End of Program Competencies of the PhD in Nursing Program

Program Purpose

Prepare diverse nurse scientists to conduct and disseminate independent original research focused on improving health outcomes of people from under-served populations.  Graduates are academic and/or clinical nurse scientists, researchers, and leaders in health care systems, universities, and professional/governmental organizations. The PhD Program builds on the foundational knowledge and expertise acquired in BSN education and on the advanced substantive and expert knowledge gained in MS education to develop nurse scientists who will contribute significant new knowledge.

In addition to addressing the standards of Pace University, to further ensure the highest-quality PhD education, the PhD in Nursing Program is designed to meet the indicators of quality in research-focused doctoral programs set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

End of Program Competencies

1. Commit to an area of inquiry with potential for cumulative generation of nursing knowledge.
2. Utilize a variety of statistical techniques and qualitative methods to analyze research data.
3. Generate original research questions that evolve from a theoretical perspective and advance patient-focused nursing science.
4. Synthesize the literature germane to a selected field of nursing science.
5. Use knowledge from a variety of research methods to independently address a research question.
6. Utilize a diverse range of data and technologies to develop new knowledge for interventions to improve health.
7. Address issues related to a selected area of scientific inquiry, such as research integrity, diversity, and social justice.
8. Demonstrate professional stewardship through education, political/organizational participation, scholarly presentations/publications, and community service.
9. Write and defend research proposals in preparation for subsequent intramural and extramural support.
10. Complete and defend an independent and original dissertation study.