Information for Students
Nursing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program
Program Information
| courses | examination | dissertation |
Courses
NURS 895.3 - Philosophy of Nursing Science (3 cu) (Term 1)
The theory and philosophy of nursing science will be explored through its historical context and current issues of knowledge development in the discipline of nursing. Diverse theoretical and philosophical perspectives will be critiqued and the relationship among philosophy, theory, research, and practice will be explored.
NURS 896.3 - Nursing Research: Advanced Qualitative Methodologies (pre-/co-requisite N893.3 or equivalent) (3 cu) (Term 1)
This course involves intensive inquiry into selected qualitative research approaches, their historical development, philosophical assumptions, and epistemological stances. Ethical and methodological issues related to qualitative designs will be explored in the context of contributions to clinically relevant nursing knowledge.Advanced Statistics(The specific course will be determined by the PhD Advisory Committee from courses currently available in other disciplines) (3 cu) (Term 1 or Term 2).
NURS 897.3 - Nursing Research: Advanced Research Methods in Quantitative Design (3 cu) (Term 2)
The focus of this research course is on the design of quantitative research to further advance the development of nursing knowledge. The course will examine various theories and assumptions of research design, measurement, and intervention development to investigate nursing practice issues and health outcomes.Two courses minimum in cognate area (3 cu each)These 800 level courses should address student’s area of specialization and research. They must be approved by the PhD Advisory Committee.
Note: These courses may be developed by College of Nursing Faculty as Special Topics (NURS 898.3) or selected from other disciplines or other universities in the Western Dean’s Agreement or Saskatchewan Universities Graduate Agreement (SUGA).
NURS 816.3 - Evidence-informed Approaches with Diverse and Vulnerable Communities (3cu)
(Term 1 or Term 2)This course involves intensive inquiry into selected topics on community within the context of diversity and vulnerability. Traditions of research, philosophical assumptions and epistemological stances for conducting research with these populations will be examined. Ethical and methodological issues related to community-based research will be explored in the context of contributions to culturally relevant knowledge.
Nursing 990: Seminar
This departmental seminar includes reports and discussion of current nursing research. Students will be expected to attend throughout the program.
Nursing 996: Dissertation
Students writing a PhD dissertation must register for this course.
Nursing 997 Doctoral Research Seminar
The overall focus of the seminars is on the doctoral students’ development as nurse scholars. These seminars will include areas related to research dilemmas, ethical and design issues, the research process, publication, and grant writing. They will facilitate the transition from doctoral student to nursing scholar. Students will be expected to attend throughout the program.
* Graduate students are required to take the College of Graduate Studies & Research GSR 960 and 961 in the first term of their program.
More information is available at http://www.usask.ca/cgsr/current_students/gsrclasses.php
| Back to Top |
Comprehensive Examination
Upon completion of all required course work, students will complete a comprehensive examination in a written and oral format. The examination questions will relate to the doctoral student’s field of study and area of research. The PhD Advisory Committee will assign 2-3 questions that address the following areas: (1) nursing theory and philosophy (knowledge of the discipline), (2) substantive theory and research pertinent to the student’s field of study, and (3) research design and analysis. In a one month take home format the student will answer the questions in scholarly paper form.
The written examination will be graded by the Advisory Committee on a pass/fail basis. Following a pass on the written work, the student will be required to discuss the papers in an oral examination.
The PhD Advisory Committee is responsible for determining the detailed procedure for administration of the examination. The comprehensive examination may be repeated once, with permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.
| Back to Top |
Dissertation
Oral Proposal Defense
The first stage of the dissertation is the dissertation proposal. This is written with the guidance of the Supervisor and the Advisory Committee. When, in the opinion of the student and the Supervisor, the proposal is complete, the student will submit a draft to the members of the Advisory Committee. A meeting will be held at which the student will present the dissertation proposal, and answer questions relating to literature review, methodology, and ethical considerations. When the Committee judges the proposal as complete, the student may proceed to Ethics Review.
Oral Defense of Dissertation
Following approval of the proposal by the Ethics Committee of the University of Saskatchewan, the student will complete the research and write the dissertation, meeting with the Supervisor at intervals throughout the process. Following the guidelines of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, the Supervisor will review the completed dissertation. When both believe it is ready, the dissertation will be submitted to the Advisory Committee. Following approval of the Advisory Committee for examination, an Examining Committee will be struck. The student will present his/her research at an open forum, and will be questioned by the Examining Committee.
| Back to Top |