Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Distance Program
Program Description
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Distance Program prepares graduates for research careers. After establishing a research trajectory in the PhD Program, graduates will be prepared to make lifelong contributions to theory, practice, policy, leadership, and education. The goal is preparation of researchers in a defined area of nursing inquiry.
The PhD program admits students who have earned a bachelor¿s degree with a major in nursing (BSN, BS) or a master's degree in Nursing or related disciplines. The traditional BS-PhD and MS-PhD tracks share a common program of study with the exception of 9 additional MS cognate credits required for BS-PhD students. Occasionally the PhD program also admits cohorts of BS- and MS-PhD students with a specialty focus (e.g. gerontology or oncology).
The PhD Program will soon begin accepting applications from prospective students interested in cancer, aging and/or end-of-life care for the fall 2013 cohort. Application opens in early fall 2012.
Length of Program
The PhD program can generally be split into two parts: the coursework phase and the dissertation phase. The coursework phase of the program is 9 semesters year-round, which includes 1-2 core courses per semester. Students have the option of taking additional electives or area of specialization courses to reach full-time status (9+ credits per semester). BS-PhD students must attend full-time for the first year of study due to the additional MS cognate work. The faculty advisor or dissertation committee may require additional coursework to address identified academic deficiencies, and identify inter-departmental and College of Nursing courses in the student¿s Area of Specialization.
The program requires successful completion of written and oral qualifying examinations at the conclusion of formal coursework prior to admission to PhD candidacy and initiation of the dissertation. The length of time to complete the dissertation phase is variable. All coursework and the dissertation must be completed within seven (7) years.
Program of Study
The PhD curriculum provides a foundation in nursing theory development, research, issues, and role development. Specialization in a research area and role development is achieved through an individualized program of study developed with a faculty advisor. This program incorporates career goals and theory and methods of the selected research area. Study in related subjects may be included.
One of the distinctions between the traditional program and specialty-focused program is that for specialty cohorts, the exemplars and assignments for each course are tailored to fit the specialty area of research. Additionally, some students may be required to take a specialty-related graduate level foundational course during the first year of study.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program of Study
Studying at a Distance
The PhD program is a distance program. The core courses are offered utilizing live synchronous videoconferencing technology, which allows students living locally, nationally and internationally to participate and complete the program without relocating to Utah.
All PhD students, regardless of the state or country of residence, are required to attend three week-long campus immersion experiences as a cohort. These week-long immersions are held at the University of Utah campus annually during the coursework phase of the program (the first three years of study). The initial week-long campus immersion takes place during the first week of classes and serves as an orientation to the University of Utah and PhD Program (typically in late August for fall admission). The exact dates for subsequent week-long immersions vary each year. Each of the three visits has distinct objectives that align with program progression.
In addition, all PhD students, regardless of the state or country of residence, are required to attend a research conference as a cohort annually during the coursework phase of the program (the first three years of study). The research conference is chosen by PhD Program faculty (exact semester, location and dates may vary depending on which conference is chosen). Each of the three conference attendance experiences is typically tied to current coursework and provides rich faculty/student mentoring and networking opportunities.
For more information about studying at a distance and the current computer/technology requirements for the PhD program, see the PhD Distance Program page.
Admission Requirements
See the PhD Admission Requirements page.
How to Apply
A cohort of approximately 9 students is accepted into the PhD program each fall semester. Applications are available fall of the previous year.
See the How to Apply page for deadlines and more information.
Also visit the Application Process FAQs page for answers to frequently asked questions about applying.
More Information
For more information about this program and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the related links at the right side of the page. If you have additional questions, contact the advisor below.
Melissa Pederson, MEd
PhD Program Administrator
melissa.pederson@nurs.utah.edu
(801) 585-1671 (Phone)
(801) 585-9705 (Fax)
For faculty consultation regarding the PhD program of study or your research career contact:
Susan L. Beck, PhD, APRN, FAAN
PhD Program Director
Professor
Robert S. and Beth M. Carter Endowed Chair in Nursing
Member, Huntsman Cancer Institute and Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence
susan.beck@nurs.utah.edu
(801) 587-7866 (Phone)