Read the detailed version of an organized curriculum split by two core areas (Research and Statistics), and a section on Personalized Scientific Inquiry (PSI). A condensed version of the curriculum, by class term, is available below.
- Curriculum
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Nursing - Post-MSN to PhD Track, PhD
- Detailed Post-MSN to PhD Curriculum
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For the MSN to PhD track, 24 cr. from the prior master's program is credited (i.e., 72-24 = 48 required)
These 48 credits require at a minimum:
I. RESEARCH CORE (13 REQUIRED CREDITS)
Knowledge Core 2 – NUR 3286 Theoretical Underpinnings for Research (3 cr.)
Methods and Analysis Core 6 – NUR 3290 Advanced Quantitative Analytics Methods Seminar (3 cr.)
Professional Development Core 7 – NUR 3291 Responsibilities and Activities of Scientists 1 (2 cr.)
Professional Development Core 8 – NUR 3292 Responsibilities and Activities of Scientists 2 (2 cr.)II. STATISTICS CORE (9 REQUIRED CREDITS)
NUR 2112/3112 Applied Parametric and Non-Parametric Statistics for the Health Sciences I (3 cr.)
NUR 2113/3113 Applied Parametric and Non-Parametric Statistics for the Health Sciences 2 (3 cr.)
NUR 2114/3114 Applied Regression for Health Science Research (3 cr.)III. PERSONALIZED SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: 26 REQUIRED CREDITS
A. PHD DISSERTATION: NUR 3010 Dissertation (12 cr. required minimum)
B. APPRENTICESHIP PRACTICUM: NUR 3071 (6 cr. required minimum)
C. Additional Personalized Scientific Inquiry Courses (8 cr. required minimum; may take more)The advisor and MSN to PhD Track student will, upon admission to the program, prepare a gap analysis based on review of the prior masters to determine the nature of the 8 additional PSI credits (and possibly more if necessary), and also if additional Research Core coursework is needed. The student’s prior preparation in their master’s program (research focused or clinically focused) will drive the gap analysis.
View the per-term chronologic sequence of courses for the MSN to PhD program, as well as the timeline for the mentored research experiences, the Apprenticeship Practicum and the Dissertation Project, and Milestones. This plan is subject to change based upon the findings of the gap analysis driven by the prior master's degree.
- Personalized Scientific Inquiry (PSI)
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The University of Pittsburgh values personalization of students' educational experiences. To that end, the PhD program allows students to develop a personalized approach to choosing additional coursework congruent with knowledge and skill development in their chosen areas of focal research concentration.
Students are encouraged to take Personalized Scientific Inquiry (PSI) courses to develop an understanding of essential knowledge to a focused area of study in nursing.
- Consists of a minimum of 8 credits in the MSN to PhD track.
- Students are encouraged to take PSI courses outside of the School of Nursing and outside of the nursing discipline.
- It is suggested that one PSI course be an advanced statistics/research methods course.
- No more than one of the PSI courses is recommended to be taken as NUR 3060 Independent Study, so as to provide for a richer experience in the presence of other students and other disciplines.
- Research Apprenticeship Model
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The PhD program includes an apprenticeship model of research training that combines rigorous coursework and an apprenticeship with successful research mentors. This model includes a formalized series of Apprenticeship Practica (minimum of 6 credits under the direction of a research mentor), with recommended experiences and a series of defined deliverables. This experience allows for the opportunity to acquire individualized and tangible research skills within a mentored research application environment, which is additive to and precedes the dissertation experience.
All mentors are experienced nurse researchers. During their apprenticeships, students acquire tangible skills in research methodology, grantsmanship, professional skills, the responsible conduct of research, and dissemination of research findings through publications and presentations. Students receive an intense and comprehensive research experience resulting in publications and pilot data to support applications for independent research funding and dissertation work.