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PhD Program

• Admission Information
• Areas of Specialization
• BS-PhD
• Distance Learning Format
• Faculty Research Interests
• Financial Aid Information
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence
• NEXus Distance Learning
• PhD Distance Program
• Program of Study
• Postdoctoral Program

PhD Distance Program Format

In the Fall 2002 semester, the University of Utah College of Nursing implemented a pilot program that would utilize internet-based videoconferencing technology to deliver doctoral nursing coursework to students located across the country. The program has since proven to be a great success, as 7 of the 29 students enrolled have graduated, and the remaining 22 students are still making excellent progress through the program. As a result, the College of Nursing has continued to admit PhD distance students, both locally and from around the country, who wish to obtain a Doctoral degree from the University of Utah utilizing the same internet-based videoconferencing technology.

PhD Distance Format Expectations

Students most successful with distance education coursework typically have several common characteristics:

• Self-motivated
• Mature
• Excellent time management skills
• Independent learner
• Flexible and patient with the use of educational technology

While the PhD Distance Program is designed to overcome traditional barriers to doctoral education and recognizes students will continue to maintain some level of employment, successful students must maintain a strong commitment to the program and have the ability to set priorities. Discussion and active participant learning is the cornerstone of doctoral education and creates a community of learning. Therefore, students are expected to attend and participate in all scheduled synchronous videoconferencing classes and on-campus orientations.

PhD Distance Format Technological Requirements

Although it is suggested that students obtain the highest quality computer and printer available to them, the following are the minimum requirements for computer access to the program:

• IBM compatible with Vista Operating System (will need to contact Polycom for the patch for Vista to work with PVX Desktop Videoconferencing Software)
• Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor E7200, (Quad Core Recommended)
• 3 GB RAM
• 2 GB available hard drive space
• Hard Drive speed of 5400 RPM
• NIC (Network Interface Card) that can run at 100 MBPS full duplex
• Dual monitors required (recommended size of 21” or greater)
• Dual-head video card with a minimum of 256 MB RAM
• Speakers and sound card are required
• USB Headset with microphone
• Polycom PVX Desktop Videoconferencing Software
• Logitech Pro 9000 Video conferencing camera
• A high quality printer

Note:  XP is also a compatible OS but Microsoft has stopped selling XP and will discontinue full support in April 2009. Extended support will last through April 2014

Additional Requirements

• Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000
• Polycom PVX desktop videoconferencing software
• Adobe Acrobat Professional for Students
• Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• SPSS Graduate Pack
• Other software may be required for individual courses

For more information contact:

Melissa Pederson, M.Ed.
PhD Program Manager
phdprogram@nurs.utah.edu
(801) 585-1671

or

Lauren Clark, RN, PhD, FAAN
Professor and PhD Program Director
lauren.clark@nurs.utah.edu
801-581-8576