This doctorate is designed for senior obstetric imaging leaders — OBGYN sonography lab directors, maternal-fetal imaging administrators, and diagnostic services managers — who want to apply advanced research to improving obstetric imaging programs rather than pursue an academic research career. Coursework focuses on obstetric imaging protocol standardization, diagnostic quality leadership, and evidence-based imaging program management.
Instead of a research-only dissertation, the program culminates in an applied capstone project built around your own imaging service: you'll use doctoral research methods to diagnose a workflow, accuracy, or staffing challenge and deliver a reform plan ready for real implementation. Graduates go on to serve as OBGYN sonography lab directors, maternal-fetal imaging administrators, or diagnostic services executives.
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Thesis Courses
3 Courses
PHD 910Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Building fluency in both qualitative and quantitative approaches to doctoral-level inquiry.
- Comparing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods traditions
- Selecting instruments and analytic techniques suited to a research question
- Evaluating validity, reliability, and rigor across methodological approaches
PHD 911Preparing a Thesis
Guides students through structuring and drafting an original thesis.
- Thesis structure and format
- Building an argument across chapters
- Working with a faculty advisor
PHD 912Econometrics
Applying econometric modeling techniques to analyze relationships within research data.
- Building and interpreting regression-based models
- Testing assumptions and diagnosing model specification issues
- Applying econometric findings to real-world policy and practice questions
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Research Courses
5 Courses
ST 913Preparatory Thesis I
First stage of guided thesis preparation, focused on identifying a viable research topic and reviewing prior literature.
- Scoping a topic with genuine research potential
- Conducting a systematic literature review
- Identifying gaps to justify the proposed study
ST 914Preparatory Thesis II
Conducting a comprehensive literature review to situate the proposed research.
- Synthesizing existing scholarship relevant to the research topic
- Identifying gaps the proposed dissertation will address
- Building a theoretical or conceptual framework from prior literature
ST 915Preparatory Thesis III
Designing the methodology that will guide the dissertation's data collection and analysis.
- Selecting a research design aligned with the study's questions
- Specifying sampling, instrumentation, and analytic procedures
- Addressing validity, ethics, and institutional review requirements
ST 916Preparatory Thesis IV
Fourth stage of thesis preparation covering the planning and execution of data collection procedures.
- Finalizing data collection protocols and instruments
- Coordinating access to research sites, records, or participants
- Managing and organizing collected data for analysis
ST 917Preparatory Thesis V
Fifth stage of thesis preparation focused on finalizing the proposal and preparing for committee defense.
- Integrating findings from prior stages into a unified proposal
- Rehearsing responses to anticipated committee questions
- Refining the proposal document for formal defense submission
3
Dissertation Courses
1 Courses
T 918Dissertation
Conducting original doctoral research and producing a completed, defended dissertation.
- Executing the approved research design and collecting data
- Analyzing findings and drafting the full dissertation manuscript
- Defending the completed dissertation before the doctoral committee
$84,000
Total Program Cost
Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.
Explore Financial Aid
Admission requires Master's Degree.
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Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.
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