PhD Studies
The School of Nursing's PhD Program prepares scholars and researchers who will advance nursing science and will provide innovative leadership in the profession.
Graduates will be able to:
- Construct, test and evaluate conceptual models and nursing theories that reflect synthesis, reorganization and expansion of knowledge from nursing and related disciplines.
- Evaluate and apply appropriate research designs, measures and statistics to the study of nursing phenomena.
- Conceptualize practice phenomena from the perspective of nursing frameworks and theory.
- Design, conduct and communicate research relevant to nursing practice.
- Facilitate the incorporation of new knowledge into nursing practice.
- Initiate, facilitate and participate in collaborative endeavors related to the theoretical, conceptual and practical aspects of health care with clients, nurses and scholars from related disciplines.
The program design allows students to focus on the study of the theoretical and empirical basis for nursing actions provided to clients/patients in a variety of clinical settings, or research which focuses on the study of nursing systems or the theoretical and empirical basis for educational, administrative and/or policy-related nursing actions. Individual research interests and career goals determine the emphasis area chosen. Depth of knowledge in the emphasis area is developed through required course work and related clinical laboratory experience, selection of support electives, independent study and dissertation research.
Research emphasis areas for doctoral study include:
- Behavioral and Community Health
- Cancer Early Detection, and Treatment
- Environmental/Occupational Health and Social Justice
- Gerontology/Aging
- Health Policy
- Psychosocial Factors and Cardiovascular Health
- Substance Abuse/Addictions
- Basic Science Research in Pain and Neuro-modulation, Muscle Function, and Cancer Progression
- Physical Activity and/or Exercise in Chronic Illness and Disease Prevention
