Doctor of Philosophy
A Research-focused Doctoral Degree
PhD PROGRAM
The OHSU School of Nursing offers an innovative mentored education leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. The recently redesigned curriculum emphasizes seminar courses focused on individual learning to nurture students in their progression from novice to scholar. Students who do not reside in Portland can engage in seminars and participate in mentoring relationships with faculty using distance-friendly technology, with occasional presence on the Portland campus as needed.
Students usually complete PhD courses in two years, although part-time study can be arranged. In the first year, key courses in nursing knowledge and science in the first year are integrated and designed to develop scholarly thinking and to develop each student's research focus. At the end of year 1, each student writes an integrative literature review in a focused research area. During the second year, each student acquires in-depth knowledge in either qualitative or quantitative methodology and engages in a year-long individualized mentored experience with a faculty research team. At the conclusion of year 2, students are ready to write a research proposal under the guidance of a mentor, usually the dissertation Chair. Students then conduct an independent, but mentored, research study, write a dissertation, and earn the PhD degree. Two options are available for the dissertation: a traditional format or a manuscript-based integrated dissertation.
PhD coursework and mentored research opportunities are designed to provide a solid foundation of nursing science, methodology, and scholarship while focusing on the development of each student's individual abilities and research interests. Benchmarks for success in the program--an integrative literature review (year 1) and a research proposal (year 2)—are intended to help students learn the real-world skills they will need as future scientists, faculty members, and nursing leaders.
Prospective students may enter study for the PhD with a prior master's degree in nursing or with a prior baccalaureate degree in nursing. Those who begin the program of study with a baccalaureate degree participate in a first year of transition study before starting the two years of PhD study. It is possible to earn a Master's in Nursing Education by taking additional courses, usually in the summer between the transitional year and the first year of PhD study.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Post-master’s program of study leading to PhD
- Designed to be completed in 3-4 years
- 90 credits includes coursework, research and dissertation
Sample program of study for post master’s PhD
Post-baccalaureate programs of study leading to PhD
- Designed to be completed in 4-5 years
- 118 credits includes coursework, research and dissertation
to earn a PhD
Sample Program of Study for post baccalaureate PhD
Post-baccalaureate to MN in Education to PhD
- 136 credits includes coursework, research and dissertation to earn a Master’s in Nursing Education (MNE) and PhD
- Three specialties available within MNE
Sample Program of Study - psychiatric-mental health nursing education
Sample Program of Study - community health nursing education
Sample Program of Study - adult-gerontology nursing education
