The program's emphasis on intensive research training makes essential a foundation of course work in research methodology and analysis. This course work will ordinarily be taken in the student's area of secondary concentration. A minimum of six credits of course work in this area is required. Students are encouraged to take the 1 credit seminar on ethics in the conduct of nursing research offered through the School of Nursing. In their first year, students begin conducting research under the supervision of their major professor.
Students continue working on their research throughout the program.
In this process, students refine their own area of nursing inquiry, conduct pilot studies leading to the doctoral dissertation, present papers, publish research findings, and, most importantly, lay the groundwork for their own program of research. A minimum of 18 credits in this area is required. Research areas for doctoral students currently enrolled in the program are varied and draw upon the expertise of School of Nursing and campus faculty. Preparation for the Academic Role Recognizing that most Ph.D. prepared nurses take positions as university faculty and thus will be expected to develop scholarship in research, teaching, and service, it is recommended that doctoral students plan opportunities for developing teaching competence in their programs. This may include course work in nursing education and education offered in the School of Nursing or the School of Education.