Welcome to the PhD Program at the College of Nursing!
You have found your way here as you contemplate doctoral education. The first questions that you must answer are what type of doctorate you want and how you see your future. The two directions you can take are to pursue a research doctorate (PhD) or a clinical practice doctorate (DNP). If you are primarily interested in conducting nursing research and serving in a variety of roles in academia and practice, then the Florence S. Downs PhD Program in Nursing Theory and Research may be for you. If you are interested in maintaining your clinical practice, clinical scholarship and the use of evidence-based practice, along with perhaps a teaching role, then a DNP program would better meet your needs. The College of Nursing intends to offer a DNP program in January, 2010. If you are interested in the PhD program, please read on.
THE most important choice that you will make for PhD education is not the physical location, but instead, what we call a "match." A "match" refers to the environment where there are resources and faculty expertise in your area of interest. Here, you can be mentored. Here, you will be provided with opportunities to work closely with faculty who are currently making important contributions to nursing science in your field of interest. As a result, you will gain the skills that will enable YOU to further advance the state of nursing knowledge.
So, what are our areas of expertise that could possibly prove to be a "match" for you? We have strength in both qualitative and quantitative methods and have a broad theoretical outlook. Our faculty are known for their work in HIV/AIDS/infectious disease, prevention and management of chronic disease (cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes), geriatrics, and nursing workforce issues, along with public and global health and nursing education. Please explore these pages and email me so that we can have a further conversation about how we can work together at the College of Nursing!
Sincerely,
Deborah Chyun
