NURSING, PHD
School of Nursing
| Degree Offered: | Ph.D. |
| Director (Ph.D.) | Dr. Sigrid Ladores |
| Phone: | (205) 934-6835 |
| E-mail: | sladores@uab.edu |
Ph.D. Program Description
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is designed to prepare professional nurses as scholars, leaders, and researchers who will make a substantive contribution to the body of knowledge for the discipline of nursing and thereby improve health outcomes for those who receive nursing care. The program of studies builds on preparation at the master's or baccalaureate level. Graduates are prepared for culturally effective leadership roles in research and science, education, health policy, and health care. Doctoral students have the opportunity to develop expertise and conduct research in a selected content area. In addition to structured coursework, the program builds upon a mentorship model which recognizes that research skills are learned most effectively by working with a faculty research mentor who provides opportunities to practice the use of research techniques and the design and execution of original research within a focused program of research. In addition to core program course requirements, students complete at least 12 credits of required courses and electives in a selected content area. The PhD program was initiated in 1999. Initiated in 2000, the Post-Bachelor's PhD Option allows individuals with baccalaureate degrees in nursing to complete the PhD in nursing without first obtaining a master's degree.
Ph.D. Program Goals
The PhD curriculum prepares graduates to examine models, concepts and theories for their application in expanding the body of nursing and health care knowledge to: contribute to nursing science and health care through research that is disseminated in professional publications and presentations to the scientific communities and health care consumers; to conduct health care investigations based upon scientifically sound conceptual and methodological decisions about research designs, measures, and analytic methods; to reflect a consistent commitment to scientific integrity in the design, conduct, and dissemination of research; to initiate and collaborate in interdisciplinary research and scholarly endeavors that contribute to health outcomes in a culturally effective manner; and to assume leadership roles in research and scholarship.
Ph.D. Admission Requirements
- A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited institution in the United States, or approved by the Minister of Education for schools of nursing in foreign countries, equivalent to that in the UAB School of Nursing;
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 scale) on all graduate level coursework;
- Completion of GRE within the past 5 years;
- For applicants from non-English speaking countries: a satisfactory TOEFL score (minimum 550);
- Computer literacy and access is required, with proficiency in word processing and e-mail correspondence, as well as familiarity and experience with the Internet. It is recommended that each student have their own personal computer meeting the specifications of the School of Nursing. (Specifications are available from the School of Nursing website);
- Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States;
- A written goal statement which evidences congruence between the applicant’s research interests and School of Nursing faculty research;
- At least one sample of independent written work (in English) that demonstrates the applicant’s scholarship potential. Representative examples include a paper, proposal, report, or publication;
- A current curriculum vitae;
- Three references from individuals with expertise to comment on the applicant’s capability for research and scholarship (for example, University professors, employers); at least one of the references must be from a doctorally prepared nurse, and;
- A personal interview.
NOTE: For the Post-Baccalaureate PhD option, the corresponding requirements are:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited institution in the United States, or approved by the Minister of Education for schools of nursing in foreign countries, equivalent to that in the UAB School of Nursing;
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall (based on a 4.0 scale) on all undergraduate level coursework;
- Completion of GRE within the past 5 years;
- For applicants from non-English speaking countries: a satisfactory TOEFL score (minimum 550);
- Computer literacy and access is required, with proficiency in word processing and e-mail correspondence, as well as familiarity and experience with the Internet. It is recommended that each student have their own personal computer meeting the specifications of the School of Nursing. (Specifications are available from the School of Nursing website);
- Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States;
- A written goal statement which evidences congruence between the applicant’s research interests and School of Nursing faculty research;
- At least one sample of independent written work (in English) that demonstrates the applicant’s scholarship potential. Representative examples include a paper, proposal, report, or publication;
- A current curriculum vitae;
- Three references from individuals with expertise to comment on the applicant’s capability for research and scholarship (for example, University professors, employers); at least one of the references must be from a doctorally prepared nurse, and;
- A personal interview.
Ph.D. Degree Requirements
Candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing must complete the following requirements:
- Coursework and experiences based on the student's background and substantive area, with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better, and grades of B or better in all required courses on the approved program of studies;
- A comprehensive examination administered upon completion of an individualized program of studies; and
- A written dissertation demonstrating competence in research, individual inquiry, critical analysis using sophisticated statistical and/or qualitative techniques, and in-depth treatment of a health care problem in the selected content area. The investigation must make a genuine scientific contribution to knowledge, concepts, and theories in nursing. A final defense of the dissertation is required.
Postdoctoral Study
Postdoctoral studies in nursing are individually arranged based on a student's learning needs in specific areas of interest that match the strengths of the graduate faculty. The focus of postdoctoral study is on expanding and extending the student's knowledge base in nursing theory, practice, research, statistics and data management, and generally centers on a research effort of mutual interest to the student and faculty mentor.
