The PhD program prepares scientists to develop new knowledge through research and assume positions of leadership within and across academic, research and health care settings. Coursework is planned for two years of full-time study, followed by dissertation research. Qualified applicants may enter the PhD program with a baccalaureate degree or higher degree. Preference is given to nurse applicants.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the end of the PhD program the graduate will be able to:

1. Master in-depth knowledge in a substantive area.
2. Appreciate the history and philosophy of science.
3. Critique and integrate different science perspectives in the conduct of research to generate new ideas.
4. Design and conduct original research.
5. Participate in interprofessional research.
6. Utilize professional and research ethics and judgment in the conduct of research.
7. Assume leadership in the conduct of culturally competent scholarship to improve policy and practice.
8. Communicate scholarship to multiple audiences including through peer referred publications and presentations.
9. Appreciate the components of scholarship: research, teaching, and service to the profession.
10. Understand the evolving roles and responsibilities of a nurse scholar.
11. Lead in advancing the profession.
12. Contribute to the education of future scholars through discovery, teaching, and healing.

Doctor of Philosophy

Coursework in year one covers philosophy of science and theory, research methods, applied health statistics and proposal development. In the second year coursework covers the areas of health equity and integrative biobehavioral research in more depth, exposing students to active programs of research within the school and across OHSU as they further develop their own research topic.

At the end of the first year, students are strongly encouraged to select a dissertation chair from among the faculty engaged in research to mentor them during their dissertation research. Dissertation research and writing are expected to take one to three years. Research practica to gain experience and electives to gain content expertise are required and may be taken any time during the coursework. Students are also required to complete a teaching practicum to gain skills and experience teaching.

PhD Benchmarks

All matriculated students in the Doctor of Philosophy program are required to pass the established benchmarks that are described in detail in the PhD program guidelines. There are three benchmarks, the first year benchmark, the dissertation proposal defense and the dissertation defense.

Benchmarks

First-Year Benchmark: Literature Review (LR)

After the completion of the first-year courses, PhD students submit a Literature Review (LR) to demonstrate understanding and knowledge of a substantive area of research. Students must pass the LRB to progress to the second year of the PhD program.

Dissertation Proposal Defense

The dissertation proposal defense is focused on the theory and methods for the student’s own research. The dissertation committee will examine the proposed research plan and related protocols and assess the student’s readiness to conduct the research.

Dissertation Defense

When the dissertation is written in its final form, the student will present the research in a public forum and the dissertation committee will examine the student orally and publicly on the completed dissertation research. The dissertation is expected to reveal new knowledge and demonstrate skill in conducting research and defending research findings. There are two options for completing a dissertation: manuscript option which replaces key chapters of a dissertation with published papers and a traditional five-chapter dissertation.

Postdoctoral Education

Persons with a PhD and an area of research similar to that of a faculty member can arrange for a postdoctoral research experience. National and international postdoctoral fellows can be funded by a variety of mechanisms, including individual National Research Service Awards (NRSA F32) from NIH and other organizations. Postdoctoral study may also be self-funded and should be arranged with faculty with expertise in the area of research that is the focus of postdoctoral study.

Applicants interested in obtaining postdoctoral research experience at the OHSU School of Nursing should contact the faculty member whose area of interest best matches their own and negotiate a possible sponsor relationship. Faculty profiles can be found at https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-nursing/faculty-research.