Overview
Designed to prepare research scientists, the GSN PhD curriculum contains core courses in research methods, statistics, ethics, policy, nursing science, philosophy, data science and precision health/omics, all of which introduce the student to scientific inquiry. A Research and Scholarship course series with professional issues intentionally begins the indoctrination of students into the life of a scientist and scholar. With the approval of academic advisors, each student also takes a series of elective courses to expand their knowledge and understanding in areas of science that inform their research. Elective courses may be taken at USU or, if not available on campus, through the National Capital Region Consortium or Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) at NIH.
Core courses are required of all students independent of their area of specialization. These courses introduce students to philosophy of science, conceptual frameworks/theoretical models, quantitative and qualitative research methods, ethical and legal issues in research, statistics and public policy. Specific skill building courses include Principles of Scholarly Writing and Proposal Development and Grantsmanship. Students also select an Interdisciplinary Option consistent with their area of research interest. Within each option, there is a combination of courses provided within the GSN as well as elective courses taken outside the GSN in disciplines that will provide the theoretical and scientific bases of the dissertation. Within each option, there are opportunities for students to design research experiences and more focused research internships to work closely with selected faculty or scientists to begin a rigorous exploration of a proposed dissertation topic.
The objectives of our program are to:
- Provide PhD-level coursework and other multidisciplinary learning experiences to develop students into creative scholars and independent scientists in military and federal health care organizations.
- Establish strong mentoring relationships with senior scholars and scientists in a broad range of disciplines.
- Provide research experiences with senior scientists working in research intensive environments.
- Foster peer support and learning both within and across student cohorts, services, and disciplines.
Outcomes
PhD Program Terminal Competencies/Expected Outcomes*
- ROLE- Develop the Science
- Scholarly knowledge base in a substantive area related to military and Federal nursing
- Critically appraise and assimilate diverse scientific perspectives in research
- Conduct original research that generates new knowledge based on a critical evaluation of existing knowledge
- Apply professional and research ethics and judgment in the conduct of research
- Disseminate research findings to professional and public audiences and identify the implications for policy, nursing practice, and the profession.
- Integrate data science and omics knowledge in nursing research and practice as underpinnings of Precision Health
- ROLE- Steward the Discipline
- Integrate research, teaching, mentoring, and professional service as components of scholarship
- Communicate scholarships with publications and presentations in professional interdisciplinary forums
- Lead and advance the profession and understand the evolving nurse scholar roles and responsibilities
- ROLE- Educate the Next Generation
- Lead and participate in interdisciplinary research teams
- Provide professional and research mentorship
- Engage and train future nurse scientists and scholars through discovery, application, and integration
*The expected outcomes are aligned with the PhD Program in Nursing Science curriculum and with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) The Research-Focused Doctoral Program in Nursing- Pathways to Excellence Report.
The PhD students and faculty contribute to the discovery, development, and transmission of new knowledge, and the result of these activities is the development of a scientific body of knowledge relevant to military and federal health care. Graduate students also contribute to the research mission of the university through professional presentations and publications. Graduates of this program readily assume leadership roles in their respective service or organization and carry with them the expectation they will be productive throughout their career.
Degree Requirements
Complete the following:
Students take a minimum of three (3) Dissertation Research sessions totaling 27 credits.
Students are required to take 9-12 elective credits. Electives must be approved by advisors and the Program Chair.