Nursing PhD at University of Wisconsin Madison

The emphasis on theory and practice of nursing prepares nurse scientists to: develop and/or test theory that drives nursing practice; design and conduct clinical efficacy and effectiveness trials of nursing interventions to improve health; and build a program of research around a clinical problem, phenomenon, or population of interest that will shape patient care across various settings. The emphasis on policy and leadership prepares nurse scientists with the conceptual strategies and methodological skills to assess and address the biobehavioral, social, and economic public policy factors that influence the definition of what constitutes health problems and the manner in which they are treated.

The School of Nursing offers a program leading to the doctor of philosophy degree. The school also has a unique early entry Ph.D. program to bridge or accelerate progression to the Ph.D. level for undergraduate nursing students. Postdoctoral training opportunities are also available.

The mission of the School of Nursing is to develop leaders for the profession and societywe make discoveries, enhance systems, and improve healththrough research, education and practice. Our strategic priorities are to advance science through research and scholarship, prepare nurse leaders for the health challenges of the 21st century, foster strategic partnerships to promote human health, achieve the school's commitment to diversity, and create the preferred future of the School of Nursing.

Nursing faculty members are well prepared for their roles as scholars, clinicians, and teachers. Many have postdoctoral experience in nursing and related disciplines. They have wide-ranging clinical expertise foundational to their experiences with doctoral students. Many faculty have been awarded prestigious federal and private research and training awards and are well known for their expertise in university, local, national, and international communities. Our faculty have a wide variety of research interests. Areas of particular strength and depth include the following:

• Aging
• Chronic illness & symptom management
• Care of children & families
• Health systems &care delivery

World-renowned facilities for clinical practice and research are available in and around Madison. These include University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, American Family Children's Hospital, UW Carbone Cancer Center, and William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital; hospitals and clinics in urban and rural settings; nursing homes; and public health agencies. The universitys location in Wisconsin's capital offers opportunities for involvement in state government and policy making.

Signe Skott Cooper Hall, the School of Nursing's new facility, features state-of-the-art classrooms, simulation labs, meeting and research facilities, and social gathering spaces in an environment dedicated to the health and wellness of students, faculty, staff, and the communities and populations served. Adjacent to Cooper Hall, the Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC) brings together students in nursing, medicine, and pharmacy, and includes the Ebling Library and University Book Store.

The school's mission is to develop leaders for the profession and societywe make discoveries, enhance systems, and improve health through research, education, and practice.

Early Entry Ph.D. Option

The early-entry Ph.D. option is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in research as a career and the Ph.D. as a goal. With the assistance of a faculty advisory committee, early entry students plan an individualized program of study and research, drawing on existing undergraduate and graduate courses in nursing and related disciplines. Two degrees are awarded to students who complete this option: bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.), granted by the School of Nursing, and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), granted by the Graduate School.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The purpose of the Ph.D. program is to prepare researchers to develop, evaluate, and disseminate new knowledge in nursing and health science. The program is characterized by early and continuous training in research through a close mentoring relationship with faculty, a strong scientific base in nursing, and supporting courses in a related (i.e., minor) discipline. Graduates with a research doctorate are prepared to assume positions as faculty as well as research scientists and research directors in a variety of educational, clinical, and governmental settings.

The program is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study and requires a minimum of 52 credits. Students may be accepted into the Ph.D. program either post-baccalaureate or post-master's. Students are encouraged to enroll full-time. If part-time study is necessary, a minimum of 6 credits per semester is required.

In collaboration with the faculty mentor(s), students plan a course of study that constitutes a unified program and fulfills the program requirements. Students select an emphasis in one of the following tracks:

• Theory & practice of nursing
• Policy & leadership

The emphasis on theory and practice of nursing prepares nurse scientists to: develop and/or test theory that drives nursing practice; design and conduct clinical efficacy and effectiveness trials of nursing interventions to improve health; and build a program of research around a clinical problem, phenomenon, or population of interest that will shape patient care across various settings. The emphasis on policy and leadership prepares nurse scientists with the conceptual strategies and methodological skills to assess and address the biobehavioral, social, and economic public policy factors that influence the definition of what constitutes health problems and the manner in which they are treated.

1. Master in-depth knowledge in a substantive area of nursing.
2. Articulate research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to nursing theory, knowledge, and practice.
3. Formulate new ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques based on critical evaluation of knowledge in nursing and other relevant disciplines.
4. Assume leadership in the creation of original research that makes a substantive contribution to health.
5. Demonstrate cultural knowledge and cross-cultural skills in nursing scholarship.
6. Demonstrate breadth in learning experiences through intra- and cross-disciplinary study, and integration of research, teaching, mentoring, and service to the profession.
7. Negotiate and work successfully with interprofessional teams.
8. Develop and disseminate nursing knowledge to meet the health needs of local, national, and global populations.
9. Communicate complex research findings and implications in a clear and understandable manner to lay and professional audiences.
10. Demonstrate knowledge of professional obligations, codes of ethics, and institutional policies and procedures that guide nursing scholarship.
11. Demonstrate the capacity to identify ethical issues, seek guidance from appropriate resources and adhere to ethical principles and professional norms in the resolution of moral dilemmas.