PhD Program in Nursing

Goals

The primary goal of the Nursing PhD Program at the University of Minnesota is to prepare independent researchers to develop new knowledge to advance nursing science and improve human health and health care.  The Graduate Faculty supports the following core principles in the design and implementation of the School of Nursing’s PhD Program.

Core Principles for Advancing the Excellence of the PhD Program in Nursing

1. The PhD Program provides structured coursework and other learning experiences so that students develop into creative scholars and independent scientists who are prepared and competitive for leadership positions in academic, government, industry, and healthcare settings.

2. The PhD curriculum is comprised of rigorous coursework in a) nursing science and theory, b) high quality and cutting edge research methodology  (e.g., qualitative and quantitative design and methods; biobehavioral and psychosocial measurement; informatics, etc), and c)  research translation. 

3. Students are selected for admission into the program based on their academic record and research match between each student’s interests and the faculty expertise. 

4. The Graduate Faculty are fully engaged as mentors with students throughout their programs of study.

5. The PhD curriculum includes a range of research practice/experiences with national and international research experts.

6. The PhD curriculum includes opportunities for interprofessional learning and research collaboration.

7. The PhD Program is sufficiently flexible so that coursework can be tailored to students’ research interests and needs.

8. The PhD Program design uses a cohort model to foster peer support and learning.

9. Coursework is offered in a flexible manner using various instructional methodologies and technologies.  

10. Co-curricular teaching and research learning experiences such as research and teaching assistantships, visiting scholar presentations, mock grant reviews, seminars, research conference attendance and presentations are facilitated to help foster students’ development into scholars, educators, and scientists.

Objectives

The PhD program in nursing prepares scholars as scientists, leaders, innovators, and educators in nursing and health care who: 

• Discover new knowledge for nursing science and health care practice through ethical, innovative, theory-based research;

• Integrate knowledge to influence health care delivery and policy through collaborative, interprofessional  initiatives at organizational, local, state, regional, national, and global levels;

• Create and evaluate strategies to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and populations;

• Disseminate knowledge to those in nursing, other health sciences, policy makers, and the public through scholarly publication, formal teaching, and other creative venues.

The Challenges of Balancing Life and Higher Education

Completing a PhD program in nursing has many rewards, but can challenge even the most organized and productive students. The School of Nursing supports students in their multiple roles and encourages them to: 

• Stay engaged with fellow students, especially when the core courses have been completed and students are not on campus as often;

• Use the resources available to maintain wellbeing, including the UMN Recreation Wellness Center, counseling services, disability services, and a formal Leave of Absence (LOA) if needed;

• Discuss issues and needs with your advisor or the DGS so they can assist you and facilitate your success.