Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Mission Statement
The Ph.D. program is based on the belief that nursing is a science, that nursing scholars must receive doctoral preparation to develop as scientists and that doctoral education is best accomplished in a milieu in which faculty and students participate in a partnership of inquiry.
The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare beginning level nurse scientists who think critically, conduct research and serve as investigators and collaborators on research teams. Graduates of this program develop leadership skills to influence health policy and promote social justice at local, national and global levels.
Program Overview
To achieve expertise as beginning level nurse scientists, students are educated and Socialized for their roles both didactically through course work, seminars and tutorials and experientially through research assistantships, collaboration with faculty mentors and independent research. Students receive a strong foundation in scientific inquiry with a focus on a clinically relevant area for scholarship and research. The program requires a minimum of 48 units of course work. Required courses primarily focus on nursing science and research. Students select 9 units of emphasis courses to support the focus or design of their dissertation. The program offers a concentration in clinical nursing research, executive leadership or knowledge transmission of the discipline of nursing. Six units per semester is considered full time enrollment, with additional offerings in the intersession and summer session. The Ph.D. degree may be completed in 3-4 years.
General Regulations
1. Residency Requirement
Students must fulfill this requirement by enrolling in:
- 12 units of on-campus doctoral coursework during a 12-month period, OR
- 6 units of on-campus doctoral coursework during each of two consecutive Summer sessions.
2. Transfer of Credit
(See also Transfer of Graduate Credit, page 44)
Students may transfer up to 12 units of post-master’s work with approval. Extension credit is not transferable.
3. Admission to Candidacy
Admission to candidacy (not equivalent to admission to the program) is achieved when the student has an approved dissertation proposal.
4. Time Limit
Candidates are allowed a maximum of five years between their admission to candidacy and completion of their dissertation.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program of Study
The program of study includes a minimum of 48 units
of post-master’s coursework that include 12 units for the dissertation. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in degree courses is required.
Note: The Ph.D. program currently is being refined. Modifications may be made in the future. Please refer to the Program Handbook and Web site.
I. Core Component (9 units)
Designed to develop analytical abilities and provide the knowledge base and skills requisite to the development of the nurse scholar.
PHDN 601 – Logics of Inquiry (3)
PHDN 602 – Theory Development in Nursing (3)
PHDN 641 – Social, Historical, and Philosophical Bases of Nursing (3)
II. Research Component (18 units)
Designed to enhance the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement a program of research.
PHDN 607 – Applied Statistics and Quantitative Research Methods (3)
PHDN 670 – Quantitative Designs in Research (3)
PHDN 673 – Field Methods (3)
PHDN 676 – Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (3)
PHDN 677 – Advanced Quantitative Designs in Research (3)
AND an additional course (3 units) selected by the student and adviser, related to the student’s research design.
III. Area of Emphasis (9 units)
Three graduate courses selected by the student and adviser, related to the student’s specific research topic.
IV. Dissertation Component (12 units minimum)
The presentation of the proposal and dissertation findings are required. After the completion of 9 units of dissertation, candidates must continue to register for 1 unit each semester to maintain candidacy until the dissertation is finished. See the Doctoral Student Handbook for guidelines on producing the dissertation.
PHDN 664 – Dissertation Seminar (3)
PHDN 695 – Dissertation (9)
