This program is designed for scholars who want to generate new knowledge about how nursing education models shape student learning and clinical readiness. Coursework builds a rigorous theoretical and methodological foundation before students move into original research on nursing pedagogy, curriculum design, and clinical competency assessment.
Graduates pursue careers as nursing education faculty, applied researchers, and policy analysts at nursing education research institutes. The program is organized around independent inquiry, culminating in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to nursing education theory.
1
Thesis Courses
3 Courses
PHD 910Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Foundational grounding in the mixed-methods toolkit doctoral researchers use to design and defend rigorous studies.
- Comparing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods traditions
- Building valid and reliable measurement instruments
- Aligning research questions with appropriate design choices
PHD 911Preparing a Thesis
Structured guidance on planning, organizing, and drafting a doctoral thesis from initial concept to committee-ready proposal.
- Framing a researchable problem statement and set of guiding questions
- Structuring thesis chapters and building an argument across chapters
- Meeting institutional formatting, citation, and submission standards
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
2
Research Courses
5 Courses
ST 913Preparatory Thesis I
First stage of thesis preparation focused on identifying a viable research problem and framing an initial proposal.
- Scanning the literature to identify gaps and research opportunities
- Drafting a preliminary problem statement and research questions
- Outlining a feasible scope and timeline for the thesis project
ST 914Preparatory Thesis II
Conducting a thorough review of existing literature in the chosen field.
- Literature search strategies
- Synthesizing prior research
- Identifying theoretical frameworks
ST 915Preparatory Thesis III
Designing the methodology that will guide the research study.
- Selecting research methods
- Designing data collection tools
- Addressing research ethics
ST 916Preparatory Thesis IV
Fourth stage of thesis preparation, guiding full-scale data collection and preliminary analysis.
- Executing the data-collection plan
- Cleaning and organizing data for analysis
- Running preliminary analyses and checking assumptions
ST 917Preparatory Thesis V
Final preparatory stage, completing analysis and assembling the thesis proposal for committee approval.
- Completing full data analysis and interpretation
- Drafting the finalized thesis proposal
- Defending the proposal before the committee
3
Dissertation Courses
1 Courses
T 918Dissertation
Independent, faculty-supervised completion of the doctoral dissertation from data analysis through final defense.
- Conducting independent data analysis and interpreting results
- Writing and revising the full dissertation manuscript
- Defending the completed dissertation before the faculty 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.
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