This program is designed for scholars who want to generate new knowledge about how dental nursing practice shapes patient safety and oral health outcomes. Coursework builds a rigorous theoretical and methodological foundation before students move into original research on chairside care protocols, infection control practice, and dental workforce education.
Graduates pursue careers as dental nursing faculty, applied researchers, and policy analysts at oral health research institutes. The program is organized around independent inquiry, culminating in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to dental nursing practice or oral health policy.
1
Thesis Courses
3 Courses
PHD 910Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Introduces the core research methods used in doctoral-level study.
- Quantitative data analysis basics
- Qualitative research design
- Choosing the right research approach
PHD 911Preparing a Thesis
Structuring and drafting the components of a doctoral thesis before formal proposal.
- Organizing a thesis into coherent, defensible chapters
- Framing a research problem and articulating its significance
- Developing a working thesis statement and chapter outline
PHD 912Econometrics
Application of econometric modeling techniques to test hypotheses and analyze relationships within social science data.
- Building and interpreting regression-based econometric models
- Diagnosing and correcting for bias, endogeneity, and model misspecification
- Applying econometric software tools to real-world datasets
2
Research Courses
5 Courses
ST 913Preparatory Thesis I
Framing the initial research proposal and identifying a viable dissertation topic.
- Narrowing a broad interest into a researchable problem statement
- Drafting preliminary research questions and objectives
- Presenting an initial proposal for committee feedback
ST 914Preparatory Thesis II
Second stage of thesis preparation, developing the conceptual framework and research design.
- Constructing a conceptual or theoretical framework
- Selecting an appropriate research design
- Justifying sampling and data-collection strategy
ST 915Preparatory Thesis III
Third stage of thesis preparation, centered on instrument development and pilot testing.
- Developing and refining data-collection instruments
- Piloting instruments and revising based on results
- Addressing reliability, validity, and ethical review
ST 916Preparatory Thesis IV
Planning the practical logistics of collecting and managing dissertation data.
- Developing data collection protocols and timelines
- Coordinating access to research sites, records, or participants
- Preparing data management and analysis workflows
ST 917Preparatory Thesis V
Preparing collected data and findings for formal committee review.
- Data analysis preparation
- Summarizing preliminary findings
- Preparing for committee defense
3
Dissertation Courses
1 Courses
T 918Dissertation
Independent, faculty-supervised research culminating in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field.
- Conducting original research under committee supervision
- Writing and revising the complete dissertation manuscript
- Successfully completing the final oral defense
$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.
01
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.
Apply Now