PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science program is designed to prepare nurse scientists with expertise in clinical-translational research methods to advance the scholarly discipline and to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of nursing.

As the most trusted profession and the primary caregivers in the healthcare setting, nurses bring a uniquely personal perspective to research. Nurses know that optimal patient health requires a whole-person approach that recognizes the interdependencies of the different, and sometimes deeply personal, aspects of a patient’s life. That is why our PhD program emphasizes the combination of translational science methods with traditional models for research to comprehensively address health and healthcare needs of local, national and global communities.

The PhD program is high-touch, and students will have a mentor in their area of research interest and have immediate immersion in research with the opportunity to work as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant on day one of the program. Students will work closely with their mentor throughout the program, who will help them develop expertise in their area of interest and develop into a scholar. Students are educated by nurse scientists conducting cutting-edge research in their respective fields. In addition to their course work, the student’s education will be enriched through research seminars in which students will have the opportunity to engage with leading scientists in and outside of nursing who are conducting novel and high impact research.

Curriculum

The PhD in Nursing Science is a three to five-year, full-time commitment that includes a combination of formal courses, electives, independent study, teaching assistant assignments, formal examinations, and the completion and successful defense of a doctoral dissertation based on original research that contributes to the scholarly and scientific knowledge of the nursing discipline.

Early coursework will introduce you to theoretical foundations in the nursing discipline and to advanced research methodologies in nursing, health sciences, and related fields. Elective and independent studies will contribute to expertise in areas of research leading to your dissertation.

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