Our PhD in Nursing program is designed to prepare visionary scholars capable of conducting research and generating new knowledge to improve the health of culturally diverse populations, especially in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Basin regions and countries.
The PhD program requires completion of a minimum of 43 credits. The program is designed to be completed in three years full-time, and most classes are delivered in face to face or a hybrid format. The program also offers a part-time option. The program curriculum is interdisciplinary in nature and classes are taken across a variety of schools. Each student in the program works closely with their advisor to identify coursework that will support their education and development as a scholar in a focused area of research.
Fast Facts
- Two-step application process with virtual interview
- Full-time, on-campus cohort program designed to be completed in 3 years
- Applications for full-time study open every other year starting Fall 2025
- Option for part-time study over 5 years, with options that are tailored to student needs
- Individualized advising and guidance from faculty advisor
- Interdisciplinary graduate coursework that fosters team science and research collaboration
- 42 didactic credits plus 1 additional credit per semester for dissertation work until completed
Program Outcomes / Competencies
Students completing the PhD degree in Nursing will demonstrate the ability to conduct original publishable research, ability to communicate to various audiences, conduct research in an ethical manner, integrate and apply key concepts, information, and methods into their work. The program will graduate nurse scholars capable of leading and functioning on scientific teams addressing complex health concerns.
Curriculum
The required foundational coursework for the PhD degree includes content and credits in the following areas.
- Seminar courses (12 credits)
- Coursework designed to scaffold knowledge and skill development towards a successful dissertation study, including nursing science, literature review, research plan development, and building a program of research
- Research methods (12 credits)
- Coursework in quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, big data analysis, and community based participatory research
- Statistics (9 credits)
- Coursework in measurement, applied regression, multivariate analysis, and other statistical specialties applicable for scholarly inquiry
- Scholarship (9 credits)
- Coursework in philosophical thought and knowledge development, health policy, and elective credits to support individual student programs of study
- Dissertation and independent study (1 credit minimum)
Partnership in the Nursing Education Exchange
University of Hawaii at Manoa is a member of NEXus (The Nursing Education Exchange). NEXus is a collaboration between participating doctoral programs in nursing that allows doctoral students enrolled at member colleges and universities to take courses that may not be offered at his/her home institution for a common tuition price. Students may fulfill requirements by enrolling in NEXus courses.
Contact
PhD Program Director and Associate Professor
School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2528 McCarthy Mall, Webster Hall 414
Honolulu, HI 96822
Ph: 808-956-5017
Fax: 808-956-3257
Email: mollyalt@hawaii.edu