Nursing Science, PhD

Students may enter the PhD program with a BSN or a MSN degree. Non-nurses with a graduate degree in a health-related field may also apply for admission to the PhD program.

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 trimester hours of graduate credit in addition to the completed dissertation. BSN to PhD students must complete at least 60 trimester 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 Scientific Paradigms Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 681 Understanding Theoretical Framework Development Credit Hours: (3)

Subtotal: 6

Statistics Courses

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

Subtotal: 6*

Research Courses

NSG - 675 Literature Synthesis Approach Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 686 The Research Process: Quantitative Design & Methods Part I Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 687 The Research Process: Quantitative Design & Methods Part II Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 688 The Research Process: Qualitative Design & Methods Credit Hours: (3)
NSG - 691 ACRP Credit Hours: (8) Minimum (8 Credit Hours)

Subtotal: 20

Ethics Course

NSG - 683 Ethical Conduct in Research Settings Credit Hours: (3)

Subtotal: 3

Role Courses

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

Subtotal: 12

Cognates

Credit Hours: (5)

Subtotal: 5

Dissertation

NSG - 699 Dissertation Research Credit Hours: (12)
Minimum Total: (12) (minimum 3h and maximum 4h 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 NSG-522: Applied Epidemiology & Biostatistics for Nursing Practice, or an approved equivalent, prior to taking NSG-684: Intermediate Statistics.