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Doctoral Program (PhD)

Study for the doctorate is offered by the faculty of the College of Nursing through the Division of Research and Advanced Study of the University. The purpose of the doctoral component of the Graduate Program at the College of Nursing is to prepare independent nurse scientists who contribute to knowledge generation that will guide nursing practice, and to the identification and provision of excellent health care for individuals, families, and communities. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to prepare nursing leaders who will augment the empirical and theoretical base of nursing practice through research and service in leadership roles in higher education, health services, professional nursing organizations, and related arenas.

The PhD curriculum focuses on core courses in nursing inquiry, scientific methods and synthesis of knowledge. Students participate in research practica under the guidance of senior scientist to develop and enhance their skills as junior independent scientists. In addition, all doctoral students develop expertise in an area of interest by taking coursework that enables them to gain specific knowledge and expertise in theory and research methodology in their phenomena of interest. Students are expected to take interdisciplinary courses within other colleges at the University.

The minimum number of graduate credits required is 135 quarter-hours (45 of which may be from the MSN). Exclusive of dissertation hours, the final 45-hours of doctoral study must be completed at the University of Cincinnati. University residency requirements require that student be enrolled for full-time (10 credit hours) for three out of five consecutive quarters, exclusive of dissertation hours. Students are recommended for the PhD when they have developed and demonstrated intellectual maturity and have met the objectives and requirements of their program of study. A degree is not granted on the basis of a predetermined number of credits alone. The successful completion of a preliminary examination (after first year of study), a candidacy exam, and the dissertation are required for graduation.

Students pursuing doctoral study are supported in their research endeavors by the College of Nursing Institute for Nursing Research, which is funded by an endowment. Doctoral students have opportunities to serve as graduate research assistants through the Institute.