This program is designed for scholars who want to generate new knowledge about how nursing leadership and health administration structures shape organizational and patient outcomes. Coursework builds a rigorous theoretical and methodological foundation before students move into original research on health systems design, nursing workforce policy, and organizational performance.
Graduates pursue careers as nursing and health administration faculty, applied researchers, and policy analysts at health-systems research institutes. The program is organized around independent inquiry, culminating in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to health administration theory or policy.
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Thesis Courses
3 Courses
PHD 910Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Integrated training in qualitative and quantitative techniques used to design rigorous, mixed-methods doctoral research.
- Comparing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research paradigms
- Designing data collection instruments for interviews, surveys, and archival sources
- Selecting appropriate analytic techniques for different research questions
PHD 911Preparing a Thesis
Structured guidance on planning, organizing, and drafting a doctoral thesis from proposal to completed manuscript.
- Framing a researchable problem statement and objectives
- Structuring chapters and building a coherent argument
- Working effectively with a supervisory committee
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
Framing a research proposal and identifying a viable research question.
- Selecting a research topic
- Drafting a research proposal
- Identifying a research gap
ST 914Preparatory Thesis II
Second stage of thesis preparation centered on building a comprehensive review of the existing scholarly literature.
- Systematically searching and organizing relevant scholarly sources
- Synthesizing prior findings into a coherent literature review
- Positioning the proposed study within existing theoretical debates
ST 915Preparatory Thesis III
Third stage of thesis preparation dedicated to designing the study's methodology and analytic approach.
- Selecting a research design suited to the study's questions
- Specifying data sources, sampling strategy, and measurement instruments
- Addressing validity, reliability, and ethical considerations
ST 916Preparatory Thesis IV
Planning and carrying out the data collection phase of the study.
- Data collection logistics
- Managing research participants
- Recording and organizing data
ST 917Preparatory Thesis V
Finalizing the dissertation proposal and preparing to defend it before a committee.
- Integrating prior preparatory work into a complete proposal document
- Anticipating and rehearsing responses to committee questions
- Securing formal committee approval to proceed to dissertation research
3
Dissertation Courses
1 Courses
T 918Dissertation
Independent, faculty-supervised research culminating in a completed dissertation.
- Full dissertation writing
- Data analysis and findings
- Final defense preparation
$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.
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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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