Purpose and Outcomes of the Ph.D. Program

The purpose of the Ph.D. program in nursing is to develop clinical scholars, faculty, and researchers who can teach and provide leadership through scientific inquiry and innovative practice. Nursing science encompasses the body of knowledge related to the personal experience of health and illness in individuals, families, groups, and communities. As a practice discipline, nurse scientists are in a unique position to assess health needs and design evidence-based interventions to improve the health of groups made vulnerable by complex life circumstances. Research emphasis includes health-related needs and responses of targeted populations, dynamics of the nurse-patient interface, evidence-based solutions for complex nursing problems, and the design and testing of innovative models of nursing care. The faculty of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing believe that significant learning at the doctoral level occurs best within a mentor-type model. Highly individualized plans of study through which each student can develop depth of expertise and research capability within a specialized area will promote his/her career goals.

The purpose of the Ph.D. program is:

1. To prepare a cadre of highly qualified nurse scientists to advance the art and science of nursing in order to improve the health of the state, nation and the world.

2. To prepare nursing faculty with doctorates to teach in baccalaureate and higher degree nursing programs in the state, nation, and other countries.

3. To fulfill the research mission of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing as a unit within a major research university.

The program outcomes for the Ph.D. in Nursing include the ability to:

1. Demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of scientific knowledge, and comprehension of the major issues of the discipline of nursing.

2. Design and conduct research according to scientific principles to create new knowledge

3. Demonstrate effective teaching and communication skills for dissemination of scientific knowledge to appropriate stakeholders.

4. Advance science through interdisciplinary collaboration to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities.

5. Lead the discipline of nursing to influence change in practice, education, policy, and research in accordance with the highest ethical standards.

Approved by the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Graduate Affairs Committee March, 2023.