Nursing PhD Program Goals
The goal of advancing nursing knowledge must be grounded in respect for the dignity of the individual human being. It must also emerge from principles and methods of scientific inquiry and an examination of nursing actions within nursing environments. The process for reaching this goal is provided in a core of required courses that address the theoretical and empirical basis for nursing and the substantive construction of research and theory to guide nursing practice.
The program design allows students to expand upon prior educational endeavors through a variety of individually selected learning experiences. Scholarly electives provide additional flexibility to plan a program of study that strengthens dissertation, research, and career goals. Depth of knowledge in the research interest area is developed through the combination of required coursework, elective courses, research residency (an immersion in activities with a research-active faculty mentor), independent study and the dissertation process.
Goals of the program are to prepare future nursing scientists and leaders with the knowledge and skill to develop policies and practices that respond to the inequities of our healthcare and social systems; and improve outcomes and quality of life for all individuals, families, and communities in society.
The program prepares graduates who are able to:
- Serve as leaders in advancing the practice of nursing through research, education, administration and health policy.
- Participate fully in multidisciplinary contributions to the creation of knowledge.
- Generate, test and extend knowledge through research and theory development, and disseminate findings.
- Influence health policy to advance nursing and health care in a global society.
- Integrate theory and practice through advanced ethical analysis.
- Appreciate and extend the aesthetic values of nursing.
- Value the inherent dignity of all humans and protect them from dehumanization of health care.
- Treasure the ideals of nursing through the stewardship of caring.