Program of Study

Your program of study will require at least 45 credit hours beyond the master's degree in nursing. You will begin the program with interdisciplinary core courses taken with colleagues from the Schools of Education. Faculties from each of these two disciplines teach interdisciplinary core courses. Doctoral students planning to become nursing faculty should take education courses as their electives.

Traditional Program

The traditional year-round part-time program is designed to meet the needs of students who are able to complete 21 to 24 program credits annually through part-time study while maintaining outside employment.

Summer-Residence Program

The Summer-Residence Program requires that you complete 12 to 15 program credits annually. This option is designed to allow you to complete the course work in the Ph.D. program in concentrated 12-week summer semesters and a one- to two-week spring intensive; then you can complete your dissertation at your home site. If you live out-of-state, or if your work and family obligations will not allow sufficient time to attend courses throughout the academic year, this may be an ideal option for you.

Program of Study (All courses are 3 credits)

Required Interdisciplinary Core Courses - 15 credits

• Philosophy of Science and Theory Development
• Qualitative Methods of Inquiry
• Quantitative Methods of Inquiry
• Qualitative Methods for Advanced Inquiry
• Quantitative Methods for Advanced Inquiry

Nursing Courses - 21 credits

• Alternative Paradigmatic Inquiry
• Structure of Nursing Knowledge
• Global Leadership Strategies and Diversity Awareness
• Nursing Research: Techniques and Applications
• Bioethical Imperatives in Nursing
• Anthropology
• Epidemiology

Guided Electives - 6 credits

Dissertation Seminar - 3 credits

Continuous Dissertation Matriculation - 3 credits each semester until dissertation is completed

During the program, you will have a full doctoral experience during your time on campus. You will read, study, engage in faculty/student discussions, and have the opportunity to socialize. All facilities at the University are air-conditioned, including on-campus housing. Facilities such as the library, computer laboratory, Learning Center, sport facilities, and swimming pool are open and available for the summer session. Cultural activities and sport activities in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale Metropolitan Area are readily available just 15 to 20 minutes from campus. Your summer experience and spring concentration will be full and rewarding.