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 the 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, bioethics in healthcare research, advanced biostatistics 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.
Potential student research focus areas
Faculty areas of research interest: Basic Science Research, Physiologic Clinical Research, Behavioral and Social Science Research and Ethics, Leadership and Policy Research. With this as background, potential areas for PhD student research focus include:
- Human Performance (optimized warfighter health and fitness, health promotion and disease prevention, [cardiovascular, military women’s health])
- Operational Readiness (understanding health threats of novel weapons, readiness of military medical forces, military women’s health, precision health and omics, development or evaluation of novel therapeutic techniques, [nutritional interventions])
- Veteran’s Health Concerns
- Military or Federal Health Care Systems
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements
Students take a minimum of two to three (2-3) Dissertation Research sessions totaling 18-27 credits.
Electives
Total Required Credits: 69
Students are required to take 6-12 (six to twelve) elective credits per direction and approval of advisors and the Program Chair. These credits are available through USU, the Consortium, NIH FAES or other universities to support the student’s area of research focus and research methods.