PhD—Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing) is designed to prepare professional nurses as scholars, leaders, and researchers who will make a substantive contribution to the body of knowledge for the discipline of nursing and thereby improve health outcomes for those who receive nursing care. The program of study builds on preparation at the master's or baccalaureate level. Graduates are prepared for culturally effective leadership roles in research, education, health policy, and health care. Doctoral students have the opportunity to develop expertise and conduct research in a selected content area. In addition to structured course work, the program builds upon a mentorship model that recognizes that research skills are learned most effectively by working with a faculty research mentor who provides opportunities to practice the use of research techniques and the design and execution of original research within a focused program of research. Graduates of the PhD program will be able to:

  • Examine models, concepts and theories for their application in expanding the body of nursing and health-care knowledge.
  • Contribute to nursing science and health care through research that is disseminated in professional publications and presentations to the scientific communities and health-care consumers.
  • Conduct health-care investigations based upon scientifically sound conceptual and methodological decisions about research designs, measures, and analytic methods.
  • Reflect a consistent commitment to scientific integrity in the design, conduct, and dissemination of research.
  • Initiate and collaborate in interdisciplinary research and scholarly endeavors that contribute to health outcomes in a culturally effective manner.
  • Assume leadership roles in research and scholarship.

The PhD program was initiated in the fall of 1999. In addition to core program course requirements, students complete at least 12 credits of required courses and electives in a selected content area. Initiated in fall of 2000, the post-bachelor's PhD option allows individuals with baccalaureate degrees in nursing to complete the PhD in nursing without first obtaining a master's degree.

For additional information, refer to the links in the Table of Contents on the left side of the page or below.