Nursing Science, PhD

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Students may enter the PhD program with a BSN or an MSN degree. Non-nurses with a graduate degree in a health-related field may also apply for admission to the PhD program. This program is delivered by the College of Nursing faculty in conjunction with the Graduate College. The degree of doctor of philosophy is awarded by the Graduate College.

Terminal Objectives

Graduates of the PhD program develop the skills of a clinical researcher. These skills are based on the integration of knowledge from biological, behavioral and clinical sciences. Their clinical research skills contribute to the scientific basis of care provided to individuals across the life span and in any setting where care is provided. Graduates also have leadership skills necessary to serve as senior academicians and influence health care systems and policy.

Synthesize and apply theoretical and research-based knowledge in the investigation of clinical phenomena
Test and integrate disciplinary knowledge in models of clinical practice across the levels of prevention
Generate and disseminate research-based, clinically-related knowledge
Analyze health care trends to influence health and social policy for diverse client populations
Participate in collaborative interprofessional practice and research
Assume faculty responsibilities within a senior academic environment
Function as a clinical scientist

Graduation Requirements

Divisional graduation requirements require completion of the approved individual program of study. For MSN to PhD students, coursework for the PhD must be the equivalent of at least 52 term hours of graduate credit in addition to the completed dissertation. BSN to PhD students must complete at least 60 term hours of graduate credit in addition to the dissertation. Students have a maximum of eight years to complete degree requirements.

Academic Program Curricula

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Nursing Science

Theory Courses

NSG - 680 Understanding Sci Paradigms Credit(s): 3
NSG - 681 Understanding Theoretical Framework Deve Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: 6

Statistics Courses

NSG - 684 Intermediate Statistics Credit(s): 3
NSG - 685 Multivariate Statistics Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: 6*

Research Courses

NSG - 675 Literature Synthesis Approach Credit(s): 3
NSG - 686 The Research Process: Quantitative Design & Methods Part I Credit(s): 3
NSG - 687 Rsch Process:Quan Dsgn/Mth II Credit(s): 3
NSG - 688 The Research Process: Qualitative Design & Methods Credit(s): 3
NSG - 691 ACRP Credit(s): 1-12 Minimum (8 Credit Hours)

Subtotal: 20

Ethics Course

NSG - 683 Ethical Conduct-Rsrch Setting Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: 3

Role Courses

NSG - 600 Leadership in Evolving Healthcare Environments Credit(s): 3
NSG - 614 The Leader and Policy, Politics, Power & Ethics Credit(s): 3
NSG - 679 Evidence-Based Teaching in Health Professions Credit(s): 3
NSG - 690 Grantsmanship Credit(s): 3

Subtotal: 12

Cognates

Credit Hours: (5)

Subtotal: 5

Dissertation

NSG - 699 Dissertation Research Credit(s): 2-4
Minimum Total: 12 (Minimum 3 credit hours and maximum 4 credit hours per term)

Subtotal: 12

Bridge Coursework

(Individual for each student; only for BSN-PhD students)

Subtotal: 8

Total: 72 (for BSN-PhD); 64 (for MSN-PhD)

*Students who have not previously taken a graduate-level biostatistics course must take a three-hour course prior to taking NSG-684: Intermediate Statistics. To fulfill this requirement, they may take NSG-522: Applied Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Nursing Practice, or they may transfer in an equivalent course taken at an accredited school.