and the dissertation. The dissertation is a culminating experience which requires the student to plan and implement a research study of significance to nursing. Courses in the research component include:
GNUR 800 History of American Health Care Professions and Institutions 1850-1970
GNUR 820 Quantitative Research Methods
GNUR 821 Statistical Methods in Health Care I
GNUR 822 Statistical Methods in Health Care II
*GNUR 823 Statistical Methods in Health Care III
GNUR 824 Qualitative Research Methods
GSAS 710 Research Ethics
GNUR 990 Research Practicum
GNUR 992 Proposal Writing Seminar I
GNUR 993 Proposal Writing Seminar II
*In consultation with the advisor, students may substitute a statistics or design course specific to their plan of study for GNUR 823 Statistical Methods in Health Care III.
Cognate Minor (9-12 credits)
The cognate requirement includes course work in a single cognate field or combination of fields outside the School of Nursing. The cognate field is intended to complement the student's major scholarly focus.
Electives (3-6 credits)
Electives are selected by the student on the basis of individual interest. These should complement the total program of study and may be taken both within and outside the School of Nursing.
Dissertation (12 credits)
A culminating experience which requires the student to plan and implement a research study of significance to nursing.