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.
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Program Benefits
- Learn to conduct culturally relevant scientific research to answer important, community-driven questions to improve health and health care
- Cultivate a program of research in a topic meaningful to you and your community
- Develop and strengthen leadership skills to transform healthcare research, education, and practice
Program Description
This new, innovative PhD program requires completion of a minimum of 43 credits, which includes 42 credits of coursework and at least 1 credit of dissertation study per semester until completion. The program is designed to be completed in three years (seven semesters). It uses a full-time cohort model, and most classes are delivered in face to face and hybrid learning formats. 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.
During the first four semesters of the program the student completes 42 credits of foundational doctoral coursework, individually tailored to meet learning needs and account for previous degrees and training. Typically in the fifth semester (includes summer sessions 1 and 2), the student enrolls in NURS 699 to complete and defend their proposal. After the dissertation proposal defense is passed, the PhD student enrolls in at least 1 credit of NURS 800 for dissertation focused work until completion. PhD students are expected to design a PhD dissertation study that can be completed and defended in 12 months.
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 and addressing complex health concerns.
Curriculum
Enrollment in equivalent courses in other UH schools or offered by NEXus may be taken to ensure timely student progression. Students participate in a mandatory orientation during the first week of instruction each semester.
The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Course offerings may vary based on the student’s year of admission to the program, faculty, and program updates.
PhD Course List
The required foundational coursework for the PhD degree includes the following:
- EDEP 601 Introduction to Quantitative Methods (3cr)
- EDEP 604 Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance (3cr)
- EDEP 606 Multivariate Methods (3cr)
- NURS 703 Philosophical Thought and Disciplinary Knowledge for Nursing (3cr)
- NURS 704 Research Design and Methods for Nursing Science (3cr)
- NURS 705 Seminar 1: Nursing Science (3cr)
- NURS 706 Seminar 2: Literature Review (3cr)
- NURS 707 Seminar 3: Refining the Research Plan (3cr)
- NURS 708 Seminar 4: Building a Program of Research (3cr)
- NURS 740 Health Policy and Economics (3cr)
- NURS 743 Qualitative Methods (3cr)
- Two methods electives (required) (6cr)
Possible Methods Electives include:
- EDEP 602 Survey Research Design (3cr)
- EDEP 616 Measurement in Education and Social Sciences (3cr)
- EDEP 626 Psychometric Methods (3cr)
- PH 704 Community-Based Participatory Research (3cr)
- QHS 650 Secondary Data Analysis (3cr)
One Cognate Elective (Student Choice) (3cr)
- Student may choose one elective course from any department or program that aligns with their intended program of study, as directed by the chair/advisor
- NURS 699 Independent Study/Directed Research (1-9 credits may be required; students should consult with their advisor) NURS 800 Dissertation Research (minimum of 1 credit).Each semester the student selects classes that fulfill the coursework requirements for the PhD program outlined above. Schedule is subject to availability and timing of courses, which will be determined in conjunction with your chair/advisor and the PhD Program Director.
Total Number of Credits: 42 didactic credits plus a minimum of least 1 credit per semester for dissertation work
Current students refer to STAR for their individualized curriculum pathway.
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to meet regularly with their academic advisor(s) to ensure proper progress and to confirm their academic requirements.
Dissertation
For the PhD degree, students are required to complete a research dissertation. The research dissertation is a culmination of scholarship, including an original research project, demonstrating competency as a beginning nurse scientist. Over the first two years of the program, you will assemble a dissertation committee composed of a dissertation chair (primary advisor), 3 faculty committee members, and a community member. The dissertation committee is responsible for overseeing and approving the research proposal and the final dissertation. Students in the PhD in Nursing program will present their research dissertation proposal after completing required coursework, with most students completing the dissertation within one year of proposal approval.
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 graduate programs in nursing that allows doctoral students enrolled at member colleges and universities to take courses that may not be offered at their 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